What is Form I-134?
Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) is a USCIS form for sponsored visa applicants. Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. government agencies may bar aliens from entering the United States if the individual is likely to face public charges. On Form I-134, applicants must provide valid sponsorship and proof that they will not be charged with public charges while in the United States. A public official is someone who cannot support themselves financially and is dependent on government assistance. In addition to each applicant completing the form, each sponsor must complete a separate Form I 134.
To get the form you can visit the USCIS website anddownload a copy. Alternatively, you can call USCIS customer service number at 1-800-375-5283 and request that a form be mailed to your residence. Although filing fees apply to some USCIS forms, Form I-134 is filedfrei. If applicants are required to fill out forms with fees during the immigration process, please check
If applicants are required to fill out additional forms during the immigration process that incur application fees, check if you are eligible.Form I-912 Fee Waiver.
Please note that this statement of support applies to aliens planning to visit the United States on a nonimmigrant visa. Also, Form I-134 is not legally binding. Not all foreign travelers traveling to the United States need to find a sponsor to fill out Form I 134 for them. Only if the U.S. consular officer believes that the person or family planning to travel to the United States does not have the financial means to pay for the round-trip travel or if the foreign national does not agree sure if his possessions are sufficient to prove it will not be public prosecution if you plan to find a sponsor for the affidavit.
What is the difference between I-134 and I-864?
Most foreign nationals applying to sponsor a family member require confirmation of support. However, there are two versions of the statement of support:Formular I-134miFormular I-864. Although both forms are intended to show that the applicant entering the United States is a self-supporting legal entity, there are differences in the forms.
Form I-864 is a legally binding document that certifies that the applicant will not become a public liability and can support themselves financially. A public office is someone who imposes a financial burden on society and is unable to support themselves. The I-864 is used by a US citizen or permanent resident sponsoring a family member's green card. You can learn more about itForm I-864 Requirements.
Form I-134 is a non-binding document that serves a similar purpose as Form I-864. Unlike the I-864, the I-134 is used for nonimmigrant visas. Examples include applicants entering the United States on a tourist or student visa. (For example.,Towards D-1) The applicant should pay attention to which form is required as filling out the wrong form may result in the petition being rejected. While the fiancé visa, the K-1 visa, does not count as an immigrant visa, even though the alien is traveling to the United States to marry a US citizen. Therefore, those planning to travel on a K-1 fiancé visa should use Form I 134 Affidavit of Support instead of Form I 864 Affidavit of Support.
For foreign nationals entering the United States on an immigrant visa or seeking permanent resident status, their sponsor must complete Form I-864 instead of Form I-134.
How do I fill out Form I-134?
The instructions for the Form I-134 consist of7 sections. Follow the instructions below to complete Form I-134. When applicants have complex immigration situations, it is advisable to consult legal experts.
Part 1. Information about you (the sponsor)
In this part, the sponsor completing the form must disclose personal information. The following sponsor information is required:
- Sponsorname
- birth date
- Sponsor-Aliase
- postal and physical address
- Identification numbers (e.g. social security number)
- citizenship or permanent resident status
Part 2. Beneficiary Information
In this part, the sponsor completing the form must disclose personal information about the beneficiary. (e.g. family member) The following information on the beneficiary is required:
- Beneficiary Name
- birth date
- physical address
- Marital status and immediate family information
Part 3. Other information about the sponsor
In this part, the sponsor must disclose their financial situation to ensure that the sponsor is a legally and financially independent person:
- employment relationship
- Employer Information
- Income and Wealth Information
- real estate information
- dependent information
Part 4. Sponsor Statement, Contact Information, Certification and Signature
In this part, the sponsor must fill out the following information:
- Sponsor Statement
- Sponsor's contact information
- Sponsor's signature
Part 5. Contact details, certification and signature of the interpreter
That is aOptionalSection. If the sponsor will use an interpreter during the visa process, the form will require the following information about the interpreter:
- Full name
- correspondence address
- contact information
- certification
- Business
Part 6. Contact Information, Affidavit, Affidavit, and Signature of Person Compiling Such Affidavit, if not Sponsor
That is aOptionalSection. If someone other than the sponsor is completing Form I-134, provide information about the creator of the form.
- Full name
- correspondence address
- contact information
- Certification and Declaration
- Business
Part 7. Additional information
This is an optional section. If the answers to the previous sections do not fit in the space provided, Sponsor may provide additional details in Part 7.
Important information about submitting the Form I 134 Affidavit of Support
The foreign sponsor should not file the statement of support with USCIS or any governmental agency. After the sponsor has completed their portions of the form, mail or give the completed form to the foreigner you are sponsoring. Non-citizens enclose the Form I 134 with their other documentation needed to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US consulate in their home country.
*Forms that are faxed, scanned, or emailed may be rejected by the US Consulate. To ensure the best chance of approval, send the original copy containing your ink signature to the alien you are sponsoring.
