Hey folks,
I'm filling out the I-864, preparing for the NVC stage, and in part 6, section 24a-c, I am evidently required to list the adjusted gross income from my three most recent tax years, even though I am submitting only the tax transcript for my most recent tax year.
Short backstory: Following 8 years in the Marine Corps, I worked as a sex offender agent for 18 years before separating from service early and going back to school in 2017. I eventually obtained an advanced degree in clinical psychology, and I am now a nationally board certified psychotherapist. I graduated in 2020. While doing a year's worth of paid and unpaid internships, my income in 2020 was only $4,691. (That last year, following my separation to do my internships, I was living primarily off my one-time lump sum payments from my pension and deferred comp. So, my 2019 tax return shows a huge income, which is inflated by the payouts.) In 2021, my adjusted gross income jumped up to over $50,000. And in 2022, it's nearly double that between my work at the public clinic and my own private practice.
I know it's generally indicated NVC doesn't care about past income provided your current income documentarily well exceeds income minimums. I'm wondering, however, if to be proactive, I should write a short memorandum explaining my income disparity between 2020 and now....?
Any advice from experienced VJ folks is appreciated.
Thanks, all.
Jason