Sponsorship When Married and Filing a Joint Return, and Seeking Advance Parole

[tenor.hoho]

Happy Holidays everyone!

I'm putting together concurrent I-130 and I-485 for my parents and encountered two questions so far:

1. As part of the I-864 sponsorship affidavit, I need to provide income data. The form asks for the individual sponsor's income first, then the household income. My spouse and I were both self-employed; we also filed a joint return. Can I use the joint income figure from the joint tax return to fill in for the "individual annual income" on the I-864 (Item 23 and 24A)? Or do I have to separate mine from my spouse's? I could certainly do the latter but it just takes lots of time which I'd rather save if I can.

If I do use the joint income figure, do I need to have my spouse sign the affidavit too?

I haven't found pertinent information in the instructions addressing this situation.

2. Would it have any negative impact on the application if I submit an Advance Parole travel document I-131 along with the I-485 package? And in reality, is it risky to travel outside the U.S. before the I-485 approval, even if the I-131 is granted?

Thanks so much for your guidance.

Tenor

[Mr. Knowitall]

For your personal income, you put down your own income. For your household income, you put down your household income. The two figures are only the same if your spouse has no income. If you wish to have your spouse cosponsor your parents, your spouse needs to sign as a cosponsor.

It is common for people to seek advance parole while adjustment of status is pending. That's what it's for. The risks for travel while adjustment of status is pending come from such factors as a visa overstay which has resulted in a period of ineligibility to re-enter the United States.