For a household of 2, 125% of the guidelines is $24,650. $34k would very likely be sufficient in that case. However, if either of you have dependents, that could drastically change the situation. Here's a link where you can view the chart: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p
Wow 😊 Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and helpful response to me! It means so much to me! Seriously...thank you so much for putting in the effort to compile this information in a kind, meaningful, and literate way!
My current teacher job is about 34k per year (seriously teachers need to be paid more), although I am hourly at $18/hr and not salary. No sure if that would be a safe option for NVC.. but this reply certainly gives me a lot to think about.
This is not accurate. The only required return is the most recent tax year.
From the instructions:
You must provide either an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years.
It then goes on to say:
As stated previously, you must submit an IRS transcript or copy of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year...
and:
If you were not required to file a Federal income tax return under U.S. tax law because your income was too low, attach a typed or printed explanation.
So a few points:
Submitting 3 years of tax returns is optional
Submitting the most recent tax return is required unless the individual was not required to file a tax return.
If the individual was not required to file, they must include an explanation as to why (very easy in OP's case to explain this).
For W-2 employees, current income is king, not income reflected on past tax returns.
@KseniyaG You have a few options here:
Type up a written explanation as stated above regarding not filing taxes, and accrue paystubs at your current job to show current income. You technically only need 1 paystub, but I personally would be more comfortable with around 6. If you need to delay at NVC a bit to get enough paystubs, you can (as mentioned by others).
Type the explanation as stated above but wait for your nursing job since it pays better, and delay at NVC until you have at least 3-6 paystubs.
Delay at NVC and wait until you file 2024 taxes to avoid the "no recent tax return" issue altogether, and provide 6 paystubs for your nursing job.
Get a joint sponsor to alleviate any of the concerns pertaining to your income. You would still have to submit your own I-864 as the primary sponsor.
If your current pay puts you even remotely close to the 125% threshold, I would go with option #2 or #3. Being over the guidelines isn't necessarily enough to guarantee that your I-864 will be acceptable, so better safe than sorry. Just mentioning that because you didn't state whether your new job is comfortable enough pay-wise to not be a concern. However, if that is not relevant then it really just depends on what option you are comfortable with.