Form I-134, Explained: Understanding the Declaration of Financial Support for a Visa Applicant

Form I-134, Explained: Understanding the Declaration of Financial Support for a Visa Applicant
By TRW Law Firm

Introduction: What is Form I-134?

Form I-134, officially titled the “Declaration of Financial Support,” plays a pivotal role in U.S. immigration procedures involving temporary nonimmigrant visa categories such as visitor (B1/B2) and K-1 fiancé(e) visas. Filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder), the form serves as a written assurance to the U.S. government that the visa applicant will not become a public charge or burden on public resources during their stay.

In contrast to Form I-864, which is used for permanent immigration sponsorship, Form I-134 is relevant for temporary visitors. While both documents pertain to financial support, they differ in legal enforceability, applicable visa types, and poverty threshold criteria.

This guide by TRW Law Firm provides a comprehensive, legally sound explanation of Form I-134, including eligibility requirements, required evidence, how it is filed, and its differences from similar immigration sponsorship forms.

📘 Section 1: The Purpose and Legal Framework of Form I-134

Legal Purpose

The primary objective of Form I-134 is to demonstrate to U.S. immigration officials that the visa applicant will have adequate financial support during their time in the United States. U.S. immigration law, particularly under INA Section 212(a)(4), prohibits the admission of any foreign national who is likely to become a “public charge.” Form I-134 is one way to overcome this potential inadmissibility.

Public Charge Doctrine

Under the current interpretation, the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies mostly to immigrants, but consular officers often scrutinize B-1/B-2 visa and K-1 visa applicants to ensure they won’t rely on U.S. public benefits. Thus, Form I-134 provides persuasive evidence of financial backing, satisfying the consular officer that the applicant has financial safeguards.

🧾 Section 2: Who Can File Form I-134?

To qualify as a sponsor, the following eligibility criteria must be satisfied:

🟩 U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency
Only U.S. citizens and green card holders are eligible to sponsor someone using Form I-134.

🟩 Meet Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
The sponsor must meet at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.

🟩 Willingness to Disclose Financial Details
The sponsor must provide thorough documentation, including employment verification, tax returns, and proof of assets.

🟩 Voluntary but Legally Binding Declaration
Although Form I-134 is not enforceable in the same way as Form I-864, it is still a formal declaration under U.S. law, and fraud or misrepresentation can lead to legal penalties.

📋 Section 3: Which Visa Applicants Can Use Form I-134?

This form is primarily used for:

🟩 B-1/B-2 Tourist or Business Visitors
If the applicant lacks sufficient financial evidence of self-support, the consulate may request a sponsor submit Form I-134.

🟩 K-1/K-2 Fiancé(e) and Dependent Children
U.S. citizens petitioning for their fiancé(e) to enter on a K-1 visa often use Form I-134 to meet financial eligibility at the consular stage.

🟩 Other Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
In rare cases, other categories like J-1 exchange visitors or medical treatment seekers might also be asked for Form I-134 by consular officers.

⚠️ Form I-134 is not used for green card or immigrant visa processing. For those cases, the required form is I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

📂 Section 4: Form I-134 Filing Process – Step-by-Step

Filing Form I-134 requires attention to detail and complete documentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Download and Review the Correct Form

• As of January 29, 2024, USCIS only accepts the 11/09/2023 edition.
• The form is available for free on uscis.gov.

Step 2: Complete Personal Information

The sponsor must fill out:

• Full legal name
• U.S. address and contact details
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number or USCIS Number
• Citizenship or lawful residency proof

Step 3: Provide Beneficiary Information

The form must include:

• Applicant’s full name, address, and nationality
• Relationship to sponsor (if any)
• Marital and dependent details

Step 4: Financial Information

Sponsors must disclose:

• Employer’s name, address, job title, and salary
• Type of employment (permanent or temporary)
• Bank account details and balances
• Asset declarations (bonds, property, etc.)

