I'm expecting to be able to work on my application by the end of this week. (NVC withdrew AOS and IV fees from my account this morning)
I made slightly over 125% of federal poverty limit (48 states) for the tax years 2016 and 2017. I was in grad school and working part time (not that the CO in Islamabad cares).
My taxable income for 2018 was around 230% of the federal poverty limit (48 states).
Best case scenario, I'd be able to file and have my 2019 tax transcript by February\March 2019. My taxable income for 2019 would be almost the same (slightly higher) as 2018.
Is there a significant upside to waiting at the NVC step for the 2019 returns?
Factors in favor of waiting
- 230% gross income for last two tax returns if I wait for 2019 return. Therefore, more likely to satisfy the CO about my spouse not becoming a public charge
- Two years of 130% poverty income if I file the AOS with 2018 as my latest returns. This might look bad.
Factors against waiting
- Delaying the process 2-3 months
- Immigration rules keep evolving. The odds of additional unfavorable immigration rules being introduced increase as we move further in time.
I'm assuming I can use the 2018 returns if I expect adjudication before April 15 2020.
What do the VJ veterans think about this?