My income level is low and I can't find a co-sponsor. What are my options?

[Ezy_and_Oghene 10]

Hi guys,

So I am in a fix right now. NVC wrote me stating that my income level is low. This is because I was out of the country for a few months for a personal project, so my annual income reported was not enough. Also, I have someone else listed as a dependent on taxes. I recently started a new job that would enable me sponsor my husband and meet the household income level for us all, but it's only been a month. I couldn't find a co-sponsor either.

However, I have xxx amount in the bank in the US

My husband has xxx amount of money in the bank abroad also

I have xxx amount of money in the bank abroad also

I have a car I am currently paying mortgage on with no co-signer

I have some money on Credit cards

I don't know how much is needed to qualify. I have visited NVC website but it doesn't state how much is enough for assets. What are my options here?

[JFH 12,190]

The car you drive and your credit cards do not count as assets. Neither does the house you live in.

You need three times the amount of the shortfall in assets. So, if you are short on the income by $5,000 you need $15,000 in assets to make up the shortfall.

You can also send pay stubs and a letter from your employer if your job is new. The letter should confirm your salary.

[lost_at_sea 995]

For how much you need - as stated above, it's 3x the missing amount. Take a look at the poverty guidelines: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

So, for yourself, the immigrant and the additional person you claim on your taxes, you'd need $25,200 per annum. If you only make $20,000 per annum and are therefore $5,200 short, then you need an additional 3 x $5,200. So $15,600 in assets.

You may just be able to show the pay stubs and contract/letter of employment for your new job.

See more about assets in the I-864 instruction pdf: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf

In regards to home / car, it states:

"Only assets that can be converted into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss to the

owner may be included. The owner of the asset must include a description of the asset, proof of ownership, and the basis
for the owner’s claim of its net cash value.

You may include the net value of your home as an asset. The net value of the home is the appraised value of the home,

minus the sum of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. If you wish to include
the net value of your home, then you must include documentation demonstrating that you own it, a recent appraisal by a
licensed appraiser, and evidence of the amount of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the
home. You may not include the net value of an automobile unless you show that you have more than one automobile, and
at least one automobile is not included as an asset."

Edited September 6, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[Ezy_and_Oghene 10]

For how much you need - as stated above, it's 3x the missing amount. Take a look at the poverty guidelines: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864p.pdf

So, for yourself, the immigrant and the additional person you claim on your taxes, you'd need $25,200 per annum. If you only make $20,000 per annum and are therefore $5,200 short, then you need an additional 3 x $5,200. So $15,600 in assets.

You may just be able to show the pay stubs and contract/letter of employment for your new job.

See more about assets in the I-864 instruction pdf: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-864instr.pdf

In regards to home / car, it states:

"Only assets that can be converted into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss to the

owner may be included. The owner of the asset must include a description of the asset, proof of ownership, and the basis

for the owners claim of its net cash value.

You may include the net value of your home as an asset. The net value of the home is the appraised value of the home,

minus the sum of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. If you wish to include

the net value of your home, then you must include documentation demonstrating that you own it, a recent appraisal by a

licensed appraiser, and evidence of the amount of any and all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the

home. You may not include the net value of an automobile unless you show that you have more than one automobile, and

at least one automobile is not included as an asset."

Oh wow! Thanks for the links. It was really helpful.

As for my new job, I am worried that since I haven't been there for 6 months at least, the embassy might not accept my proof of income even with my offer letter. I am a bit skeptical about it. Could you please shed some light on this? Thanks.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Oh wow! Thanks for the links. It was really helpful.

As for my new job, I am worried that since I haven't been there for 6 months at least, the embassy might not accept my proof of income even with my offer letter. I am a bit skeptical about it. Could you please shed some light on this? Thanks.

You've started working though? Correct? You should have pay stubs and a contract you can show that'll prove you're a) getting income that'll add up to the required amount this year and b) are contractually tied to the company for the agreed amount.

I can't really shed any more light on the matter - they may accept if you are able to show that you have a permanent position with the required income, but it might not be sufficient evidence for them. Since you don't really have any other options, you have no choice but to try.

Again, from the instructions:

"You may include evidence supporting your claim about your expected income for the current year if you believe that

submitting this evidence will help you establish ability to maintain sufficient income. You are not required to submit this

evidence, however, unless specifically instructed to do so by a U.S. Government official. For example, you may include

a recent letter from your employer, showing your employer’s address and telephone number, and indicating your annual

salary. You may also provide pay stubs showing your income for the previous six months. If your claimed income

includes alimony, child support, dividend or interest income, or income from any other source, you may also include

evidence of that income."

[Ezy_and_Oghene 10]

You've started working though? Correct? You should have pay stubs and a contract you can show that'll prove you're a) getting income that'll add up to the required amount this year and b) are contractually tied to the company for the agreed amount.

I can't really shed any more light on the matter - they may accept if you are able to show that you have a permanent position with the required income, but it might not be sufficient evidence for them. Since you don't really have any other options, you have no choice but to try.

Again, from the instructions:

"You may include evidence supporting your claim about your expected income for the current year if you believe that

submitting this evidence will help you establish ability to maintain sufficient income. You are not required to submit this

evidence, however, unless specifically instructed to do so by a U.S. Government official. For example, you may include

a recent letter from your employer, showing your employers address and telephone number, and indicating your annual

salary. You may also provide pay stubs showing your income for the previous six months. If your claimed income

includes alimony, child support, dividend or interest income, or income from any other source, you may also include

evidence of that income."

Yeah I started the new job 1 month ago. I guess that clause is somewhat weak. I will keep searching to see if I will get a cosponsor. I wouldn't want a situation where my husband would attend the interview and get denied for insufficient documents.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Remember, a co-sponsor can be anyone (related or not) that is: A US citizen of legal permanent resident, over 18 and residing in the USA.