Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) is an USCIS form for visa applicants with sponsorship. Under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the U.S. government agencies can bar foreign nationals from entering the country if the individual is likely to become a public charge. In Form I-134, applicants must provide a valid sponsorship and demonstrate that they will not become a public charge while in the United States. A public charge is someone who cannot independently support themselves financially and must rely on government aid. In addition to individual applicant filing the form, each sponsor must file a separate I 134.
To obtain the form, you can visit the USCIS website and download a copy . Alternatively, you can call the USCIS customer service line at 1-800-375-5283 and ask a form to be mailed to your residence. While some USCIS forms require filing fees, Form I-134 is filed free of charge . If applicants must file forms with fees during the immigration process, check
If applicants must file additional forms that require filing fees during the immigration process, check if you qualify for a fee waiver Form I-912 .
Please note that this Affidavit of Support is for foreign nationals who are planning on visiting the United States on non-immigrant visas. Also, Form I-134 is not legally binding. Not all foreign travelers going into the United States will need to find a sponsor to fill out Form I 134 for them. Only if the U.S. Consular officer deems that the individual or family who is planning a trip to the United States is not financially able enough to cover the cost of the trip and back, or if the foreign national is uncertain if their assets will be enough to prove they will not be a public charge, should you plan to find a sponsor for the Affidavit of Support.
Most foreign nationals that petition through family member sponsorship require an Affidavit of Support form. However, there are two versions of the Affidavit of Support: Form I-134 and Form I-864. While both forms are to demonstrate the applicant entering the U.S. is a lawful person capable of financially supporting oneself, there a differences in the forms.
Form I-864 is a legally binding document that supports that the applicant will not become a public charge and can financially support oneself. A public charge is someone who poses a financial burden on the society and cannot independently support themselves. I-864 is used by a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who is sponsoring a family member’s green card. You can learn more about requirements of Form I-864.
Form I-134 is a non-legally binding document that serves a similar purpose as Form I-864. Unlike I-864, I-134 is used by non-immigrant visitor visas. Examples include applicants entering the U.S. on tourist or student visa. (e.g., J-1 Visa) Applicant should pay attention to which form is required as filling out the wrong form can lead to petition rejection. For the Fiance Visa, K-1 Visa, although the foreign national is traveling to the United States to marry a United States citizen, it does not count as an immigration visa. Therefore, those planning to travel on a K-1 Fiance Visa must use Form I 134 Affidavit of Support rather than Form I 864 Affidavit of Support.
For foreign nationals who are entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa or are seeking permanent residence status, their sponsor must file Form I-864 rather than Form I-134.
Form I-134 instructions is comprised of 7 sections . Follow the instructions below to fill out Form I-134. If applicants have complex immigration situations, it is advised to seek legal professionals.
Part 1. Information about You (the Sponsor)
In this part, the sponsor filling out the form must disclose personal information. The following information is required about the sponsor:
Part 2. Information about the Beneficiary
In this part, the sponsor filling out the form must disclose personal information about the beneficiary. (e.g., relative) The following information is required about the beneficiary:
Part 3. Other Information about the Sponsor
In this part, the sponsor must disclose financial situation to ensure the sponsor is a lawful and financially independent person:
Part 4. Sponsor’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
In this part, the sponsor must fill out the following information:
Part 5. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
This is an optional section. If the sponsor is using an interpreter during the visa process, the form requires the following information about the interpreter:
Part 6. Contact Information, Statement, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, if Other Than the Sponsor
This is an optional section. If the form I-134 is filled by someone other than the sponsor, disclose information about the form preparer.
Part 7. Additional Information
This is an optional section. If answers to previous sections did not fit the provided space, the sponsor can fill in additional details using Part 7.
The sponsor of the foreign national should not submit the Affidavit of Support to USCIS or any government agency, Once the sponsor has filled out his or her portions of the form, please send or give the completed form to the foreign national you are sponsoring. The non-citizen will include Form I 134 with their other materials needed to apply for a nonimmigrant visa with the U.S. Consulate in his or her home country.
*Forms that have been faxed, scanned, or emailed will likely be rejected by the U.S. Consulate’s office. To ensure the highest likelihood of approval, send the original copy that includes your signature in ink to the foreign national you are sponsoring.
Form I-134 is an affidavit of support form used by individuals to demonstrate their financial capacity when sponsoring a foreign national visiting or immigrating to the United States. To be eligible to use Form I-134, the sponsor must be:
•A U.S. citizen or national
•A lawful permanent resident (LPR)
•A person who is admitted as a refugee or granted asylum in the United States
•A person legally residing in the United States with valid immigration status
•A person who has an approved petition for classification as an immediate relative or family preference immigrant, or who has an approved petition for classification as a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen (K-1 nonimmigrant status)
•A noncitizen national of the United States
•A person who is lawfully present in the United States after having been admitted without inspection.
The latest edition of Form I-134 is the “Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA,” dated 07/15/19.
1. Evidence of current income such as pay stubs, tax returns, and W-2 forms
2. Evidence 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 the sponsor
5. Evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status of the sponsor
6. Evidence of relationship between the sponsor and the immigrant
7. A signed statement from the sponsor to agree to provide support if necessary
8. Certification of finances from a third party, such as an accountant or lawyer
1. Make sure to read the instructions on the form thoroughly before completing it.
2. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
3. Include all required evidence, such as your sponsor’s income documents and proof of relationship.
4. Sign and date the form where indicated, and make sure that your signature is legible.
5. Include the filing fee of $120, 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. Check your case status regularly using the USCIS website or contact center to ensure you have been approved.
Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-134. The instructions are posted on the USCIS website and provide information on how to complete the form, required documents, and any fees associated with it. Additionally, the instructions provide guidance on who can act as a financial sponsor and what evidence is needed to show that the sponsor is able to financially support the applicant for a certain period of time. The instructions also include a list of documents that must be attached to the form to be considered valid.
The Form I-134 Fee is the fee for filing an Affidavit of Support with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fee is currently $120.
No, you cannot apply for a fee waiver or reduction for Form I-134 if you are not a U.S. citizen. This form is only available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who want to sponsor an alien for admission to the United States.
The processing time for Form I-134 is typically between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the current processing times at the USCIS. However, processing times can vary significantly and can take up to several months in some cases.
Q: What is Form I-134?
A: Form I-134, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a form used by a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident to sponsor an immigrant for entering the United States. It demonstrates that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the immigrant once in the United States.
Q: Who can file Form I-134?
A: A U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident who is sponsoring an immigrant for entering the United States can file 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 are dependent upon the workload of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, it takes several months to process Form I-134 after it has been received by USCIS.
Q: What documents are required with Form I-134?
A: Depending on the circumstances, different documents may be required along with Form I-134. Generally, you will need to provide evidence of your financial resources, such as income or asset statements from banks, employers, or other institutions. You may also need to provide copies of any tax returns or other documents that demonstrate your ability to meet the financial requirements for sponsorship.
Q: What happens if my Form I-134 is denied?
A: If your Form I-134 is denied, you will be notified in writing by USCIS with an explanation of why it was denied. You may also request an appeal of the decision if you believe that your application was unfairly denied.