Form I-134, officially known as the Affidavit of Support, is a document used in the United States immigration process to demonstrate that a family member or friend living in the United States has the financial ability to support a foreign national who is coming to the U.S. temporarily or immigrating permanently. This affidavit serves as a financial guarantee, ensuring that the arriving individual will not become a public charge. The form requires the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsor to provide detailed information about their income, assets, and household size, thereby proving they meet specific financial thresholds established by federal law.
Understanding the Purpose and Legal Obligations
The primary purpose of Form I-134 is to assure U.S. government agencies that the sponsored individual will not rely on government assistance for basic needs. By signing this affidavit, the sponsor accepts legal responsibility for the financial well-being of the immigrant during their stay in the United States. This obligation is taken seriously, as it is a legally binding contract with the U.S. Department of State. If the sponsored individual were to receive certain public benefits, the sponsor may be required to reimburse the agency, highlighting the long-term financial implications of signing this form.
Who Needs to File This Affidavit
You are typically required to file Form I-134 if you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and you are requesting a visa for a foreign national relative to enter the United States. Common family-based visa categories that require this form include specific preference categories for adult sons or daughters of U.S. citizens, siblings of U.S. citizens, and certain fiancé(e) visa scenarios. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for the visa category being applied for, as not every immigration petition requires this document.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
You must be a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident.
You must reside in the United States or its territories.
You must meet the minimum income requirement, generally at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
You must be able to provide proof of your financial status, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
Required Documentation and Evidence
Completing Form I-134 successfully hinges on providing thorough evidence of financial stability. Sponsors must include copies of their federal tax returns for the most recent three years, recent pay stubs or proof of self-employment income, and documentation of any relevant assets such as bank statements or property deeds. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the sponsor’s financial health, ensuring they have sufficient resources to cover the immigrant without difficulty.
Asset Requirements and Acceptable Proof
In addition to income, sponsors may list specific assets that can support the application. These assets must be liquid or easily convertible to cash to cover the immigrant's needs. Acceptable documentation usually includes signed bank statements showing a healthy balance, evidence of stock holdings, or property appraisals. The value of these assets is calculated based on their current market value at the time of application, providing an additional layer of financial security for the case.
Filing Procedures and Current Guidelines
While the form itself is submitted directly to the U.S. Department of State or the National Visa Center, the preparation often begins within the context of a visa application package. It is essential to use the most recent version of the form, as requirements and income thresholds are subject to change annually. Sponsors should gather all necessary financial documents before starting the process to ensure accuracy and avoid delays in processing their loved one’s immigration application.
