Job Loss Right Before Spouse’s Green Card Interview — How Will It Affect I-864?

[tim_for_eva 0]

My wife has her immigrant visa (IR-1) interview at a U.S. consulate in about two weeks, and I’m getting anxious about how a sudden change in my employment might affect the Affidavit of Support (I-864).

 

Background

• Wife: 36 years old, Chinese citizen, unemployed for several years, still learning English. No children yet.

• Me: 33 years old, U.S. citizen. I’ve been on a postdoc fellowship from an Israeli university for the past two years. My fellowship has been extended for the current academic year (Fall 2025), and I’m applying for academic jobs in the U.S. for the following academic year (Fall 2026).

• Financials:

  • U.S. bank account + short-term T-bills (6 weeks): ~$83K

  • Israeli bank account: ~$10K

  • Wife’s Chinese bank account: ~$20K

 

Additional note on domicile

Even though my postdoc appointment is from Israel, I’ve actually worked remotely for most of the past two years because of various extended visits. Over the last year, I spent roughly six months visiting a U.S. university, three months in Israel, and three months visiting my wife in China, and I filed and paid state taxes for the most recent tax year. Because of this ongoing presence and continued ties, I believe I still meet the U.S. domicile requirement for the Affidavit of Support. (Correct me if I'm wrong.)

 

The issue

Due to the current risk of an Iran–Israel conflict, I’m considering not returning to Israel. However, due to stricter policy now, my university requires me to return in person soon; if I don’t, my appointment will be terminated. They told me I have to make this decision within the next few days—which is before my wife’s visa interview.

 

If I lose the postdoc due to safety concerns, how will that affect my ability to meet the Affidavit of Support requirements?

 

My understanding so far

The official I-864 guidelines say that a sponsor needs income of at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of two, which is $26,438 for 2025. If income is below that level, the sponsor can use assets equal to 3× the shortfall, up to $79,314 if income is zero. Based on that formula, my available assets should technically be sufficient.

 

My concern

I’ve heard that under the current administration, consular officers may exercise more discretion regarding financial stability and the risk of the immigrant becoming a public charge. I’m worried that a sudden job loss (even if caused by safety/political circumstances) could be interpreted negatively at the interview.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or does anyone know how consular officers view substantial assets vs. interrupted employment? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[S2N 581]

You’re over 3x in liquid assets, which should in theory be fine.

 

Counselor officer could interpret the Israeli job as either counting towards income or not counting towards liquid assets depending on how they view the continued availability of funds in the United States. Your situation is a bit different than most as you’ve been living between countries with the income.

 

Honestly, I’d line up a joint sponsor to be safe as this is an edge case (only slightly above 3x income in assets and foreign job), and I’m usually one of the people who is more understanding of trying to avoid joint sponsorship.

 

@pushbrk is the expert on the I-864 and is familiar with the IV consulate in China, so pinging him.