Form I-134, Explained
Understanding the Declaration of Financial Support for a Visa Applicant
By TRW Law Firm
Updated: March 4, 2025
✉️ What is Form I-134?
Form I-134, officially titled the "Declaration of Financial Support," is a U.S. immigration form used when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) wishes to financially sponsor a temporary visitor to the United States. Most commonly, it is filed to support applicants for nonimmigrant visas, particularly tourist visas (B-1/B-2) and K-1 fiancé(e) visas.
Unlike Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which applies to permanent immigration such as family-based green card petitions, Form I-134 is for temporary visas. It helps visa applicants prove that they will not become a "public charge" or burden on the U.S. government during their stay.
💵 Why is Form I-134 Important?
One of the main criteria U.S. immigration officers look for during visa processing is financial self-sufficiency. Form I-134 allows a U.S.-based sponsor to declare their intention and ability to financially support the visa applicant, thus helping the applicant demonstrate they have sufficient means to support themselves in the United States.
This can significantly enhance the applicant's chance of visa approval, especially if the applicant:
Has limited assets or income.
Is young or unemployed.
Is traveling on a long-term tourist visa.
Is applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa.
✅ Form I-134 Requirements
The sponsor must:
Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Reside in the United States.
Be willing and financially able to support the visa applicant.
Meet or exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size.
Provide supporting documentation of income, employment, assets, and tax filings.
Importantly, the sponsor does not need to be related to the applicant. Friends, extended family, or even an employer may act as financial sponsors.
📜 Form I-134 Process: Step-by-Step
1. Sponsor Gathers Required Information:
- Full legal name, address, and Social Security Number.
- Immigration status (proof of U.S. citizenship or green card).
- Employment details and income.
- Details of any dependents.
- Information about the applicant (name, nationality, relationship).
2. Complete Form I-134:
- The sponsor must accurately complete all sections of the form, either digitally or manually.
- The form should be signed in ink if printed.
3. Collect Supporting Documents:
- Bank letter stating when the account was opened, the current balance, and deposits in the last year.
- Employment verification letter (on company letterhead).
- Tax documents (most recent federal tax return or IRS transcript).
- List of bonds, stocks, or other financial instruments, if applicable.
4. Submit Form to Visa Applicant:
- The sponsor sends the signed Form I-134 and documentation to the visa applicant, who includes it in their visa application or brings it to the visa interview.
5. Consular Review:
- The consular officer will review the sponsor’s financial evidence during the applicant's visa interview.
🚪 What Form I-134 Is NOT
❌ Not a contract enforceable by law.
❌ Not legally binding like Form I-864.
❌ Not for green card or immigrant visa applications.
❌ Not a guarantee of visa issuance.
While Form I-134 carries moral and administrative weight, it does not carry the same legal obligations as Form I-864.
🔍 Key Differences: Form I-134 vs. Form I-864
| Feature | Form I-134 | Form I-864 |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Temporary visa support (tourist, K-1) | Green card sponsorship |
| Legal obligation | Informal | Legally enforceable |
| Income threshold | 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Who can sponsor | Any U.S. citizen/green card holder | Usually a close relative only |
| Immigration category | Nonimmigrant | Immigrant |
📰 Common Use Cases
K-1/K-2 Fiancé(e) Visas: When sponsoring a foreign fiancé(e) and their children, Form I-134 helps demonstrate financial support until marriage.
Tourist (B-1/B-2) Visas: Helpful for parents, siblings, or friends visiting the U.S. temporarily.
Student or Exchange Visitors: If additional support beyond scholarships or personal funds is needed.
❌ When NOT to Use Form I-134
🔴 Do not use if applying for an immigrant visa (green card) – use Form I-864.
🔴 Not applicable for DV Lottery immigrant visa applicants.
🔴 Avoid using outdated forms. As of January 29, 2024, USCIS only accepts the 11/09/2023 edition.
🔔 FAQs About Form I-134
❓ Does the sponsor have to be a relative?
No. Friends or acquaintances may sponsor a visa applicant.
❓ Is there a filing fee?
No. Form I-134 is free.
❓ Where do I submit Form I-134?
You don't submit it to USCIS. Give it to the visa applicant to submit at their visa interview or with their application.
❓ Is Form I-134 enforceable?
Not in court. It is a declaration, not a legally binding contract like Form I-864.
❓ What is Form I-134A?
This is a different online form specifically used for sponsors under humanitarian parole programs such as Uniting for Ukraine or for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Do not confuse this with I-134.
📝 TRW Law Firm's Recommendation
At TRW Law Firm, we advise all sponsors to:
Use the most recent edition of Form I-134.
Provide thorough financial documentation.
Include a signed, dated employment verification letter.
Avoid errors or inconsistent information.
Speak with an immigration attorney for case-specific advice.
📈 Summary Table
| Section | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Declaration of financial support for a temporary visa |
| Filed By | U.S. citizen or green card holder |
| Legal Weight | Not enforceable |
| Application Fee | None |
| Income Requirement | 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Submitted To | Visa applicant, not USCIS directly |
💬 Contact TRW Law Firm
For guidance in preparing and using Form I-134 effectively, speak with our expert attorneys at TRW Law Firm.
Phone:
📞 +8801708000660
📞 +8801847220062
📞 +8801708080817
Email:
📧 info@trfirm.com
📧 info@trwbd.com
📧 info@tahmidur.com
Offices:
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