What Is Form I-134A?
Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is the form that individuals in the United States use to sponsor a beneficiary from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela (collectively known as the "CHNV" countries) under DHS humanitarian parole programs. The form is filed entirely online through the myUSCIS portal.
These parole programs were created as a lawful pathway for nationals of the four CHNV countries to enter the United States temporarily for humanitarian reasons. Under these programs, a supporter in the United States agrees to provide financial support and assistance to the beneficiary for the duration of their parole period, which is typically up to two years.
The I-134A is fundamentally a declaration of financial support — it tells USCIS that a specific person in the United States has the financial means and willingness to support the beneficiary so they will not become a public charge. It is similar in concept to Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support used for certain visitor visas), but I-134A was created specifically for the CHNV parole processes and has its own unique requirements and procedures.
Important note: The CHNV parole programs have been subject to significant legal challenges and policy changes. The availability and terms of these programs may change. Always check the USCIS website for the most current information before filing.
Who Can Be a Supporter?
To file Form I-134A as a supporter, you must meet the following requirements:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Lawful status in the United States: You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have another lawful immigration status in the United States (such as a valid nonimmigrant visa, TPS, DACA, or other lawful status).
U.S. residence: You must reside in the United States and have a U.S. address.
Financial ability: You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary during their parole period. USCIS will evaluate your income, assets, and overall financial situation.
Pass background checks: USCIS will conduct background and security checks on you as the supporter. If you have certain criminal history or other disqualifying factors, your request may be denied.
No family relationship required: Unlike many other immigration sponsorship forms, the I-134A supporter does not need to be a family member of the beneficiary. Friends, employers, faith-based organizations, community groups, and any other willing individual who meets the requirements can serve as a supporter.
Who Can Be a Beneficiary?
The beneficiary must be a national of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela who is outside the United States at the time of filing. Additional requirements typically include:
Valid passport: The beneficiary must have a valid, unexpired passport from their country of nationality.
No pending immigration application: The beneficiary generally should not have a pending immigrant visa petition or other pending application for admission to the United States through another program.
Pass vetting and background checks: The beneficiary will undergo biographic and biometric security screening before being authorized to travel to the United States.
Medical requirements: The beneficiary must meet certain vaccination and health requirements.
The specific eligibility criteria for beneficiaries can vary by country program and may change over time. Check the USCIS website for the current requirements for each country's parole process.
How to File Form I-134A: Step by Step
Step 1: Create a myUSCIS account. Go to my.uscis.gov and create an account if you do not already have one. You will need a valid email address to register.
Step 2: Begin the I-134A form. Log into your myUSCIS account and navigate to Form I-134A. The form is only available online — there is no paper version.
Step 3: Enter your information as the supporter. Provide your biographical information, immigration status, address, and employment details.
Step 4: Enter the beneficiary's information. Provide the beneficiary's full legal name, date of birth, country of nationality, passport information, and other biographical details. You will need to have this information from the beneficiary before you start.
Step 5: Provide financial evidence. Upload documentation showing your financial ability to support the beneficiary.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent tax returns | Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) |
| Pay stubs | Recent pay stubs showing current income |
| Bank statements | Recent bank statements showing available funds |
| Employment verification | Letter from employer confirming employment and salary |
| Proof of immigration status | Copy of your U.S. passport, green card, EAD, or other status document |
Step 6: Review and submit. Carefully review all information before submitting. Once submitted, USCIS will begin processing, which includes background checks on both you and the beneficiary.
What Happens After Filing
After you submit Form I-134A, the process follows these general steps:
USCIS vetting of the supporter. USCIS conducts background checks on you as the supporter. If any issues arise, USCIS may request additional information or deny the request.
Beneficiary vetting. Separately, CBP and other agencies conduct security and background screening of the beneficiary. This occurs in the beneficiary's home country or country of residence.
Confirmation of support. If both the supporter and beneficiary clear their respective checks, USCIS approves the I-134A. The beneficiary receives notification and instructions on how to proceed.
Travel authorization. Once approved, the beneficiary is authorized to travel to the United States. They typically book their own flight to a U.S. port of entry, where CBP conducts a final inspection before granting parole.
Parole grant. Upon arrival and inspection, CBP grants the beneficiary parole into the United States for a specified period, typically up to two years. The parolee receives an I-94 record documenting their parole period.
