Success Story: Approval of an Immigrant Visa in London Without the Most Recent Tax Transcript of Their Sponsor 

Success Story: Approval of an Immigrant Visa in London Without the Most Recent Tax Transcript of Their Sponsor 

Our client, a British national, married a U.S. citizen and contacted our firm to help secure their Immigration Visa and help both of them comfortably settle in the U.S.. 

There are many steps within securing an immigrant visa for a family member, and one of those is making sure the U.S. citizen petitioning their relative has sufficient funds to sponsor their relative in the U.S.. A part of the group of submitted forms, the I-864, is an affidavit of support that shows USCIS the U.S. citizen’s current income, assets, and IRS tax history. In our client’s case, their spouse (the U.S. citizen) was unable to get access to their tax transcripts in time for our client’s immigration interview. This could have easily led to a denial in our client’s case due to USCIS suspecting that our client  could become a public charge within the States. 

A “public charge” refers to someone whom U.S. immigration officials determine is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for support, such as cash benefits for income maintenance or long-term institutional care at government expense. When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a foreign relative for an immigrant visa, they’re generally required to file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which is a legally binding contract committing the sponsor to financially support the intending immigrant and reimburse the government for certain means-tested benefits the immigrant might use.

The I-864 is critical because it’s the primary evidence used to show the applicant won’t become a public charge, sponsors must demonstrate income at or above 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size, and if their income falls short, they can supplement it with assets or bring in a joint sponsor. Without a properly completed and sufficient I-864, an otherwise qualifying immigrant visa or adjustment of status application can be denied on public charge grounds.

Our firm prepared extra evidence and documentation of our client’s spouse’s financial stability once we realized that their tax transcripts would not be available in time for the immigration interview. At the interview our clients were able to present this extra information and the USCIS officers accepted it without any problems! This is a huge success from Blue Lake Law, and would like to extend a congratulations to our clients who are now on their way to settling in the U.S.. 

Missing paperwork or an unexpected documentation gap doesn’t have to derail your immigration interview or put your case at risk. At Blue Lake Law, we know how to think on our feet, preparing thorough alternative evidence to keep your case moving forward even when circumstances aren’t ideal. If you’re worried about meeting the financial requirements for your immigrant visa or adjustment of status, contact Blue Lake Law today, we’re here to help you present the strongest case possible.