Immediate relatives: Parent(s) of my wife, a US citizen, but doesn't work. Can she sponsor?

[Binh]

Hi, all.

My wife, a US citizen, would like to sponsor her parents under Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: Parent(s). However, she does not work. She's a home-maker. I work.

The question I have is: can she sponsor her parents through Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens though she doesn't have a W2?

If it helps, we have always filed our taxes jointly as married.

Thanks,
Binh

 

[Jackolantern]

Yes, she can sponsor her parents, but she'll need you to file I-864A to pledge your income as a household member, or somebody else to file I-864 as a joint sponsor.

Note that she must file I-864 in addition to the I-864A or I-864 filed by somebody else, even if her own income is zero. Also note that there are separate questions on the I-864 for (a) income as listed on the tax return, and (b) the individual income of the petitioner. If you filed taxes jointly, (a) would include your income but (b) would be zero (unless she has non-work income like interest and dividends).

 

[Binh]

Hi.

Pardon my ignorance.

Yes, she can sponsor her parents, but she'll need you to file I-864A to pledge your income as a household member, or somebody else to file I-864 as a joint sponsor.

When does one file an I-864A? Is it at the same time as you file a I-130, or later?

Thanks,
Binh

 

[whitemimauz3]

Step 1 is I-130 filing and approval. Step 2 case gets forward to NVC, at this stage I-864/864A needs to be filed. Step 3 complete file will be transferred to respective US Consulate for personal interview and visa issuance.