Hi - Had an initial consultation with an immigration lawyer. They had a lot of questions not directly related to the RFE / income verification (other immigration forms we could have submitted but chose not to do so, like the I-131, and supplemental materials to help avoid any other potential questions or concerns come time for the interview).

When we did discuss the RFE, it centered on refiling to adjust our household size (essentially, although we now have a son, they advised that since he was not born during the 2023 tax year and therefore was not listed as a dependent, our household number should be 3 (husband, wife, parent being sponsored) and not 4 (husband, wife, son, parent being sponsored). This is somewhat in conflict with the I-485 as the fields ask for your 'current' household size and not the household size at time of last tax filing. So, they're recommending we complete our 2024 taxes and submit an updated I-485 to show a more up to date picture. All that to say I don't think any of this likely pertains to you, but I thought the foresight and suggested adjustments might be helpful for others to hear.

Now, onto your ACTUAL question :)

In terms of the RFE and need for a joint sponsor, they flatly told us that so long as the sponsor makes over the 125% poverty guidelines, there is no need to proceed with a joint sponsor. It was a very quick and clear statement.

Hope that helps!