Any I-864 advice for the self-employed?

[sptruck 0]

I've been self-employed since moving back to the United States in January 2005. My wife (a Canadian citizen) and I are preparing for our AOS interview on June 6. Any advice for proof of meeting I-864 requirements as a self-employed person? I've read the checklist, I have tax returns and 1099s, as well as investment accounts and home equity that should satisfy what they're looking for. Should I be ready to show cash flow statements? Or other records that show a solid financial footing as a self-employed person? Most of the I-864 stuff I see is geared toward employees with a steady paycheck.

We've been married almost 11 years, so proof of relationship shouldn't be an issue. We're interviewing in Seattle.

[WalCruz 0]

My husband is self-employed also, so whenever he files taxes they have that part specially for self-employed people. But his income is not enough, so we have a co-sponsor. For the AOS, I sent his whole tax papers (2005, 2004, 2003) since he doesn't have neither W2's nor Employment letter.

Do you have the necessary income??? Plus, I was wondering, don't you need a co-sponsor since you just have the 2005 tax papers and they ask for 3 years????

[americangirl 0]

Plus, I was wondering, don't you need a co-sponsor since you just have the 2005 tax papers and they ask for 3 years????

You no longer need three years' worth of tax forms. The 2005 form will suffice. On the actual I-864 form it still says that you need three years' worth, but it is noted in the special instructions on the USCIS website that one year is enough. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864.htm

[sptruck 0]

Plus, I was wondering, don't you need a co-sponsor since you just have the 2005 tax papers and they ask for 3 years????

You no longer need three years' worth of tax forms. The 2005 form will suffice. On the actual I-864 form it still says that you need three years' worth, but it is noted in the special instructions on the USCIS website that one year is enough. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864.htm

I have enough income. And I filed U.S. income taxes while I was living outside the country (as you're required), so no problems there. However, I'm interested in any questions they've asked of self-employed people.

SP

[nyc 0]

Plus, I was wondering, don't you need a co-sponsor since you just have the 2005 tax papers and they ask for 3 years????

You no longer need three years' worth of tax forms. The 2005 form will suffice. On the actual I-864 form it still says that you need three years' worth, but it is noted in the special instructions on the USCIS website that one year is enough. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864.htm

I have enough income. And I filed U.S. income taxes while I was living outside the country (as you're required), so no problems there. However, I'm interested in any questions they've asked of self-employed people.

SP

Hmm... I wonder how it is gonna be for me because I am a non-US citizen and I'm self-employed...

[WalCruz 0]

They are asking only for the last tax forms? Great! I'm sorry about that, then... I didn't know it had changed!

[sptruck 0]

Plus, I was wondering, don't you need a co-sponsor since you just have the 2005 tax papers and they ask for 3 years????

You no longer need three years' worth of tax forms. The 2005 form will suffice. On the actual I-864 form it still says that you need three years' worth, but it is noted in the special instructions on the USCIS website that one year is enough. http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864.htm

I have enough income. And I filed U.S. income taxes while I was living outside the country (as you're required), so no problems there. However, I'm interested in any questions they've asked of self-employed people.

SP

Hmm... I wonder how it is gonna be for me because I am a non-US citizen and I'm self-employed...

Looks like I have a week to adjust to whatever they throw at you, WalCruz! Keep me posted.

[WalCruz 0]

No problem!!! I'll let you know.....

[Jet_Lag 0]

No problem!!! I'll let you know.....

Id like to know too as I will must probably be doing exactly the same in Seattle when I get back there and either AOS from K3 or more likely await for pending CR-1 interview. and i run a business in the UK and will be restarting it based in WA.

In the mean-time best of luck to you both.

John

[WalCruz 0]

Thank you so much, John! I'll let you know too!

Good luck to you too!

[meauxna 15]

Self employed SPONSORS (if you are the beneficiary, your income is not necessarily factored in) should include their entire return, including schedule C.

Document your income carefully by other means if you have them---whatever you can do to show that you have a legitimate, income producing enterprise.

I've not heard of someone using cash flow docs, but if yours are good, it surely can't hurt

I haven't had any problems with mine, but we were also past the I-864 when I started this business. Previous returns were more standard.

Instead of focusing on a document checklist, keep in mind the purpose of the I-864 and act accordingly. There are some I-864 FAQs posted in the DCF Guide here at VJ.