What Is Form I-134?
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support (also known as the Affidavit of Support for nonimmigrants), is a document completed by a U.S.-based sponsor to demonstrate that a foreign visitor will be financially supported during their stay and will not become a public charge. The form is signed under penalty of perjury and provides financial details about the sponsor.
The I-134 is used primarily for temporary (nonimmigrant) visa applicants. It is distinct from Form I-864, which is the legally binding Affidavit of Support required for immigrant visa applicants. The I-134 is generally considered non-binding — it is a declaration of intent rather than a legal contract — but it carries significant weight in visa adjudication.
USCIS also introduced Form I-134A (Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support) for certain humanitarian parole programs. The I-134A is filed online and has different requirements than the traditional I-134.
When Is the I-134 Required?
The I-134 is commonly required or recommended in the following situations:
K-1 fiancé(e) visa applications: The U.S. citizen petitioner typically must file an I-134 as part of the K-1 visa process to demonstrate they can financially support their fiancé(e) upon arrival in the United States. See our I-129F K-1 fiancé petition guide for more details.
B-1/B-2 visitor visa applications: When a visitor cannot demonstrate sufficient personal funds for their trip, a U.S.-based sponsor can provide an I-134 to show financial support. This is not always required — many visitor visas are approved without it — but consular officers may request it.
Other nonimmigrant visa categories: The I-134 may be requested for J-1 exchange visitors, certain parolees, and other temporary visa applicants when financial support from a U.S. sponsor is relevant to the application.
Humanitarian parole programs: For programs like Uniting for Ukraine and the Cuba-Haiti-Nicaragua-Venezuela parole processes, sponsors use the I-134A (the online version) rather than the paper I-134.
Who Can Be a Sponsor?
Any person residing in the United States who has sufficient income or assets to support the visitor can serve as an I-134 sponsor. The sponsor does not need to be a U.S. citizen — permanent residents and even some visa holders with sufficient income may qualify. The sponsor should be at least 18 years old, reside in the United States, and have a relationship with the visitor (family member, friend, or other connection).
There is no formal minimum income requirement for the I-134, unlike the I-864 which requires income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Instead, the adjudicating officer evaluates the totality of the sponsor's financial situation relative to the visitor's expected needs and length of stay.
How to Complete Form I-134
Step 1: Download the form. Get the current version from uscis.gov/i-134. Make sure you are using the most recent edition.
Step 2: Fill in sponsor information. The sponsor provides their full legal name, date of birth, address, immigration status, employment information, and annual income.
Step 3: Provide financial details. The form requires information about the sponsor's income (from employment, investments, or other sources), bank account balances, real estate holdings, stocks and bonds, and other assets. The more comprehensive the financial picture, the stronger the case.
Step 4: Identify the visitor. Include the full name of the person being sponsored, their relationship to the sponsor, the purpose and expected duration of the visit, and where the visitor will stay.
Step 5: Sign under penalty of perjury. The sponsor signs the declaration affirming that all information is true and correct.
Required Supporting Documents
The I-134 form alone is usually not sufficient. You should include supporting documentation to verify the financial claims:
Employment verification: A letter from the sponsor's employer on company letterhead confirming position, salary, and length of employment.
Tax returns: The most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) with all schedules. Some consulates request the last 2-3 years of returns.
Bank statements: The last 3-6 months of bank statements showing account balances and regular deposits.
Pay stubs: The most recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months) to verify current income.
Proof of assets: If relying on assets rather than income, provide property deeds, investment account statements, or other documentation of asset value.
Proof of immigration status: A copy of the sponsor's U.S. passport, green card, or other immigration document showing their status.
I-134 vs. I-864: Key Differences
| Feature | I-134 | I-864 |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas | Immigrant visas and adjustment of status |
| Legally binding | Generally no | Yes — enforceable contract |
| Minimum income | No specific minimum | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Duration of obligation | Duration of the visit | Until sponsored immigrant becomes a citizen or earns 40 work quarters |
| Can government sue sponsor | Generally no | Yes — sponsor is liable for public benefits used |
| Filed with | Consulate (usually) or USCIS | USCIS or NVC |
I-134A: The Online Version
Form I-134A (Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support) was introduced for specific humanitarian parole programs. Unlike the traditional paper I-134, the I-134A is filed online through the USCIS portal and requires USCIS approval before the beneficiary can proceed with their parole application.
The I-134A is used in programs such as Uniting for Ukraine, the Cuba-Haiti-Nicaragua-Venezuela (CHNV) parole process, and potentially other future parole programs. The online form collects similar financial information but is adjudicated by USCIS rather than a consular officer. Check uscis.gov/i-134a for which programs currently require this form and the most up-to-date filing instructions.
Tips for a Strong I-134
Present the strongest possible financial picture by providing more documentation than the minimum, showing stable and sufficient income relative to the visitor's needs, demonstrating a legitimate relationship between sponsor and visitor, being consistent — make sure the numbers on the form match the supporting documents, keeping documents current — bank statements and pay stubs older than 3 months may be questioned, and including a brief cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit and the sponsor's willingness to support the visitor.
If you are sponsoring a K-1 fiancé(e), consular officers will be particularly thorough because the K-1 holder will be living in the U.S. and initially unable to work. Demonstrate that you can support two people on your income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the I-134 legally binding?
The I-134 is generally considered a non-binding declaration, unlike the I-864 Affidavit of Support which is a legally enforceable contract. However, providing false information on the I-134 can have legal consequences, and the sponsor is declaring under penalty of perjury that the information is true.
How much income or savings do I need to sponsor someone?
There is no specific minimum income requirement for the I-134, unlike the I-864 which requires income at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The consular officer evaluates the totality of the sponsor's financial situation to determine whether the visitor is likely to become a public charge.
Can I sponsor multiple visitors at once?
Yes. You can file separate I-134 forms for multiple visitors. However, the consular officer will consider your total financial obligations, including all persons you are sponsoring, when evaluating whether you can adequately support each visitor.
What is the difference between I-134 and I-864?
The I-134 is a non-binding declaration used for temporary visitors (B-1/B-2, K-1 fiancees, etc.). The I-864 is a legally binding affidavit used for immigrant visa applicants and adjustment of status cases. The I-864 has minimum income requirements and can be enforced in court.
Is the I-134 required for all visitor visa applicants?
No. The I-134 is not always required. It is most commonly requested when the visa applicant cannot demonstrate sufficient personal funds, when a consular officer specifically requests it, or for K-1 fiancee visa applicants. Many B-1/B-2 visitors are approved without an I-134.
Pro tip: If you are sponsoring a family member for a visitor visa, an I-134 with strong supporting documents can significantly improve the odds of approval, especially for applicants from countries with high visa denial rates.
📚 Related Visa Guides
→ I-129F K-1 Fiancé Petition Guide → K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Guide → Consular Processing GuideLast verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.