USCIS Form I-134: Everything You Need to Know

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may require Form I-134, known as the "Declaration of Financial Support," for certain individuals applying for temporary immigration benefits, such as parole or a nonimmigrant visa. This form is filed by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or another individual who agrees to financially support the applicant during their stay in the United States. The purpose of Form I-134 is to demonstrate that the beneficiary will have sufficient financial resources and will not become a public charge. Failure to submit a properly completed I-134 form may result in the denial of the visa or parole request​.

Exploring the Purpose of the I-134 Form for Temporary Visas: Financial Support for Immigrants

The Declaration of Financial Support (Form I-134) is a document used by U.S. sponsors to financially support nonimmigrants applying for temporary immigration benefits, such as parole or a nonimmigrant visa (B, F, or M categories). The form is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Department of State (DOS) to demonstrate that the beneficiary will have sufficient financial resources during their stay and will not become a public charge.

A U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or another individual can act as a sponsor by filing Form I-134 on behalf of a beneficiary. The sponsor must show proof of income, financial resources, and legal status in the U.S. to be eligible.

Important Update (2025):

• The latest edition of Form I-134 is dated 01/20/25.

• USCIS will only accept this edition starting March 13, 2025.

• Until then, the 11/09/23 edition is also acceptable.

• USCIS will reject forms with pages from different editions or missing pages.

The I-134 form helps to ensure that the beneficiary will not become a public charge while in the United States and serves as proof of the sponsor’s financial commitment. It also shows that the beneficiary has legitimate reasons for entering the country temporarily. Submission of Form I-134 alone does not guarantee the approval of a visa or entry; it is one factor considered by USCIS.

The latest edition of Form I-134 is dated 01/20/25, and USCIS will only accept this edition starting March 13, 2025. Make sure all pages of the form come from the same edition—submitting mixed editions may lead to rejection.

USCIS may also require the sponsor or beneficiary to appear for an interview or provide biometrics, including fingerprints, photographs, or signatures, as part of the Form I-134 process. This step is necessary to verify identity, collect additional information, and conduct background and security checks, including a review of FBI criminal history records. If biometrics are required, USCIS will notify the individual with details on scheduling the appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) or, if overseas, at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office. At the appointment, the individual will sign an oath confirming the truth and accuracy of the information provided in the form.

How to Fill Out The I-134 Form?

The current edition of Form I-134 is dated 12/12/24, and USCIS will only accept this edition starting March 13, 2025. Until then, the 11/09/23 edition is also acceptable. Ensure all pages of your form are from the same edition. Submitting forms with pages from different editions or missing pages may result in rejection. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and its instructions.

Steps to Complete Form I-134:

1. Type or Print Clearly in Black Ink – Forms filled out in other colors or illegible handwriting may be rejected.

2. Use Additional Space If Needed – If extra space is required, use Part 8 (Additional Information) or attach a separate sheet.

3. Answer All Questions Completely:

   • If a question does not apply, write “N/A” (Not Applicable).

   • If a numeric response is zero, enter “None” instead of leaving it blank.

4. Provide Financial Information Accurately:

   • Report Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from IRS Form 1040 (if applicable).

   • If no tax return was filed, provide income proof for the past 12 months.

5. Sign in the Correct Section:

   • Part 4 – If you are filing the form for yourself.

   • Part 5 – If you are sponsoring another individual.

   • Part 6 – If you used an interpreter.

   • Part 7 – If someone helped you prepare the form.

6. No Stamped or Typed Signatures Allowed – USCIS will only accept original handwritten or scanned copies of handwritten signatures.

You might need to submit a certified translation of a required document along with the original if it is one of the I-134 form's prerequisites and it is not in English. The translation must be done by a qualified translator, and it must be accompanied by a statement, signed by the translator, stating that the translation is correct and that they are qualified to do so. The original document should have the translation attached to it, and both the original and the translation should be sent with the I-134 form.

Which documents are required for I-134?

