I-864 Using Assets Instead of Income

[Backpackers 19]

Hello. I am about to file I-864 for my soon to be wife along with her adjustment of status. My work situation is unique and I'm hoping to hear your opinions if I need a co-sponsor or not.

I am currently not working. I am a business consultant that works on a contract basis. For the last 3 years I have been working about 6 months per year and traveling the rest of the year. I am currently in middle of about 6 months of not working and we want to adjust her status soon. So on the I-864 where it asks for current income, it will be $0. I can show tax returns for 2013 - 2015 which are $55k, $28k, and $44k respectively. I've made about $30k this year so far and don't plan on working until next year.

I do have assets (cash, 401k, Roth IRA, Home Equity (rental)) which total maybe 7x the poverty limit for 2. The cash alone isn't 3x the poverty limit so I'm hoping they would count the other assets too.

I could get a co-sponsor but prefer not to.

Questions:

1. Will the $0k current income force me to get a co-sponsor?

2. Should I put all my assets on the I-864?

3. Any ideas on how to proceed?

Edited November 17, 2016 by Backpackers

[AlinaB 43]

Hi there,

I don't know the answer to my husband's AOS yet, but I had a sort of similar situation, just some information was reversed. (I have a great job now but was a dirt poor PhD student for many years prior). But suffice it to say, I relied on all my assets and bank balances as a buffer in case my job was too new. (These were well over the necessary amount needed.) I did not get a joint sponsor, but did include a letter that detailed out my pertinent work and education history. You may be submitting before I find out about the AOS approval, but I was told from several people on here that with my assets and history, and a well worded letter, I should be fine.

I know it is not exact, but I hope that this helps regardless.