I-864 - Money Matters

[deusbelli 0]

My wife is immigrating from Thailand, but we need advice for the affidavit of support.

Questions:

• Can my wife be sponsored by my brother-in-law instead of me since I have been out of the country for 4 years and I am currently unemployed? Even if I get a job soon, it probably won't pay enough to met the mark since I am just starting out again.
• If only my brother-in-law sponsors her, do I have to fill out an I-864 also?
• Can writing to a congressman help expedite the process since the country (Thailand) is on the brink of civil war?

Relevant Factors:

• I already sent the form I-130 (May 2014)
• We have been married since Oct 2010
• We have an infant son (born Aug 2013)
• I am unemployed because I just moved back to the US (May 2014). I had lived in Thailand for almost 4 years so I have no tax forms for the last few years.
• I do not collect unemployment or welfare
• I get about $1k/mo from VA disability
• I am living with my sister for free until my wife and I get on our feet in the US
• My brother-in-law wants to sponsor my wife, his income ($2,112/mo) does not meat the requirement but does if he includes the equity in his house and 2 paid off cars (~$90,000+)
• Thailand is on the brink of civil war and under marshal law now. I am thinking about writing a letter to my representative asking to expedite her visa so that she can be here before the war starts.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Edited May 24, 2014 by deusbelli

[DnKnT 3]

Hi deusbelli,

as far as i know, the sponsor of an alien relative must be a US citizen, but doesnt have to be related to the petitioner.

I hope everything works out just fine for yall, and they at least could expedite your case.

Edited May 25, 2014 by DnKnT

[Lakehouse 293]

My wife is immigrating from Thailand, but we need advice for the affidavit of support.

Questions:

• Can my wife be sponsored by my brother-in-law instead of me since I have been out of the country for 4 years and I am currently unemployed? Even if I get a job soon, it probably won't pay enough to met the mark since I am just starting out again.
• If only my brother-in-law sponsors her, do I have to fill out an I-864 also?

Hi deusbelli,

as far as i know, the sponsor of an alien relative must be a US citizen, but doesnt have to be related to the petitioner.

I hope everything works out just fine for yall, and they at least could expedite your case.

The spouse who is the petitioner must ALWAYS fill out the I-864.

The person you are referring to will be called the joint sponsor.

The joint sponsor also fills out the I-864 in your case. Be sure to read the instructions carefully:

http://www.uscis.gov/i-864

Good luck

[Ning 619]

My wife is immigrating from Thailand, but we need advice for the affidavit of support.

Questions:

• Can my wife be sponsored by my brother-in-law instead of me since I have been out of the country for 4 years and I am currently unemployed? Even if I get a job soon, it probably won't pay enough to met the mark since I am just starting out again.
• If only my brother-in-law sponsors her, do I have to fill out an I-864 also?
• Can writing to a congressman help expedite the process since the country (Thailand) is on the brink of civil war?

Relevant Factors:

• I already sent the form I-130 (May 2014)
• We have been married since Oct 2010
• We have an infant son (born Aug 2013)
• I am unemployed because I just moved back to the US (May 2014). I had lived in Thailand for almost 4 years so I have no tax forms for the last few years.
• I do not collect unemployment or welfare
• I get about $1k/mo from VA disability
• I am living with my sister for free until my wife and I get on our feet in the US
• My brother-in-law wants to sponsor my wife, his income ($2,112/mo) does not meat the requirement but does if he includes the equity in his house and 2 paid off cars (~$90,000+)
• Thailand is on the brink of civil war and under marshal law now. I am thinking about writing a letter to my representative asking to expedite her visa so that she can be here before the war starts.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The co sponsor can be anyone that is considered a close friend or family that lives in the USA. His income will not be enough as you know. His assets would have to be liquid to be considered. Equity means nothing unless those items are sold. The cars are worthless when it comes to this situation for example. You need to find another co sponsor.

You also submit the 864. Indicate your V A income. If you dont submit tax transcripts you will probably get an RFE. Send tax info for the last 3 years along with a statement about the missing years.

Unemployment income would be ok so file for it asap.

You can always attempt the expedite but it will be denied. In my opinion there isn't going to be a " war " as you describe. Keep in mind the common people have no weapons ect and are not organized in the way they would have to be to fight as you think. Sadly what we see in my country is not uncommon but hasn't resulted in a civil war. The King or Prince will have a huge influence on the people.

Edited May 25, 2014 by Ning

[Karee 4,191]

• Thailand is on the brink of civil war and under marshal law now. I am thinking about writing a letter to my representative asking to expedite her visa so that she can be here before the war starts.

Thailand has been on the brink of civil war for 8 years. I doubt that an expedite would be granted because of that.

It's unfortunate you didn't go the DCF route in Thailand. You could've completed the whole process in a few months vs. roughly a year. I wish I would've known about it when I lived over there.

[Ryan H 3,828]

***Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.***

**Moderator hat off**

• Thailand is on the brink of civil war and under marshal law now. I am thinking about writing a letter to my representative asking to expedite her visa so that she can be here before the war starts.

Your representative has no say in expediting a petition or visa application. Those decisions rest solely with USCIS and the State Department respectively.

[pushbrk 13,093]

The co sponsor can be anyone that is considered a close friend or family that lives in the USA. His income will not be enough as you know. His assets would have to be liquid to be considered. Equity means nothing unless those items are sold. The cars are worthless when it comes to this situation for example. You need to find another co sponsor.

You also submit the 864. Indicate your V A income. If you dont submit tax transcripts you will probably get an RFE. Send tax info for the last 3 years along with a statement about the missing years.

Unemployment income would be ok so file for it asap.

The above has multiple errors. There is no co sponsor in an immigrant visa case. Brother in Law will be joint sponsor. If married filing taxes jointly, his wife will be "household member" providing an I-864a. Brother must be either a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident of the USA, currently living in the USA, not just "living in the USA".

The OP has bee out of the country and not working for several years, so would not be eligible for any unemployment benefit.