Who is Eligible for Form I-134?
Form I-134 is an affidavit of support used by individuals to demonstrate their financial capacity when sponsoring an alien visiting or immigrating to the United States. To be eligible to use Form I-134, the sponsor must:
• US citizen or national.
• Ein Legal Permanent Resident (LPR)
• A person who has been accepted as a refugee or granted asylum in the United States
• A legal resident of the United States with valid immigrant status
• An individual who has an approved application for immediate relative or family preferred immigrant status, or who has an approved application for fiancé of a US citizen (K-1 nonimmigrant status).
• A non-citizen of the United States
•A person lawfully residing in the United States after being admitted without inspection.
What is the latest edition of Form I-134?
The most recent edition of Form I-134 is the 7/15/19 INA Affidavit of Support Pursuant to Section 213A.
What documents are required for the Form I-134?
1. Proof of current income, e.g. B. Payslips, tax returns and W-2 forms
2. Proof of assets such as bank statements, stock certificates and real estate deeds
3. Proof of identity such as a passport or driver's license
4. Affidavit of Support Form I-134 signed by Sponsor
5. Proof of US citizenship or permanent resident status of Sponsor
6. Evidence of the relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant
7. A signed statement from the sponsor agreeing to provide assistance if needed
8. Third party financial statement such as B. an accountant or lawyer
What are the tips for completing Form I-134?
1. Read the instructions on the form carefully before completing it.
2. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
3. Attach all necessary supporting documents, e.g. B. Your sponsor's income documents and proof of relationships.
4. Sign and date the form where indicated, making sure your signature is legible.
5. Include the $120 deposit fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security".
6. Mail or deliver the completed form to the appropriate USCIS office.
7. Keep copies of all documents submitted for your records.
8. Periodically check the status of your case through the USCIS website or contact center to ensure it has been approved.
Are there any special instructions for Form I-134?
Yes, there are specific instructions for Form I-134. The instructions will be posted on the USCIS website and will provide information on completing the form, required documents, and associated fees. In addition, the notices provide guidance on who can act as a financial sponsor and what evidence is required to show that the sponsor can provide financial support to the applicant for a specific period of time. The instructions also include a list of documents that must be attached to the form for it to be considered valid.
What is the fee for the Form I-134?
The Form I-134 fee is the fee for filing an affidavit of assistance with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Currently the fee is $120.
Can I request a waiver or reduction of the I-134 fee?
No, you cannot apply for an I-134 fee waiver or reduction if you are not a US citizen. This form is only available to US citizens and lawful permanent residents wishing to sponsor an alien for entry into the United States.
What is the processing time for Form I-134?
The processing time for Form I-134 is typically 2-4 weeks based on current USCIS processing times. However, processing times can vary widely and can take several months in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-134
Q: What is Form I-134?
A: Form I-134, also known as an Affidavit of Support, is a form used by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident to sponsor an immigrant's entry into the United States. It shows that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the immigrant in the United States.
Q: Who can fill out Form I-134?
A: A US citizen or lawful permanent resident who is assisting an immigrant to enter the United States may file a Form I-134.
Q: Is there a filing fee for Form I-134?
A: There is no filing fee for Form I-134.
Q: How long does it take to process Form I-134?
A: Processing times vary and depend on the workload of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Form I-134 typically takes several months to process once USCIS receives it.
Q: What documents are required with the Form I-134?
A: Depending on the circumstances, different documents may be required with the Form I-134. As a rule, you must provide evidence of your financial resources, such as B. Statements of income or assets from banks, employers or other institutions. You may also be required to provide copies of tax returns or other documents that demonstrate your ability to meet the financial requirements for the sponsorship.
Q: What happens if my Form I-134 is rejected?
A: If your Form I-134 is denied, USCIS will notify you in writing with an explanation of the reason for the denial. You can also request an appeal against the decision if you believe your application was wrongly denied.
FAQs
How much money do you need for affidavit of support I-134? ›
The supporter's net assets must value at least $50,000 (5 times the shortfall). If your income alone is not sufficient to qualify as a supporter on Form I-134, proceed cautiously.
How long does it take for form I-134 to be approved? ›Form I-134 Processing Time
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the form to get processed.
Use this form to agree to provide financial support to a beneficiary of certain immigration benefits for the duration of their temporary stay in the United States. You must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary.
What documents do I need for I-134? ›I-134 Supporting Documents
Generally, you will need to submit: Evidence of U.S. citizenship or immigration status. Federal income tax return or IRS tax transcript from the most recent tax year. Evidence of current income such as paystubs and an employment verification letter.
A copy of your individual federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of every Form 1099, schedule, and any other evidence of reported income.
