Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

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IMMIGRATION

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Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, is a legal document used by US citizens or green card holders to show financial support for a non-citizen applying for a visa. Filling out Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, is a crucial step when supporting someone who is applying for a U.S. visa, such as B1/B2 (visitor visas) or F1 (student visa) and several other nonimmigrant visa categories.. Here are some general guidelines:

Who Can Fill Out Form I-134:

  • The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident.
  • The sponsor must be at least 18 years old.
  • It is acceptable for a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. lawful permanent resident to fill out the form; however, the sponsor must be residing in the United States.

Supporting Documents for I-134:

  • Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: Passport, birth certificate, or green card.
  • Proof of Income: Typically, tax returns (Form 1040), W-2s, or a letter from the employer.
  • Proof of Employment: Pay stubs, a letter from the employer, or employment verification.
  • Bank Statements: To demonstrate financial stability.
  • Other Assets: Property, stocks, or any additional assets.
  • Evidence of relationship to the beneficiary: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other documents proving your relationship to the applicant.

Chances of B2 Visitor Visa with I-134 form:

The I-134 is a supporting document that helps establish that the visa applicant will not become a public charge during their stay. While it’s an essential document, it’s not a guarantee of approval. Approval ultimately depends on various factors, including the applicant’s ties to their home country, the purpose of the visit, your travel history, financial stability, and other eligibility criteria.

Can a Non-US person Fill Form I-134?

No, only US citizens or green card holders can fill out Form I-134. However, if you are a non-US citizen living in the US with legal status (such as an H-1B visa holder), you may be able to petition for a US citizen or green card holder to file Form I-134 on your behalf.

How to Fill Out Form I-134:

  1. Gather your documents: You’ll need proof of your US citizenship or green card, tax returns, proof of income, and other financial documents.
  2. Complete the form online or by hand: Download the form from the USCIS website and follow the instructions carefully.
  3. Get your signature notarized: Once you’ve completed the form, take it to a notary public to get your signature notarized.
  4. Submit the form with the visa application: The beneficiary will need to submit the completed and notarized I-134 form along with their visa application.
  5. Consult the Latest Instructions: USCIS may update forms and instructions, so it’s essential to use the most recent version available on the USCIS website.
  6. Seek Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s advisable to seek professional advice, such as consulting an immigration lawyer.

Differences Between I-134 and I-864:

Both forms serve the same purpose, but they have some key differences:

  • Who uses it: Form I-134 is generally used for nonimmigrant visas, such as visitors (B1/B2) or students (F1). It is a less formal and less legally binding commitment compared to the I-864, while Form I-864 is typically used for immigrant visas.
  • Financial requirements: Form I-134 requires the sponsor to demonstrate present ability to support the beneficiary, while Form I-864 requires proof of future ability to support the beneficiary for the entire duration of their stay.
  • Complexity: Form I-134 is generally considered simpler to fill out than Form I-864. I-864 form is for immigrant visa applicants and certain family members seeking to immigrate to the U.S. It involves a more significant financial commitment, as it is a legally binding contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government.

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