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Case Stories
❌ EB-3 Family-Based I-485 Denied - Joint Sponsor Income Documentation Error
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❌ **Case Status: Denied**
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An I-485 applicant was denied after a tax filing error showed the combined sponsor income as approximately $20k, falling below the poverty guideline threshold. The primary sponsor's 2024 tax form incorrectly reported gross income as $8k, while the joint sponsor showed $12k, despite the actual combined income being around $50k. The applicant is now exploring re-filing options with corrected 2025 tax documentation.
This case involves a derivative beneficiary on a family-based petition where the principal applicant (stepparent) was already approved. The I-485 denial was issued due to insufficient sponsor income on the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), stemming from a tax reporting error on the 2024 return. The combined reported income of ~$20k fell below the Federal Poverty Guideline requirement for the household size. The actual income was ~$50k, which would have met the threshold. The applicant now faces an 18-day EAD expiration window and is working with legal counsel. For re-filing, the joint sponsor relationship (mother) remains legally permissible. The 2025 tax return would show a combined household income of approximately $59k, with the mother contributing ~$56k as the primary earner.
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**[📎 View Original Post](https://www.reddit.com/r/USCIS/comments/1rvwr7c/denied_i485/)**
*Source: Reddit I-485 EB*
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*This post was automatically curated from online sources to share real case experiences with the community.*
This denial illustrates a critical risk with I-864 submissions: USCIS adjudicators evaluate the income figures as filed on tax documents, not reconstructed or amended amounts. Cases denied solely on I-864 income deficiencies can be refiled with corrected documentation — an IRS tax transcript or amended return (1040-X) alongside a new I-864 is typically required. For derivative beneficiaries in family-based chains, USCIS processes each beneficiary independently, which is why the principal applicant received approval while the derivative was denied. Joint sponsors must independently meet the 125% Federal Poverty Guideline for the entire sponsored household size — combining a primary and joint sponsor's income is only valid when structured correctly on separate I-864 forms. Applicants in similar situations should ensure their attorney requests an expedited interview or premium-equivalent processing where available, given EAD expiration timelines.