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

You must include:

• Bank statements (last 12 months summary + current balance)
• Employer letter confirming income and job status
• Latest U.S. income tax return (Form 1040 or IRS transcripts)
• Other financial documents like stock/bond portfolios or real estate proof

📑 All non-English documents must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Step 6: Declaration and Signature

The sponsor must sign the form in ink or electronically (for online submissions) affirming their intent to financially support the beneficiary.

Step 7: Share With Beneficiary

The sponsor should send the completed, signed form with all attachments to the visa applicant, who will submit it with their visa paperwork to the embassy or consulate.

🧠 Section 5: Form I-134 vs. Form I-134A

To prevent confusion, here’s how these two forms differ:

⚠️ You should not file Form I-134 if you’re sponsoring under the Uniting for Ukraine or CHNV humanitarian programs — in such cases, only Form I-134A is applicable.

⚖️ Section 6: Form I-134 vs. Form I-864

💬 Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is there a fee to file Form I-134?

🟢 No. There is no filing fee for Form I-134.

❓ Can I be a sponsor if I’m not related to the applicant?

🟢 Yes. A sponsor does not have to be related to the beneficiary. Friendship, employer-employee relationships, or any other connection are acceptable.

❓ Is it mandatory to submit Form I-134 for a tourist visa?

🟡 Not always. If the applicant has sufficient personal finances, they may not need a sponsor. However, it is highly recommended when applicants lack a strong financial profile.

❓ Will submitting Form I-134 guarantee visa approval?

🔴 No. The U.S. consulate has full discretion to approve or deny a visa. Form I-134 is supportive evidence, not a guarantee.

❓ How long is Form I-134 valid?

🟢 It is typically valid for one visa application cycle or 6 months, whichever is earlier. A new one may be needed for rescheduled interviews.

🛡️ Section 8: Risks and Responsibilities for the Sponsor

Although Form I-134 is not legally enforceable in court in the same way as Form I-864, there are important considerations:

• Perjury and Fraud: Signing Form I-134 falsely or providing inaccurate financial information can lead to criminal liability under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
• Moral Obligation: While not legally binding, consular officers view the declaration seriously. Sponsors who fail to support may be flagged for future applications.
• Reputation and Future Filings: A failure to fulfill promises made on Form I-134 may harm future sponsorship or immigration credibility.

🔍 Section 9: Best Practices and Common Mistakes

✅ Best Practices

🟩 Use updated form edition and instructions
🟩 Attach all supporting documents
🟩 Double-check bank and employment statements
🟩 Explain inconsistencies with a cover letter if needed
🟩 Sign and scan clearly

❌ Common Mistakes

🟥 Submitting outdated editions
🟥 Failing to meet poverty guideline thresholds
🟥 Incomplete documentation
🟥 Illegible handwriting or blurry scanned attachments
🟥 Submitting documents in foreign languages without translation

🤝 Section 10: How TRW Law Firm Can Help

At TRW Law Firm, our U.S. immigration attorneys regularly assist clients with:

• Form I-134 preparation and review
• Custom financial affidavits and letters of support
• Immigration strategy for mixed-income households
• Assisting with K-1 fiancé visas and tourist visa denials
• Correcting rejected or delayed filings

Our global team in Dhaka and London works directly with U.S. immigration attorneys to ensure compliance with USCIS, Department of State, and consular processing guidelines. Whether you are a sponsor or an applicant, our firm ensures that your Form I-134 submission meets the highest legal standards.

Conclusion

Form I-134 may appear simple at first glance, but it carries significant weight in a U.S. visa application. For individuals seeking to enter the United States temporarily without personal financial means, having a qualified sponsor complete Form I-134 can significantly increase their chances of success.

That said, both applicants and sponsors must approach the process seriously — with accurate disclosures, solid documentation, and legal clarity.

To ensure your declaration of financial support meets USCIS and consular scrutiny, consult the professionals at TRW Law Firm.

📞 Contact TRW Law Firm

Phone:
+8801708000660
+8801847220062
+8801708080817

Emails:
info@trfirm.com
info@trwbd.com
info@tahmidur.com

Offices:
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🧾 Summary Table

For comprehensive immigration assistance, including financial sponsorship, reach out to TRW Law Firm — your global legal partner in U.S. immigration.