Co-Sponsor - Form I-184

[Kateybot 3]

I am considering applying for I-130 through DCF. I have lived abroad for 4 years with my partner, 2 of which have been in the UK (I am currently in the UK). 

 

As I have not lived in the US for so long, I believe I will need to get a co-sponsor for the required Affidavit of Support. I was thinking of having either my mom or dad fill this role for me. I would be grateful if anyone could please provide any advice / tips on how to successfully complete form I-184 with a co-sponsor. 

 

Thanks in advance!

[tpmd 155]

You'll need to fill one out and the co sponsor fill one out separately.

 

For my co-sponsors supporting evidence he provided his W2s and evidence of his investments and assets. My fiance provided a signed copy of his bank statement showing savings, plus his offer of employment letter stating his weekly income. 

 

It would probably be helpful if your fiance has any savings in their home country (UK I assume) to take evidence of that as well. I didn't have it, but at my interview the officer did ask if I had any savings. He took my word for it, but no harm in being over prepared! 

[tpmd 155]

Sorry I misread, I am going for K1 visa and did the i-134. I imagine it might be a bit different 

Edited February 22, 2018 by tpmd

[Kateybot 3]

Is it a requirement for me or my partner to have a job lined up in the US? We would be able to prove savings and have my co-sponsor prove savings, income and a job. However, my partner and I do not have any jobs lined up yet. 

[BlueDevil1442 23]

If you are going to be living in the same house as your mom and dad, then you do I-864 and they do I-864A.

[Jorge V 195]

7 hours ago, Kateybot said:

Is it a requirement for me or my partner to have a job lined up in the US? We would be able to prove savings and have my co-sponsor prove savings, income and a job. However, my partner and I do not have any jobs lined up yet. 

You do not need to have jobs lined up. You both could have $0 in income and $0 in savings and still get approved as long as your cosponsor meets the financial requirements.

That said, you (the US citizen) are required to show intent to reestablish domicile. This is what the official I864 instructions say on the matter:

Quote

You intend in good faith to reestablish your domicile in the United States no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status.

 

You must submit proof that you have taken concrete steps to establish that you will domicile in the United States at a time no later than the date of the intending immigrant’s admission or adjustment of status. Concrete steps might include accepting a job in the United States, signing a lease or purchasing a residence in the United States, or registering children in U.S. schools. Please attach proof of the steps you have taken to establish domicile as described above.

 

Having a job lined up in the US helps meet this the domicile requirement, but it is not absolutely necessary. If you show other evidence, such as a lease, moving quotes, opening or maintaining bank accounts and credit cards, you should be OK.

 

The I864 will also ask you for last year's US tax return or transcript, and you may be required to show the last three years'. Have you been filing US taxes while abroad? Many expats do not realize that the US is one of only two or three countries that tax citizens on worldwide income. You are still required to file even if you live abroad and work for a non US company. You are not required to file for a given year if you made under the filing limit (somewhere around $10,000/year, but depends on the year itself). If you were not required to file taxes for a particular year the I864 will instead ask that you provide a letter explaining why.

Edited February 22, 2018 by Jorge V