Financial advice for Young DV Winners

[AW1991]

Hi all,

I am a 23 year old male, freshly out of university (I graduated last year). I've been perusing the forums and time after time I've seen in threads many people asking the question concerning having a bank statement to present to the CO just in case it's necessary in an interview. Also, there has been mention of a "safe" minimum amount of money to have in your bank account that people generally try not to go under, for fear of being denied a visa.
I for one by the time of my interview can not amass that amount of cash in 2 months as I am only employed in an internship capacity right now. My parents are very much willing to facilitate my move to the US granted a successful interview but can only provide maybe half of the "threshold" amount. I do have family living in the US currently who are ready and willing to provide an I-134, even though I will be living on my own.

My question is, as a fresh university graduate who by the time of my interview will have 'some' money but definitely not all the money to make up 10K. Should an affidavit of support and probably half to three quarters of the "threshold" amount be enough financial proof?

What recommendations do you have in terms of finances for someone at a young age looking to make this move?

 

[SusieQQQ]

Hi all,

I am a 23 year old male, freshly out of university (I graduated last year). I've been perusing the forums and time after time I've seen in threads many people asking the question concerning having a bank statement to present to the CO just in case it's necessary in an interview. Also, there has been mention of a "safe" minimum amount of money to have in your bank account that people generally try not to go under, for fear of being denied a visa.
I for one by the time of my interview can not amass that amount of cash in 2 months as I am only employed in an internship capacity right now. My parents are very much willing to facilitate my move to the US granted a successful interview but can only provide maybe half of the "threshold" amount. I do have family living in the US currently who are ready and willing to provide an I-134, even though I will be living on my own.

My question is, as a fresh university graduate who by the time of my interview will have 'some' money but definitely not all the money to make up 10K. Should an affidavit of support and probably half to three quarters of the "threshold" amount be enough financial proof?

What recommendations do you have in terms of finances for someone at a young age looking to make this move?

If you can get an affidavit of support that would be a huge help. May be all you need.

What is your degree in? If it's something easily marketable with a decent jobs market (like IT or finance say) that would also be easier convincing the CO than if it is in something like sociology or fine art.

 

[Britsimon]

OK so one thing is “passing” the interview and getting the visa, the other thing is having a sensible plan for making a new life in the USA. First let me address the interview.

Some interviews take place without anyone being asked about financial ability. Other people have been denied the visa or at least delayed because they were unable to satisfy the CO that they could support themselves. I think as a young person you are more likely to be asked what financial support you have, although as a young person you can probably survive on less than someone older or with a family.

The threshold we talk about is based on poverty guidelines in the US, and in theory, every immigration case needs to be assessed and the CO satisfied that the applicant will not become a public charge. For work based and family based immigration that is easy – the family or employer are accepting the responsibility to support the applicant. For DV, however, we are self sponsoring and therefore no one else can be asked to take responsibility for us. So – an affidavit of support (form I134 for DV cases) is not legally binding on the person completing it (who must be a legal resident of the USA), but that person should have enough income to support themselves and you – aghain based on the published poverty guidelines.
So – if you do not have enough money in your bank account at the time of interview, an affidavit of support should be obtained. You may or may not be asked to provide it – but if asked it is wise to have it to hand.
Next though I want to mention about the “sensible plan”. America is a land of opportunity BUT it takes time and resources to make it. When you arrive you will need money. If you know people that you can stay with, that will help, but depending on the area you choose, the cost of living can be high. If you only have $5k behind you that won’t get you very far. In most parts of the US you need a car, a car needs insurance, you need health insurance, you might want to sleep somewhere and you probably will want to eat. If you have job interviews you might need to travel to a job and then you have to support yourself until you get your first paycheck. If you have friends in the US all that will be easier.
Just having a degree won’t guarantee a good job – most young Americans go to college and have some sort of degree, and the economy is still in a recovery period. So – have a realistic plan. If all goes well, you can have a great life here, but the US is not so much fun if you are poor/jobless/homeless.

 

[AW1991]

Thanks so much Britsimon and SusieQQQ, that was my biggest worry thus far.

I have a degree in Industrial Engineering. Through my research I've found that the need for IE's in the US is very high. But that doesn't cement anything; especially in this economy.

 

[albanmus]

Get an affidavit of support from someone in the US. You do not want to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Winning the GC lottery is indeed a life changing experience.