Larry and Marides

As the petitioner, my spouse’s visa was approved after responding to a 221(g) request for a joint sponsor. However, a joint sponsor was not provided because we qualified based on assets, as originally submitted. All supporting documents—including bank statements, brokerage account details, and the house deed (with no mortgage)—were uploaded alongside the I-864 Affidavit of Support. In our response to the 221(g), we included a cover letter with a clear and concise explanation of the total asset value. It is important to note that consular officers are not accountants; they do not typically analyze bank or brokerage statements in detail. Instead, they primarily focus on income as reported on tax returns, as it provides a straightforward way to assess financial eligibility. During the visa interview, the Filipino consular officer at Window 60 refused to discuss assets. He was dismissive and told my spouse to leave, stating that he was too busy to review the asset documentation. ADVICE FOR PETITIONERS QUALIFYING ON ASSETS: If you are using assets instead of income to meet the financial requirements, clearly explain your assets in simple terms. Use Part 11 (Additional Information) on the I-864 to provide a direct breakdown of your asset values. Additionally, cite the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. This ensures clarity and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding or dismissal by the reviewing officer. Interview: Jan 22, 2025 Qualifying on assets. Refused 221g Joint Sponsor. Jan 22, 2025 Submitted 221g documents at VAC with a simplified explanation of assets and citing the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. March 25th, 2025 Visa Issued.

As the petitioner, my spouse’s visa was approved after responding to a 221(g) request for a joint sponsor. However, a joint sponsor was not provided because we qualified based on assets, as originally submitted. All supporting documents—including bank statements, brokerage account details, and the house deed (with no mortgage)—were uploaded alongside the I-864 Affidavit of Support. In our response to the 221(g), we included a cover letter with a clear and concise explanation of the total asset value. It is important to note that consular officers are not accountants; they do not typically analyze bank or brokerage statements in detail. Instead, they primarily focus on income as reported on tax returns, as it provides a straightforward way to assess financial eligibility. During the visa interview, the Filipino consular officer at Window 60 refused to discuss assets. He was dismissive and told my spouse to leave, stating that he was too busy to review the asset documentation. ADVICE FOR PETITIONERS QUALIFYING ON ASSETS: If you are using assets instead of income to meet the financial requirements, clearly explain your assets in simple terms. Use Part 11 (Additional Information) on the I-864 to provide a direct breakdown of your asset values. Additionally, cite the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. This ensures clarity and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding or dismissal by the reviewing officer. Interview: Jan 22, 2025 Qualifying on assets. Refused 221g Joint Sponsor. Jan 22, 2025 Submitted 221g documents at VAC with a simplified explanation of assets and citing the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. March 25th, 2025 Visa Issued.

As the petitioner, my spouse’s visa was approved after responding to a 221(g) request for a joint sponsor. However, a joint sponsor was not provided because we qualified based on assets, as originally submitted. All supporting documents—including bank statements, brokerage account details, and the house deed (with no mortgage)—were uploaded alongside the I-864 Affidavit of Support. In our response to the 221(g), we included a cover letter with a clear and concise explanation of the total asset value. It is important to note that consular officers are not accountants; they do not typically analyze bank or brokerage statements in detail. Instead, they primarily focus on income as reported on tax returns, as it provides a straightforward way to assess financial eligibility. During the visa interview, the Filipino consular officer at Window 60 refused to discuss assets. He was dismissive and told my spouse to leave, stating that he was too busy to review the asset documentation. ADVICE FOR PETITIONERS QUALIFYING ON ASSETS: If you are using assets instead of income to meet the financial requirements, clearly explain your assets in simple terms. Use Part 11 (Additional Information) on the I-864 to provide a direct breakdown of your asset values. Additionally, cite the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. This ensures clarity and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding or dismissal by the reviewing officer. Interview: Jan 22, 2025 Qualifying on assets. Refused 221g Joint Sponsor. Jan 22, 2025 Submitted 221g documents at VAC with a simplified explanation of assets and citing the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. March 25th, 2025 Visa Issued.

It's not a battle at all. Responding to a 221g is simple. We got approved on assets an only after explaining the assets in simple terms.

