Affidavit of Support (I-864)

[NY_BX 397]

I recently got married in Egypt being 23 years old, and after returning to America I have decided to start the process of immigration for my Husband. I have already filed the I-130 and mailed it to USCIS in Chicago, IL. I am waiting for them to acknowledge receipt and approve it, then hopefully forward it to NVC. In the meantime I have done research about the next step. This is preparing the Affidavit of Support (I-864). However, I am coming across what I feel is a huge dilemma. As a requirement of the I-864, they are requesting the last 3 years of Federal Tax Returns. These tax returns must consecutively meet the Poverty Guidelines for the year. The current amount for a Household of 2 is: $18,387.00 (However, when I filed 2008, 2009 & 2010 taxes, I was not married). So how can I be responsible to meet the requirement of 2 people? These guidelines are said to be for the sponsor. So I do believe this includes me. Additionally I did not meet the requirement for 2 of the 3 years (Poverty Guideline). In 2008, I exceeded the required 18K; however in 2009/2010 I did not meet the requirement. I do not own any assets except my vehicle (the only one) which is financed and has money owed on it. I am also currently unemployed as I have just returned from visiting my husband in his home country. Additionally I have lived all my life in my parents’ home. I am aware that I can file a I-864a with the ability to use my parents income. However, both of my parents are retired and my father is collecting social security. In addition, the last 3 years of his taxes: 2008/2009 & 2010 are in the negative +-40K each. However he does own assets. He has 3 homes (2 rentals, and our primary residence). However he has mortgages on all 3 and because of the current real estate market, the houses are all almost upside down. So if USCIS does the math (appraised value – money owed = almost nothing), I am not sure they can consider them to be assets. Finally my parents have 3 cars total: (1 financed and 2 paid off). Which if you go by asset only, the cars are worth about 16K combined (not including the financed one) or (my car that is financed). I am having an extremely difficult time figuring out what I can do. I am sure I will not qualify using my information alone, and I am unsure that submitting my parents information will help. I do not know what to do! Can someone please help me or point me in the right direction?

I really wish that USCIS ran credit checks. Because if they did, I think I would be okay.

Thanks for reading!

Everyone here has given you good advice: get a job and get a co-sponsor.

I wanted to confirm what was said: Egypt is a HARD embassy, especially with finances. When I was there for my fiance's interview, as I walked thru the windows, I heard 2 Consuls thru their microphones denying spouse visas due to lack of money. One of them also forgot his divorce papers. Hearing that seconds before our interview was just devastating and nervewracking! I was heartbroken for them, and of course, it worked on my confidence walking into an interview. These CO's have no mercy, so please be prepared.

Good luck!

[Darnell 8,479]

These tax returns must consecutively meet the Poverty Guidelines for the year recheck the instructions, again, or cite your source, on this. Thanks !