Interview requires ORIGINAL signed I-864....I lost mine and only have a photocopy

[bananite 67]

When I looked in my huge visa file, there was only a photocopy of the I-864 (Affidavit of support)...the signed original nowhere to be found, so I guess I accidentally threw it out. We moved 3000 km away so no chance of finding it.

The interview prep sheet from the NVC AND the Jerusalem consulate say that we MUST present the original...what should I do?

Should I fill out a new I-864? But...It will be different, I had a job then and now I'm unemployed (it was a temporary contract job). It's not a problem because we're waiting for his US visa before moving to the US, then we'll look for jobs...no point looking now. We're staying at his parents place, not spending money, we have a ton saved up anyway. And on my 2014 income taxes, it says I made way over the poverty guideline anyway. Is that all that matters? Or do I have to get another co sponser because I'm currently unemployed? I'm so confused...

[Penguin_ie 5,984]

Yes, this will matter; the I-864 needs to be accurate at time of interview.

More importantly, you need to have a current and ongoing job to sponsor, past income does not count. If you do not have a current job, you will need a co-sponsor, or sponsor on assets (three times as much as the 125% poverty line.)

[bananite 67]

Wait, I realized I mailed the original to the NVC.

Is this ok? Will they send it to the consulate?

[aleful 1,905]

hi

it doesn't matter because your situation has changed, you don't have a job, do you have enough assets until you get a job? if not, then you will need a joint sponsor

you need to have a current job or enough in assets for your spouse not to become a public charge

[Deejunx 1]

why would the embassy require you to show the original I-864 w/ original signatures during the interview? Isn't that supposed to be sent out to NVC? The only thing that you can show to the embassy at the interview are the copies of what you've submitted?

Can somebody correct me?

[CowBoE 429]

Wait, I realized I mailed the original to the NVC.

Is this ok? Will they send it to the consulate?

why would the embassy require you to show the original I-864 w/ original signatures during the interview? Isn't that supposed to be sent out to NVC? The only thing that you can show to the embassy at the interview are the copies of what you've submitted?

Can somebody correct me?

Of course, the original is always sent and you only have a copy.

Affidavit or support looking out in to the future, so previous jobs and earnings do not matter.

They want to know that...right now...you have the capability to survive above the poverty limit.

In any case, she is now unemployed, so she definitely needs to provide a new I-864 and...

1) Find a job

2) Find a joint sponsor (and their I-864)

3) or Show sufficient asset

For a family of 2, you only need about $20K salary, which works out to be about $10/hour...

One thing you can do is take up any reasonable job ASAP that would get you to $20K salary rate

and continue to look for a better job...unless you have a capable joint sponsor.

[bananite 67]

In any case, she is now unemployed, so she definitely needs to provide a new I-864 and...

1) Find a job

2) Find a joint sponsor (and their I-864)

3) or Show sufficient asset

Wait, do I need to do one, or all of these things? Because I can definitely show sufficient assets (I have ~80K saved up).

However I can't get a job - I'm currently in my huband's home country (Israel) and my visa here specifically states that I cannot work.

why would the embassy require you to show the original I-864 w/ original signatures during the interview? Isn't that supposed to be sent out to NVC? The only thing that you can show to the embassy at the interview are the copies of what you've submitted?

This is the paper on my consulate's website (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/jerusalem/5/pdfs/pkt%204%20-%20March%202015.pdf) saying this:

"For most immigrant visa categories, each petitioner MUST provide an original, signed Form I-864 for each beneficiary along with a copy of his or her current tax returns (Forms 1040 and W-2)."

By the way, I emailed the consulate just to be sure. But I don't expect an answer for at least a week.

Edited May 11, 2015 by bananite