Form I-134: What You Need to Know

When someone wants to come to the United States or stay here, they often need to show they won’t rely on government help. That’s where Form I-134 comes in. This form is a promise from someone else to help support them.

If you’re thinking about filling out this form for someone, or if you need someone to fill it out for you, it’s important to understand what it means. This guide will explain Form I-134 and how it works.

What Is Form I-134?

Form I-134 is called the Declaration of Financial Support. It’s a form used by U.S. immigration. When someone fills out this form, they’re saying they’ll help pay for a non-citizen’s needs. This helps show the government that the non-citizen won’t need public benefits to live in the U.S.

Why Is Form I-134 Important?

The U.S. government wants to make sure people coming to the country can take care of themselves. They don’t want newcomers to rely on government help. Form I-134 is one way to show that a non-citizen has financial support.

Who Uses Form I-134?

Form I-134 is used for non-citizens who:

• Want to visit the U.S. for a short time
• Are already in the U.S. and want to stay longer
• Need to travel outside the U.S. and come back

It’s often used for people applying for visitor visas or student visas. Sometimes, it’s used for people who are engaged to U.S. citizens and want to come to the U.S. to get married.

How Form I-134 is Different from Other Forms?

There are other forms that sound similar to Form I-134. It’s important to know which form you need.

Form I-134 vs. Form I-134A

Form I-134A is newer. It’s used for specific programs to help people from certain countries. Right now, it’s only for people from Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. It’s also used for some family reunion programs.

Form I-134 vs. Form I-864

Form I-864 is used when someone is applying for a green card through family. It’s a bigger commitment than Form I-134. With Form I-864, the sponsor has to meet higher income requirements and promise support for a longer time.

Who Can Be a Sponsor for Form I-134?

To fill out Form I-134 as a sponsor, you need to be:

• A U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (someone with a green card)
• Able to show you make enough money (at least 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for your family size)
• Willing to help support the non-citizen if they need it
• Ready to show your financial information, like tax returns and bank statements

Sometimes, the non-citizen can fill out Form I-134 for themselves. This might happen if:

• They already have a temporary status in the U.S. that could lead to a green card
• They have a temporary status that keeps getting extended because of problems in their home country
• They have or are trying to get a temporary work visa for the U.S.

When Do You Need to Use Form I-134?

There are times when you must use Form I-134 and times when you can choose to use it.

When Form I-134 is Required

You need to use Form I-134 if:

• You’re in the U.S. and applying for a green card (but not through a humanitarian program), and you want to travel outside the U.S.
• You have a temporary status in the U.S. that’s not exempt from public charge rules, and you want to travel
• The government asks for it when you’re applying for a non-immigrant visa (like a fiancé visa)

When Form I-134 is Optional

You might choose to use Form I-134 if:

• You’re applying for a non-work visa and want to show you have financial support
• You’re trying to extend your stay in the U.S. on your current visa
• You’re trying to change to a different type of visa while in the U.S.

For example, if you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting Form I-134 might help show you have enough money for your trip. But be careful – sometimes, this can make the government wonder if you’re planning to stay in the U.S. longer than you’re supposed to.

How to Fill Out Form I-134?

Filling out Form I-134 takes time and careful attention. Here’s what you need to know:

Information You’ll Need

To fill out Form I-134, you’ll need to provide:

• Your personal information (name, address, etc.)
• Information about your job and income
• Details about your assets (like savings accounts or property)
• Information about the person you’re sponsoring

Documents to Include

Along with the form, you’ll need to send:

• Copies of your bank statements
• Your tax returns
• Proof of your job and income
• Documents showing what you own (like a house or car)

How to Submit Form I-134?

You can submit Form I-134 online or by mail. Which way you choose depends on your situation. If you’re not sure, ask the office handling your case.

When to Submit Form I-134?

When you submit Form I-134 depends on why you’re using it. If it’s required, the government will tell you when to send it. If you’re choosing to submit it, you usually send it with your other application materials.

Things to Think About Before Becoming a Sponsor

Being a sponsor is a huge responsibility. Here are some things to consider:

Financial Responsibility

When you sign Form I-134, you’re promising to help support someone. This could mean paying for their food, housing, or other needs if they can’t pay for themselves.

Length of Commitment

Form I-134 doesn’t have a set end date. Your responsibility as a sponsor ends when the person you’re sponsoring becomes a U.S. citizen, has worked for 40 quarters (about 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or dies.

Your Own Financial Situation

Before you agree to be a sponsor, make sure you can afford it. Look at your income, savings, and expenses. Think about whether you could help support another person if you needed to.

Relationship with the Person You’re Sponsoring

Consider your relationship with the person you’re sponsoring. Are you comfortable making this financial commitment for them? Do you trust that they’ll try to support themselves?

Common Problems with Form I-134

People often run into issues when filling out Form I-134. Here are some common problems:

Not Meeting Income Requirements

To be a sponsor, you need to show you make enough money. If your income is too low, your application might be rejected.

Missing Documents

It’s easy to forget a document. Make sure you include all the required paperwork with your form.

Incorrect Information

Double-check all the information on your form. Even small mistakes can cause problems.

Not Understanding the Commitment

Some people sign Form I-134 without realizing what they’re agreeing to. Make sure you understand your responsibilities before you sign.

Getting Help with Form I-134

Form I-134 is an important part of many immigration cases. Whether you’re filling it out to support someone else or you need someone to fill it out for you, it’s important to get it right. The form can be confusing, and the rules around it can be hard to understand.

That’s where LegalMatch can help. LegalMatch can connect you with experienced immigration lawyers in your area. These lawyers can guide you through the process of filling out Form I-134. They can help you understand what the form means, what documents you need, and what responsibilities you’re taking on.

If you’re dealing with Form I-134 and feeling unsure, don’t wait. Use LegalMatch today to find a lawyer who can help. With the right legal help, you can navigate Form I-134 with confidence and improve your chances of a successful immigration process.