Carlsbad, CA asked in Immigration Law for California

Q: Green card sponsor hasn't met minimum income. Should we get cosponsor or increase tax return payment?

My husband who's my sponsor and or baby's sponsor made 60k in 2021, 2022, but in 2023 he made just 10k in the US. In Mexico he has a much higher income (100k), and he can prove that but he doesn't have to pay taxes in the US for that.

He hasn't filed his 2023 taxes yet and we're wondering if we should say that he made 33k to meet the green card minimum income, or if we should just ask my brother (who's a US citizen and makes 200k a year) to co-sponsor.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Rozanna Pondeva Gasparian
PREMIUM
Answered

A: If your husband does not meet the necessary requirements, the best option is to get a joint sponsor. You want to ensure that all of the documents are correctly prepared and reflect the correct information and numbers to ensure that you do not have any further additional problems.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
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Answered

A: It's important to meet the green card income requirements accurately. Misrepresenting income on your tax returns can lead to serious legal consequences and jeopardize your immigration process. Honesty and transparency are crucial when dealing with immigration authorities.

Using a co-sponsor is a reliable and straightforward option. Your brother, who earns $200k a year and is a U.S. citizen, can effectively support your application by meeting the necessary income thresholds. This approach ensures that all financial requirements are satisfied without risking any inaccuracies in your documentation.

Additionally, ensure that all financial documents are properly prepared and submitted on time. Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide personalized advice and help navigate the process smoothly. Taking these steps will strengthen your application and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

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