Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is an essential document required when sponsoring certain U.S. visa applicants—such as individuals applying for a temporary visitor visa or a K-1/K-2 fiancé(e) visa. This form serves as proof that the visa applicant has adequate financial backing during their stay in the United States. Although the form is usually presented during the consular interview, the reviewing officer has discretion to decide whether or not to consider it, especially if the officer believes the applicant does not have strong ties to their home country.
For those pursuing a fiancé(e) visa, submitting a properly completed Form I-134 is critical. Even small errors or missing details can cause significant delays, denials, or outright rejections of the visa application.
What Is the Purpose of Form I-134?
Form I-134 is used to assure the U.S. government that the visa applicant will not become a financial burden or “public charge” during their stay. By signing this form, the sponsor—a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—confirms their intent and ability to provide financial support for the visa applicant while they are in the United States.
Difference Between Form I-134 and Form I-864
Many applicants confuse Form I-134 with Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). While both serve similar purposes, they apply to different immigration situations.
- Form I-134 is typically used for non-immigrant visas, such as visitor or K-1 fiancé(e) visas.
- Form I-864 applies to immigrant visas or adjustment of status cases, and in some situations, employment-based green card cases.
If the visa applicant can demonstrate that they are financially independent or gainfully employed in their home country, Form I-134 may not be required.
Feature | Form I-134 | Form I-864 |
Visa Type | Temporary / Non-Immigrant Visas | Immigrant Visas / Adjustment of Status |
Income Requirement | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
Legal Obligation | Not Legally Binding | Legally Enforceable Until Sponsor or Immigrant Meets Required Conditions |
Duration of Obligation | No Long-Term Responsibility | Until the Immigrant Becomes a U.S. Citizen |
Used For | K-1, K-2, and Visitor Visas | Family-Based and Employment-Based Immigrant Visas |
If you are unsure which form applies to your situation, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review your case and guide you through every step of the process.
Form I-134 Requirements
To serve as a financial sponsor under Form I-134, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
- Demonstrate that your income or assets are at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
- Show a clear willingness and ability to financially support the visa applicant during their temporary stay in the United States.
These standards are similar to those required under Form I-864, except that Form I-864 applies to green card applicants, while Form I-134 is specific to temporary visas.
Income Requirement for Form I-134
To satisfy the financial threshold, the sponsor must earn at least 125% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines based on household size. This calculation includes the sponsor, their dependents, and the sponsored applicant.
Household Size | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
2 | $26,437 |
3 | $33,312 |
4 | $40,187 |
5 | $47,062 |
6 | $53,937 |
Example:
A U.S. citizen earning $50,000 per year who provides three years of tax returns and a verification letter from their employer typically meets the income requirement for a K-1 visa application.
Supporting Documents for Form I-134
To prove financial capability, sponsors must provide documentation verifying income, employment, and assets. Failure to provide sufficient evidence may result in the denial of the declaration.
Common supporting documents include:
- Recent federal tax returns and W-2 forms
- Bank statements indicating account history, total annual deposits, and current balance
- Employment verification letter on company letterhead specifying the start date, employment status, and annual salary
- Self-employed sponsors may submit their most recent tax return or a business financial report
- Proof of assets or investments, including bonds and their serial numbers
If you are unsure which documents to include, an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can assist you in preparing a strong, well-supported Form I-134 package.
Types of Evidence to Provide
When preparing Form I-134, you must include documentation proving your financial ability to support the visa applicant. Acceptable evidence includes recent bank account statements, employer verification letters showing your salary and length of employment, and income tax returns that reflect your financial stability.
To qualify as a sponsor, your income must meet at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on your household size. Your household includes yourself, your dependents, any relatives living with you, and the immigrant you intend to sponsor.
I-134 Instructions: Declaration of Financial Support
To successfully prepare and submit Form I-134, follow these essential steps recommended by the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
Step 1: Download the Latest Form
Visit the official USCIS website and download the most recent version of Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) to ensure you are using the correct and updated form.
Step 2: Complete the Form Accurately
Fill out every section carefully, ensuring all names, dates, and financial details match your official documents. Even minor mistakes can delay your case.
If you’d like professional guidance, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review your form to ensure accuracy and compliance.
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Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Include strong evidence of your financial capability, such as:
- Recent bank statements
- Federal income tax returns or IRS transcripts
- Employer verification letters
- Pay stubs
- Proof of assets (if applicable)
Step 4: Write a Cover Letter (Recommended)
Attach a brief cover letter summarizing your relationship to the visa applicant and listing all included documents. This helps the consular officer quickly understand your case.
Step 5: Send the Form and Evidence
Mail the completed Form I-134 with supporting documents directly to the visa applicant. They must bring this package to their U.S. consular interview.
How to Fill Out Form I-134
Form I-134 plays a key role in determining whether a sponsor can financially support an immigrant. To avoid costly errors or rejections, it’s highly recommended to complete this form under the guidance of a qualified immigration attorney at Green Card Link. All answers should be typed or clearly printed in black ink.
Part 1: Basis for Filing
Indicate whether you are filing the form on behalf of another person or if you are the intended beneficiary.
