Do I need a sponsor? Even if I am self sufficient?

[AussieNemesis 16]

I am in the beginning process of a Change of Status from ESTA visa waiver due to marrying a US citizen.

I am confused about sponsors.

I am already living in the USA. I own a home here. I have a reasonable amount of funds in the bank. I am not employed and not in urgent need of employment. My husband has his own business but it is newly formed and not bringing in the income a sponsor needs.

Do I need a sponsor other than my husband if I have my own resources?

[Alaska2012 462]

Normally if the husband don't make enough then yes you need another sponsor, but I guess he can put down your assets as his on the affidavit since you are married.

Just a heads up, the fact that you already bought your own home might make it seem like you came on your visa waiver with the intent to marry and immigrate... Could mean trouble.

[AussieNemesis 16]

I was initially going to buy a property as an investment considering the exchange rate between the two countries and the fact that houses here are about 1/10th the price of a similar property in Australia.

However I fell in love with the house, and already had a relationship with the man who is now my husband. These things developed over time. I first came here last August for a month to meet up with online friends, to scout the real estate prices with investment in mind, and have proof of that.

I came back in November to seriously look at purchasing a property, and to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas/January with friends, and see snow falling for the first time ever. The rest just fell into place. It wasn't planned out.

Edited February 2, 2013 by AussieNemesis

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can add your assets to your husband's affidavit. You need 3 times the yearly income requirement in assets.

[AussieNemesis 16]

Thank You

Whew. That's a relief.

Having a very small time frame to lodge the paperwork, I was worried I'd need to prevail upon other friends to help me out.

[ceadsearc 516]

What Harpa said. Keep in mind that if your home is your only home, you probably won't be able to use that because turning that into cash would be considered a hardship. If there is another residence that's a different story.