Actually assets are not overlooked when responding to a 221g. The I-864 needs to be presented properly. As the petitioner, my spouse’s visa was approved after responding to a 221(g) request for a joint sponsor. However, a joint sponsor was not provided because we qualified based on assets, as originally submitted. All supporting documents—including bank statements, brokerage account details, and the house deed (with no mortgage)—were uploaded alongside the I-864 Affidavit of Support. In our response to the 221(g), we included a cover letter with a clear and concise explanation of the total asset value. It is important to note that consular officers are not accountants; they do not typically analyze bank or brokerage statements in detail. Instead, they primarily focus on income as reported on tax returns, as it provides a straightforward way to assess financial eligibility. During the visa interview, the Filipino consular officer at Window 60 refused to discuss assets. He was dismissive and told my spouse to leave, stating that he was too busy to review the asset documentation. ADVICE FOR PETITIONERS QUALIFYING ON ASSETS: If you are using assets instead of income to meet the financial requirements, clearly explain your assets in simple terms. Use Part 11 (Additional Information) on the I-864 to provide a direct breakdown of your asset values. Additionally, cite the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. This ensures clarity and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding or dismissal by the reviewing officer. Interview: Jan 22, 2025 Qualifying on assets. Refused 221g Joint Sponsor. Jan 22, 2025 Submitted 221g documents at VAC with a simplified explanation of assets and citing the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. March 25th, 2025 Visa Issued.

You can qualify on assets if you know the procedure. I learned the hard way but finally got approved on assets despite getting a 221g for a joint sponsor. As the petitioner, my spouse’s visa was approved after responding to a 221(g) request for a joint sponsor. However, a joint sponsor was not provided because we qualified based on assets, as originally submitted. All supporting documents—including bank statements, brokerage account details, and the house deed (with no mortgage)—were uploaded alongside the I-864 Affidavit of Support. In our response to the 221(g), we included a cover letter with a clear and concise explanation of the total asset value. It is important to note that consular officers are not accountants; they do not typically analyze bank or brokerage statements in detail. Instead, they primarily focus on income as reported on tax returns, as it provides a straightforward way to assess financial eligibility. During the visa interview, the Filipino consular officer at Window 60 refused to discuss assets. He was dismissive and told my spouse to leave, stating that he was too busy to review the asset documentation. ADVICE FOR PETITIONERS QUALIFYING ON ASSETS: If you are using assets instead of income to meet the financial requirements, clearly explain your assets in simple terms. Use Part 11 (Additional Information) on the I-864 to provide a direct breakdown of your asset values. Additionally, cite the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. This ensures clarity and reduces the chances of a misunderstanding or dismissal by the reviewing officer. Interview: Jan 22, 2025 Qualifying on assets. Refused 221g Joint Sponsor. Jan 22, 2025 Submitted 221g documents at VAC with a simplified explanation of assets and citing the relevant sections of the guidelines that explain how assets can be used to qualify. March 25th, 2025 Visa Issued.

How would one satisfy the I 864?

Same subject? Really? Oh, I didn’t realize retirement status and taxable income strategies were interchangeable now. I must’ve missed the memo where cash in an IRA became the same as rental income. Maybe I’ll also submit a letter to the consulate asking them to treat apples like oranges while we’re at it. The two statements present different situations. Post 1: Focus: Primarily on the consular officer's refusal to consider the applicant's assets, specifically cash in a bank account, brokerage account, and IRA. Income: Mentions being retired and having income exceeding 125% of the poverty level. Sponsorship: Emphasizes that the applicant doesn't need a joint sponsor due to their financial resources. Timeline: States the applicant submitted 12 months of bank statements. Post 2: Focus: More on the applicant's 2024 income, particularly dividends and rental income, exceeding the poverty level. Income: Highlights the applicant's 2023 taxable income and the expectation of a higher 2024 income. Sponsorship: Explicitly mentions the 221g requesting a joint sponsor despite the applicant's assets. Timeline: States the applicant submitted 2024 bank statements and a letter explaining their financial situation. Uncertainty: Expresses confusion about whether to submit bank statements or tax transcripts in response to the 221g. Key Differences: Income Focus: Statement 1 emphasizes general income exceeding the poverty level, while Statement 2 focuses on specific income sources (dividends, rental income) and their increase in 2024. Timeline: Statement 1 mentions 12 months of bank statements, while Statement 2 focuses on 2024 bank statements. Specificity: Statement 2 provides more details about the applicant's financial situation, including the amount of assets and specific income figures. Uncertainty: Statement 2 specifically addresses the question of whether to submit bank statements or tax transcripts. In Summary: Both statements describe situations where the consular officer appears to have overlooked the applicant's financial resources. However, Statement 2 provides more specific information about the applicant's income, assets, and the timeline of events.

Different subject. The new question is: "Since my 2024 taxable income is now higher do I respond to the 221g with my bank statements showing higher dividend income again for proof of income or do I need to wait for my official 2024 tax transcripts and submit those in response of the 221g?"

