Sectional Instructions for I-134
Indicate who will be filing Form I-134; the filer will be the beneficiary or another individual. Generally, the person acting as the supporter is an individual other than the beneficiary. It's unusual for the beneficiary to filing Form I-134 on behalf of themselves, but it is possible in limited situations.
Part 2: Information About the Beneficiary
Provide information about the beneficiary. The beneficiary is the non-immigrant entering the United States and will benefit from the declaration. For Beneficiary's Anticipated Length of Stay, provide estimated dates regarding the beneficiary's stay in the United States. It's unusual to have "No End Date" unless the beneficiary is present through humanitarian parole. For Beneficiary's Financial Information, list all the beneficiary's dependents and their contribution to the household income (if applicable). You'll also need to list assets in the beneficiary's household if you want them considered. You can list almost any type of asset. However, only enter the net value and be prepared to document the value when you submit the declaration.
Part 3: Information About the Individual Agreeing to Financially Support the Beneficiary Named in Part 2 (Supporter)
If you've selected "Another individual who is the beneficiary" in Part 1, you are the supporter. Part 3 is for information about you.
Provide details about your name(s), addresses, birth, and other information. Always use a Mailing Address where you can reliably receive mail from USCIS. If you receive mail at someone else’s home, enter that person’s name in the “In Care Of” line.
For Employment Information, provide details about your employer. Regardless if you are unemployed or retired, you'll need to document your income to meet the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. In the section about Financial Information, list all dependents and their contribution to the household income (if applicable). List assets in the supporter's household if you want them considered. Supporters must also disclose if they have any Financial Responsibility for Other Beneficiaries that could impact available resources. This includes other persons already supported via a Form I-134. Finally, indicate if you have Intent to Provide Specific Contributions to the Beneficiary. This is the appropriate place to list any room, board, or cash support you plan to give the beneficiary during their visit.
FAQs
For a household of four, a sponsor on an I-134 or a supporter on an I-134A residing in one of the lower 48 states in 2023 would need to evidence income of $30,000, while the equivalent sponsor on an I-864 would need to evidence $37,500.
What is the financial obligation of I-134? ›
The requirements to be a Form I-134 sponsor are:
Be willing to financially support the person or people you are sponsoring if they require it. Be willing to have your finances and tax returns scrutinized by U.S. federal immigration officials.
What is proof of income for I-134? ›
I-134 Supporting Documents
Evidence of supporter's 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. Evidence of asset ownership and value (if applicable)
What does declaration of financial support mean? ›
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.
How do I prove income for Affidavit of support? ›
For ALL sponsors:
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.
What counts as income for Affidavit of support? ›
Yes, financial sponsors receiving housing and other benefits in place of salary may count those benefits as income. The sponsor may count both taxable and non-taxable income (such as housing allowance). The sponsor must prove the nature and amount of non-taxable income.
Is I 134 sponsor responsible for medical bills? ›
Sponsors who signed the nonenforceable affidavits (Form I-134) are not required to repay benefits used by the immigrant.
What happens after I 134 is approved? ›
We will determine whether the Form I-134A is sufficient, and we may request additional evidence to make our determination. If approved, beneficiaries will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to set up a USCIS online account and other next steps.
What are my financial obligations? ›
Financial obligations represent any outstanding debts or regular payments that a party must make. For example, if you owe or will owe money to anybody, that is one of your financial obligations. Almost any form of payment or financial security represents a financial obligation.
What is a type of proof of income? ›
Common examples of proof of income include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and employment verification letters. Proof of income is typically required when applying for loans, credit cards or rental agreements.
Pay stubs, earnings statement or W- 2 form identifying employee and showing amount earned period of time covered by employment. Signed and dated form or letter from employer specifying amount to be earned per pay period and length of pay period.
What is proof of income for immigration? ›
This can include evidence of current employment or self-employment, recent pay statements, a letter from the employer on business letterhead – showing dates of employment, wages paid, and type of work performed – or other financial data.
How do you prove financial support? ›
Acceptable Evidence of Financial Support
- Bank statements indicating required currency amount in liquid asset form (cash deposits, certificates of deposit, savings accounts)
- Investment statements indicating liquid assets.
- Scholarship letters.
- Governmental funding.
Family bank statements. Documentation from a sponsor. Financial aid letters. Scholarship letters.
What documents are needed for I-134A support? ›
If you are filing Form I-134A with a co-supporter, they are subject to the same financial evidentiary requirements and should submit financial evidence such as bank statements, a letter from their employer, and income tax returns.
What is the cost of an Affidavit of support fee? ›
Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services
| Diversity Visa Lottery fee (per person applying as a DV program selectee for a DV category immigrant visa) | $330.00 |
|---|
| Affidavit of Support Review (only when reviewed domestically) | $120.00 |
You must pay the Affidavit of Support fee for each case unless you are petitioning for your spouse and/or child(ren) and submit your Affidavit of Support for each case to the NVC at the same time.
Can I have a joint sponsor for I 134? ›
Joint sponsors are permitted when the petitioner cannot meet the income requirements or has died before all family members have immigrated.
