Question re Affidavit of support

[lirpa11 16]

Hello!

I am sure this question has been asked before, but I cannot find a definitive answer. I have looked on the internet and I have looked on here briefly.

So I am a US Citizen, and my husband is Australian. We have been together for 8 years, and we have been married for 2 and a half. We currently live in Western Australia and we have lived here since before meeting each other and dating, and subsequently marrying. We have not lived in the USA (although I lived there from birth until 17 years old), but we plan on moving there next year. I would like to be near my family, and my husband agrees. The problem is, how to get there without being apart for long periods of time. If we wanted to be apart, we wouldn't have gotten married and planned a life together.

We have sent off the petition I-130, and that has just been received. It could be a few months before it is approved (approx. 5 months per internet processing times). I am trying to figure out our next steps after this is approved. I believe the petition I-130 is to verify that we have a true relationship (i.e. he is my husband). I think this will be fine. Next, I think we go through the actual visa process. This includes the AOS which I am unsure about as I am living in Australia, have lived here for years, and do not have a domicile or income in USA.

A bit more information:

- My taxes are up to date. They have been late at times due to me not knowing I need to lodge, but now it is all up to date.

- Family-wise in the USA I have elderly grandparents. They adopted my mother when she was young, so are they still considered family? They are older and retired, so I am unsure if they would be able to help with the AOS. Other than that I have 2 brothers, who would not be able to assist with the AOS as their incomes are not enough. They also have a few children which increases the income requirement.

- Other than this family, I have my godfamily. I grew up and was practically raised by them. This is where we will be staying if we do not have a house when we move over, however we intend to rent something before the big move so we have our own space. My godfamily would be able to help with the AOS, whether it is my godmother and godfather/ god - brother/uncles/aunts etc. We don't have shortage of people who could assist with the AOS if possible.

So my questions are:

* would my godfamily be able to assist us with the AOS? What is the process for this? the same form, are they a joint sponsor, are they the sponsor?

* Am I still able to go through with all of this even though I am not in the USA? Can I somehow sponsor my husband even though I am not domiciled in the USA?

Also, we have assets in Australia., Are we able to use these towards our own sponsorship of my husband to avoid using any other sponsor? We intend on selling our home and making a profit closer to the move date. would this be able to help show we can support ourselves financially?

Sorry for all the questions, I am just confused and want to make sure I complete the correct information to avoid any delays in the process.

[pushbrk 12,892]

In your study, did you download the I-864 and separately the I-864 instructions, where you would find the answers to most of the questions you asked? It appears not. Next on the agenda, OK?

Sure, anybody with a valid reason to WANT to act as a joint sponsor can do so as long as they are a Citizen or Legal Resident of the USA, living in the USA. Lots of discussion here about domicile but from Australia, a letter from the people you'll live with, indicating you are invited to live with them until you get situated, will probably suffice along with having continued to file tax returns.

The better healed God Family would be a better choice as joint sponsor than elderly grandparents.

Edited June 9, 2014 by pushbrk

[lirpa11 16]

Thanks, and no, I did not look at that as you pointed out. I unfortunately looked for people's situations and how they have handled it. I apologize for not checking in the most obvious place. Thanks for your reply.