The USCIS I-134 form, known as the Declaration of Financial Support, is a document used by visa applicants to demonstrate they have sufficient financial backing from a sponsor while visiting the United States. This form plays a crucial role in the visa application process, providing evidence that the applicant will not become a public charge during their stay. It is typically required for various nonimmigrant visas, underscoring the importance of having a reliable financial guarantor.
A crucial step for individuals visiting the United States through various visas, including the K visa for fiancés of U.S. citizens, is demonstrating they will not become a public charge during their stay. This is where the USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, comes into play. It serves as a formal document through which a sponsor—a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—pledges financial support to the visiting foreign national. This form is a testament to the sponsoring individual’s ability and commitment to support the visitor, ensuring they have the financial means to stay in the U.S. without relying on public resources. The I-134 form covers various aspects, such as the sponsor's personal information, their relationship to the visitor, and a detailed account of their financial resources. It requires meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in its completion, as it plays a significant role in the approval process of the visitor's stay. By understanding and accurately completing this form, sponsors can facilitate a smoother process for their loved ones or acquaintances seeking to come to the U.S., making it a pivotal document in the immigration journey.
Affidavit of Support
USCIS
Department of Homeland Security
Form I-134
OMB No. 1615-0014
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 02/28/2021
►START HERE - Type or print in black ink.
Part 1. Information About You (the Sponsor)
Your Full Name
1.a. Family Name
(Last Name)
1.b. Given Name
(First Name)
1.c. Middle Name
Other Names Used
List all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 7.
Additional Information.
2.a. Family Name
2.b. Given Name
2.c. Middle Name
Sponsor's Mailing Address
(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
3.a. In Care Of Name
3.b. Street Number
and Name
3.c. Apt. Ste. Flr.
3.d. City or Town
3.e. State
3.f. ZIP Code
3.g. Province
3.h. Postal Code
3.i. Country
4.Are your mailing address and physical address the same?
Yes No
If you answered "No" to Item Number 4., provide your physical address in Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.h.
Sponsor's Physical Address
5.a. Street Number
5.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
5.c. City or Town
5.d. State
5.e. ZIP Code
5.f. Province
5.g. Postal Code
5.h. Country
Other Information
6.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
7.a. Town or City of Birth
7.b. Country of Birth
8.Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
► A-
9.U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
►
10.USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
Citizenship or Residency or Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen based on your birth in the United States, or a non-citizen U.S. national based on your birth in American Samoa (including Swains Island), answer the following as appropriate:
11.a. I am a U.S. citizen through naturalization. My Certificate of Naturalization number is
11.b. I am a U.S. citizen through parent(s) or marriage. My Certificate of Citizenship number is
Form I-134 02/13/19
Page 1 of 8
(continued)
11.c.
I derived my U.S. citizenship by another method.
(Provide an explain in Part 7. Additional
Information.)
11.d.
I am a lawful permanent resident of the
United States. My A-Number is
11.e.
I am a lawfully admitted nonimmigrant. My
Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record Number is
12.
I am
years of age and have resided in the United
States since (Date) (mm/dd/yyyy)
Part 2. Information About the Beneficiary
This affidavit is executed on behalf of the following person:
2.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
3. Gender Male Female
4.A-Number (if any)
5.Country of Citizenship or Nationality
6.Marital Status
Single or Single, Never Married
Married
Divorced
Widowed
Legally Separated
Marriage Annulled
Other
7.Relationship to Sponsor
Beneficiary's Physical Address
8.a.
Street Number
Apt.
8.b.
Ste.
Flr.
8.c.
City or Town
8.d.
State
8.e.
ZIP Code
8.f.
Province
8.g.
Postal Code
8.h.
Country
Beneficiary's Spouse (accompanying or following to join beneficiary)
9.a. Family Name
9.b. Given Name
9.c. Middle Name
10.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
11.Gender Male Female
Beneficiary's Children
Child 1
12.a. Family Name
12.b. Given Name
12.c. Middle Name
13.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
14.Gender Male Female
Child 2
15.a. Family Name
15.b. Given Name
15.c. Middle Name
16.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
17. Gender Male Female
If you need additional space to complete this section, use the
space provided in Part 7. Additional Information.