Can I use my savings for affidavit of support? ›What can be used as assets? Financial sponsors can only include assets that are convertible into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss to the sponsor and his/her family. Examples of assets easily convertible to cash are savings, stocks, bonds and property.
How do I know if my I-134 is approved? ›Once all biographic and medical-related requirements are satisfied, the beneficiaries will receive a notice in Page 2 their online account confirming that they are authorized to travel to the United States to seek parole at a port of entry. Q. What is the minimum income requirement for the I-134?
How much is the filing fee for I-134? ›What Is the Filing Fee? There is no filing fee for Form I-134. Where to File? Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-134 or visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this declaration.
What does a sponsor do on I-134? ›You, as the sponsor of someone coming to the U.S., will be asked to provide information about your bank accounts, assets, employment, and other financial resources. You must show that your income is at least 100% of the amounts listed in the federal Poverty Guidelines for your family size and your state of residence.
What can be used as proof of financial support? ›Proof of financial support
proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you've transferred money to Canada. Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution. proof of a student or education loan from a bank. your bank statements for the past 4 months.
How do you write a proof of means of financial support? ›
Proof of financial means to cover the expenses for the duration of your visit: o Bank statements showing the past 3-month transaction history and the average balance for the past 6 months. o Any additional relevant documentation (employment letter, pay slips, proof of pension, business registration, investments, etc.).
How do I prove my financial support for visa? ›The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before the forms needed for obtaining a visa can be issued. This proof can come in the form of personal or family bank letters, bank statements, stock statements, company sponsorships, etc.
Is form I-134 mandatory? ›Normally, if the visa officer thinks or has a reason to think that the applicant might become a public charge, he may ask the applicant to submit the I-134. You do not need to file I-134 with your visitor visa application.
Can I fill out affidavit of support online? ›Can I file Form I-864 online? If you received Form I-864 through the National Visa Center (NVC), you can submit it online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
What is the difference between affidavit of Support I-134 and I-864? ›Form I-134 affidavit of support is generally used when the visa sought is a nonimmigrant visa while the Form I-864 affidavit of support is required when the foreign national is applying for an immigrant visa, either at a US consulate or through adjustment of status with the USCIS.
How much income do I need for affidavit of support? ›Income Requirements
You must show that your household income is equal to or higher than 125% of the U.S. poverty level for your household size.
There is a $120 fee per case for reviewing the Affidavit of Support (Forms I-864, I-864A, and/or I-864EZ) when the form is filed in the United States. However, there is only one fee charged, even if there are multiple financial sponsors associated with a single case. This fee is paid online at ceac.state.gov.
What should you not say in an affidavit? ›Avoid providing your opinion in your affidavit. Affidavits should be statements of facts not personal opinions. For example, an opinion statement would be, “I think my child loves chocolate ice cream.”
What is the minimum income for affidavit of Support 2022? ›The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
Does Uscis check bank accounts? ›No, no US consular officer should call a bank to confirm the status of a statement presented in support of a nonimmigrant visa application.
Who pays for affidavit of Support fee? ›
Who has to pay the AOS fee? The following categories of immigrants are required to pay the AOS fee: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under age 21, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 and older)
How do I know if USCIS is reviewing my case? ›Wondering where you can check your case status? Visit the USCIS Case Status web page and enter your 13-character receipt number. If you're curious about the standard processing time for your petition, check which USCIS Service Center is handling your case and visit the Case Processing Times web page.
What happens when USCIS approves your case? ›After USCIS approves your petition, they will transfer your case to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) for pre-processing. The first step in this processing is the creation of your case in our system. Once this is complete, we will send you a Welcome Letter by e-mail or physical mail.
Does USCIS check credit score? ›USCIS will consider an applicant's credit report, credit score, debts and other liabilities as a factor in determining whether the individual is likely to become a public charge. A good credit report is considered a positive factor while a bad credit report is considered a negative factor.
How much is the immigrant visa application processing fee and affidavit of support fee? ›| USCIS, NVC or U.S. Consulate Item | Government Fee | CitizenPath Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | $535 | $139 |
| Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary | $0 | Included with Form I-130 |
| DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application | $325 | N/A |
| Form I-864, Affidavit of Support | $120 | $99 |
Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.
How much does it cost employer to file green card? ›Paying Application Fees
Currently (2023), there is no fee for filing the PERM application with the DOL. However, there is a substantial fee that employers are expected to pay when filing the I-140 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It's presently set at $700 (2023 figure).
Risks of sponsoring an immigrant after signing an affidavit of support appear from the contractual relationship between the sponsor and the government. This contract will be enforceable in the court of law and the government may sue the sponsor for failing to provide support to the immigrant.
Does a sponsor have to give money? ›It's also what allows you to fund your events and continue to grow your audience. Yet did you know your sponsors don't have to give you money exclusively? Indeed, plenty of other things are just as good, if not better.