My wife received a 221g due to low taxable income for 2023. The 221g letter is requesting a joint sponsor because the CO didn't bother looking at my assets. These liquid assets are 30++ times over the, poverty level. I have reviewed all my dividends that my assets have generated in 2024 and they are significantly higher than the $25,550 poverty level due to the record high stock market levels. I submitted bank statements from 2024, Is it possible that the CO didn't read the complicated brokerage statements or my higher rent collection from a rental home I own for the year 2024? Do they even look at the bank statements in CEAC? All was documented. I even included a letter with a simplified letter explaining my assets and dividends. I also included my increased rental income. The CO didn't ask any financial questions. I have read other people's stories. They state the CO says will ask about assets. This CO didn't. Since my 2024 taxable income is now higher do I respond to the 221g with my bank statements showing higher dividend income again for proof of income or do I need to wait for my official 2024 tax transcripts and submit those in response of the 221g?

All documents were uploaded to CEAC. If these documents were never uploaded DQ would be impossible and an interview wouldn't have been scheduled.

Hello thank you for your reply. AOS was submitted in September 2024 on CEAC. Interview was Jan 2025. Assets were documented as follows. 12 month of IRA, bank account and brokerage accounts statements. Official letter from the bank and brokerage accounts stating average balances for the past 10 years, proving the history of my balances. Official appraisal of my house and title and deed showing the house is owned clear with no mortgage. He stated I'm below the poverty level based on taxable income reported on 1040. 221g immediately issues without asking financial follow up questions.

My wife got a 221g for my low income stated on the tax form. My liquid assets are significantly higher than the poverty. I don't understand why the Filipino Consular officer at window 60 at the Manila Embassy absolutely refused to look at the financial documents. He didn't even ask about assets. His attitude really changed when he asked the question "where is your husband" and my wife told him that I am here, temporarily living in the Philippines for the long visa process. He immediately issues a 221g claiming I'm under the poverty level. My wife tried to show him all my asset financial documents, but he put his hands up and cut her off. Why does the issue of a 221g depend on the mood and personality of the Consular officer. The Manila embassy isn't private. My wife said you can overhear the other interview conversations. She reported that the person at the adjacent window had the same situation, assets only. The Consular officer asked all the financial question at the next window and got approved.

Thanks again for your positive thoughtful answers. I will provide a letter with an explanation of my assets. All evidence is in CEAC. Here is a rough draft. In your opinion is this what they would look for? All this information is already in CEAC. I am the petitioning sponsor and husband of visa applicant xxxxx. I am writing to provide additional information regarding my financial situation as stated on the NVC Form I-864. As you may have noticed, my tax return income falls short of the required minimum level of $25,550. However, my assets can comfortably support my spouse and I. These assets were obtained from employment IRA, 401K and a 403b pension accounts and the sale of my second home. The combined value of my assets totals $x,xxx,xxx which is more than the required minimum amount of assets required. While I anticipate receiving additional income of $1986 per month from Social Security starting in August 2025, my assets provide the primary financial support for my spouse and I until I start receiving Social Security in July 2025. A Brokerage IRA account# : Balance B Brokerage account# Balance C Managed Brokerage account# Balance D Money Market account# Balance E Checking account # x Balance E Bank Checking account #x Balance Real Estate: Located at xxxxxxx, with a appraisal tax value of xxx,xxx. This house is paid for with no mortgages and the Deed is available on CEAC. My assets are highly liquid and can be withdrawn at any time. All this information is available on CEAC Thank you for your time and consideration.

The poster was referring to my case. You provided a lot of information and I followed all your excellent advice. Yet the consular officer ignored all my assets and didn't even look at them. All documents were loaded into CEAC. I have over 50 times the required shortfall in liquid brokerage accounts and in an IRA. My income looks low because I'm supporting my self with a cash account. Withdrawals of cash from a bank account don't show up as income. I don't want to touch my IRA or stock accounts yet I have provided 12 months of statements from all accounts. I provided average balance statements from the accounts for the past 10 years. Also provided was the funding sources and history over the years. In addition to my assets I also own my house free and clear with deed and title. A professional appraisal was provided. I absolutely believe he ignored my assets. I-864 Part 7. Use of Assets to Supplement Income. Has a statement for USCIS USE ONLY. It indicates "The total value of all assets, line 10, must equal 5 times (3 times for spouses and children of USC's, or 1 time for orphans to be formally adopted in the U.S.) the difference between the poverty guidelines and the sponsor's household income, line 10 At no time did the consular office discuss assets, and when my wife tried to present the paper copies, he absolutely refused to look at them. His screen was at an angle. My wife stated he only looked at the tax transcript and nothing else. He stated that I'm below poverty level because my tax statement show taxable income of $14,955. Here is the screenshot with that statement. He clearly ignored line 10