Help getting started with i-864

[timeforeverything 3]

Now that the i-130 has been approved (only notified by email, I haven’t received any other instructions yet), I am trying to wrap my head around the i-864! I will be back in the US visiting for the next month so I want to get any documents I need while there.

I (USC) have lived abroad for the last 7 years or so, have not filed taxes during that time because my husband and I have been financially supported by his business. I have maintained some bank accounts, US credit cards, drivers license.

My parents (father & step-mother, or mother & step-father) have offered to be sponsors. Their income will be more than enough to qualify, I’m sure.

Questions:
1. I must choose between my two sets of parents, correct? They cant both be sponsors? They live in different states. It doesn’t matter if we plan to live with one of them?

2. Would it be recommended to back file taxes for the last few years just in case? I would have been filing married but separately, with my income being under $300 a month. All income has been from my husband’s business and he pays taxes accordingly in his country.

3. From what I have read, my husband would not be eligible for any government assistance as an immigrant. I am really curious about this, because since I am a USC and so are our two daughters…..so what if we end up needing to apply for Medicaid or something for our girls? Would that not be allowed?

Sorry for all the random questions….but the i-864 seems rather daunting and I am pretty confused and I am sure many have!

[Kuegs 5]

Hi! Sorry, I won't be of much help, but I highly recommend getting on the taxes.

My husband was unaware that even living abroad, you'll still have to file taxes (even if you don't have to pay taxes).

It took us an extra three months in total to get everything ready -and get the tax transcripts sent - after our I 130 was already approved.

[Meridas4 0]

We are really right together, all the questions you asked I have wondered myself. Did you get them answered yet? ;-)

[DaveSana 13]

Here are my thoughts on the matter:

1. I must choose between my two sets of parents, correct? They cant both be sponsors? They live in different states. It doesn’t matter if we plan to live with one of them?

You can use either sponsor.

Each sponsor must satisfy the income requirement on their own, including you and the dependents already declared on their tax return.

(You cannot add the incomes of multiple co-sponsors to arrive at a total income to satisfy the 125% income guideline.)

It does not matter where in the US they live. You do not have to live, or plan to live, with them at all.

They do not have to be your relatives; even friends, colleagues, etc would suffice.

2. Would it be recommended to back file taxes for the last few years just in case? I would have been filing married but separately, with my income being under $300 a month. All income has been from my husband’s business and he pays taxes accordingly in his country.

You will need either a letter explaining why you did not need to file, or evidence that you did file.

Being/Living outside the country is not a justification.

I would back file at least the last three years of taxes, as well as estimate the current year income.

You will need to take the filing for the last year only, not for the other two previous years, though I would take all of them.

If you schedule the interview before the IRS processes the back filings, then be sure to have evidence that you filed (receipt confirmation or transcript).

3. From what I have read, my husband would not be eligible for any government assistance as an immigrant. I am really curious about this, because since I am a USC and so are our two daughters…..so what if we end up needing to apply for Medicaid or something for our girls? Would that not be allowed?

Don't know about that, sorry.

Hope this is helpful.

Dave

Edited November 6, 2016 by DaveSana