Question on I-864 and joint sponsor even if your assets already qualify? [merged threads]

[daveycrocket9000 0]

I'm working on my wife's visa and filing out the I-864, I guess first off I'm wondering is it possible to use a joint sponsor's assets and then basically leave the form blank for my own assets (petitioner)? Like kind of skip any info about me and entirely use a joint sponsor for proving adequate assets? I read that you don't have to declare "all" assets, just what you intend to use, this made me wonder if you can just use someone's else's assets entirely even if you do have the capability yourself. 

 

When proving these assets I assume you just bring paperwork to the interview showing them? The I-864 instructions don't really address this and just mention 1040s. 

 

Thanks!

 

[Lil bear 4,251]

9 minutes ago, daveycrocket9000 said:

I'm working on my wife's visa and filing out the I-864, I guess first off I'm wondering is it possible to use a joint sponsor's assets and then basically leave the form blank for my own assets (petitioner)? Like kind of skip any info about me and entirely use a joint sponsor for proving adequate assets? I read that you don't have to declare "all" assets, just what you intend to use, this made me wonder if you can just use someone's else's assets entirely even if you do have the capability yourself. 

 

When proving these assets I assume you just bring paperwork to the interview showing them? The I-864 instructions don't really address this and just mention 1040s. 

 

Thanks!

 

You must complete the I864 completely though the assets section is optional. You are the primary sponsor even when using a joint sponsor. Do not omit the required documentation such as tax transcript pay slip etc. 

The joint sponsor must include all documentation including evidence of assets. Failure to provide these at the NVC stage May result in RFE and delay 

 

The beneficiary will need to carry all the originals of the documents submitted online at the NVC stage. The consulate will give you specific instructions when you are at that stage 
 

[daveycrocket9000 0]

Wow awesome, I thought because the instructions say "if your income exceeds the poverty guidelines then YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED to complete Part 7," meaning that if your income does not meet the guidelines you are required to complete part 7. 

 

This is very helpful thanks a lot! I'm still a little confused on the documentation for evidence of assets, does the consulate or NVC have a page explaining more about it? For example I may use cryptocurrency as assets and could print out exchange records but I'm not sure if that's what they would want. Another option is stocks kept in an IRA but that documentatin is more straightforward I guess. 

 

Thanks again. 

[Mike E 11,740]

42 minutes ago, daveycrocket9000 said:

, this made me wonder if you can just use someone's else's assets entirely even if you do have the capability yourself. 

Sure, but I think it reduces the odds of approval. Assets from the petitioner carry higher weight than assets from a joint sponsor.

[daveycrocket9000 0]

31 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Sure, but I think it reduces the odds of approval. Assets from the petitioner carry higher weight than assets from a joint sponsor.

Hmm this is interesting, they don't just view money as money? Would the value of the assets make a difference, lets 3x poverty level is 100k, if the joint sponsor shows 200k in assets would this be more than enough? Thanks

 

 

[Boiler 45,659]

The I 864 does give general guidance on assets.

[pushbrk 12,969]

Make your "totality of circumstances" look the best you can.  If your income is not enough to qualify, and you have meaningful liquid assets, declare them and document them.  Same goes for the Joint sponsor. If somebody has plenty of liquid assets, there's no reason to get appraisals and other documentation for real estate or other non-liquid assets.

 

401k assets are meaningful but their value will be cut nearly in half, in the Consular Officer's evaluation, because of penalties and taxes involved in liquidating early.

[daveycrocket9000 0]

I've seen no exact mention of bringing the supporting documents showing proof of assets to the interview, but I do see a mention of bringing the tax transcripts. Since these documents are submitted with the I-864 I'm assuming to just bring a photocopy of them? However, does anyone know for sure as I don't even see it mentioned to bring in the first place. Thanks a lot!