Page 2 of 8
Part 3. Other Information About the Sponsor
7.a. I have life insurance in the sum of $
Employment Information
I am currently:
1.a. Employed as a/an
1.a.1. Name of Employer (if applicable)
1.b.
Self employed as a/an
Current Employer Address (if employed)
2.a. Street Number
2.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
2.c. City or Town
2.d. State
2.e. ZIP Code
2.f. Province
2.g. Postal Code
2.h. Country
Income and Asset Information
3. My annual income is
$
(If self-employed, I have attached a copy of my last income tax return or report of commercial rating concern which I certify to be true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. See Instructions for nature of evidence of net worth to be submitted.)
4.Balance of all my savings and checking accounts in United States-based financial institutions
5.Value of my other personal property
6.Market value of my stocks and bonds
I have listed my stocks and bonds in Part 7. Additional Information (or attached a list of them), which I certify to be true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
7.b. With a cash surrender value of
Real Estate Information
8.a. I own real estate valued at
8.b. I have mortgages or other debts amounting to
My real estate is located at:
9.a. Street Number
9.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
9.c. City or Town
9.d. State
9.e. ZIP Code
Dependents' Information
The following persons are dependent upon me for support. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 7. Additional Information.
10.a. Family Name
10.b. Given Name
10.c. Middle Name
11.Relationship to Me:
12.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
13.This person is:
Wholly Dependent On Me For Support
Partially Dependent On Me For Support
14.a. Family Name
14.b. Given Name
14.c. Middle Name
15.Relationship to Me:
Page 3 of 8
17.This person is:
18.a. Family Name
18.b. Given Name
18.c. Middle Name
19.Relationship to Me:
20.Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
21.This person is:
I have previously submitted affidavit(s) of support for the following person(s). (If none, write "None" in the space for name below.)
22.a. Family Name
22.b. Given Name
22.c. Middle Name
23.Date Submitted (mm/dd/yyyy)
24.a. Family Name
24.b. Given Name
24.c. Middle Name
25.Date Submitted (mm/dd/yyyy)
I have submitted a visa petition(s) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on behalf of the following persons. (If none, write “None” in the space for name below.)
26.a. Family Name
26.b. Given Name
26.c. Middle Name
27.Relationship to Me:
28. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
29. Date of Filing (mm/dd/yyyy)
30.a. Family Name
30.b. Given Name
30.c. Middle Name
31.Relationship to Me:
32. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
33. Date of Filing (mm/dd/yyyy)
34.a. Family Name
34.b. Given Name
34.c. Middle Name
35.Relationship to Me:
36. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
37. Date of Filing (mm/dd/yyyy)
38.I intend do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in Part 2.
(If you select "intend," indicate the exact nature and duration of the contributions you intend to make in Part 7. Additional Information. For example, if you intend to furnish room and board, state for how long and, if money, state the amount in U.S. dollars and whether it is to be given in a lump sum, weekly or monthly, and for how long.)
Page 4 of 8
Part 4. Sponsor's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form I-134 Instructions before completing this part.
Sponsor's Statement
NOTE: Select the box for either Item Number 1.a. or 1.b. If applicable, select the box for Item Number 2.
1.a.
I can read and understand English, and I have read and
understand every question and instruction on this
affidavit and my answer to every question.
The interpreter named in Part 5. read to me every
question and instruction on this affidavit and my
answer to every question in
,
a language in which I am fluent and I understood
everything.
2.
At my request, the preparer named in Part 6.,
prepared this affidavit for me based only upon information I provided or authorized.
Sponsor's Contact Information
3.Sponsor's Daytime Telephone Number
4.Sponsor's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
5.Sponsor's Email Address (if any)
Sponsor's Certification
Copies of any documents I have submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered, original documents, and I understand that USCIS or the Department of State may require that I submit original documents to USCIS or the Department of State at a later date. Furthermore, I authorize the release of any information from any of my records that USCIS or the Department of State may need to determine my eligibility for the immigration benefit I seek.