Supporter Obligations and Responsibilities
Filing Form I-134A is a serious commitment. As a supporter, you are agreeing to:
Provide financial support. You are committing to support the beneficiary financially during their parole period. This can include housing, food, clothing, transportation, and other basic needs. The declaration is a legal commitment, and failure to provide support could have consequences.
Help the beneficiary integrate. While not a formal legal requirement, supporters are expected to help beneficiaries navigate life in the United States — this can include helping find housing, connecting with community resources, assisting with employment (once work authorization is obtained), and enrolling children in school.
Maintain communication. USCIS expects supporters to maintain contact with their beneficiaries and to notify USCIS if circumstances change significantly.
Understand the limits of parole. Parole is temporary. It does not provide a path to permanent resident status by itself. Supporters should help beneficiaries understand their temporary status and explore any available options for longer-term immigration relief.
Work Authorization for Parolees
Beneficiaries who are paroled into the United States under the CHNV programs are generally eligible to apply for employment authorization. They can file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The EAD allows the parolee to work legally in the United States during their parole period. Processing times for the I-765 vary — check USCIS processing times for current estimates. Some parolees may be eligible for expedited processing.
Having employment authorization is critical for parolees to become self-sufficient during their parole period and reduces the financial burden on the supporter.
Legal Challenges and Program Status
The CHNV parole programs have faced significant legal challenges since their creation. Multiple lawsuits have challenged the legal authority for these programs, and courts have issued varying rulings that have at times paused or modified the programs.
Because the legal landscape is actively evolving, it is essential to check the USCIS website for the most current program status before filing Form I-134A. The program may be accepting new applications, paused pending litigation, modified with new requirements, or terminated entirely.
If you have already filed or been approved under one of these programs and the program's legal status changes, the impact on existing beneficiaries may differ from the impact on new applicants. Consult an immigration attorney for guidance on how any legal developments affect your specific situation.
Tips for a Successful I-134A Filing
Gather all documents before starting. Since the form is online, it is easiest to have all your financial documents, identification, and the beneficiary's information ready before you begin filling it out.
Be accurate and consistent. Ensure that all information matches across your tax returns, bank statements, employment letter, and the form itself. Inconsistencies can trigger delays or requests for additional evidence.
Demonstrate financial capacity clearly. The stronger your financial evidence, the smoother the process. If your income alone does not seem sufficient, include evidence of assets, savings, or other resources.
Keep copies of everything. Print or save copies of your submitted form and all uploaded documents. You may need to reference them later.
Monitor your myUSCIS account. After filing, check your myUSCIS account regularly for updates, requests for evidence, or notifications about your case status.
Understand this is temporary. Parole under these programs is for a limited period. Plan accordingly and help the beneficiary explore options for their situation before the parole period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Form I-134A?
Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is the form used by individuals in the United States who want to financially sponsor a beneficiary from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, or Venezuela under the CHNV humanitarian parole processes. The supporter commits to providing financial support to the beneficiary during their parole period in the United States.
Who can be a supporter on Form I-134A?
A supporter must be at least 18 years old, have lawful status in the United States (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or person in lawful nonimmigrant or other immigration status), reside in the United States, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary. The supporter does not need to be a family member — friends, employers, organizations, and other willing individuals can serve as supporters.
What financial requirements must a supporter meet?
The supporter must demonstrate the ability to financially support the beneficiary. USCIS evaluates the supporter's household income, assets, and financial resources. While there is no officially published minimum income threshold, USCIS generally expects the supporter to have income at or above 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size including the beneficiary. Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and employment verification letters are commonly submitted as evidence.
Is Form I-134A filed online or by mail?
Form I-134A must be filed online through the myUSCIS portal. There is no paper version of this form. The supporter creates a myUSCIS account, completes the form electronically, uploads supporting documents, and submits the request online. This online-only approach allows USCIS to conduct background checks and process requests more quickly.
How long does I-134A processing take?
Processing times for Form I-134A have varied significantly since the program launched. Initial processing involves background checks on both the supporter and the beneficiary. Check the USCIS website for current processing time estimates, as they change based on application volume and USCIS capacity. The overall timeline from I-134A approval to the beneficiary's arrival in the United States can take several months.
Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.