USCIS I-134 PDF Form

USCIS I-134 PDF Form

The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document that individuals use to demonstrate their financial ability to support a visa applicant during their stay in the United States. This form is crucial for ensuring that the applicant will not become a public charge while residing in the country. Completing the I-134 accurately can significantly impact the success of a visa application.

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The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, plays a crucial role in the immigration process for individuals seeking to enter the United States. This form is primarily used by U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to demonstrate their financial ability to support a non-citizen during their stay in the country. By completing the I-134, sponsors affirm their commitment to provide necessary financial assistance, ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge. The form requires detailed information about the sponsor's income, assets, and household size, which helps immigration officials assess the sponsor's capability to support the applicant. Additionally, the I-134 must be submitted alongside the visa application, making it an integral part of the overall immigration procedure. Understanding the requirements and implications of the I-134 is essential for both sponsors and applicants, as it can significantly impact the success of the visa application process.

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Your Questions, Answered

  1. What is the USCIS I-134 form?

    The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document used by individuals in the United States to demonstrate financial support for a foreign national applying for a visa. This form is essential to show that the applicant will not become a public charge while in the U.S.

  2. Who needs to file the I-134 form?

    The I-134 form must be filed by a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident who is willing to financially support a foreign national. This typically applies to individuals applying for non-immigrant visas, such as tourist or student visas.

  3. What information is required on the I-134 form?

    The form requires personal information about the sponsor, including:

    • Name and address
    • Social Security number
    • Employment details
    • Income and asset information

    Additionally, the sponsor must provide information about the foreign national, including their name, relationship to the sponsor, and the purpose of their visit.

  4. How does the I-134 form affect the visa application process?

    Submitting the I-134 form is crucial for the visa application. It helps the consular officer assess whether the applicant has adequate financial support. A well-prepared form can enhance the chances of visa approval.

  5. Is there a fee to file the I-134 form?

    No, there is no filing fee for the I-134 form. However, applicants should be aware of any fees associated with the visa application process itself.

  6. How long does it take to process the I-134 form?

    The processing time for the I-134 form can vary. Generally, it is processed quickly, but the overall timeline will depend on the specific visa application and the workload of the consulate or embassy.

  7. Can I submit the I-134 form electronically?

    The I-134 form must be submitted in paper format. It is important to ensure that all required signatures and supporting documents are included before submission.

  8. What happens if the I-134 form is denied?

    If the I-134 form is denied, the foreign national's visa application may be negatively affected. It is essential to address any issues or concerns raised by the consular officer and consider reapplying with additional supporting information.

Detailed Guide for Using USCIS I-134

After gathering the necessary information and documents, you are ready to fill out the USCIS I-134 form. This form is essential for individuals looking to demonstrate financial support for a visa applicant. Follow these steps to complete the form accurately.

  1. Begin by downloading the USCIS I-134 form from the official USCIS website.
  2. Carefully read the instructions provided with the form to understand what information is required.
  3. In Section 1, provide your full name, including your last name, first name, and middle name, if applicable.
  4. Enter your mailing address in Section 2. Include your street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
  5. In Section 3, indicate your date of birth and place of birth. Make sure to format the date correctly.
  6. Provide your Social Security number in Section 4, if you have one. If not, indicate that you do not have a Social Security number.
  7. In Section 5, describe your immigration status. Indicate whether you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have another status.
  8. Section 6 requires you to list your employment information. Include your employer's name, address, and your job title.
  9. In Section 7, provide your annual income and any additional sources of income.
  10. Section 8 asks for information about your assets. List any properties, bank accounts, or investments you hold.
  11. In Section 9, sign and date the form. Ensure your signature is clear and matches your name as listed above.
  12. Review the completed form for accuracy. Check that all sections are filled out completely and correctly.
  13. Finally, submit the form as instructed, either online or by mailing it to the appropriate address.

Once you have submitted the I-134 form, you may need to provide additional documentation or information if requested. Keep an eye on any communication from USCIS regarding your application status.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is often accompanied by various other documents to strengthen an application. These documents provide additional evidence of financial support and the sponsor's ability to support the applicant. Below is a list of commonly used forms and documents that may accompany the I-134.

