Beneficiary income trend and 2013 return

[gabeRao 43]

Folks,

This is the current breakup of the i-864 for the Mumbai embassy - petitioner's income

Current Income: 55,000 (We've got 6 pay stubs so far)

2013 filed income: 10,000

2012 filed income: 32,000

2011 filed income: 28,000

Do you guys see an issue here ?

Should I get a joint/co sponsor for this i-130 IR-1 VISA application ?

How important is the 2013 return ?

Edited February 23, 2014 by gabeRao

[NikLR 13,232]

No you shouldn't need a joint sponsor as your current income is enough plus you have previous years that are more than enough.

[AKSinghSingh79 143]

Indian consulates can be ridiculously strict about the I-864 and often make a final judgment off of current income and past income. If I were you, I would have a joint sponsor lined up just in case for your own peace of mind.

Type up a letter explaining why your income was low in 2013.

With your current income being more than sufficient, I truly don't think you will need a joint sponsor but the Indian consulates do sometimes throw curve balls and I find it best to be over-prepared.

Good luck!

[gabeRao 43]

Indian consulates can be ridiculously strict about the I-864 and often make a final judgment off of current income and past income. If I were you, I would have a joint sponsor lined up just in case for your own peace of mind.

Type up a letter explaining why your income was low in 2013.

With your current income being more than sufficient, I truly don't think you will need a joint sponsor but the Indian consulates do sometimes throw curve balls and I find it best to be over-prepared.

Good luck!

I believe you 100%

But does past income = only last year's income ?

Or do they look at a cumulative picture ?

Know what I mean ?

[NikLR 13,232]

Depends on the consulate. Some look at each year and want all 3 previous years plus current to be above. Most are happy with current income being above and some want last year and current above.

it also depends on the source of the income. For instance if a active military member is deployed, their income is not taxed during deployment so it doesn't show up on the tax transcript or w2. But they can prove income with leave and earnings statements and a letter from their CO.

I do agree with singhsingh that you should be prepared for needing a joint sponsor (even if it's not required) and have a reason why last year's income wasn't adequate. If you changed jobs for instance, it's a good idea to include your new pay stubs and a letter from your employer with your AOS to help yourself out.