I further authorize release of information contained in this affidavit, in supporting documents, and in my USCIS or the Department of State records to other entities and persons where necessary for the administration and enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
I understand that USCIS may require me to appear for an appointment to take my biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) and, at that time, if I am required to provide biometrics, I will be required to sign an oath reaffirming that:
1)I reviewed and provided or authorized all of the information in my affidavit;
2)I understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my affidavit; and
3)All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I provided or authorized all of the information in my affidavit, I understand all of the information contained in, and submitted with, my affidavit, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct.
That this affidavit is made by me to assure the U.S. Government that the person named in Part 2. will not become a public charge in the United States.
That I am willing and able to receive, maintain, and support the person named in Part 2. I am ready and willing to deposit a bond, if necessary, to guarantee that such persons will not become a public charge during his or her stay in the United States, or to guarantee that the above named persons will maintain his or her nonimmigrant status, if admitted temporarily, and will depart prior to the expiration of his or her authorized stay in the United States.
That I understand that Form I-134 is an "undertaking" under section 213 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and I may be sued if the persons named in Part 2. become a public charge after admission to the United States.
That I understand that Form I-134 may be made available to any Federal, State, or local agency that may receive an application from the persons named in Part 2. for Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.
That I understand that if the person named in Part 2. does apply for Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, my own income and assets may be considered in deciding the person's application. How long my income and assets may be attributed to the persons named in Part 2. is determined under the statutes and rules governing each specific program.
I acknowledge that I have read the section entitled Sponsor and Beneficiary Liability in the Instructions for this affidavit, and am aware of my responsibilities as a sponsor under the Social Security Act, as amended, and the Food Stamp Act, as amended.
Sponsor's Signature
6.a. Sponsor's Signature
6.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 5 of 8
NOTE TO ALL SPONSORS: If you do not completely fill out this affidavit or fail to submit required documents listed in the Instructions, USCIS or the Department of State may deny your affidavit.
Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Provide the following information about the interpreter.
Interpreter's Full Name
1.a. Interpreter's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Interpreter's Given Name (First Name)
2.Interpreter's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Interpreter's Mailing Address
3.a. Street Number
3.b. Apt. Ste. Flr.
3.c. City or Town
3.d. State
3.e. ZIP Code
3.f. Province
3.g. Postal Code
3.h. Country
Interpreter's Certification
I certify, under penalty of perjury, that:
I am fluent in English and
which is the same language provided in Part 4., Item Number 1.b., and I have read to this sponsor in the identified language every question and instruction on this affidavit and his or her answer to every question. The sponsor informed me that he or she understands every instruction, question, and answer on the affidavit, including the Sponsor's Certification, and has verified the accuracy of every answer.
Interpreter's Signature
7.a. Interpreter's Signature
7.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Part 6. Contact Information, Statement, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, if Other Than the Sponsor
Provide the following information about the preparer.
Preparer's Full Name
1.a. Preparer's Family Name (Last Name)
1.b. Preparer's Given Name (First Name)
2.Preparer's Business or Organization Name (if any)
Interpreter's Contact Information
4.Interpreter's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Interpreter's Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
6.Interpreter's Email Address (if any)
Preparer's Mailing Address
Page 6 of 8
Part 6. Contact Information, Statement, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Affidavit, if Other Than the
Sponsor (continued)
Preparer's Contact Information
4.Preparer's Daytime Telephone Number
5.Preparer's Fax Number
6.Preparer's Email Address (if any)
Preparer's Statement
7.a.
I am not an attorney or accredited representative but have prepared this affidavit on behalf of the sponsor and with the sponsor's consent.
7.b. I am an attorney or accredited representative and my representation of the sponsor in this case
extends does not extend beyond the preparation of this affidavit.
NOTE: If you are an attorney or accredited representative whose representation extends beyond preparation of this affidavit, you may be obliged to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with this application.
