Form I-134, officially known as the “Declaration of Financial Support,” is typically required for certain nonimmigrant visa applications to demonstrate that the visa applicant has financial support from a U.S. sponsor. Here are some common visa categories that may require filing Form I-134:
- Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2): Individuals applying for a visitor visa to temporarily visit the United States for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) may be required to submit Form I-134 to show that they have financial support during their stay.
- Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1): U.S. citizens sponsoring their foreign fiancé(e)s for a K-1 visa may need to submit Form I-134 as part of the overall visa application process.
- Student Visa (F-1): In some cases, individuals applying for a student visa (F-1) may be asked to provide Form I-134 as evidence of financial support, especially if the sponsoring individual is not the student’s parent or legal guardian.
- Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1): Some J-1 visa applicants, particularly those participating in exchange programs that are not funded by a government or international organization, may be required to submit Form I-134.
How to fill out Form I-134
Form I-134, the Declaration of Financial Support, is used to show that a U.S. sponsor is willing and able to financially support a foreign national who is applying for a U.S. visa. Here’s a general guide on how to fill out Form I-134:
- Download the Form:
- You can download the most recent version of Form I-134 from the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Read the Instructions:
- Before filling out the form, carefully read the instructions provided with the form. This will help you understand the requirements and provide accurate information.
- Part 1: Information About You (Sponsor):
- Provide your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
- Part 2: Information About the Beneficiary:
- Include the details of the person you are sponsoring. This may include their name, relationship to you, and information about their intended trip to the U.S.
- Part 3: Other Information:
- Answer questions about your employment, income, and financial situation. You may need to provide evidence of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or employment verification letters.
- Part 4: Sponsor’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature:
- Sign and date the form, certifying that the information provided is true and that you understand the legal implications of sponsoring the individual.
- Additional Documentation:
- Attach supporting documents to demonstrate your financial ability to support the beneficiary. This may include tax returns, W-2 forms, recent pay stubs, and bank statements.
- Photocopy Your Documents:
- Make photocopies of all supporting documents and the completed Form I-134 for your records.
- Submit the Form:
- Provide the completed and signed Form I-134, along with supporting documents, to the visa applicant. The applicant will submit these documents as part of their visa application package.
- Check for Updates:
- Periodically check the USCIS website for any updates to the form or instructions.
What documents to file with Form I-134?
When filing Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, for a U.S. visa application, it’s important to include supporting documents that demonstrate your financial ability to support the visa beneficiary. Here are some common documents to file with Form I-134:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Residency:
- A copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization. If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), provide a copy of your green card.
- Proof of Income:
- Recent tax returns (usually the last three years) with all supporting schedules. If you were not required to file taxes, you may need to provide an explanation.
- W-2 forms for the most recent tax year.
- Recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter indicating your current income.
- Employment Verification:
- A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your current employment, position, and salary. The letter should include contact information for verification.
- Bank Statements:
- Copies of recent bank statements showing your account balances. This helps establish that you have sufficient funds to support the visa beneficiary.
- Asset Documentation:
- Documentation of any assets you own, such as real estate, stocks, or other investments. Provide evidence of ownership and current valuation.
- Letter of Intent:
- A personal letter from you, the sponsor, explaining your relationship with the visa beneficiary, the purpose of their visit, and your commitment to financially support them.
- Proof of Relationship:
- If the visa beneficiary is a family member, include documents that establish the relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other relevant family documents.
- Photocopies:
- Make photocopies of all supporting documents for your records before submitting them with Form I-134.
What’s the difference between Form I-134 and Form I-864?
Both Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) and Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) are used to demonstrate that a U.S. sponsor has the financial means to support a foreign national seeking a U.S. visa. However, there are key differences between the two forms:
- Purpose and Applicability:
- Form I-134: Used for nonimmigrant visa applicants, such as those applying for tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1), or fiancé(e) visas (K-1). It is intended for temporary visits to the U.S.
- Form I-864: Used for immigrant visa applicants, particularly those applying for family-sponsored or employment-based immigrant visas. It is required for individuals seeking to immigrate to the U.S. and become permanent residents.
- Type of Visa:
- Form I-134: Generally associated with nonimmigrant visas, where the individual intends to stay in the U.S. temporarily.
- Form I-864: Associated with immigrant visas, where the individual plans to become a permanent resident of the U.S.
- Duration of Responsibility:
- Form I-134: The financial responsibility of the sponsor is limited to the duration of the foreign national’s temporary stay in the U.S.
- Form I-864: The financial responsibility of the sponsor extends until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, has earned 40 qualifying quarters of work, departs the U.S. permanently, or dies.
- Affidavit Basis:
- Form I-134: Based on the sponsor’s willingness to provide support and the ability to do so. It is more of a declaration of intent to support.
- Form I-864: Requires the sponsor to meet specific income requirements based on the federal poverty guidelines, ensuring that the sponsor has the means to provide the necessary financial support.
- Eligibility and Relationship:
- Form I-134: Can be filed by any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident willing to sponsor a nonimmigrant visa applicant. The relationship between the sponsor and the applicant may vary.
- Form I-864: Typically filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident petitioning for a family member (spouse, child, parent, etc.) or an employment-based immigrant. The sponsor must have a qualifying relationship with the intending immigrant.