Immigration Appraisals

You may include the net value of a home as an asset. The net value of the home is the appraised value of the home, minus the sum of all loans secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home. If you include the net value of your home, then you must include documentation demonstrating that you own the home, a recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser, and evidence of the amount of all loans secured by mortgage, trust deed, or other lien on the home.

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enacted a final rule that significantly altered the assessment of public charge inadmissibility for immigration applicants. This rule impacts various scenarios, including non citizens applying for admission to the U.S., adjustment of status within the U.S., or immigrant or non immigrant visas abroad. Additionally, non immigrants applying for extensions or status changes within the U.S. are subject to these regulations. These changes particularly affect non citizens seeking lawful permanent resident (LPR) status based on family ties.

Real estate appraisals are accepted as primary support of a home’s value across a range of immigration related programs including Green Card applications and Humanitarian Parole. Appraisals can be used to show financial support as part of supporter or sponsor financial due diligence along with typical documentation such as tax returns, employer letters, and proof of assets.

We are experienced in writing appraisal reports that will ensure your fair market value is considered in your application. We are familiar with regulatory requirements and our reports meet requirements for the various immigration programs in which they are considered.

We provide appraisals that meet or exceed the standards required. We are used to working with short delivery windows and we charge reasonable fees. Although we do not have fluent 2nd language, we also use translation apps and other means to communicate via email or whatever way can work for you. An appraisal is the “gold standard” for proving value, however we also want to make you aware that there are other options available such as utilizing property tax records.

Meeting Rigorous Financial Requirements

The new regulations impose stringent requirements, including assessing the income, assets, and resources of both the applicant and any family members in the household. This necessitates a recent appraisal of real estate by a licensed appraiser to ascertain equity value. Sactown Appraisals is experienced and stands ready to provide accurate and timely appraisals with a commitment to exceptional service.

Assessment Criteria for Public Charge Inadmissibility

According to the new rule, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USICS) defines a public charge as an alien who has received certain benefits for more than 12 months within any 36-month period. Determining inadmissibility on these grounds involves evaluating six factors: age, health, family status, financial status (including income, assets, and resources), education and skills, and affidavit of support.

Financial Status Requirement and Asset Considerations

Applicants must demonstrate an annual gross income of at least 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline (FPG) for the most recent tax year. Shortfalls in income requirements can be supplemented by “significant” assets convertible to cash within a year. This encompasses equity values for real estate, determined through recent valuations conducted by licensed appraisers.

Trusted Expertise at Sactown Appraisals

The complexities of applying for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status can be daunting, especially in light of the 2020 DHS final rule. However, Sactown Appraisals offers indispensable assistance. With over 20 years of experience we pride ourselves on delivering accurate appraisals coupled with unparalleled service and satisfaction. to report delivery, ensures efficiency. Should expedited services be necessary, arrangements can be discussed at the outset of engagement.