I-864: How to prove continuation of self-employed income?

[okaeri 0]

Hi,

I'm sponsoring my husband and we are planning to use his income on the I-864. He owns a business which he plans to continue once in the US

as well - he can do much of the work on line and will also maintain his staff here in Japan. The I-864 states that, if using the sponsored immigrant's income, we would need to provide proof that he will maintain the same income from the same source once in the US.

I am wondering if anyone knows what kind of proof or documentation would be best to provide? tax returns? documentation of the existence of the company? (It's a small business but it is incorporated.)

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I'd ask the embassy what they would accept.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

All the documents you mention might help. However, you should double check both with the Embassy and see the prospects of continuing the enterprise in the US -- the CO will look at that too.

Good luck, L.

[okaeri 0]

Thanks for both your responses. Actually, we also have enough in assets to use assets instead of income -- I guess I am just paranoid and want to cover all bases by also supplying my husband's income. But if that ends up involving more paperwork and is overkill, it should be enough to just use our assets?? It would be a combination of savings/CD and mutual funds.

[trailmix 77]

Thanks for both your responses. Actually, we also have enough in assets to use assets instead of income -- I guess I am just paranoid and want to cover all bases by also supplying my husband's income. But if that ends up involving more paperwork and is overkill, it should be enough to just use our assets?? It would be a combination of savings/CD and mutual funds.

Yes, assets will be just fine, however, what is your part of this equation (as the sponsor)? While the assets of your Husband are ok to use - they do want to see that the sponsor can maintain some kind of income, or at the very least they might be happy with the fact that you are a student or there is some other good reason why you haven't worked etc.

I'm not saying that is a make or break issue, but it is something they look at in general.

I agree with Len and Wacken, you should definately speak with the Embassy with regard to what they will accept as proof that his income will continue. They may or may not accept business income that is currently based overseas.

Edited March 7, 2008 by trailmix

[okaeri 0]

Yes, assets will be just fine, however, what is your part of this equation (as the sponsor)? While the assets of your Husband are ok to use - they do want to see that the sponsor can maintain some kind of income, or at the very least they might be happy with the fact that you are a student or there is some other good reason why you haven't worked etc.

Thanks trailmix.

I do work also, but part time (in my husband's company), since my son was born a few years ago. My income meets the 125% requirement, but I think because of the foreign earned income credit (??) my adjusted gross income ends up being only around $800. Our business is on-line (editing and translating, and we have around 10 staff members based in both Japan and the US) so we're confident we could continue doing this even after we move...the issue is just convincing the embassy of this. Anyway, as everyone here advised, I will give the Consulate a ring to ask them what documents they need. Here in Tokyo I literally have to pay to ask them a question!!