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Did you know that thousands of visa applications get rejected each year due to incorrect or incomplete financial support documentation?
If you are sponsoring a fiancé, family member, or friend for a temporary stay in the United States, you will want to ensure everything is in order to help them make the trip.
We’ve put together a quick guide about Form I-134, covering its purpose, the requirements for the sponsor, and steps involved in the process.
Need help with Form I-134?
Bradford H. Bernstein
This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio
What Is Form I-134?
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is a document that shows a U.S. citizen, or lawful permanent resident, will provide financial support to a non-citizen during their temporary stay in the United States.
The temporary visit to the U.S may be for:
- Tourism
- Medical treatment
- Fiancé visit before marriage
- Family member visit for a gathering, wedding or other event
- Short-term educational programs
- Accompanying a minor for medical care or attending school
- Humanitarian parole applications, such as escaping dangerous conditions in the beneficiary’s home country
The form is used when visa applicants cannot independently prove sufficient financial resources for their U.S. stay. This often applies to young people, low-income travelers, or those without substantial personal assets.
The person providing financial support is known as a Sponsor, while the non-citizen visiting the U.S. is referred to as a Beneficiary.
Form I-134 is different from Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which is used to prove financial sponsorship for immigrants seeking permanent residency (Green Cards).
Other differences between Form I-134 and Form I-864 include:
- Different income requirements: Sponsors filing Form I-134 must prove income of at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, compared to 125% required for Form I-864.
- Legal obligation: Form I-134 is considered less legally binding, representing more of a moral obligation than a legally enforceable contract, as is the case with Form I-864.
Who Can File I-134?
Form I-134 can be filed by:
- U.S. citizens
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Non-citizens legally residing in the U.S. with sufficient resources to sponsor
The sponsors must:
- Have an income that meets 100% the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Reside legally in the United States
- Be willing to support the beneficiary so that they do not become a public charge
Form I-134: The Process
Once you have confirmed that Form I-134 is the right document for your needs, here are the steps to follow to ensure you complete it correctly.
1. Find The Form & Filing Instructions
Download the latest version of Form I-134 from the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You can see the expiration date in the top-right corner of the document.
Read the form instructions to understand eligibility criteria, required documents and how to fill out each part of the form.
2. Complete The Form
Fill out the form, providing accurate information about yourself as the sponsor and the beneficiary.
Make sure all sections are completed — incomplete forms may be delayed or rejected.
Sign and date the form.
3. Gather Supporting Documents
Collect evidence of your financial ability to support the beneficiary, such as:
- Bank statements
- Recent tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Employment verification letter with your salary, position, and nature of work
- Proof of assets or other financial resources like bonds, stocks, or real estate
In addition to financial documents, you must prepare proof of your legal status in the United States.
This can include copies of:
- A valid U.S. passport
- A birth certificate if you were born in the U.S.
- A certificate of citizenship (read more about Form N-600)
- A valid Green Card (Form I-551)
- A passport with an I-551 stamp
4. Submit The Form
The address for submission of Form I-134 depends on the type of application you are filing and whether the beneficiary is inside or outside the U.S.
Check the “Where to File” section for the respective petition or application on the USCIS website for the correct address and send the completed form along with the supporting documents.
5. Attend An Interview
As part of the process, you may be required to attend an interview at a USCIS office. During the interview, a consular officer may ask questions about your financial ability and the nature of your relationship with the beneficiary.
You may also be asked for biometrics for background checks.
6. Await Processing
USCIS will review the form and may request additional information or evidence about your financial situation, legal status, or your relationship with the beneficiary.
Check your case status through the USCIS online portal or ask your immigration lawyer about it.
- If Form I-134 is approved, you will be informed that your financial support has been accepted as part of the visa or application process.
- If Form I-134 is denied, you will get a notice explaining the reason for the denial and options for appeal or refile.
Reasons for denial may include:
- Insufficient income
- Insufficient financial evidence
- Inadequate supporting documentation
- Incomplete or inaccurate information on the form
- Unclear sponsor status
Ensuring you meet the requirements and have filed Form I-134 correctly can be stressful. Contact our knowledgeable team of immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein.
With extensive experience handling various immigration forms, we’ll help you avoid potential pitfalls and navigate the process with confidence.
Form I-134: Cost
Filing Form I-134 is free of charge.
However, the beneficiary must pay the fees for the main application or petition they are submitting.
Form I-134: Processing Time
Form I-134 is typically submitted and reviewed together with the main application. That is why there is no processing time for this form.
Need Help With Form I-134? Schedule A Consultation
For 60+ years, The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein have helped with thousands of nonimmigrant visas, including student, fiancé, business, and tourist visas.
If you need help with Form I-134, our capable and experienced attorneys at Spar & Bernstein will:
- Assess whether you, as a sponsor, meet the financial requirements based on household size and income.
- Ensure all sections are accurately completed following USCIS guidelines and instructions.
- Help prepare supporting documents like bank statements and tax returns.
- Provide personalized advice on complex situations, such as joint sponsorship or unique financial circumstances.
- Organize the visa application package for submission to embassies or USCIS.
- Make sure the form and documents are sent to the correct address based on the type of application.
- Help with Requests for Evidence (RFEs) if USCIS needs additional information.
Give us a call or complete the online form to get started!
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Form I-134: FAQs
Need more information about Form I-134? Find answers to commonly asked questions.
How long is Form I-134 valid?
Form I-134 is valid for the duration of the beneficiary’s temporary stay or until the related visa application is processed.
What can I do if Form I-134 is denied?
If Form I-134 does not provide enough evidence, the visa application may be denied. You may reapply with additional financial evidence or consult our immigration attorneys at Spar & Bernstein for guidance.
Can an immigration lawyer help with Form I-134?
Yes, our knowledgeable immigration lawyers at Spar & Bernstein can help with filling out the form, collecting supporting documents, and submitting everything to the right address.
Can I file Form I-134 for an immigrant visa application?
No, Form I-134 is used for nonimmigrant visa applications. For immigrant visas, you typically need Form I-864.
Can I withdraw Form I-134 after filing?
Yes, you can withdraw Form I-134 after filing by notifying USCIS that you no longer wish to sponsor the beneficiary.
Does the sponsor need to be related to the beneficiary?
No, the sponsor does not have to be related to the beneficiary. Any individual who can provide financial support can act as a sponsor.
Can Form I-134 be used for multiple visits?
No, Form I-134 is typically used for a single temporary visit. For future visits, you will need to file a new form.
Does Form I-134 guarantee visa approval?
No, submitting Form I-134 does not guarantee a visa. The final decision depends on the consular officer’s review of all supporting evidence.
Can I file Form I-134 if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can file Form I-134. You need to provide proof of income, such as tax returns and business records.
What happens if I cannot meet the income requirements?
If you cannot meet the income requirements, you can provide additional evidence of assets. Other sponsors can also file Form I-134 to help meet the financial threshold.
Can I file Form I-134 for multiple beneficiaries?
Yes, but you will need to file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary you wish to support.
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