Form I-134A: Your Guide to the Declaration of Financial Support

The eligibility criteria for Form I-134A are specific and must be met by individuals who wish to act as sponsors for certain immigrants to the United States.

Financial Requirements

Sponsors are required to demonstrate the financial ability to support the immigrant they are sponsoring. Evidence of income or assets must show that the sponsor can maintain an income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, including the sponsored immigrant(s).

Sponsor Qualifications

Sponsors must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents. They need to be aged 18 or older and domiciled (live) in the United States. They must also confirm their commitment to support the immigrant by providing housing and financial assistance as necessary.

While submitting Form I-134, attaching Form I-134A acts as a declaration of support for individuals seeking entry into the United States for humanitarian or family reasons under specific parole programs. The form is a critical component of processes such as Uniting for Ukraine.

Purpose of Form

The purpose of Form I-134A is to establish a supporter’s intention to financially assist an individual—the beneficiary—looking to enter the United States temporarily. It is used in various humanitarian parole programs, including but not limited to Uniting for Ukraine and processes for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Information Collected

Form I-134A gathers comprehensive information that includes:

• Supporter’s Personal Details:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • Contact Information
  • Immigration Status
• Beneficiary’s Personal Details:
  • Full Name
  • Nationality
  • Date of Birth
• Financial Information:
  • Income Level
  • Employment Information
  • Asset Details

In evaluating the supporter’s ability to ensure financial stability, details in forms I-134 play a crucial role.

The Form I-134A is crucial for individuals in the United States who wish to support beneficiaries, including minor children, from certain countries by declaring financial support. Here, applicants can understand the procedural requirements and the necessary documentation.

Filing Instructions

Form I-134A must be filed exclusively by a supporter who is physically present within the United States. Each beneficiary requires a separate form, meticulously completed by the supporter. The steps are as follows:

1. Access the Form: The form is available and must be completed online through the official USCIS website.
2. Complete with Accuracy: Accuracy is imperative when providing information on the form to avoid any processing delays.

Note: Individuals cannot file Form I-134A on their own behalf.

Supporting Documents

Supporters must gather and submit various documents alongside Form I-134A to substantiate their declaration of financial support:

• Proof of Residency or Citizenship: Evidence that the supporter legally resides in the U.S.
• Financial Records: Demonstration of income and assets to showcase the ability to support the beneficiary.

A detailed list of required documents is typically found on the USCIS website and should be consulted prior to submission to ensure compliance with the complete requirements.

After submitting Form I-134A, it is essential to be aware of the next steps and what to expect from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants will deal with aspects such as receiving a notice of receipt and understanding the adjudication process.

Notice of Receipt

Once the Form I-134A has been successfully submitted, the USCIS will issue a Notice of Receipt. This notice confirms that the form has been received and provides a unique case number that can be used to track the progress of the application. It is critical for the supporter to retain this notice, as it serves as proof of submission and is necessary for future reference.

Adjudication Process

The Adjudication Process begins after the Notice of Receipt has been sent. During this phase, USCIS officials review the submitted form to make decisions based on the provided information. The supporter may be required to furnish additional documentation or information if USCIS deems it necessary. The length of time for this process can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the volume of applications received and the complexity of the cases. It is crucial for the supporter to monitor their case status regularly and respond promptly to any requests from USCIS.

The “Obligations and Responsibilities” section delineates the specific commitments of the sponsor and clarifies the rights due to the beneficiary under Form I-134A.

Sponsor Responsibilities

Financial Commitment: The sponsor is legally obliged to provide financial support to the beneficiary if the latter is unable to support themselves in the United States. This agreement is intended to prevent the beneficiary from needing to apply for public assistance.

• Repayment of Public Funds: Should the beneficiary apply for and receive public assistance, the sponsor may be responsible for repaying these funds to the government.

Beneficiary’s Rights

Separate Applications: Each beneficiary is entitled to an individual application. This ensures that each person’s case is considered on its own merits.

• Support Assurance: Beneficiaries can anticipate receiving support from their sponsor as agreed upon in Form I-134A, giving them a measure of security when arriving in the United States.

When an individual submits Form I-134A, they can generally anticipate one of two primary outcomes: approval or denial based on the evaluation of specific criteria. Understanding what leads to each of these outcomes is crucial for anyone going through this process.

Approval Criteria

The approval of Form I-134A is contingent upon the supporter meeting the following requirements:

• Evidence of Financial Stability: The supporter must showcase the ability to financially support the beneficiary.
• Residency Status: They must be either a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or hold valid U.S. immigration status.
• Relationship to the Beneficiary: There must be a clear connection or commitment to supporting the intending immigrant.

If these criteria are met and verified, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will likely approve the application.

Denial and Appeals

In cases where Form I-134A is denied, it may be due to:

• Insufficient Funds: The supporter lacks the financial resources required.
• Inaccuracy or Incomplete Information: Discrepancies or missing details in the application.

Applicants have the option to appeal a denial or reapply with corrected and complete information. The appeal procedure must align with the guidelines provided by USCIS and typically needs to be filed within 30 days of the denial notice.

When discussing Form I-134A, it is important for applicants and supporters to be aware of the criteria for extending the validity of the support agreement and the process for modifying the original terms of support.

Validity Period

The validity period of the support offered through Form I-134A is tied to the specifics of the parole program under which it is filed. Supporters should check the latest guidelines, as the USCIS has the authority to grant extensions. Only the petitioner who filed the Form I-134A can request an extension. They may do this by providing sufficient reason for an extension of the previously approved advance travel authorization, subject to USCIS approval.

Modification of Support

To modify the original conditions of support, the supporter must submit a new Form I-134A reflecting the changes. Each beneficiary requires a separate form, including minors. It is crucial to note that any modifications to financial support or conditions can affect the beneficiary’s status, and thus must be carefully considered and meticulously documented.

Navigating immigration processes can be challenging. The following resources and assistance are available for those seeking to understand and complete Form I-134A.

Legal Support

Legal professionals can provide guidance on filing Form I-134A. Individuals might consider contacting:

• Immigration attorneys: Licensed practitioners specializing in immigration law can offer comprehensive support.
• Accredited representatives: Those recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals can also assist in the application process.

Government Assistance

Government resources for assistance with Form I-134A include:

• USCIS website: Official instructions and updates regarding Form I-134A are available.
• USCIS Contact Center: For specific questions, individuals can reach out to the USCIS Contact Center for direct assistance.