What is Form I-134?
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is a document used in the United States immigration process. It is often required when a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) sponsors an immigrant who is seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis, typically for tourist visas (B-2), student visas (F-1), or exchange visitor visas (J-1). This form is not used for sponsoring family members for permanent residency (green cards); instead, a different form, Form I-864, is used for that purpose.
The primary purpose of Form I-134 is to demonstrate that the sponsor has the financial means to support the immigrant during their stay in the United States and ensure they will not become a public charge. The sponsor must provide information about their income, assets, and other financial resources to prove their ability to provide for the immigrant.
Key points about Form I-134:
- It is a legally binding document, and the sponsor is financially responsible for the immigrant during their stay in the United States.
- The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- The form typically requires supporting documents, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns, to prove the sponsor’s financial stability.
- It is important for the sponsor to understand the obligations and responsibilities associated with filing Form I-134.
- The completed form and supporting documents should be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or presented to the consular officer during the immigrant’s visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Form I-134 helps the U.S. government assess whether the immigrant is likely to rely on public assistance programs while in the United States. Therefore, it is crucial for the sponsor to provide accurate and verifiable financial information to increase the chances of the immigrant’s visa application being approved.
Who needs to file Form I-134?
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is typically required in situations where a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) wishes to sponsor an immigrant who is seeking to enter the United States temporarily for specific non-immigrant visa categories. These non-immigrant visa categories often require evidence of financial support to ensure that the sponsored immigrant will not become a public charge while in the United States. Here are some common scenarios where Form I-134 may be required:
- K-1 visa is designed for U.S. citizens who wish to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for the purpose of getting married.
- Tourist Visa (B-2): If a U.S. citizen or green card holder wants to sponsor a family member or friend for a tourist visa to visit the United States, they may be asked to submit Form I-134 to demonstrate their ability to financially support the visitor during their stay.
- Student Visa (F-1): International students applying for F-1 student visas may need a sponsor, such as a relative or friend, to provide an I-134 affidavit of support to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover their educational and living expenses while studying in the U.S.
- Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1): Certain exchange visitor programs, such as those sponsored by universities or government agencies, may require a sponsoring entity or individual to submit Form I-134 on behalf of the J-1 visa applicant to ensure their financial support during the exchange program.
- Temporary Work Visa (H-1B, H-2B, etc.): In some cases, an employer sponsoring a foreign worker for a temporary work visa may be asked to submit Form I-134 as part of the visa application process. This is less common and depends on specific circumstances.
- Other Non-Immigrant Visas: While Form I-134 is most commonly associated with tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas, it may be requested in other non-immigrant visa categories if the sponsoring individual’s financial support is deemed necessary to ensure the visa applicant’s ability to cover expenses during their stay.
It’s important to note that Form I-134 is not used for family-based immigrant visas (green cards) or employment-based immigrant visas. For those types of visas, a different affidavit of support form, Form I-864, is typically required.
Form I-134 checklist of required documents
When preparing Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, for a visa application, it’s essential to include the necessary supporting documents to demonstrate your financial ability to support the sponsored immigrant during their stay in the United States. While the specific requirements can vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate and the type of visa being applied for, here is a general checklist of commonly required documents to accompany Form I-134:
- Form I-134: Make sure the form is fully completed, signed, and dated. You should provide accurate information about your financial situation and your relationship to the sponsored immigrant.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency:
- U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization (for U.S. citizens)
- Green card (Form I-551) or other proof of lawful permanent residency (for green card holders)
- Evidence of Income:
- Recent federal income tax returns (usually the most recent year)
- W-2 forms or 1099 forms
- Pay stubs or employment letter indicating current employment and income
- If self-employed, business tax returns and financial statements
- Proof of Employment or Self-Employment:
- Letter from your employer on company letterhead (if employed)
- Business registration or license (if self-employed)
- Recent bank statements showing business income (if applicable)
- Bank Statements and Financial Documents:
- Recent bank statements from all bank accounts
- Investment statements (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Savings account statements
- Retirement account statements (e.g., 401(k), IRA)
- Property Ownership:
- Deeds or property titles for real estate you own
- Assets and Liabilities:
- Documentation of other assets (e.g., vehicles, valuable possessions)
- Documentation of liabilities (e.g., loans, mortgages, credit card debt)
- Letter of Employment Verification (if applicable):
- A letter from your employer confirming your employment, position, salary, and the length of your employment
- Notarized Affidavit (if applicable):
- Some consulates may require you to have your Form I-134 notarized, especially if you’re providing photocopies of documents.
- Proof of Relationship (if applicable):
- If you are sponsoring a family member, provide proof of the relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate).
- Copy of the Visa Applicant’s Passport: Include a photocopy of the sponsored immigrant’s passport.
- Letter of Invitation (optional but recommended): A letter inviting the visa applicant to visit or stay in the United States and explaining the purpose of their visit.
