Question about Affidavit of Support

[alibaba16 2]

I(US citizen) have been studying abroad for the last 4 years (medicine) so I have no tax returns for that time. I will be starting residency in the US in July and have a letter stating my salary which is above the poverty line. I have some savings in the US as well. Would it be better to get my parents to also fill out the forms to support my husband or will my info (though without tax returns) be enough?

[EAbbas 213]

From all of my reading you should get your parents to co sponsor since you do not have anything from the last 3 years for tax returns...but definitely use your current salary and job letter from employer...as well as parents as co sponsors...You will be the main sponsor but they will be Co sponsors

There are stories on here similar to yours that have applied without co sponsors and had an RFE for a co sponsor because of the lack of income and taxes filed the previous years even though their current income is way above the guidline minimum.

you need to include a letter as to why you havent filed taxes for the previous years...

Edited April 10, 2011 by EAbbas

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

You will need to either back-file for your taxes (US citizens need to file taxes even if abroad), or if you didn't make any money, you will need to write a letter explaining why you weren't required to file taxes.

Having a job offer isn't enough. Where are you in the process? If you are only just starting, you may have the paystubs needed by the time it comes to filing out the I-864. If you are at the NVC stage now, a co-sponsor will be needed.

[alibaba16 2]

Thanks for the advice. Filling out the forms now - In line #24 it asks my current annual income which is ZERO. But, as I mentioned I'll be starting work July 1st. Should I enter that amount as it is for the current year even though I haven;t received any pay yet? Should I write a little note on the side of this question about the issue - I can't imagine whoever reads it will like if anything is written outside the lines!! Is it best just to explain my case in a separate letter? My parents will be joint sponsors is any case.

[alibaba16 2]

Sorry another question - but this forum has been the most useful place for info I've found so far! In question #22 on the I-864 it asks how I am employed and gives no option for student!!!! Should I fill out employed as Resident Physician even though I won't be starting work until July 1st (though contract signed). Or is it asking for trouble by filling out something with info that isn't quite yet accurate.

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

You need to fill it out as per your situation today. So income 0 (unless you get grants etc), and employment status unemployed. Your spouse can bring an updated I-864 to the interview if you are employed by the time that comes around.

If you want, you could include a copy of the employment offer and a note separately, but do not write on the form itself (like you say, no writing outside the lines).

[alibaba16 2]

Hmmm...don't really like putting unemployed but I will include a letter explaining my situation as well as a letter stating why I didn't file taxes.

Thanks again!

[pushbrk 13,268]

Hmmm...don't really like putting unemployed but I will include a letter explaining my situation as well as a letter stating why I didn't file taxes.

Thanks again!

Unless you like lying, you'll indicate unemployed, unless you are currently a student. if a student the day you sign the form, you can indicate student. You can write a letter or just hand write in the prior tax return section, "Income below threshold. Not required to file."

You'll need a joint sponsor, singular. Pick a parent who qualifies based on their own personal income, not joint income.

[alibaba16 2]

I won't lie! But there is no option to put "student". It's employed or unemployed. I'll put unemployed as I'm not working at anything which is currently giving me an income.

[Casprd 167]

One of the pieces of evidence you include is a letter from your employer. This is where you would include the letter from your future employer. But you definately don't want to complete anything on the form based on a future situation. While the intention may be good, it will be misrepresenting the situation as of the time you filled out the form. You can always include another letter explaining that you are a student and have a residency offer that starts in July.