  • Form I-130: This is the Petition for Alien Relative. It establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the foreign national seeking a visa.
  • Form I-864: Known as the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, this form is required for most family-based and some employment-based immigration cases to demonstrate the sponsor's ability to financially support the immigrant.
  • Tax Returns: Recent tax returns help verify the sponsor’s income and financial stability. Typically, the last three years of tax returns are requested.
  • W-2 Forms: These forms provide a summary of an employee’s annual wages and the taxes withheld. They serve as proof of income for the sponsor.
  • Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs from the sponsor’s employer offer evidence of current income and employment status.
  • Bank Statements: Statements from the sponsor’s bank account can demonstrate financial resources and stability, showing that the sponsor has sufficient funds to support the applicant.
  • Employment Verification Letter: This letter, usually from the sponsor's employer, confirms employment status, position, and salary, further validating financial capability.
  • Proof of Citizenship or Residency: Documents such as a birth certificate, passport, or green card establish the sponsor's legal status in the U.S.
  • Affidavit of Support from Joint Sponsor: If the primary sponsor does not meet income requirements, a joint sponsor may submit their own I-134 or I-864 to provide additional financial backing.

These documents collectively support the I-134 form by demonstrating the sponsor's financial ability and commitment to support the applicant. Ensuring all necessary forms and evidence are included can significantly enhance the chances of a successful application.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is primarily used by individuals who wish to sponsor a visa applicant, demonstrating their ability to financially support that person. This form is similar to the I-864 form, which is another affidavit of support but is used in the context of family-based immigration. The I-864 is a legally binding contract that requires the sponsor to maintain the immigrant at a certain income level, ensuring that the immigrant does not become a public charge. Both forms require financial documentation, but the I-864 is typically more comprehensive and is used for permanent residency applications.

Another document that shares similarities with the I-134 is the I-130 form, the Petition for Alien Relative. While the I-130 focuses on establishing a qualifying relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary, it also involves financial considerations. The petitioner must demonstrate their ability to support the immigrant, although the I-130 does not require the same level of financial proof as the I-134. Both forms are essential in the immigration process, but they serve different purposes in establishing eligibility for a visa.

The I-751 form, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is also relevant. This form is used by conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. While the primary goal of the I-751 is to remove the conditions on residence, it may also require evidence of financial support and joint resources. Like the I-134, the I-751 aims to ensure that the immigrant is not reliant on public assistance, though it focuses more on the legitimacy of the marriage than on financial sponsorship alone.

The I-864W form, Exemption from Affidavit of Support Requirements, is another related document. This form is used by certain applicants who are exempt from the affidavit of support requirements, such as those who are or will be receiving a means-tested public benefit. While it may seem contrary to the purpose of the I-134, both documents address the financial aspects of immigration. The I-864W provides a pathway for specific individuals to bypass the financial sponsorship process, highlighting the complexities of immigration law.

The DS-260 form, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, is also comparable. This form is used by individuals applying for an immigrant visa from outside the U.S. While the DS-260 requires financial information, it does not serve as a formal affidavit of support like the I-134. However, both forms require applicants to provide evidence of financial stability, ensuring that they will not become a burden on U.S. taxpayers.

The N-400 form, Application for Naturalization, shares some overlap with the I-134 in terms of financial considerations. When applying for naturalization, applicants must demonstrate their ability to support themselves and their dependents. Although the N-400 focuses primarily on the applicant's eligibility for citizenship, financial stability remains an important factor. Both forms require the applicant to address their financial situation, albeit in different contexts.

The I-864A form, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, is another document that is closely related. This form is used when a household member agrees to contribute to the financial support of the immigrant. Like the I-134, the I-864A ensures that the immigrant will have adequate financial backing. Both forms emphasize the importance of financial support in the immigration process, but the I-864A specifically addresses contributions from household members rather than the primary sponsor.

The I-944 form, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, is also relevant. This form was designed to assess an applicant's ability to support themselves without becoming a public charge. Although the I-944 has been subject to changes and discussions regarding its necessity, it emphasizes the importance of financial self-sufficiency in the immigration process. Similar to the I-134, it requires applicants to provide evidence of income and resources, highlighting the critical nature of financial stability in immigration applications.

Lastly, the Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines, is a document that outlines the income requirements for sponsors. While not a form that individuals fill out, it provides the necessary income thresholds that sponsors must meet when submitting the I-134 or I-864. This document is essential for determining whether a sponsor can adequately support an immigrant. Both the I-134 and I-864 rely on these guidelines to ensure that immigrants will not require public assistance, reinforcing the importance of financial responsibility in the immigration process.

File Specifics

Fact Name Description
Purpose The I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is used by individuals in the United States to demonstrate financial support for a visa applicant.
Who Uses It U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can use the I-134 form to sponsor foreign nationals seeking temporary visas, such as tourist or student visas.
Financial Requirements To successfully complete the I-134, the sponsor must show that their income is at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size.
Submission Process The completed I-134 form should be submitted to the U.S. consulate or embassy where the visa application is being processed, along with supporting financial documents.
Legal Implications While the I-134 is not legally binding like the I-864 form, it does create a moral obligation for the sponsor to support the visa applicant financially.