I-864 Question – Using Assets to Qualify

[Reynal2m 45]

Hi,

 

I am completing the I-864 as an independent travel agent in Miami, FL. My income for 2024 was $14,000, which is below the poverty guideline for a household of two (myself and the intending immigrant).

 

I would like to know if I can use my assets to meet the financial requirement. For example, I have $90,000 in liquid savings and own an apartment valued at $300,000.

If assets can be used, what documentation is required? Would providing the property deed and a bank letter showing that the funds have been held for more than 12 months be sufficient?

 

Thank you for your guidance.

 

Renzo & Reynaldo

[Edward and Jaycel 2,123]

Is the property your primary residence? If so, USCIS will generally not allow it to be used as an asset.

[Reynal2m 45]

5 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Is the property your primary residence? If so, USCIS will generally not allow it to be used as an asset.

Yes, this is my residence. How about the US$90,000 on my savings account?

[Edward and Jaycel 2,123]

1 minute ago, Reynal2m said:

Yes, this is my residence. How about the US$90,000 on my savings account?

 

Bank statements and a letter from the bank would suffice as proof. Just keep in mind that USCIS does not have to accept assets. A well qualified joint sponsor would be your best bet for clearing the sponsorship hurdle.

[pushbrk 13,793]

7 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Is the property your primary residence? If so, USCIS will generally not allow it to be used as an asset.

The 90k in the bank can carry the day. Just a few statements with the oldest being at least a year old will do.  With regard to the apartment, sure listing it as an assets and documenting the equity is certainly allowed, but when evaluated, the equity will not be considered liquid.  What it's good for is to show you don't pay rent, and are solvent.

 

USCIS has nothing to do with evaluating an Affidavit of Support in a spouse visa case.  That will be NVC and a Consular Officer.

[OldUser 10,397]

1 minute ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

 

Bank statements and a letter from the bank would suffice as proof. Just keep in mind that USCIS does not have to accept assets. A well qualified joint sponsor would be your best bet for clearing the sponsorship hurdle.

Agreed, assets is a hit or miss

[pushbrk 13,793]

1 minute ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

 

Bank statements and a letter from the bank would suffice as proof. Just keep in mind that USCIS does not have to accept assets. A well qualified joint sponsor would be your best bet for clearing the sponsorship hurdle.

USCIS will  not be involved in the financial part of the decision on a spouse visa case.  That is all submitted to NVC and the Consulate.

[pushbrk 13,793]

1 minute ago, OldUser said:

Agreed, assets is a hit or miss

Too general.  When done properly, this should be fine. It's the D/R, not India.

[Edward and Jaycel 2,123]

2 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

USCIS will  not be involved in the financial part of the decision on a spouse visa case.  That is all submitted to NVC and the Consulate.

 

Point taken... I did not look at the case type

[Reynal2m 45]

Thanks for all your comments. I will give it a try with the assets first and if needed I will get a joint sponsor.

[Boiler 47,929]

Presumably too many write offs.

 

when is the interview expected 

[pushbrk 13,793]

26 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

 

Point taken... I did not look at the case type

Easier for me, as I primarily hang out in the spouse visa forum.  However it is not correct that USCIS or Consular Officers "do not allow" equity in a primary resident to be used as an asset.  What's true is they don't consider it liquid.  In this case, they will know the sponsor has lower expenses because they pay no rent, and they have sufficient liquid assets to make up for the income shortfall.

[Boiler 47,929]

They are not going to consider an asset that if realized would make someone homeless 

 

Certainly where I am the market is soft and you could only realistically guarantee a sale at a significant discount. So even an investment property may have issues.

[Edward and Jaycel 2,123]

8 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Easier for me, as I primarily hang out in the spouse visa forum.  However it is not correct that USCIS or Consular Officers "do not allow" equity in a primary resident to be used as an asset.  What's true is they don't consider it liquid.  In this case, they will know the sponsor has lower expenses because they pay no rent, and they have sufficient liquid assets to make up for the income shortfall.

 

Oh that's great to know! Thank you for explaining that  

[OldUser 10,397]

49 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Too general.  When done properly, this should be fine. It's the D/R, not India.

Example with assets: