Can't get past the affidavit of support/tax return requirement. Stumped.

[wolzi3 0]

Hi all. My wife is from Thailand. I want her to come to the US on an IR1 visa. We married while I was living in Thailand with her. I have had virtually no income when I lived with her. I did not file any tax returns and as far as I know I never need to file any. I have since come back to the US and gotten a job. My income will still not be enough in 2014 since I only worked a few months. I guess I will need my father to co-sponsor my wife since my income is not enough. My question is mainly how do I get 3 tax returns? I never had any income while I was living abroad since I lived on savings and credit cards. I just can't get past this huge problem. Do I work another 2 years so I can get 2 more tax returns? That would take forever and I'm tired of waiting. My wife wants to be reunited with our son here in the US.

[Darnell 8,478]

it takes time to get an immigration visa through the pipe and across the channel and glued into a passport.

since you not need to show any proof of income with I-130 submittal,

I suggest you file the I-130 soonish, nowish,

and amass monies in 2015.

[NikLR 13,220]

I agree with Darnell, start the process and work with the I-864 later. Also if you made under the threshold to file, then you were not required to file and simply include a letter that says so at that point in time.

[j&ana 363]

Hi all. My wife is from Thailand. I want her to come to the US on an IR1 visa. We married while I was living in Thailand with her. I have had virtually no income when I lived with her. I did not file any tax returns and as far as I know I never need to file any. I have since come back to the US and gotten a job. My income will still not be enough in 2014 since I only worked a few months. I guess I will need my father to co-sponsor my wife since my income is not enough. My question is mainly how do I get 3 tax returns? I never had any income while I was living abroad since I lived on savings and credit cards. I just can't get past this huge problem. Do I work another 2 years so I can get 2 more tax returns? That would take forever and I'm tired of waiting. My wife wants to be reunited with our son here in the US.

yes you most likely will need your father for a joint sponsor and it will be his tax return that is needed. while it is best to send in 3 past year return. 0nly the latest year of filing is require. The other years are optional.

here is a link to the Instructions and requirement for the I-184 that should help you understand this part better

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf

Edited January 11, 2015 by j&ana

[j&ana 363]

I forgot to add that your father will have to show income to support your spouse himself and any other dependent in his household

[Darnell 8,478]

uh, no -

it's

1. prior year tax data and

2. current annual income

that's 2 things, 2 years....

usually if no prior year tax data, then a joint-sponser / co-sponser is needed by the time the interview occurs,

but

even then, all that is trumped if you can show 120K in cash in a bank account by interview day.

can do it? yes? no ?

OP - don't get stuck in 'the immediacy of the now'

as that's a very dangerous place to be.

File the I-130 nowish, amass yer monies in 2015, and go forth.

Edited January 11, 2015 by Darnell

[j&ana 363]

uh, no -

it's

1. prior year tax data and

2. current annual income

that's 2 things, 2 years....

usually if no prior year tax data, then a joint-sponser / co-sponser is needed by the time the interview occurs,

but

even then, all that is trumped if you can show 120K in cash in a bank account by interview day.

can do it? yes? no ?

OP - don't get stuck in 'the immediacy of the now'

as that's a very dangerous place to be.

File the I-130 nowish, amass yer monies in 2015, and go forth.

yes current income is needed but that is for joint sponsor to show with the latest year of filing, but the op ask specific about 3 years of tax returns which only the latest one is require and if he uses a joint sponsor then it up to that person to show that he makes enough

[j&ana 363]

That is right what NLR wrote you can include a letter stating why you did not file taxes and yes you should file the I-130 petition now and start the process

Edited January 11, 2015 by j&ana

[Darnell 8,478]

yes current income is needed but that is for joint sponsor to show with the latest year of filing, but the op ask specific about 3 years of tax returns which only the latest one is require and if he uses a joint sponsor then it up to that person to show that he makes enough

sometimes,

the requirement is embassy specific,

ie -

1 year of tax data to show or

3 years of tax data to show.

Manila and Guangzhou only need to see 1 year of tax data plus current annual income

What about Thailand?

Still, going in based on assets, for interview day, trumps all, in Thailand.

[wolzi3 0]

it takes time to get an immigration visa through the pipe and across the channel and glued into a passport.

since you not need to show any proof of income with I-130 submittal,

I suggest you file the I-130 soonish, nowish,

and amass monies in 2015.

So I should submit the I-130 now?

Also, I was just wondering. Should I do these forms myself or hire a visa company/lawyer? I'm wondering if this will save money or is it too risky? Guess that's another topic but I just wanted to know..

[Darnell 8,478]

you are on a D-I-Y 'Immigrate to USA' Web Portal. Massive Emphasis on 'Y' actually 'D'-ing.

Great questions, but I ask you dig out a PC, connect it to the Internet,

and come back,

studying:

1. The Guides Section and

2. The TimeLines Section for CR-1/IR-1 visas for Thailand

[j&ana 363]

yes do what Darnell suggest there is lots and lots of useful information on this site take time to explore this site read the guides, and other materials on this site you can always ask questions someone is always ready to help you. You should be ok to file the paperwork yourself unless your case Is complicated, which I do not see it as

[Ning 619]

Hi all. My wife is from Thailand. I want her to come to the US on an IR1 visa. We married while I was living in Thailand with her. I have had virtually no income when I lived with her. I did not file any tax returns and as far as I know I never need to file any. I have since come back to the US and gotten a job. My income will still not be enough in 2014 since I only worked a few months. I guess I will need my father to co-sponsor my wife since my income is not enough. My question is mainly how do I get 3 tax returns? I never had any income while I was living abroad since I lived on savings and credit cards. I just can't get past this huge problem. Do I work another 2 years so I can get 2 more tax returns? That would take forever and I'm tired of waiting. My wife wants to be reunited with our son here in the US.

Darnell has some good advise as does NLR.

My husband was in a very similar situation as you are now before we moved to the USA.

File the initial docs to begin the case. By the time you need to submit the 864 you will have had many months at the job with a known income that serves to indicate future earnings. If that income meets the minimum your fine. If not you need a joint sponsor.

At the right point you will be able to submit proof of income including tax status. You can include a statement about living in Thailand which affected your income at that time. This is exactly what my husband did. There were no serious issues, problems nor questions.

No need to wait.

[kak 0]

I filed for 2013, but did not file for 2012 0r 2011. I've been told by a supervisor at the NVC to just to send my 2013 US tax return.

I have lived abroad for 12 years now, and can't stress the importance of filing no matter how much money you make. I am now going back now and doing my 2011 and 2012 tax returns because i get a nice refund, so it's so worth it (but not necessary for the NVC). Actually the less money you make, if you have kids or a mortgage abroad, you will probably get a refund.

Yes, start the process now!!! it will take us about about a full year to complete immigration process and move to the US. The sooner the better!!!!

[raven52 233]

A well written letter of "explanation" on most any subject in your petition is a huge help to keeping you from getting an "rfe" when you have circumstances like you have, type a well written letter, explaining your situation, no matter what part of the petition it concerns.

Yes, the Guides, and even Forms on top of the home page, is where I would be spending a lot of my time.

Good luck getting your family together.