What is Form I-134?
Often referred to as the affidavit of support, Form I-134 was officially renamed to Declaration of Financial Support by USCIS. It's used by individuals to show they can financially support a visitor coming to the U.S. This form is often required for a visitor visa application, ensuring the visitor has sufficient financial support during their stay and won't rely on public funds. It's crucial for anyone inviting friends or family to the U.S. for a visit.
What is Form I-134 used for?
The Form I-134 is a crucial document for individuals who financially support non-U.S. residents during their stay. Here's what it's used for:
- To show financial support for visitors on a non-immigrant visa.
- To provide evidence of the sponsor's ability to support the visitor financially.
You can fill out the I-134 form (PDF) on our platform and download the completed document with your supporting details
How to fill out Form I-134
Follow the Form I-134 instructions below to complete each section correctly:
1. Determine who files:
- Check the first box if you are the beneficiary filing on your own behalf (using your own finances to demonstrate support). Check the second box if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident filing to support someone else.
02. Complete Part 2 — Information About the Supporter:
- Enter your full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, SSN (if any), A-number (if any), and mailing and physical address.
- Indicate your immigration status — U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or nonimmigrant.
- Provide your employment status, employer name, and annual income.
- List your dependents and anyone else you financially support.
- List your assets — bank account balances, real estate, investments, and other property.
- Disclose any prior I-134, I-134A, I-864, I-864EZ, or I-864A forms you've signed that are still active.
3. Complete Part 3 — Information About the Beneficiary:
- Enter the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, country of birth, and details about their planned trip — including purpose of travel and expected length of stay.
4. Complete Part 4 or Part 5 — Signature:
- Part 4: Sign here if you are the beneficiary filing on your own behalf.
- Part 5: Sign here if you are the supporter filing on behalf of someone else.
- Both require a full handwritten signature — stamped or typewritten names are not accepted. USCIS will accept a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original.
5. Complete Parts 6–7 (if applicable):
- Part 6: If an interpreter helped you, they must provide their information and sign.
- Part 7: If someone else prepared the form, they must provide their information and sign.
6. Send to the visa applicant:
- In most cases, do not mail Form I-134 to USCIS. Send the signed original to the visa applicant so they can present it at their consular interview. Attach supporting documents — tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and employment verification letters.
Who is required to fill out Form I-134?
Form I-134 is filled out by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who want to sponsor a visitor visa. They show they can financially support the visitor during their stay.
U.S. embassies or consulates use the completed Form I-134 during the visa application process to assess the visitor's financial support plan.
When is Form I-134 not required?
The Form I-134 is not necessary for individuals who are not seeking to show financial support for visitors coming to the U.S. under certain visas that do not require proof of financial stability from a sponsor.
This includes those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program or for categories that do not mandate a sponsor's financial documentation as part of their application process. Therefore, if your travel or immigration status does not require sponsorship, filling out Form I-134 is not a step you need to take.
When is Form I-134 due?
The deadline for Form I-134 varies as it is not tied to a specific date. Instead, it should be submitted when requested by the Department of Homeland Security or when you are preparing to sponsor a visitor for their visa application.
Remember, it's essential to check with the relevant authorities or the specific instructions for your situation to ensure timely submission.
How to get a blank Form I-134
To get a blank Form I-134 (PDF), simply visit our platform, where the template is pre-loaded for you. There's no need to download it elsewhere; just start filling it out right on our website and download it when you're done. Remember, we help you create and download the form, but not file it.
How to sign Form I-134
To sign online Form I-134, you can either use a digital signature or a wet signature. It's important to verify the current guidelines for the most accurate method.
PDF Guru supports the creation of simple electronic signatures but not digital ones. For a wet signature, download and print the form, then sign it manually.
Where to file Form I-134?
In most cases, don't mail Form I-134 to USCIS. Instead, send the signed original directly to the visa applicant, who will bring it to their consular interview. The exception is when Form I-134 is filed with Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) for parole-based cases — in that situation, submit it to USCIS as instructed with the I-131 application.
Other forms related to Form I-134
Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
The legally binding financial sponsorship form is required for permanent immigration (green cards). Unlike Form I-134, which is a non-binding declaration for temporary visitors, Form I-864 is an enforceable contract with the U.S. government and requires income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Who uses it: Sponsors of family-based and certain employment-based immigrants applying for permanent residence.
Form I-134A – Online Request to Be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support
An online version of the financial support declaration used for specific humanitarian parole programs, such as Uniting for Ukraine. Similar to Form I-134 but filed online through the USCIS portal for designated programs.
Who uses it: U.S.-based supporters sponsoring individuals under specific humanitarian parole programs.
Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Used by a U.S. citizen to petition for a foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States on a K-1 visa. Form I-134 is commonly required at the K-1 visa interview to demonstrate financial support for the fiancé(e).
Who uses it: U.S. citizens petitioning for a foreign fiancé(e) to come to the United States for marriage.
Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Arrival/Departure Record
Used to apply for parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Certain parole applicants must submit Form I-134 with Form I-131 to demonstrate financial support during their stay.
Who uses it: Individuals applying for advance parole, reentry permits, or humanitarian parole.
