Form I-864 - Using Property in UK as asset query as the forein spouse

[ckkta 0]

Hello

 

My wife is a US citizen and lives in the US,  and I live in the UK so we are applying through consulate process. We have recently filed the I-130 but I have a question about the I-864

 

From what I understand, I, as the spouse can use my assets but not income on the form, is this correct? And assets have to be easy to liquidate within a year?

 

My wife's income conservatively is around $20,000, $26,000, $20,000 for the last three tax years which would leave us slightly under the required amount 

 

I have a property in the UK that I do not intend to sell yet valued at £280,000-£300,000 with no mortgage, I own it outright.

 

Would I be able to use this to make up the shortfall or do they prefer cash in the bank as proof? If I can use it to make up the shortfall, what would I need to prove the valuation of it? Would I need to include the deeds and show there is no mortgage? I really just want to make sure I put whatever the most watertight thing is. 

 

If cash in savings is better - then how much would they need to see from me to make sure there are no issues?

 

Thank you! 

 

[Boiler 45,451]

You can try, they did not seem to like it when I went through the process.

[ckkta 0]

Just now, Boiler said:

You can try, they did not seem to like it when I went through the process.

 

What did you use instead?

[Boiler 45,451]

23 minutes ago, ckkta said:

 

What did you use instead?

Savings

[pushbrk 12,870]

Your liquid assets can be used.  Since this would no longer be your primary residence, once you're in the USA, then yes it "could be" considered liquid.  Liquid assets like savings are treated much better.  The savings would need to be 3 times the income shortfall, technically, but they will consider the thousands you'll spend relocating will NOT be available to support you, so much more is better.  

 

Best scenario, is sell the house in the next year BEFORE submitting the I-864.

[ckkta 0]

Thank you - thats really helpful. I am just hesitant to sell as the market isn't right and I don't plan to buy directly after getting to the USA so it seems like a bad financial decision to just have that sitting in the bank so it would really just be selling for the form. 

 

Cash wise - say there was a maximum of 6k under each year (we are a 2 person household) then that would be $18k, so then would something like $40,000 suffice as enough cushion for them to see that to make up the shortfall and the expenditure of moving? 

 

Wish cash how far back do they want bank statements to go? 6 months? A year?

[pushbrk 12,870]

14 minutes ago, ckkta said:

Thank you - thats really helpful. I am just hesitant to sell as the market isn't right and I don't plan to buy directly after getting to the USA so it seems like a bad financial decision to just have that sitting in the bank so it would really just be selling for the form. 

 

Cash wise - say there was a maximum of 6k under each year (we are a 2 person household) then that would be $18k, so then would something like $40,000 suffice as enough cushion for them to see that to make up the shortfall and the expenditure of moving? 

 

Wish cash how far back do they want bank statements to go? 6 months? A year?

Yes, 40k USD would probably carry the day.  I would provide five statements.  One from a year before, 9 months, 6 months, 3 months and one current.

[Boiler 45,451]

2 hours ago, ckkta said:

Thank you - thats really helpful. I am just hesitant to sell as the market isn't right and I don't plan to buy directly after getting to the USA so it seems like a bad financial decision to just have that sitting in the bank so it would really just be selling for the form. 

 

Cash wise - say there was a maximum of 6k under each year (we are a 2 person household) then that would be $18k, so then would something like $40,000 suffice as enough cushion for them to see that to make up the shortfall and the expenditure of moving? 

 

Wish cash how far back do they want bank statements to go? 6 months? A year?

Just a quick heads up the tax situation can get messy once you are US Tax Resident.