Visa Services, U.S. Embassy London

In your blog about the I-864 you mention property. I own a home in the United Kingdom which I intend to sell. How can I show you the value of that property?

You may furnish a valuation of your property from an estate agent together with a mortgage statement from the mortgage company.

Ok, I don’t want to leave my son in the United Kingdom so I will have to furnish evidence of assets. What type of assets can I use?

Any type of assets can be used if they are readily convertible to cash within a year.  Liquid assets, such as savings deposits, stocks, bonds and certificates of deposits are best because they would be the most accessible for the support of the sponsored immigrant.  However, other assets, such as property, may also be acceptable if it can be sold within a year. You will be required to furnish evidence...

Been reading the blog about the I-864. I am sponsoring my son and I am the main wage earner in my family. I have been offered a job on my return to the United States. Can I use this salary from this job offer as evidence of income?

No.  If you wish to file the I-864 based on your income, you will be required to travel to the United States ahead of your son to take up the employment.  You will then be equired to furnish a copy of your first paycheck.

I have just read the post from the lady who has not worked. I am in the same position; however, my husband has been offered employment as soon as he gets his immigrant visa. Can we use his income when completing the I-864?

While your  husband may be the main wage earner in your family and on his relocation to the United States will have employment, the job offer and salary cannot be used when completing the I-864.  You will be required to furnish evidence of your assets, which can include any joint assets that you and your husband have.

Can you tell me how much money I am required to show with the I-864?

You are required to furnish evidence to show that you meet the poverty level guidelines for your family unit.  You should refer to this chart for the lastest information

All this talk about tax returns is worrying. If I find out that I was required to file a tax return and have failed to do so, can I still qualify as a sponsor?

You may file a late or amended tax return to the IRS.  You may then submit copies of the late or amended return(s) for the year(s) in which you were obligated to file.  Until such time as the late or amended reurn has been filed, and copies furnished with the I-864, the affidavit will be considered incomplete and we cannot issue the visa.

I know that I am required to file tax returns with the IRS, but what I don’t know is what forms do I file with the I-864

We require photocopies of your Federal Tax Return, Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.   If you filed your tax return electronically, you should furnish the form 1722.  If you do not have copies of your tax returns, you can submit an electronic summary of the returns provided to IRS.

The information about tax returns is confusing for those of us who live in the United Kingdom. How do I know if I am required to file a tax return. I have been working here for the last 7 years. Do you want copies of my UK tax returns?

 We do not require copies of your UK tax returns.  American Citizens working abroad are required by the IRS to file a return declaring worldwide income, even if all of their overseas income is excluded from U.S. taxes.  We suggest that you contact the IRS at the Embassy as they will be able to help you with this.

Ok, but if I have never worked, what do I do about tax returns?

If you have any questions about filing tax returns you should contact the IRS at the Embassy.  Additional information is available from “The Digital Daily” at www.irs.gov.  If you find out that you are not required, by law, to file a tax return, you should explain the reason why you are exempt when submitting the I-864.

I understand the issue about residence and although I have lived in the United Kingdom since I was a student, I think that I will be able to furnish evidence to prove that I will be domiciled in the United States. Since having my children I have never worked so I have no income. Does this mean that I don’t have to file an I-864?

As the petitioner you are required to file an Affidavit of Support, Form I-864 even if you do not work or know that your income will not meet the poverty level guidlines for your household unit.  In your case you may furnish evidence of assists, including joint any joint assets that you and your husband may have.