24-Hour Appraisals for Immigration Sponsors (Form I-864)
Home equity documented for an I-864 Affidavit of Support.
A sponsor whose income falls short of the I-864 requirement can count assets, and the equity in a home can be one of them. The I-864 instructions define a home's net value as its appraised value minus every loan secured by it, and they ask sponsors who use it to include a recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser.
Evidence requests come with deadlines
Requests for evidence from the National Visa Center or USCIS carry response dates, and one missing document can hold up an entire case. A 24-hour appraisal clears that item quickly.
What sponsors typically submit
- Proof of ownership, such as the deed.
- A recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser establishing the home's value.
- Statements for every mortgage or lien, so net equity can be calculated.
- Assets count only if they can be converted to cash within one year without considerable hardship, and officers decide how much weight real estate deserves.
What to send
- Property address and photos
- The date you expect to submit the evidence, so the report is current
- Your attorney's or preparer's contact, if they will rely on the report
Send photos with your order through the upload page, or attach them to a reply to your confirmation email.
Is a desktop appraisal right for this?
The I-864 instructions ask for a recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser; they don't specify an inspection. A desktop appraisal from a California Certified Residential appraiser documents value quickly and clearly.
Your immigration attorney can advise whether relying on home equity makes sense in your case.
Prepared for every purpose on this site. Brian Ward has prepared desktop appraisals for every purpose listed on this site. Some situations still call for an inspection-based appraisal, so check with your attorney or tax advisor before you order to be sure a desktop report fits your matter.
Questions
How recent does the appraisal need to be?
The instructions ask for a recent appraisal, so order close to the date you'll submit the evidence.
Can I use the home I live in?
The I-864 instructions allow sponsors to include the net value of their home as an asset, subject to the rules on assets. Your attorney can confirm how they apply to you.
Often ordered alongside
Bail & Property Bonds
Current value to document equity for a property bond or bail collateral.
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Pre-Purchase Value Check
An independent price check while your contingency period is still open.
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Family Transfers & Co-Owner Buyouts
A fair, documented price when a home changes hands inside the family.
24-hour details →Need this appraisal by this time tomorrow?
Start the order now. Payment and photos start the 24-hour clock, any day of the week.