Part 2: Information About the Sponsor
Provide your full legal name, mailing and physical addresses, date and place of birth, Alien Registration Number (if applicable), Social Security Number, and USCIS Online Account Number (if applicable).
Also indicate how you obtained U.S. citizenship—by birth, naturalization, or through parents/marriage. If you are a lawful nonimmigrant, include your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number and other requested details.
Part 3: Information About the Beneficiary
Enter details about the immigrant, including full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, marital status, current address, and details about any accompanying spouse or children.
If you prefer not to handle this alone, immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review and submit your I-134 on your behalf.
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Part 4: Employment and Financial Information
Disclose your current employment status, job title, and employer’s name and address. Include your annual income, balances of all bank accounts, and estimated values of personal property, stocks, bonds, and real estate.
You must also report life insurance amounts, mortgages, and any dependents you claim on your tax return.
Part 5: Sponsor’s Statement and Signature
Read the Penalties section before signing. If you completed the form yourself, check box 1.a. If an interpreter or preparer helped you, indicate their details in the appropriate section. Then sign and date the form.
Part 6: Interpreter’s Certification
If an interpreter was used, they must complete this section with their name, address, contact information, and signature.
Part 7: Preparer’s Information
If someone other than the sponsor filled out the form, such as a preparer from Green Card Link, their full information and signature must be included here.
Part 8: Additional Information
Use this section for any extra details or explanations. Always keep a copy of your completed affidavit for your personal records.
If you are sponsoring more than one immigrant, a separate Form I-134 must be filed for each individual.
Understanding the Public Charge Rule
Under the 1999 Field Guidance, a “public charge” is someone who is or is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for basic living expenses. This includes:
- Cash assistance for income maintenance (such as SSI or TANF)
- Institutionalized long-term care at government expense
However, USCIS does not consider benefits such as Medicaid (except long-term institutional care), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when making a public charge determination.
Short-term or emergency benefits do not count toward this evaluation. Each case is reviewed based on the totality of circumstances, including income, assets, health, education, and family status.
Is Form I-134 Required for a Visitor Visa?
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is not always mandatory for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. However, a U.S. consular officer may request it if they believe the applicant lacks sufficient personal funds to cover their trip.
Financial stability plays a critical role in visitor visa approvals. The DS-160 application asks about your income and who will pay for your travel expenses. During your visa interview, the consular officer will review these details to determine if you can afford your stay and whether you’re likely to return home after your visit. Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are presumed to have immigration intent. It’s your responsibility to prove that you plan to return to your home country after your temporary stay in the U.S.
What Is the Purpose of Form I-134?
Form I-134 allows a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to financially sponsor a nonimmigrant visa applicant visiting the United States. This document assures the government that the visitor will receive adequate financial support and will not become a public charge during their stay.
Who Should Complete Form I-134?
The sponsor—a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident—must complete Form I-134. They must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the applicant and agree to accept financial responsibility if the sponsored visitor receives public benefits.
Is Form I-134 Required for an F-1 Student Visa?
Form I-134 is not a required document for F-1 student visa applicants, but it can serve as additional financial evidence to strengthen an application.
How Much Is the Fee for Form I-134?
There is no filing fee for Form I-134.
What Is the Difference Between Form I-134 and Form I-864?
Both forms serve as affidavits of financial support, but they apply to different visa types.
- Form I-134 is used in nonimmigrant visa cases, such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, to prove that the applicant will not become a financial burden on the U.S. government.
- Form I-864 is used primarily in immigrant visa and adjustment of status cases, such as family-based green card petitions, to demonstrate that the immigrant will not rely on public assistance.
Diversity Visa applicants may also use Form I-134 if they need to prove sufficient financial stability in the absence of a job offer or independent resources.
Where Should I Send the Completed Form I-134?
The U.S. sponsor should send the completed and signed Form I-134 to the visa applicant, who will bring it to their U.S. consular interview abroad if requested by the officer.
How Long Does It Take for Form I-134 to Be Approved?
Form I-134 is typically reviewed during the visa interview process, and approval often occurs within one to two days after submission.
Does Form I-134 Need to Be Notarized?
No, Form I-134 does not need to be notarized.
Can I Use Form I-134 Instead of My Own Financial Documents?
No, the I-134 is not a substitute for your personal financial records. The consular officer will still evaluate your personal financial stability, such as your income, savings, and ties to your home country, to determine visa eligibility.
What Is the Minimum Income Required to Sponsor an Immigrant?
The sponsor’s income must be at least 125% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines based on household size. This includes the sponsor, dependents, any relatives living in the household, and the individual being sponsored.
Does the Sponsor Need to Be Related to the Applicant?
No, the sponsor does not need to be a family member. Any lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen with the required financial means may serve as a sponsor.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys have successfully guided countless individuals and families through the complex U.S. immigration process. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, student visa, or family-based green card, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link will carefully handle all required forms, evidence, and supporting documentation to ensure your application is as strong as possible.
Schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today to receive personalized guidance for your visa or sponsorship process.