help with I-864

[needlawhelp 0]

Hi, I am filling out the I-864 form and want to find out if my income will pose a problem as the sponsor. I was on unemployment in 2009 (only received unemployment insurance), and has income in 2010 and 2011 which are both well above the poverty line. Since USCIS is looking for 3 years income, will they think that my income is not stable since I was on unemployment in 2009? Should I just get a joint sponsor? Any similar experience would be greatly appreciated.

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

You can explain it on the cover letter that you were jobless in 2009. Most recent tax return and current income proof (pay stub, employment letter...) are most important. Good luck.

Edited March 8, 2012 by NancyNguyen

[Ning25 619]

You can explain it on the cover letter that you were jobless in 2009. Most recent tax return and current income proof (pay stub, employment letter...) are most important. Good luck.

This is exactly what my husband did & there were no problems.

[tan&tuyet 15]

If you made over 19000 this past year you should be ok. All USCIS is looking for is if you can support your wife and not be a burden on the government.

[needlawhelp 0]

Thanks for all your answers. My employer doesn't provide an employment letter. If I include 6 months pay stub, is that sufficient? should I also include some asset or get a joint sponsor, so I will not receive a RFI to delay the process?

Also in 2009 (when I was unemployed), I filed a joint tax return (no longer married to the person), should I include only my unemployment insurance amount, or should I include the gross adjusted income (which is above the poverty line) from 1040 for 2009?

[Ning25 619]

Thanks for all your answers. My employer doesn't provide an employment letter. If I include 6 months pay stub, is that sufficient? should I also include some asset or get a joint sponsor, so I will not receive a RFI to delay the process?

Also in 2009 (when I was unemployed), I filed a joint tax return (no longer married to the person), should I include only my unemployment insurance amount, or should I include the gross adjusted income (which is above the poverty line) from 1040 for 2009?

They prefer tax transcripts not tax returns. Returns show you filled out forms. Transcripts prove your tax status. Let them interpert the transcripts.

[Counselorette 2]

While you are required to show your income for the past 3 years, it is your current income that will be considered. Do not include your ex-spouse's income, only provide your personal income.

I disagree about transcripts. Tax returns have always been and are sufficient evidence of your income.

Anna

Edited March 11, 2012 by Kathryn41
to remove personal information

[needlawhelp 0]

Thanks for the reply. Two more questions:

1. when I show the income for each year, is it just my w-2 income, or does it also include bank interest, dividend and investment gain/loss as well. From the instruction, it seems it should be gross total income, which would include all the above, but it will not match w-2. Any guidance will be highly appreciated.

2. Do I also include the unemployment insurance income as well, somewhere I read that it should not be included, but again if I would show gross total income from 1040, it seems that it should be included. Thanks in advance for your answer.

[Darnell 8,480]

1. all the stuff shown in the tax return. a transcript shows all. a complete tax return shows all. pick one or the other.