I-864 and Poverty Level

[jakobeewitz]

I am not applying, this is for a friend.

He is applying for a sponsor, being sponsored by his wife.

Facts:
Just married this year in June. Have one newborn this year.
Filed taxes together for 2009 for the first time.
Started his own business, that hasn't taken off yet.
Filed I-864 in October, however he did not meet the 125% poverty level.
Does not own a home, only has 2 vehicles aprx. value of 20,000.
Has no savings, or cash at hand of any kind.

Question:

After filing the I864, they sent back a letter stating that he did not meet the poverty level guidelines, and that he has to show any assets that he may have, or get a joint sponsor. The joint sponsor would be his wife's father, although that is a last resort since they do not get along the greatest, and he doesn't want that hanging over his head for the rest of his life. He is about 2K short of the poverty level with his 2009 taxes. Now,
A) Can he show titles to his vehicles as assets?
B) Can he wait until January and show his 2010 taxes?
C) Can he use the checking account statements from his business and personal as proof of assets?
D) Can he show reciepts for all his tools ($20,000 +/- value) as assets?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

And happy holidays everyone!

 

[Jackolantern]

The joint sponsor would be his wife's father, although that is a last resort since they do not get along the greatest, and he doesn't want that hanging over his head for the rest of his life.

It probably won't be for the rest of his life; the I-864 is terminated when the sponsored immigrant becomes a US citizen or accumulates 40 quarters of Social Security credits.

A) Can he show titles to his vehicles as assets?

If he has more than one vehicle, he can show all except one. However, I don't know if the title is enough; there may need to be an appraisal of some kind, to show the value. And proof of current registration. And documents to show how much he owes, or that there is no outstanding loan on them.

B) Can he wait until January and show his 2010 taxes?

Did USCIS give a deadline that would allow waiting until January? And would he actually get his taxes done in January?

C) Can he use the checking account statements from his business and personal as proof of assets?

Not the business assets. Personal checking accounts, yes.

D) Can he show reciepts for all his tools ($20,000 +/- value) as assets?

Tools used in the business? No. First, what is important is the retail value, not the price he paid. Second, non-cash assets must be sellable without causing hardship, but if he sold his tools he'd lose his income.