Nonimmigrant Support Package

Form I-134, also known as the Declaration of Financial Support or Affidavit of Support, is a crucial financial support form in the temporary visa application process. Its primary function is to reassure the U.S. government that the visa applicant will have sufficient financial support during their stay in the country, thereby preventing them from becoming a public charge. In other words, this form safeguards both the applicant and the sponsor by ensuring that they have enough funds to cover their expenses.

Before granting a visa or humanitarian parole, the consular officer will review Form I-134 during the visa application process to make sure the applicant is unlikely to become a public charge. This form must be filed by a supporter, who is responsible for providing financial support to the non-immigrant visa holder or parolee. To demonstrate the necessary financial resources, the supporter can submit bank statements from their primary bank or other financial institutions.

Form I-134, or Affidavit of Support, is a legally binding document that a sponsor completes to show their financial ability to support a temporary visitor to the US. Take note that this form is not applicable for green card applicants, as they will need Form I-864 instead. So, if you’re sponsoring someone for a temporary stay in the US, such as a visitor visa, Form I-134 is the form you’ll need to complete.

Eligible sponsors for Form I-134 include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and green card holders. To submit this form, sponsors must provide evidence of their financial resources, such as the present balance in their bank accounts. Generally, U.S. citizens, nationals, or LPRs can serve as supporters, but in certain circumstances, non-immigrants residing and employed in the United States may also be considered as supporters. The good news is that there is no fee for filing Form I-134

To file Form I-134, sponsors must meet specific eligibility criteria. Primarily, the sponsor must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident earning an income that equals or surpasses 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. Meeting this income requirement is crucial, as it demonstrates the sponsor’s financial ability to support the temporary visa applicant during their stay in the United States.

The federal poverty guidelines are a key factor in determining a sponsor’s eligibility. To meet the minimum income requirement for filing Form I-134, the sponsor must have an income equal to or greater than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the sponsor has the financial means necessary to provide adequate support for the beneficiary during their stay in the US.

Form I-134 requires sponsors to provide detailed financial information, including meeting HHS poverty guidelines and submitting necessary documents to prove their financial capacity. In the subsequent parts, we will further examine the financial thresholds and guidelines, required financial documents, and the procedure for filling out and sending the form to the appropriate financial institution or other financial institution.

Financial Thresholds and Guidelines

As a sponsor, understanding the income thresholds derived from the federal poverty guidelines is key when filing Form I-134. Although these guidelines vary depending on the geographical state of the sponsor’s residence in the U.S. and the size of the sponsor’s household, the minimum income requirement for a sponsor filing Form I-134 is typically 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

Take note, the size of the sponsor’s household does not have a direct influence on the income requirement for Form I-134. The income requirement is generally determined using the federal poverty guidelines, which remain unchanged regardless of household size.

The federal poverty guidelines are updated annually, as mandated by law, and this has an impact on Form I-134, as the petitioning sponsor must generally have an income that is 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

Documentation of Financial Resources

When completing Form I-134, sponsors must back up their application with meticulous documentation of financial resources. This includes form I-134 supporting documents like income and asset verification. Omitting these essential details might result in visa denial or even potential removal from the United States. Ensuring all Form I-134a requirements are met is the key to a successful and hassle-free application process.

Completing Form I-134? Remember, income evidence like recent tax returns, employment verification, and additional income proof is crucial. These documents ensure your immigration forms are thorough, meeting financial requirements for supporting the visa applicant.

Completing and Submitting the Form

To complete and submit Form I-134, sponsors must follow these steps:

1. Access the detailed instructions for completing Form I-134 from the USCIS website.
2. Review the requirements for each section of the form.
3. Fill out the form accurately and completely.
4. Sign and date the form.
5. Submit the form to the appropriate location based on the beneficiary’s location.

For additional guidance on completing Form I-134, you can also visit websites like Citizen Concierge, which provide assistance in filling out the same form.

When submitting Form I-134, it is essential to avoid common mistakes, such as:

• Misspelling the beneficiary’s name
• Incorrect dates of birth
• Incorrect passport numbers
• Incorrect email addresses

By carefully completing the separate form and submitting it to the correct location, you can help ensure a smooth and successful application process for the temporary visa applicant.

With the advancements in technology, online filing of Form I-134 has become a popular choice for sponsors living in the United States. For those outside the US, the original signed form should be forwarded to the non-immigrant beneficiary. Online platforms available for filing Form I-134 include the official USCIS website and other online filing platforms, such as Stilt.

To make the process even more manageable, online support services like Citizen Concierge can help you with form preparation. By utilizing these services, you can ensure that your Form I-134 application is complete, accurate, and submitted to the right location. These services also offer guidance and resources to help you navigate the complexities of Form I-134 filing, making the process less daunting for both sponsor and beneficiary.

Filing Form I-134 may appear challenging, but with appropriate advice and assistance, it can be manageable. By understanding the requirements, gathering necessary documents, and completing the form accurately, you can ensure that your temporary visa applicant has the financial backing they need during their stay in the US. By doing so, you can focus on the more enjoyable aspects of their visit, such as spending quality time together and creating lasting memories.

Resources like Citizen Concierge provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance on the requirements for each section of the form, making the process of providing financial support stress-free. With their support, you can confidently complete Form I-134 and be one step closer to welcoming your loved one to the United States.

Before endorsing Form I-134, it’s necessary to understand the legal implications tied to this document. By signing this form, you acknowledge your commitment to provide financial support to the foreign national for the duration of their stay. This creates a legally binding obligation for you, the sponsor, to fulfill the financial obligations stated in the form.

Although courts have generally determined that Form I-134 is not legally binding, signing this form may still result in severe penalties, potential criminal prosecution, and potential financial responsibility for financially supporting the sponsored immigrant until they become a U.S. citizen or obtain a green card. Hence, reviewing Form I-134 and its prerequisites cautiously before signing it is important to comprehend the legal implications and your duties as a sponsor.

While Form I-134 is used for temporary visa applicants, there is an alternative form for permanent residency applications: Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support under Section 213A of the INA. Both forms serve similar purposes but cater to different visa categories.

Form I-864 is associated with immigrant spouse visa applications, while Form I-134 is applicable to temporary or non-immigrant visas. Form I-864 has more intricate eligibility requirements and higher sponsor income thresholds compared to Form I-134. Depending on the visa category you are sponsoring, make sure to choose the appropriate form to ensure a successful application process.

Citizen Concierge offers a reliable and affordable service to help sponsors file Form I-134, ensuring a smooth and successful application process for temporary visa applicants. By utilizing their guidance in completing the Affidavit of Support, you can benefit from:

• Their proficiency in immigration requirements
• Their efficiency in handling the application process
• Their assurance of accurate and complete documentation
• Their availability of resources and information

The filing fee for Form I-134 with Citizen Concierge and similar services can differ, but the fee typically ranges from $0 to $535. By opting for a trusted service like Citizen Concierge, you can ensure that your Form I-134 is completed accurately and submitted on time, making the sponsorship process seamless and worry-free for both you and the visa applicant.

In conclusion, Form I-134 is a critical document for temporary visa sponsors, ensuring that applicants have the financial support they need during their stay in the United States. By understanding the purpose, eligibility criteria, and requirements of this form, sponsors can provide the necessary financial support to their loved ones without stress or worry.

With the right guidance and support, such as online filing options and services like Citizen Concierge, completing and submitting Form I-134 can be a smooth and successful process. By taking the time to understand the legal implications and choosing the appropriate form for the visa category, you can ensure that your loved one’s temporary visa application is successful and stress-free.