Preparer's Certification
By my signature, I certify, under penalty of perjury, that I prepared this affidavit at the request of the sponsor. The sponsor then reviewed this completed affidavit and informed me that he or she understands all of the information contained in, and submitted with, his or her affidavit, including the Sponsor's Certification, and that all of this information is complete, true, and correct. I completed this affidavit based only on information that the sponsor provided to me or authorized me to obtain or use.
Preparer's Signature
8.a. Preparer's Signature
8.b. Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 7 of 8
Part 7. Additional Information
If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this affidavit, use the space below. If you need more space than what is provided, you may make copies of this page to complete and file with this affidavit or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; type or print the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
5.a. Page Number 5.b. Part Number 5.c. Item Number
5.d.
Family Name
Given Name
1.c.
Middle Name
A-Number (if any)
6.a. Page Number 6.b. Part Number 6.c. Item Number
3.a.
Page Number 3.b. Part Number
3.c. Item Number
6.d.
3.d.
7.a. Page Number 7.b. Part Number 7.c. Item Number
4.a. Page Number 4.b. Part Number
4.c. Item Number
7.d.
4.d.
Page 8 of 8
Completing the USCIS I-134 form, commonly referred to as the Affidavit of Support form, is a critical step for individuals sponsoring a visitor to the United States. This document demonstrates that the visitor will have financial support during their stay and will not become a public charge. The process requires accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that all information is correct and complete. Here are the steps one needs to follow to fill out the USCIS I-134 form correctly:
Filling out the USCIS I-134 form is a pivotal part of the sponsorship process. It requires thorough attention to detail and an understanding of your financial responsibilities as a sponsor. By following these steps carefully, you can successfully complete the form and provide a solid foundation of support for your visitor's journey to the United States.
What is the purpose of the USCIS I-134 form?
The USCIS I-134 form, known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document used by a sponsor in the United States to show they have sufficient income or assets to support a visitor visa applicant or other types of visa applicants during their stay in the U.S. It is a legally enforceable declaration to ensure the person visiting does not become a public charge while in the United States.
Who needs to file the I-134 form?
Any U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who wants to sponsor a non-U.S. resident for a visitor visa or other nonimmigrant visa that requires proof of financial support must file the I-134 form. This includes those sponsoring individuals for a tourist visa, fiancé(e) visa, or certain types of student visas.
What documents are required to accompany the I-134 form?
To successfully submit the I-134 form, the sponsor must include several types of documentation, such as:
How does one submit the I-134 form?
After completing the I-134 form and gathering the required supporting documents, the sponsor should follow the submission instructions provided by USCIS. This typically involves mailing the form to a designated USCIS office or the consulate or embassy processing the visa application. Specific instructions and addresses can be found on the USCIS website or by contacting the relevant consulate or embassy.
Is there a filing fee for the I-134 form?
As of the latest information, there is no filing fee for submitting the I-134 Affidavit of Support form. However, applicants should verify the most current information on the USCIS website or with the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa application is being processed, as policies and fees may change.
What happens if the I-134 form is not submitted with a visa application?
Failure to submit the I-134 form with a visa application that requires proof of financial support can result in the visa application being denied. Sponsors must understand the visa requirements for their visitor to ensure all necessary forms, including the I-134, are properly submitted to avoid delays or denials in visa processing.
How long is the I-134 form valid after submission?
The validity of the I-134 form is typically tied to the length of the proposed visit to the United States, as stated by the sponsor in the affidavit. However, consular officers have the discretion to determine the validity period for each individual case. Applicants and sponsors should be prepared to provide updated information or documentation if required by the consulate or USCIS.
One common mistake individuals often make when filling out the USCIS I-134 form is not providing complete information for all required sections. This can include skipping questions or leaving certain fields blank because the person filling out the form thinks those sections are not applicable to their situation. It's crucial to thoroughly review the entire form and fill out all sections, providing necessary explanations or writing "N/A" (not applicable) where truly appropriate. Incomplete information can lead to delays or even the denial of the application.
Another frequent error is not attaching sufficient evidence to support the affidavit of support. Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate means to financially support the visitor coming to the U.S. This typically requires attaching bank statements, employment letters, and other financial documents as evidence. Failing to provide this supporting documentation can make it difficult for USCIS to assess the financial stability and capability of the sponsor, possibly resulting in a negative outcome for the application.
