I-864

[All4Kweku 0]

greetings everyone,

I'm a bit confused and hope you all can help. I am prepping my affidavit of support and am not sure what to do right now.... I meet the income requirement for 2007. My 2006 tax returns show that as well, but I miss the mark in my 2005 and 2004 tax returns. I am a graduate student who only worked part time during those years. Just to be safe, my mother will co-sponsor my petition for my husband. So my question is, my mother and I live together, she is not my dependent. Nor am I her dependent. So does she count as a household member and fill out the I864A? Or do I submit a separate I-864 with her as a joint sponsor because she is not my dependent? I'm confused because it seems that a household member only counts if the household member is your spouse OR if you claimed that other household member as a dependent. Any one have any thoughts or suggestions?? I just want to make sure Im clear on this.

[trailmix 77]

I'm not sure what instructions you are reading? I would recommend that you read the instructions for the I-864 and I-864a though, so you get the complete picture.

This may help answer your question - from page 2 of the I-864 instructions

"You may use the income of your spouse and/or any other relatives living in your residence if they are willing to be jointly responsible with you for the intending immigrant(s) you are sponsoring. If you have any unrelated dependents listed on your income tax return you may include their income regardless of where they reside.

The income of such household members and dependents can be used to help you meet the income requirements if they complete and sign Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, and if they are at least 18 years of age when they sign the form".

From the I-864A - page 1:

Who May Be Considered a "Household Member" for Purposes of This Form?

A relative who has the same principal residence as the sponsor and is related to the sponsor as a spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling;

I think maybe you are confused as you are thinking the 'household' member has to meet all three of the items on the I-864a under the heading "Who May Be Considered a "Household Member" for Purposes of This Form"?

These are either/or, they don't have to meet all 3 sets of criteria.

Edited December 14, 2007 by trailmix

[All4Kweku 0]

thanks trailmix---you're right i was thinking that all the criteria has to be met in order to count for household membership. Thanks so much---this makes life easier:)

[trailmix 77]

thanks trailmix---you're right i was thinking that all the criteria has to be met in order to count for household membership. Thanks so much---this makes life easier:)