Questions about Joint Sponsorship for IR-30 (Form I-864)

[Rana&Eli 0]

Hello, 

 

We just received notice that our I-130 was approved and sent to NVC and we are now working on Form 1-864 (Affidavit for Support). Because I was in graduate school abroad from 2018-2020 I don't have much income over the past 3 years -- my 2017 tax return should look fine but in 2018 and 2019 I only worked during the summer. So, I was thinking I should have my mother as a joint sponsor to be safe. But I have a few questions:

 

1. Is there any way I can indicate on this application that the reason why I don't have much income for the past 3 years is because I was in school and living abroad? Presumably they already know this from my 1-130 but I would like to reiterate it if possible.

2. My mother surely has more than enough assets to be a good sponsor--she lives comfortably, owns 2 homes and retired at 61--but I was wondering about if the fact that she is now retired and therefore doesn't have income from an employer lessens her standing as a sponsor. If so, should I also list my father as a sponsor? He doesn't have as much money/assets as my mother but is still working full time

3. I have been on unemployment since July 2020--can I list these payments as my income? If so, how can I predict the total amount for the year when the unemployment checks are constantly changing?

 

Thanks in advance for any help

[Crazy Cat 41,846]

1.  CURRENT income is king. Past tax filings are an indication of financial stability, but your current annual income (over the next year) is what supports a new immigrant. Only self-employed sponsors would use tax filing as an indication of current income.  It sounds like your current income is $0.00.  You will need a joint sponsor.  

2.  Your Mother can be the joint sponsor.  Her retirement is irrelevant.   She can use assets as a qualifier.

3.  Using unemployment in the calculation of CURRENT annual income is problematic since it is unpredictable from its amount as well as its longevity.

Good luck.