I-864 or I-864A in my case

[FoundNanning 0]

I probably have enough income (barely) to not need a co-sponsor. BUT, I just got my job in December, and was not employed/have no tax returns to show for the last 3 years. So, Guangzhou being who they are, I will have my Mom co-sponsor. I am not her dependent, but I do live with her in her house (she owns free and clear). All her income is retirement, interest, and assets. I've heard/seen that she can file either the I-864 OR the I-864. Which would be more advantageous/safer/look better for GUZ?

[Ryan H 3,812]

As you likely already know, you will complete the I-864.

Your mom as a joint sponsor will also complete the I-864 (joint sponsor is the proper term).

[aaron2020 11,651]

I probably have enough income (barely) to not need a co-sponsor. BUT, I just got my job in December, and was not employed/have no tax returns to show for the last 3 years. So, Guangzhou being who they are, I will have my Mom co-sponsor. I am not her dependent, but I do live with her in her house (she owns free and clear). All her income is retirement, interest, and assets. I've heard/seen that she can file either the I-864 OR the I-864. Which would be more advantageous/safer/look better for GUZ?

You file an I-864.

Since your mother lives with you, she can file the I-864a to add your income to hers. Together, the two of you must make enough to support you, her, the intending immigrant, and any other people in your household.

However, the US Consulate may determine that your mother needs to file an I-864. Here, your mother must make enough to support herself, the intending immigrant, and any other people in her household.

You need to figure out which way is best for you. If your mother can meet the poverty level alone for a household of 2, but not for 3, then she is better off filing the I-864. If your mother cannot meet the poverty level alone for a household of 2, then she is better off filing the I-864a to add her income to yours and hopefully she can meet the poverty level for a household of 3.

There is no right or wrong on which one is better. You need to run the income/household count for both to see which one is better. It's different for everyone who needs a household member or Joint Sponsor. In most cases, there are no choices since the petitioner would not be living with the cosponsor - it's the I-864 Joint Sponsor. You may have a choice.

[bigdog 376]

Looks like you are on the road, hand in there.

[FoundNanning 0]

This has me worried. I went ahead and filed the I-864A. But you say that the "US Consulate may determine that your mother needs to file an I-864". I am going to my wife's interview, and hopefully coming back with her. Should I bring a signed I-864 from my Mom in case they ask?

You file an I-864.

Since your mother lives with you, she can file the I-864a to add your income to hers. Together, the two of you must make enough to support you, her, the intending immigrant, and any other people in your household.

However, the US Consulate may determine that your mother needs to file an I-864. Here, your mother must make enough to support herself, the intending immigrant, and any other people in her household.

You need to figure out which way is best for you. If your mother can meet the poverty level alone for a household of 2, but not for 3, then she is better off filing the I-864. If your mother cannot meet the poverty level alone for a household of 2, then she is better off filing the I-864a to add her income to yours and hopefully she can meet the poverty level for a household of 3.

There is no right or wrong on which one is better. You need to run the income/household count for both to see which one is better. It's different for everyone who needs a household member or Joint Sponsor. In most cases, there are no choices since the petitioner would not be living with the cosponsor - it's the I-864 Joint Sponsor. You may have a choice.