Form I-134, commonly known as an Affidavit of Support, is used by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to verify whether a visa applicant demonstrates sufficient financial backing and won’t become a burden upon public funds while living in America. Individuals looking to sponsor foreign nationals for entry purposes including tourism, medical treatment or certain student visas need this form.
What Is Form I-134 Used For?
Form I-134 is used by sponsors who wish to provide financial support for foreign nationals visiting the U.S. The purpose of this affidavit is to ensure that their sponsored individual will not become dependent upon government assistance while visiting. Therefore, sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial resources in order to support applicants applying for sponsorship.
Purpose of Form I-134
Form I-134’s primary function is to assure the United States government that foreign nationals staying in this country will be financially supported throughout their stay, such as tourist and student visa applicants (B-2 and F-1) or humanitarian parole situations (H-1B, H-4 and other types). By submitting a Form I-134 form, sponsors accept financial responsibility for applicant.
USCIS Form I-134 is an essential document when applying for any visa.
It allows USCIS to assess if an applicant has sufficient financial backing and will not become a public charge, while providing details about income, assets, liabilities etc. Additionally, this form demonstrates support of visa applications by showing the sponsor’s ability to provide for applicants .
Key Components of an I-134 Form
Sponsor Information: The form requires personal details about its sponsor, such as their name, address, date of birth and citizenship status.
Financial Information: Sponsors must provide comprehensive financial information, including their employment status, income, assets and liabilities.
Dependents: To assess total financial responsibility accurately.
Sponsor’s Statement: In their Sponsor Statement, sponsors should state their intent and ability to financially back a foreign national.
USCIS Case Status I-134
Once USCIS receives and processes Form I-134, they will update its case status accordingly. If approved by USCIS, this indicates that they have determined that the sponsor meets financial requirements to support a foreign national. While approval of Form I-134 is an important step towards visa issuance, ultimately this decision rests with consulate or embassy processing visa applications .
Completing Form I-134 correctly requires close attention and care in every step. Here are the steps for ensuring it’s completed accurately
Download Form I-134 From USCIS’ Website:. Get the most up-to-date Form I-134 form available, fill in Personal Details And provide accurate details regarding both sponsor and applicant.
Gather Financial Documentation:. Gather documents that verify a sponsor’s income, assets, employment and/or assets such as tax returns, bank statements and pay stubs.
Complete Form: Carefully complete each section of the form while double-checking for accuracy and completeness.
Sign and Submit Form I-134
Form I-134 should be signed and submitted along with supporting documents. The appropriate USCIS office or consulate handling your visa application for processing. Unsigned forms will be rejected. Ideally it should arrive no later than 2 business days from when submitted for consideration.
Form I-134 is an essential document that ensures foreign nationals entering the U.S. have sufficient financial support. This form assures both the government and sponsors that applicants won’t become financial burdens while also showing commitment from both sides to support one another.
Common Issues with Form I-134
Incomplete Information: Make sure all sections of the form are completely and accurately filled out.
Insufficient Financial Evidence: Provide extensive documentation supporting any financial claims made within this form.
Misunderstanding Requirements: Read instructions carefully in order to fully comprehend their requirements and prevent common mistakes from being made.
Tips for an Efficient Process
Start Early: Start collecting documents and information well ahead of the visa application deadline in order to facilitate an efficient process.
Stay Organized: Keep all financial documents and correspondence with USCIS organized for easy reference.
Follow Instructions: Follow USCIS instructions carefully when filling out and submitting I-134.
Ask Professional Advice: For additional help or if there are questions or concerns. Consider consulting an immigration attorney or expert to make sure the form is filled out accurately.
Conclusion
Form I-134, or the Affidavit of Support, is an integral document when sponsoring foreign nationals to enter the US. By filling out and signing this form, sponsors pledge their financial support so that applicants will not become public charges. It is critical to follow instructions carefully and provide accurate information in order for USCIS to process it quickly and successfully.
Understanding and correctly filling out I-134 is crucial for anyone involved with immigration processes. Not only because it ensures compliance with U.S. immigration laws but also because it helps secure the successful application of foreign nationals seeking entry to the United States.