 

 

Quote

================================================================================
*** IMPORTANT *** Interview Reminders
================================================================================
You already submitted certain forms and documents to NVC. At your visa interview, you must give the
consular officer the original version of each civil document you submitted plus one photocopy for each
person applying for a visa. These original versions will be returned to you.
 The only form you do not need to bring to your interview is the Form DS-260 Application for an
Immigrant Visa. Instead, print a copy of the receipt page from ceac.state.gov showing you submitted the
form online.
 If a financial sponsor submitted an I-864 Affidavit of Support form, you must give the consular officer
a signed version. It can be a photocopy, but the signature cannot be typed or electronic.
 If you do not bring to your interview the original version of all civil documents submitted to NVC, the
consular officer will reschedule your interview.
Please use the helpful checklist on the next page to prepare for your interview. You can also visit
"Interview Preparation - Required Documents" on nvc.state.gov/interview or watch our instructional
video at nvc.state.gov/resources for more information.

 

Quote

Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:
􀀀 For family-based visa applications:
􀀀 The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of
the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s.
􀀀 Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the U.S. (photocopy of a U.S. passport, U.S. birth
certificate, naturalization certificate, or legal permanent resident card).
􀀀 Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs and letters).

 

[Mike E 11,740]

2 minutes ago, daveycrocket9000 said:

I've seen no exact mention of bringing the supporting documents showing proof of assets to the interview

Here you go:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/788484-usc-lives-and-works-overseas-approved-with-assets-no-joint-sponsor-visa-approved/

and

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/796115-using-just-assets-beware/

 

[JeanneAdil 6,553]

From your post

 

the original version of each civil document you submitted plus one photocopy 

[daveycrocket9000 0]

28 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

From your post

 

the original version of each civil document you submitted plus one photocopy 

Hmm I thought the 'civil documents' were the documents submitted by the applicant for the DS-260? For example if you are using a car as an asset, and submit the car title as evidence of ownership, my wife needs to bring my original car title into her interview?

 

36 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Here you go:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/788484-usc-lives-and-works-overseas-approved-with-assets-no-joint-sponsor-visa-approved/

and

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/796115-using-just-assets-beware/

 

 Many thanks. I'm still a little confused as the assets belong to a co-sponsor. My wife, the applicant, needs to bring original documents belonging to the co-sponsor? Such as when using cash in a bank account, this is a bank statement that can be emailed and printed. But an asset like a car title, proof of loans, real estate, etc, would be hard copies located here in USA. Do I need to mail these hard copies overseas to my wife? Thanks again.

[daveycrocket9000 0]

I also now see that since my income is below the poverty line that I'm required to submit evidence of income. I don't understand this, I'm self-employed as a daytrader so do they want me to screenshot my broker terminal showing the current year's PnL (profits and losses)?

 

For example, I could have a terrible week and this PnL could change and go down (in this type of occupation the income isn't locked in until tax time requires it to be). 

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Merged related threads.  Please post your questions/updates related to this topic in this thread to keep the discussion in one place. ***

[pushbrk 12,969]

On 9/13/2023 at 8:13 AM, daveycrocket9000 said:

Wow awesome, I thought because the instructions say "if your income exceeds the poverty guidelines then YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED to complete Part 7," meaning that if your income does not meet the guidelines you are required to complete part 7. 

 

This is very helpful thanks a lot! I'm still a little confused on the documentation for evidence of assets, does the consulate or NVC have a page explaining more about it? For example I may use cryptocurrency as assets and could print out exchange records but I'm not sure if that's what they would want. Another option is stocks kept in an IRA but that documentatin is more straightforward I guess. 

 

Thanks again. 

You just need to find those instructions by reading ALL the instructions for the I-864.  Become an A-Student of the entire document.

[daveycrocket9000 0]

48 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

You just need to find those instructions by reading ALL the instructions for the I-864.  Become an A-Student of the entire document.

For sure, I feel like I've read it a dozen times 😀. I'm now trying to understand what "evidence of income" would be for self-employment as a daytrader. I guess I fall under "or other financial data" and they want me to print out trade history, profit and loss history, account balances. 

Quote

evidence of self-employment, recent pay statements, a letter from the employer on business letterhead – showing dates of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed – or other financial data.