Form I-134, Explained
UNDERSTANDING THE DECLARATION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR A VISA APPLICANT
What Is Form I-134?
Form I-134, officially known as the “Declaration of Financial Support,” is a document completed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to financially support a visa applicant, typically for a temporary stay in the United States. This form is commonly used for travel visas and K-1 fiancé visas, ensuring that the visa applicant will not become a financial burden on the U.S. government.
Purpose of Form I-134
The U.S. government requires visa applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources for their stay. If an applicant cannot prove self-sufficiency, a sponsor in the U.S. can complete Form I-134 to pledge financial support. This helps alleviate concerns that the applicant might become a “public charge” or reliant on government assistance.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
- To be a sponsor using Form I-134, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- Meet 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
- Be willing to provide financial support to the visa applicant if necessary.
- Allow U.S. immigration officials to review your financial information and tax returns.
Requirements and Documentation
- As a sponsor, you will need to provide the following:
- Personal details, including your address and Social Security number.
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship or green card status.
- Information about the visa applicant (beneficiary).
- Details of your employment and financial situation, including income and assets.
- A signed promise to financially support the applicant during their stay.
Supporting documents may include:
- Bank statements showing account balances and deposits.
- A letter from your employer detailing your job, salary, and employment status.
- A copy of your most recent U.S. federal income tax return.
- Documentation of financial assets, such as bonds or investments.
These documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Once the applicant submits their visa application, your information will be reviewed along with the application, and if necessary, USCIS will contact the applicant for further evidence or clarification.
Form I-134 Process
The form is typically submitted along with the visa application to a U.S. Embassy or consulate. The visa applicant’s application and the sponsor’s financial information will be reviewed together. The process does not require an interview or biometrics.
Starting January 29, 2024, only the 11/09/2023 edition of Form I-134 will be accepted by USCIS. Always check the form’s edition date before filing to ensure compliance with the latest requirements. For information contact us now.
Form I-134 vs. Form I-864
- Form I-134:
- Used for temporary visa applicants, such as those applying for travel visas or K-1 fiancé visas.
- Used for green card applicants, promising financial support for individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
Form I-134 FAQs
No. For green card applicants, Form I-864 is required and has some key differences, including that you must meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
No. As long as they are a green card holder or U.S. citizen, the sponsor can be unrelated to the applicant. They only have to be willing to support them and share financial information.
There is no application fee for Form I-134.
Form I-134A (officially called the “Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support”) is a promise to financially support a Ukrainian or their spouse, parent, or child as part of the Uniting for Ukraine program, or a Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan migrant and their immediate relatives. You must not file Form I-134 if you are a sponsor of a person under either of these programs.