my wife is a student and doesnt work/pay taxes. can she request me?

[BenjaminUKtoUSA 7]

Your wife will need to earn 125% of the poverty guideline income.

If your wife is unable to prove her income or she doesn't make enough, then you will need to file the I-864 (which your wife will file.) then I-864a which will be for a "co-sponsor" to sign and submit their income / assets. The second document is basically a fail safe, saying "if for some reason your wife can't provide for you, the second person will agree to support you with their income / assets."

You will need to file the I-485 Adjustment of Status

Your wife will need to file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative.

You will also send the signed I-864 and I-864A.

You will fill out and sign the I-765 EMPLOYMENT AUTHORISATION DOCUMENTATION

You MUST send the I-693 Medical Examination by an approved USCIS Civil Surgeon. (You can view the list of Civil Surgeons which are able to perform this examination on the USCIS website)

(I never sent the medical straight away, BUT you have over-stayed for quite some time, it's best to get it all over and done with.)

*REMEMBER*

SEND IN A CHECK FOR THE EXACT AMMOUNT OF MONEY REQUIRED TO PROCESS YOUR ENTIRE PACKAGE

TO HELP ENSURE YOUR PACKAGE IS PROCESSED SMOOTHLY, WRITE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CHECK WHAT EACH FILING FEE IS E.G;

I-485 $985 I-130 $... Biometrics $85

THIS WILL HELP YOU IN THE LONG RUN.

**

SEND YOUR ENTIRE PACKAGE TOGETHER INCLUDING CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, in a large envelope. You can choose to send it off on express service or not.

YOUR I-485:

Send in the copy of your I-94 or I-94W this is usually a slip stapled to your passport.

If you are unable to find the I-94/W, then photocopy the main passport page of your photo identification and your MOST RECENT United States issued stamp. (When you last arrived into the states)

PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ACTUAL DOCUMENTS YOU'RE FILING. THEY WILL HELP YOU.

P.S Since you're married to a USC, I don't think you need a lawyer, unless your past is cause for concern... Like a criminal record.

GOOD LUCK!

[Lilly1 2]

Doesn't the cosponsor have to fill out I-864 too?

Instead of I-864a ?

[numpty 0]

Hey guys, just to give an update. We went to a lawyer and he echoed your posts about a co-sponsor, which shouldn't be a problem.

Very excited. Thanks

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Doesn't the cosponsor have to fill out I-864 too?

Instead of I-864a ?

Yes. You are right. I-864a is for a qualifying household member who you are adding to your income, not for a normal co-sponsor.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Harpa Timsah