Editable PDF Documents

Editable PDF Documents

Homepage Fill a Valid USCIS I-134 Template
Table of Contents

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 serves as a declaration by a sponsor, typically a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, affirming their commitment to financially support a foreign national during their stay in the country. By completing the I-134, sponsors demonstrate their ability to provide for the basic needs of the immigrant, which includes food, shelter, and medical care, thereby reducing the likelihood that the immigrant will rely on government assistance. The form requires detailed information about the sponsor's income, assets, and household size, ensuring that the U.S. government can assess the sponsor's financial capability. Additionally, the I-134 is often used in conjunction with various visa applications, particularly for those seeking temporary non-immigrant status, such as tourists or students. Understanding the significance of the I-134 is essential for both sponsors and applicants, as it can directly impact the success of the immigration application process.

Document Details

Fact Name Description
Purpose The I-134 form is used to demonstrate financial support for a visa applicant.
Eligibility U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can file the I-134 form on behalf of a foreign national.
Submission The form must be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the visa application.
Supporting Documents Applicants must provide proof of income, assets, and other financial information to support the I-134.
Not a Contract The I-134 is not a legally binding contract; it is a declaration of intent to support the applicant.
Validity Period The form remains valid as long as the financial situation of the sponsor does not change significantly.
Processing Time Processing times can vary, but applicants should expect a few weeks for the USCIS to review the form.
State-Specific Requirements Some states may have additional requirements for financial support; check local laws for specifics.
Fees There is no fee to file the I-134 form, but other associated visa application fees may apply.
Consequences of Misrepresentation Providing false information on the I-134 can lead to visa denial and potential legal issues.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the USCIS I-134 form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
  • Do provide accurate and truthful information.
  • Do use black ink and write legibly.
  • Do double-check all entries for spelling and numerical accuracy.
  • Do sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't use abbreviations unless specified in the instructions.
  • Don't submit photocopies of the form unless explicitly allowed.
  • Don't forget to include any required supporting documents.
  • Don't rush through the process; take your time to ensure everything is correct.

Documents used along the form

The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is a crucial document for individuals seeking to sponsor a foreign national for a visa. When submitting this form, several other documents may be required to support the application. Below is a list of forms and documents commonly used alongside the I-134.

  • Form I-130: This is the Petition for Alien Relative. It establishes a qualifying relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and the foreign national.
  • Non-disclosure Agreement Form: For safeguarding confidential information, consult the essential Non-disclosure Agreement resources to ensure proper protection of sensitive data.
  • Form I-864: Known as the Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, this form is often required for family-based immigration and demonstrates the sponsor's financial ability to support the immigrant.
  • Form I-797: This is the Notice of Action, which serves as proof that USCIS has received and is processing a petition or application. It is essential for tracking the status of the application.
  • Tax Returns: Recent tax returns provide evidence of the sponsor's income and financial stability. These documents help to show that the sponsor can support the immigrant.
  • Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs from the sponsor's employer can further demonstrate their current financial situation and ability to provide support.
  • Bank Statements: These statements show the sponsor's financial resources and help establish their capability to support the immigrant financially.
  • Proof of Citizenship or Residency: This can include a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or green card, which verifies the sponsor's legal status in the U.S.

Gathering these documents can streamline the application process and strengthen the case for the foreign national's visa. Each document plays a vital role in demonstrating the sponsor's commitment and ability to provide financial support, ensuring a smoother journey through the immigration process.

Similar forms

The USCIS I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support, is essential for individuals seeking to sponsor a visa applicant. It demonstrates the sponsor's ability to financially support the applicant. Here are eight documents that share similarities with the I-134 form:

  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act): This form is also used to show financial support for a visa applicant but is typically required for family-based immigration cases.
  • Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): While primarily a petition to establish a qualifying relationship, it often includes financial information to support the applicant's case.
  • Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence): This form may require proof of financial support to demonstrate a genuine marriage and shared financial responsibilities.
  • Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): Similar to the I-134, this form requires evidence of the employer's ability to pay the offered wage to the foreign worker.
  • Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): Applicants must provide evidence of financial stability and support, especially if they are applying under certain conditions.
  • Form I-526 (Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor): This document requires proof of the investor's financial capability to support the investment and the associated immigrant.
  • FedEx Release Form: This form allows customers to authorize delivery without a signature and can designate a drop-off location when unavailable. For convenient access, you can use Fillable Forms to complete it easily.
  • Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application): This form requires information about the applicant's financial situation and often references the sponsor's financial ability.
  • Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): This form may require financial documentation to ensure the applicant will not become a public charge.

Common mistakes

Completing the USCIS I-134 form can be a complex task, and individuals often make mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in the immigration process. One common error is providing inaccurate personal information. This includes misspellings of names, incorrect dates of birth, or wrong addresses. Such inaccuracies can create confusion and may result in the rejection of the form.

Another frequent mistake is failing to provide adequate supporting documentation. The I-134 form requires proof of financial support, which may include tax returns, bank statements, or employment verification letters. Omitting these documents can lead to a perception that the sponsor is not financially stable enough to support the applicant.

Many individuals also overlook the importance of signing the form. A missing signature can render the application invalid. Furthermore, if the form is signed by someone other than the sponsor, it could lead to significant issues. Each sponsor must personally sign the I-134 to affirm their commitment to support the applicant.

In addition, individuals sometimes underestimate the importance of consistency in their responses. Discrepancies between the information provided on the I-134 and other forms submitted to USCIS can raise red flags. It is crucial that all information is aligned to avoid any suspicion of dishonesty.

Another mistake involves failing to update the form if circumstances change. If there are changes in financial status, employment, or living situation after the form is submitted, these should be communicated to USCIS. Ignoring these changes can lead to complications in the immigration process.

Lastly, many applicants do not thoroughly review the completed form before submission. Errors can be easily overlooked, especially when individuals are anxious to submit their application. Taking the time to review the form can help catch mistakes and ensure that all necessary information is included.