Form I-134 (or “Declaration of Financial Support”) is a form that US citizens or legal permanent residents (green card holders) complete to promise financial assistance to a visa applicant while in the U.S. This is a typical form for short-term visa holders (eg, travel visas or K-1 fiancé visas). You should also know this isn’t the same thing as Form I-864 which applies to green card applicants and is permanent support.
One of the toughest parts of the U.S. visa process is showing that you have the financial means to make ends meet while in the country. The U.S. immigration officials don’t want to see visa applicants turn into a “public charge” – meaning they won’t have to count on the government to help them through their time in the U.S. For lack of personal funds, you can file I-134 and document that you are supported financially by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
What Is The Purpose of Form I-134?
You have to be able to afford to live in the U.S. to get a visa. If you don’t have a lot of money in the bank or anything, you can petition someone in the United States to be your financial sponsor on Form I-134. It is an application form that is an agreement on the sponsor’s part to financially sponsor the applicant while he or she is in the US to help expedite their visa.
How Does Form I-134 Work?
I-134: It is completed by a sponsor (the party committing to fund the visa) to establish that they can sustain the visa applicant during their stay in the US. This sponsor may be a relative or someone who is not a relative so long as they are U.S. citizens or green card holders. The sponsor gives us documentation to validate the sponsor’s guarantee of funding after the form is signed and submitted.
It’s usually completed by non-immigrant visa holders, such as visitors to the United States on temporary work permits or fiancé(e) visas, but also serves as part of the application process for some temporary programs. There’s a separate I-864) for green card applicants.
Form I-134 Requirements
For the sponsor to sponsor a visa applicant on Form I-134, the sponsor must:
- Are you a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (green card holder)?
- Earn at least the amount recommended by the Federal Poverty Guidelines, depending on the sponsor’s household size.
- Be able to financially provide for the visa applicant if they will need it during their time in the US.
- Prepare to submit financial documentation to US immigration officials.
It may sound similar to the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for green card holders, but Form I-134 is only for people applying for a temporary visa to the U.S.
How To Fill Out Form I-134 Instructions: Steps to Taking Form I-134.
The sponsor doesn’t need to go through an interview process or provide biometric evidence (such as fingerprints or photos) to file Form I-134. However, it will need a lot of financial records to show the sponsor is capable of sustaining the visa applicant.
Here’s what needs to be on the form:
- Name, Address, Social Security Number, and Evidence of U.S. Citizenship/Green Card: The sponsor must furnish their name, address, and proof of US citizenship/green card.
- Information on the Applicants: The sponsor must provide information about the Applicants (Name, Nationality, Connection with Sponsor, and if applicable their spouse’s details).
- Employer and Financial Information: (e.g., Sponsor’s earnings, assets, and family size).
- The Sponsor’s signature: This form is signed by the sponsor committing to provide the visa applicant with funding.
Proof of Funding – Required Documents.
Sponsors have to show that they can afford to sponsor the applicant. This includes:
- Bank Statements: A dated report from the sponsor’s bank with account information and activity.
- Job Verification: A letter from the sponsor’s employer specifying his/her job title, salary, and current position (permanent or temporary).
- Income Taxes: The sponsor must attach a copy of the most recent U.S. federal income tax return. If you are an independent contractor, you might require a commercial rating report.
- Other Documents of Financial Purpose: If the sponsor needs proof of other assets (bonds, investments, etc.)
All supporting documentation should be in English or a certified translation if you have one in another language.
What if I Don’t Fill out I-134?
After the form I-134 has been completed and the candidate has submitted their visa application, the U.S. Both forms will be considered by Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For more details, USCIS may ask for more documents. The visa applicant will then proceed with their visa application, and USCIS will review if they qualify for the financial support.
Key Updates for 2024:
Starting Jan. 29, 2024, only the 11/09/2023 edition of I-134 will be accepted by USCIS. Remember to check the form’s edition date before applying.
Form I-134 vs. Form I-864
Where I-134 was a financial support declaration for a temporary visa applicant, I-864 is a green card applicant’s similar statement.
But the difference is Form I-864 requires the sponsor to meet 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and Form I-134 requires 100% of the guidelines. The Form I-864 is a longer-term commitment too, as it’s the one for green card sponsorship.
Common Questions About Form I-134
1. Form I-134 and Sponsoring a green card holder form Is this the same form?
Yes, but you will need to submit Form I-864 if you are a green card applicant. It is a different form with financial requirements and is for permanent residents in the US.
2. Is the sponsor related to the candidate?
The sponsor doesn’t have to be related to the applicant, no. If they are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident, they can accept to support the petitioner financially.
3. Is there an application fee for Form I-134?
You do not pay for Form I-134.
4. What is Form I-134A?
You use form I-134A if you’re applying under certain programs such as the Uniting for Ukraine program. It differs from Form I-134 and can be used only for some candidates – Ukrainians or Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and so on.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the US straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, Visitor Visa, or Study Visa, we handle every step from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need in the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