What is evidence of support from sponsor? ›An Affidavit of Support, also called the Form I-864, is a document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for the applicant who is coming to live in the United States. The person who signs the Affidavit of Support is also called the “sponsor.”
What counts as supporting documents? ›
What Are Supporting Documents? Supporting documentation for a job application can include a resume, a cover letter, educational transcripts, writing samples, Veterans' Preference documents, portfolios, certifications, a reference list, letters of recommendation, and other documentation as specified in the job posting.
What is an example of financial support? ›Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable.
How do you show financial evidence? ›- Bank Account Statements. ...
- Loan Approval Letter. ...
- Scholarship Approval or Grants Letters. ...
- CA Certificate. ...
- Affidavit of Support/ Sponsorship. ...
- Loan Capability Certificate. ...
- Bank Letters.
Financial support is money provided to enable an organization to continue. This money is usually provided by the government.
How do you say support financially? ›- backing.
- financing.
- funding.
- patronization.
- sponsorship.
- support.
- venture capital.
A prospective student must have financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to: Family bank statements. Documentation from a sponsor. Financial aid letters.
How much money do you need for Affidavit of support I 134? ›The supporter's net assets must value at least $50,000 (5 times the shortfall). If your income alone is not sufficient to qualify as a supporter on Form I-134, proceed cautiously.
Do visa officers check financial documents? ›Financial documents – The officers specifically check for financial documents during the visa interview to ensure that you have the necessary funds to pay for tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, etc., in a foreign land.
How do I prove my income to sponsor an immigrant? ›1) USCIS Form I-864A 2) Previous year's Federal Income Tax Returns 3) Proof of income (either an IRS Tax Return Transcript or IRS Form W2s) 4) Proof of their legal status in the United States (i.e. a copy of their passport, permanent resident card, or naturalization certificate).
How long does it take for I-134 to be approved? ›Form I-134 Processing Time
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the form to get processed.
Does the I-134 form need to be notarized? ›
You, as the sponsor, must sign your full name on the form. NOTE: Signing Form I-134 is under penalty of perjury under U.S. law. For this reason, it is not necessary to sign Form I-134 before a notary, or to have your signature notarized after you sign it. USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS Web site.
Is I-134 enforceable? ›Courts hold that the Form I-134 Affidavit of Support is unenforceable.
How do I avoid affidavit of support? ›- They are children of the Petitioning sponsor.
- The Petitioning sponsor is a U.S. Citizen.
- They are 17 years or younger when they seek admission in the United States with the temporary Green Card stamp in their passport.
- Family-based immigrants.
- Employment-based preference immigrants in cases when a relative filed the immigrant visa petition.
Risks of sponsoring an immigrant after signing an affidavit of support appear from the contractual relationship between the sponsor and the government. This contract will be enforceable in the court of law and the government may sue the sponsor for failing to provide support to the immigrant.
How much money do you need in your account to sponsor an immigrant? ›How much money do I need to make to sponsor an immigrant 2022? The most common minimum financial requirement is an annual income of $22,000. This figure is calculated to be at least 125% above the Federal poverty level based on the ASPE.
What is the minimum income for Affidavit of Support 2022? ›The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
How do I avoid Affidavit of support? ›- They are children of the Petitioning sponsor.
- The Petitioning sponsor is a U.S. Citizen.
- They are 17 years or younger when they seek admission in the United States with the temporary Green Card stamp in their passport.
Introduction. While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
What happens after submitting Affidavit of support? ›Petitioner: The petitioner must complete an Affidavit of Support Form I-864. National Visa Center: After your petition is approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will assist you in preparing your visa application for interview for certain visa categories at U.S. Embassies & Consulates.
What does a sponsor do on I 134? ›
You, as the sponsor of someone coming to the U.S., will be asked to provide information about your bank accounts, assets, employment, and other financial resources. You must show that your income is at least 100% of the amounts listed in the federal Poverty Guidelines for your family size and your state of residence.
Who fills out the Affidavit of support? ›The petitioner/financial sponsor must complete and sign the appropriate Affidavit of Support form.
Can you sponsor someone without income? ›The law requires a sponsor to prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100 percent of the poverty level when sponsoring a husband, wife, or children.)
What are the risks of an Affidavit of support? ›Risks of sponsoring an immigrant after signing an affidavit of support appear from the contractual relationship between the sponsor and the government. This contract will be enforceable in the court of law and the government may sue the sponsor for failing to provide support to the immigrant.
Does Affidavit of support need to be notarized? ›The affidavit of support does not need to be notarized, but every individual involved will append their signature on the form. The Form I-864 needs to be signed by the petitioner in the case of family immigrant cases.
Can you file Affidavit of support without tax return? ›When preparing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, the sponsor must disclose total income as reported on his/her federal income tax returns for the most recent three years. The sponsor is also required to attach a copy of (at least) the most recent year's federal income tax return.