AOS Paperwork process

[Dianna. 5]

Hi!

I am now married and we are now starting the AOS process. We are wondering, what form do we use for the affidavit of support? The Visa Journey timeline says i-864 but I have read that if you live with your spouse you have to use form i-864a.

Also, what do we put for this question:

Enter the net cash value of real-estate holdings. (Net means assessed value minus the mortgage debt.)

We are unsure if that means how much we owe on the mortgage or how much we have paid off??

Thanks again for all the support!!!

Dianna

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The spouse sponsor MUST do an i-864. Do you have a joint sponsor?

Net value --

House has recent appraisal of $200,000. (Not what you paid for it. Current market value.)

You owe $180,000 on the mortgage still.

Net value is $20,000.

If you have enough income, you don't have to list your house at all. Listing assets is for when you need to make up a shortfall in income.

[Dianna. 5]

Thanks for the example!

So what is form i-864a form used for then? i-864a is a lot shorter than i-864.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for the example!

So what is form i-864a form used for then? i-864a is a lot shorter than i-864.

A short answer to that, without all the details---

Assuming you were the US spouse filling out an I-864.

If you made $15,000 (insufficient), but lived in the same house with your Mom (close relative) who also made $15,000 (insufficient), you could list her income as a household member on your form. That would allow two that didn't qualify on their own to pool their income to make a $30,000 household income. It would qualify your i-864 as a sponsor by including her income. She has to officially grant her permission for you to pledge her income on your form. The I-864a is her permission slip. Only for family members living under the same roof. Must provide supporting documentation of both incomes, proof of the relationship between you two, and proof of the same address.

If Mom made $45,000 on her own (qualifies) it is better to let her do her own I-864 and be a joint sponsor outright, even if you did share the same address.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Nich-Nick

[Amanda&Phil 0]

If Mom made $45,000 on her own (qualifies) it is better to let her do her own I-864 and be a joint sponsor outright, even if you did share the same address.

Why is it "better" to file an I-864 rather than an I-864a? Would I get a checklist if I submitted an I-864a for my mom who qualifies rather than making her a joint sponsor?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I don't know your income, but say you had zero income because you are a student. Your mom makes the money. She owns the house. She has assets. You live in her house.

Your I-864 (with her I-864a "permission")

income $0

Family member income $45,000.

Total Household Income $45,000.

It's all her money. It's like the tail wagging the dog.

She can present her financial situation much cleaner with her own separate I-864. You also wouldn't have to add documents proving you are related and live at the same address.

....but you can let the tail wag the dog if you choose to.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Nich-Nick