IR-1 spouse visa on SSI? (I-864/a form)

[7Ken 15]

I'm working on an IR-1 Spouse visa and am having difficulty with the financials.

The I-130 is no problem.

I-864 /a seems problematic.

I'm presently on SSD since an auto accident in 1987.

I also receive SSI which I now understand is considered public assistance.

I'm told different things and after hours of searching find myself very frustrated.

I am using a joint sponsor, money is not a issue.

Do I need to cancel my SSI in order to bring my wife home to the US or is there another option?

Thanks for any help that can be offered!

Ken

[teeak 224]

No, you don't need to cancel it. You as a USC are eligible and allowed to obtain government assistance.

Your wife, on the other hand, as an immigrant is not allowed to obtain government assistance. If she does, the US government may go after the sponsor for reparations.

As long as your joint sponsor earns enough to sponsor her, there will be no issues.

[7Ken 15]

Thanks for your reply!

That sounds like the way it should be, but as we all know the government doesn't always follow logic.

So when it comes to forms should I list SSI or just leave it off?

I know it's not considered as earned income but I would like to list my SSD, not that I need it to meet financial requirements but I would like to show I have some income. Problem is I also as I understand SSD isn't considered earned income either.

My thought is to list the SSD on all forms and leave the SSI off and if ever questioned about it simply say I didn't consider it permanent income?

My final worry with this is when they ask for my bank records my SSI is right there.

Thanks again!!

Ken

[teeak 224]

Leave it off. It does not count as income. They won't question you about it and they won't ask for bank records.

SSD can be included on the I-864 because it's not a means-tested benefit.

https://cliniclegal.org/resources/five-most-common-mistakes-completing-i-864

"Finally, “income” includes both taxable and nontaxable income, including certain federal or state benefits. For example, include social security retirement or disability, as well as unemployment or workers compensation. But do not include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the aged, blind, or disabled, and do not include Temporary Assistance for Needy Children (TANF). In addition, do not include interest income."

[7Ken 15]

Thanks,

Finally I get an answer (with explanation) that goes along with my thinking so I will file my papers soon.

I'm out of the US and remember part of a form (in all these forms) asking me to prove I had the intention of moving back to the US when I left almost 3yrs ago. One of the options was a bank account in the US which I have had since 1990. I should be able to prove my account status without showing my deposits page, hopefully. It's after midnight here and my mind is spent but if it seems relevant I will post it here when it comes up again.

Thanks again for your help!

Ken

[teeak 224]

No problem!

Yes, there are other documents you may provide to prove your intention of moving back to the US.

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process#Step_6_-_Gather_AOS_Package

Please scroll down to domicile and you will be able to see a list of supporting documents to prove domicile.

[7Ken 15]

I'll take a look at that tomorrow after I've had some sleep, again thank you. I've been searching this question for a week now.

Let me ask you one other question if you don't mind? It's the last question I'm not sure of to file and thought I would fill it in at the consulate. On the G-325a at the bottom it says This form is submitted in connection with an application for Naturalization, Status as Permanent Resident or other.

This is for my filipina wife of 2yrs+ immigrating to the US on an IR-1 visa. After searching it seems to me that Naturalization is the answer or check other and write IR-1 spouse visa.. Any thoughts?

Ken

[7Ken 15]

BTW: Congrats on your 2 Visas!

[teeak 224]

For your G-325A, you can check off "Other" and can write "In support of spouse's Form I-130".

For your wife's G-325A, you can check off "Status as a Permanent Resident" or "Other" and write "Form I-130". When she receives her visa, she's going to be enter the US and considered a permanent resident.

Thanks so much!

[7Ken 15]

I can't express how nice it is to ask a simple question (to those in the know) and receive a simple answer!

Because of your help we are now ready to start our IR-1 DCF Visa process.

The SSI issue was very stressing! After over a week of loosing my mind with google searches and eating valium like candy we're now ready thanks to you.

Thanks again so much & blessing to You and your family!

Ken