Overview (What is I-134 used for?)
#Form I-134, known as the Affidavit of Support (Nonimmigrant), is a declaration used to demonstrate financial support for individuals applying for temporary stays in the United States. It is crucial for establishing that the beneficiary has sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses during their stay. The form must be filed by the individual agreeing to support the beneficiary, ensuring that they have access to the necessary funds.
When completing Form I-134, it is important to provide accurate financial information and supporting documents as specified in the instructions. This includes evidence of income, assets, and any dependents that may affect the financial assessment. The form must be signed properly, as a missing or invalid signature can lead to rejection.
For more detailed instructions and to access the form, visit the USCIS website. The form is available for download in PDF format, which can be filled out using Adobe Reader. Make sure to follow all guidelines to avoid delays in processing your declaration.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-134)
#USCIS evaluates whether the individual providing support has sufficient financial resources and access to those funds. A common mismatch occurs when the financial evidence does not align with the declared income on the form. Accurate documentation is crucial for a successful application.
Context & workflow (How does I-134 fit into the case?)
#The form is usually filed alongside supporting evidence listed in the instructions. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Sponsors or household members providing financial support details.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-134?)
#- Provide recent pay stubs or tax returns to demonstrate income.
- Include bank statements to show available assets.
- Document any dependents that may affect financial obligations.
- Use clear and legible photocopies of all documents.
- Ensure translations are certified and complete for foreign documents.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is the latest version available.
- Check that all pages of the form are included.
- Confirm that the form is filled out using black ink.
Substantive weaknesses
- Verify that all financial information is accurate and complete.
- Ensure that the signature is valid and properly placed.
- Cross-check that all required supporting documents are included.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-134?)
#- Insufficient evidence of financial support, such as missing pay stubs or tax returns.
- Missing or invalid signature, including stamped or typewritten names.
- Incomplete financial information, such as not providing details about dependents.
- Failure to include required supporting documents as specified in the instructions.
Eligibility signals
#- Complete and accurate financial information
- Valid signature from the individual providing support
- Supporting documents demonstrating income and assets
- Separate forms for multiple beneficiaries, if applicable
- Evidence of immigration status
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-134?)
#General Instructions
This section provides an overview of how to complete the form and what documents to include.
Specific Instructions
Detailed guidance on filling out each part of the form, including required evidence.
Financial Information
Information about your income and assets, which must be documented with supporting evidence.
Address Change
Instructions for notifying USCIS of any address changes within 10 days.
Processing Information
Details on how USCIS processes the form and what to expect after submission.
DHS Privacy Notice
Information on how your personal data will be used and protected.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-134?)
#- Current Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Immigration Status
- Annual Income
- Assets
- Signature of the Individual Agreeing to Financially Support the Beneficiary
- Contact Information of the Beneficiary
- Statement of Financial Responsibility
- Declaration of Financial Support
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-134?
- Who Must File Form I-134?
- Who May File Form I-134?
- Submission of Declaration
- How To Complete Form I-134
- Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Family members;
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-134?)
#- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns
- Documentation of assets, including bank statements
- Provide A valid signature on the form
- Evidence of your immigration status, like a birth certificate or passport
- Provide Information about dependents relying on your income
- Provide Contact information for the beneficiary
- Provide A separate Form I-134 for each additional beneficiary, if applicable
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide Who Must File Form I-134?
- Provide If you are agreeing to financially support more than one beneficiary, you must file a separate Form I-134 for each
- Provide beneficiary. You, as the individual agreeing to financially support the beneficiary, must sign your full name on the form
- Provide We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
- Provide Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your declaration. USCIS will not accept a stamped
- Provide as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-134?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
- Evidence of sponsor income and household size.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-134?)
#- Download the latest version of Form I-134 from the USCIS website.
- Use Adobe Reader to fill out the form.
- Review the declarations for accuracy before signing.
- Include all required supporting documents as specified in the instructions.
- Ensure the form is signed in ink; no stamped or typewritten signatures are accepted.
- File legible photocopies of all documents unless originals are specifically requested.
- Submit translations for any documents not in English, certified by the translator.
- Download the current I-134 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Common mistakes (What errors delay I-134 petitions?)
#- Missing or invalid signatures on the form
- Not providing sufficient evidence of financial support
- Filing original documents when only copies are required
- Inaccurate or incomplete information in the financial sections
- Failing to submit a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary
- Not including required translations for foreign language documents
Examples (What does a strong I-134 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-134 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-134. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-134 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-134?)
#- A single Form I-134 can be used for multiple beneficiaries; each must have their own form.
- Only U.S. citizens can file Form I-134; lawful permanent residents can also file.
- A typed name can substitute for a signature; it cannot.
- You do not need to provide evidence of financial support if you are a U.S. citizen; you must provide it regardless of your status.
- Form I-134 can be filed online; it must be submitted in paper format.
How this guide is built (Where this I-134 guidance comes from)
#This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-134, ensuring that you have the most current and relevant information. It aims to provide clear, non-legal advice to assist you in completing the form accurately.
FAQs
What is I-134 used for?
I-134 is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.
What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?
USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.
How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?
Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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