The following documents are required to support the submission of Form I-134:

Evidence of Income and Resources: You must provide documents that demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary. The evidence should include copies of the following, if applicable:

Statement from a bank or financial institution where deposits are held, showing:

• Date the account was opened.

• Total amount deposited in the past year.

• Present balance.

Statement(s) from your employer on business stationery showing:

• Date and nature of employment.

• Salary paid.

• Whether the position is temporary or permanent.

• Copy of your most recent U.S. federal income tax return (tax transcript).

List of bonds with serial numbers, denominations, and names of the record owners (if applicable).

Evidence of Assets: If you list assets, such as a home or automobile, you must provide evidence of ownership and the net cash value of the assets. This includes:

• Documentation proving ownership of the asset.

• Recent appraisal by a licensed appraiser (for homes).

• Proof of the amount of any loans secured by a mortgage or lien on the asset (if applicable).

The net value of an asset is calculated as the appraised value minus any loans or liens.

Supporting Documents for Beneficiary’s Income and Assets: If the beneficiary has income or assets that will be used for their stay in the U.S., provide supporting evidence such as:

• Documentation of any income the beneficiary will receive during their stay.

• Information about assets available to the beneficiary that can be converted into cash within 12 months.

Translations: If any of the documents submitted are in a foreign language, you must provide a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator's signature, printed name, date, and contact information.

Is there a fee for filing an I-134 form?

No, there is no filing fee for Form I-134. However, applicants should check Form G-1055 on the USCIS website for any changes.

Can I use the I-134 form to sponsor more than one immigrant?

Form I-134 cannot be used to sponsor more than one immigrant at a time. If you are agreeing to financially support more than one beneficiary (immigrant), you must submit a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary. Each form must be filled out, signed, and accompanied by the required supporting documentation for each individual beneficiary.

What happens if the sponsored immigrant becomes a public charge?

If the sponsored immigrant relies on U.S. government-funded benefits, it can negatively impact future immigration applications.

However, the sponsor is not legally liable for repaying the government for benefits received. Form I-134 does not create a binding financial obligation (unlike Form I-864 for permanent residents).

Can the I-134 form be withdrawn?

Yes. To withdraw Form I-134:

• Submit a written withdrawal request to USCIS or the U.S. Embassy handling the case.
• Include details such as your name, the beneficiary’s name, and case number.

However, if the immigrant has already entered the U.S., withdrawal may not be possible.

Can the I-134 form be used for permanent residency?

Form I-134 cannot be used for permanent residency. Form I-134 is intended for individuals providing financial support for beneficiaries applying for temporary immigration benefits such as parole or a nonimmigrant visa. For immigrants seeking permanent residency, Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) must be used instead. Form I-134 is not sufficient for individuals who are required to have Form I-864 filed on their behalf.

Do I need to translate the required documents for I-134?

If any of the I-134 form's prerequisite documents are not in English, you might also need to submit a certified translation of the non-English version.

Any document that is not in English must be submitted with a full, certified translation into English, according to the USCIS. The translation must be accompanied by a statement from the translator attesting to its accuracy and competence to translate the document.

For the translation to be accurate and meet their requirements, the USCIS advises using a qualified translator or translation service. The original document should have the translation attached to it, and both the original and the translation should be sent with the I-134 form.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the USCIS may ask for more information or reject the visa application if it decides that a translation is inaccurate or insufficient. As a result, it's crucial to make sure that all translations are correct and comply with USCIS guidelines.

How do I check my I-134 status?

To check the progress of your immigration case, you have two options:

Online: You can find your 13-character receipt number on your application or petition; enter it into the online case status tool.

Phone: Contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center if you're in the country by calling 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 for TTY.

Is I-134 Required For B2 Visa?

Form I-134 may be required for certain B-2 visa applicants. The form can be submitted by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or another individual who agrees to financially support a B (visitor for pleasure or business) visa applicant. While the form is not mandatory for all B-2 visa applicants, it may be requested to demonstrate that the applicant has sufficient financial support during their temporary stay in the U.S. This can be an important factor in the visa decision process if the applicant needs to show proof of financial backing.

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”