Do I need a co-sponsor?

[StormHeraldEDM 5]

So we finally got our NOA-2 yesterday....woooooo.

In preparing for the next step, my husband and I came across a question that we're not sure on.

I see that I, as sponsor, am required to provide my income for the last 3 tax years, which appears as such:

2011: $62k

2010: $9k

2009: $32k

I returned to nursing school full-time at the end of 2009 and was in through most of 2010, which is why my income was lower (I lived off financial aid ) I'm just worried that 2010 will be a deal breaker, as I didn't make above federal poverty for a family size of 3, which is what I have. Once I graduated with my RN, my finances have substantially improved and continue to do so.

So the question is - will NVC only care about what I've made for 2011 and going forward, or do I need to find a co-sponsor because of that 2010 number? Advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Cathi 5,617]

for the most part they will look at now moving forward. they just want to see that you have a history of filing taxes. they only require you to show them the most recent tax year. Some times they ask for 3...i sent 3 just to be on the safe side..so i didnt get an rfe

[Ryan H 3,793]

Moved from K3 Process & Procedures to IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures as OP is on the CR-1 path.

[R and L 5]

What I've understood is that it's 2011 that counts! So looks like you're good to go

My hubby sent his tax transcripts from the last 3 years but it's the most recent tax year that is compared to the poverty guideline requirements.

Also it's good that your current year earnings are in balance, but focus is on the 2011 tax year.

When we were dealing with this, we called NVC and that's what at least they said to us. You can always double check from them or email the embassy your hubby will be interviewed at. Or you can email NVC as well.

Good luck

[pushbrk 12,160]

What I've understood is that it's 2011 that counts! So looks like you're good to go

My hubby sent his tax transcripts from the last 3 years but it's the most recent tax year that is compared to the poverty guideline requirements.

Also it's good that your current year earnings are in balance, but focus is on the 2011 tax year.

When we were dealing with this, we called NVC and that's what at least they said to us. You can always double check from them or email the embassy your hubby will be interviewed at. Or you can email NVC as well.

Good luck

You have understood incorrectly. For the self employed, yes what's on line 22 of the 2011 tax return is considered their "current income". One qualifies based on "CURRENT INCOME". Since nurses are seldom "self employed" this petitioner will qualify as sponsor based on their current income. The section about past tax returns is just historical and means little. For example nurse employed in 2011 earning $60,000 in 2011 and $20,000 through April 30 but who lost their job May 1st would have a current income of zero and not qualify as sponsor. On the other hand, a nurse starting her first job May 1, 2012 who never filed a tax return or had an prior job or earnings would state her current pay as her current income of say $45,000 and qualify just fine regardless of no past income or tax returns.

[R and L 5]

thanks pushbrk for clarifying!

But answering to StormHeraldEDM's question, no, she doesn't seem to need a co sponsor. 2010 doesn't matter in that sense

[pushbrk 12,160]

thanks pushbrk for clarifying!

But answering to StormHeraldEDM's question, no, she doesn't seem to need a co sponsor. 2010 doesn't matter in that sense

The harm in your answer is that it is one of many, along with misinterpreting the affidavit itself that gives people the false impression that the most recent tax return income and current income have even the slightest to do with each other for anybody but the self employed. It's a common misunderstanding that can do without perpetuation here.

[StormHeraldEDM 5]

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback.