[ROZENWINE]

I was wondering if anyone has had trouble meeting the Russian income guidelines because they live in a rural area? My husband and I live in a very rural area, where most of the people don't even make over the poverty level, but yet we live well because of the cost of living difference. We currently make double the average income for our area and when we put our income into a salary calculator to adjust it to more expensive areas, it usually averages out at $75,000. But, unfortunately I don't know if this is going to make a difference to the Russian ministry.

[Abdulina]

You'll have to get "creative" with your cert. of assets. It also depends upon the region your going to. We went to Stavropol and had tremendous trouble with this same issue. Kept saying we didn't make enough to raise 4 kids. Well, we make the same as you do by the way. Can support them fine. Your agency will help you make the cert. of assets look good. Remember, everything you own is an asset. Our insurance company said to think of what it would cost you retail to replace everything in your home from clothes to electronics to furniture. Wow, made a huge difference. Most of the courts don't seem to care what you make, just what your assets are. We weren't even allowed to tell them we moved. Crazy. We moved to a lower valued home. Though, it has more space, more land & is saving us $700 a month. The Russian government only looked at the value of the home. That's why we couldn't say we moved into one that was much less. Just watch what you write on paper. They WILL ask you in court. Good luck to you. Don't worry about it. Next trip we'll have to be even more creative. They couldn't understand how we'd possibly be able to afford 4 kids. Don't know what they'll say about 8. Take care and don't worry about the income too much. We made it back with both kids and have no doubt we'll make it back with the other 4 this year. All on our income!!!

Best wishes,

Stephanie.

[Ktates]

For us we had to show what our income/assets were vs our debts - so if that's what they look at in your case you should be fine because you can live within your means. Stephanie is right though - your agency should help you put everything in the best light specific to whatever regions you will be working with.
Good luck!