People often overlook the importance of a clear and legible signature on the USCIS I-134 form. A missing or illegible signature can invalidate the entire application, necessitating a resubmission and thus delaying the process. It is fundamental to carefully review the form before submission, ensuring that every required signature is present and clearly readable. This is a simple yet crucial step in the application process.
A significant mistake is submitting outdated or incorrect versions of the I-134 form. USCIS periodically updates its forms, so it's essential to use the most current version available on the USCIS website at the time of filing. Using an outdated form can lead to automatic rejection. Applicants must verify they have the correct, most up-to-date version of the form before filling it out and sending it to USCIS to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
The USCIS I-134 form, known as the Affidavit of Support, is often accompanied by various other documents and forms that provide evidence and support the information submitted within the form. These additional documents are crucial for a comprehensive application process, enabling government officials to make informed decisions regarding applicants' requests.
Together, these documents form a comprehensive picture of the sponsor's ability to financially support the visa applicant, facilitating the review process by providing concrete evidence of financial stability and commitment. Accurate and complete document submission is key to a successful application process.
USCIS I-864 Form (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA): Both the I-134 and I-864 forms are affidavits of support. They are used by sponsors to show they have the financial ability to support immigrants coming to the United States. The key difference is that the I-864 is legally binding and required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants, while the I-134 is used for non-immigrant visa applicants and is not legally binding.
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application): The DS-160 and I-134 are similar in that they're both integral to the process of applying for nonimmigrant visas to the U.S. The DS-160 captures personal information and details about the planned trip, whereas the I-134 is used by a sponsor to demonstrate financial support for the applicant. Both forms are required to secure a nonimmigrant visa for travel to the United States.
Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application): Like the I-134, the DS-260 is used in the visa application process but for those seeking to immigrate permanently to the U.S. While the I-134 is for sponsors to show financial support for nonimmigrant visa applicants, the DS-260 is filled out by the immigrant visa applicants themselves, detailing their personal information, family, and background.
USCIS Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): This form and the I-134 are both part of the process for bringing a fiancé(e) to the United States. The I-129F is specifically for U.S. citizens to petition for their foreign fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. for marriage. The I-134 may then be used to show that the petitioner can financially support the fiancé(e) during their stay in the U.S.
USCIS Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status): The I-539 form is used by nonimmigrants to request an extension or change of their status (e.g., from a student visa to a work visa). Though its purpose differs from the I-134, both forms are integral to adjusting or extending one's stay in the U.S. In some cases, an I-134 may be required to prove the applicant's means of support during the extended stay.
USCIS Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): The I-765 and I-134 forms serve different purposes but are connected through the immigration process. The I-765 allows certain visa holders to work in the U.S. legally. In contrast, the I-134 may be used to demonstrate a visa applicant's financial support. In some situations, applicants may need to show they won't rely on public assistance, indirectly supporting their I-765 application.
When filling out the USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support form, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure the form is completed accurately and effectively. Here are several do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
When it comes to navigating U.S. immigration processes, the Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, is one area that often leaves people scratching their heads. Several misconceptions surround this form, leading to unnecessary confusion and stress. Let's clear up some of the most common misunderstandings:
Understanding these aspects of the I-134 form can significantly smooth the path for both sponsors and visa applicants, making the process less daunting and more manageable. Always consult the latest guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a legal professional for the most accurate and personalized advice.
When dealing with the USCIS Form I-134, better known as the Affidavit of Support, a structured approach ensures that both the sponsor and the beneficiary navigate the process with clarity and efficacy. This form plays a pivotal role in various immigration proceedings, especially for those seeking to prove they will not become a public charge while in the United States. The following key takeaways offer guidance on filling out and utilizing this form effectively:
Adhering to these key points can significantly streamline the process of completing and submitting the I-134 form, fostering a smoother path through immigration proceedings for both sponsor and beneficiary. Remember, this is not just a form but a binding commitment to support someone’s journey in the United States.
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