Just Lost my Job. Effect on I-864?

[SBB 74]

I sent in the application for my wife's AOS from F1 2.5 weeks ago including my tax returns for the past three years and a letter from my employer verifying my employment. Five days ago, my employer informed everyone that they would be declaring bankruptcy and laying off the entire staff. I was officially let go yesterday (8/24). Do I need to inform USCIS about this and find a cosponsor? Do I need to wait for USCIS to contact me about this first?

[epsonderby 85]

Sorry that you've lost your job. Hope you find something soon.

I would say that you could get ahead of the curve and get a co-sponsor as I imagine that they would want to see an up-to-date letter of employment for the interview.

[Newbie608 103]

My husband lost his job about 2 weeks after I sent in my packet. I didn't get any RFE. I got my EAD yesterday and my interview is in less than a month. My husband has been getting umemployment and I think USCIS would know that when doing background check. He is currently looking for jobs and we don't have a co sponsor for the interview. Who knows, they might not even ask about it. Fingers crossed:). I wouldn't worry too much about it though. Just wait and see what happens

Goodluck

[DandT14 272]

Your interview notice will most likely tell you to bring recent paystubs and a letter from your employer. They never asked for those things in our interview, but we had them as instructed. They did ask me if I was still working there, and many people report being asked something similar.

You need to be prepared to show you can meet the 125% guideline at the time of your interview. I don't know if they count unemployment payments, but I would guess they do.

If I were you, I'd find out for sure and be prepared to show evidence of the unemployment payments. No one wants their approval hung up after the interview on an RFE. If your unemployment won't work, line up a co-sponsor and go in with the appropriate I-864 completed and ready to go.

Edit: Sorry about losing your job. That sucks.

Also, I don't think USCIS is going to contact you because you started receiving unemployment. If they are going to ask, it will be at the interview.

Edited August 26, 2012 by DandT14

[Moomin 292]

Well technically, your wife is adjusting status based on the info already provided. If there's a change, you can inform USCIS however, odds are it won't get paired up with the original case file if you send new information without having received an RFE.

Find a new job and make sure you're above the poverty guidelines with the current income. At interview, bring documentation. You can mention that you changed jobs and you have all the needed documentation with you in case they'd want to see it or have copies.

They do count unemployment but since it's not a source of income that'll continue forever, it may be better to get a joint sponsor lined up in case you cannot find a job. Best thing is securing a job yourself.

My husband changed jobs about 2 months after submitting AOS. I think the only way we could've informed USCIS was through infopass. If there's one thing USCIS is really good at, it's to not match anything up. Even changing address(both online and through mail) can be a hassle.

[Dave&Judy 3]

It sucks. It happens sometimes, one doesn't have much control on such things. They also understand this.

You were okay at the time application was sent. so, nothing to worry.

If you get job before interview, and you can update them at the interview then you should be fine.

You should have proper job at the time of AOS even if you lose the job next week.

I don't think you need to do anything now as far as informing the USCIS. Just focus to get new job

All The Best !!

[Dave&Judy 3]

@Newbie608 any update?

How you're planning to deal with it.

One of my friend also unfortunately falls in similar situation.

So, my questions:

- Do unemployment allowance can be used to show income for the purpose of I-864?

- What should People like 'Newbie608' and others in similar situation do? Inform now or at interview?

Thanks !

[Brian&Ivy 1]

I think should be fine as long as your income this year so far has above 125% poverty line..

My hubby lost his job in April and started his part time job in June, got double $$ from current job even I hate to say it is part time!! But i definitely sent USCIS his payment stubs (except unemployment insurance) with highlight showing total is more than 20K!! He had never been laid off during his 12 years career!! US economy sucks!!!

[Newbie608 103]

My interview is in 5 days and I don't even have a joint sponsor. My thing is, if it was a big deal they would have RFE'd me. Hubby is still on unemployment and still searching for jobs. I'm just praying that they don't ask about it. If they do, we'll just be honest about it. Ill update once I get through my interview. If they RFE'd me at the interview, I have a few people I could ask but don't wanna bother anyone if its not necessary...

[Dave&Judy 3]

My interview is in 5 days and I don't even have a joint sponsor. My thing is, if it was a big deal they would have RFE'd me. Hubby is still on unemployment and still searching for jobs. I'm just praying that they don't ask about it. If they do, we'll just be honest about it. Ill update once I get through my interview. If they RFE'd me at the interview, I have a few people I could ask but don't wanna bother anyone if its not necessary...

Wish you all the best !!

Please let us know how it went especially in regards to I-864/job etc....

[DandT14 272]

My interview is in 5 days and I don't even have a joint sponsor. My thing is, if it was a big deal they would have RFE'd me. Hubby is still on unemployment and still searching for jobs. I'm just praying that they don't ask about it. If they do, we'll just be honest about it. Ill update once I get through my interview. If they RFE'd me at the interview, I have a few people I could ask but don't wanna bother anyone if its not necessary...

Does he make enough on unemployment to qualify?

[Newbie608 103]

He makes ways over the poverty line when he filled out I-864 and he get 80% of what he used to earn on unemployment. Do you think I should take proof of his unemployment to the interview?

[DandT14 272]

He makes ways over the poverty line when he filled out I-864 and he get 80% of what he used to earn on unemployment. Do you think I should take proof of his unemployment to the interview?

I would.

If I were you, I'd calculate what his annual income on unemployment is. If it's enough, fill out a new I-864 with that income on it and just have it ready to go at your interview. If they never ask, great. If they do, you'll be ready.

[Dave&Judy 3]

I would.

If I were you, I'd calculate what his annual income on unemployment is. If it's enough, fill out a new I-864 with that income on it and just have it ready to go at your interview. If they never ask, great. If they do, you'll be ready.

Partial calculation is possible ?

for ex: in 1 year:

15K on regular job in first 8 months + 7K on unemployment in last 4 months = $22K annually

Can we calculate like this way?

Edited September 14, 2012 by Dave&Judy

[Newbie608 103]

I'm gonna read over the instructions for I-864, research a little bit more and go from there.

Thanks