Form I‑134, Declaration of Financial Support, helps prove that a U.S. sponsor can financially support a visitor or immigrant. It is commonly used to support visa applicants for short-term visits, but can also apply to K-1 visas and humanitarian cases.
In this guide, we break down I‑134 instructions into simple, easy-to-follow steps. You’ll learn who should file it, how to fill it out, and what documents to include. Whether you're supporting a loved one or sponsoring a friend, this guide will help you file confidently.
Declaration of Financial Support (Form I-134) Overview
Form I‑134 is a promise by a U.S. sponsor to financially support a foreign national (if necessary) during their temporary stay in the United States.
The sponsor uses this form to show the U.S. government that the immigrant won’t become a public charge (someone who relies on government assistance). It is often requested by U.S. consular officers when someone applies for a temporary visa (like a B‑2 tourist visa or K-1 fiancé visa).
Unlike Form I‑864 (used in permanent immigration), Form I‑134 does not legally bind the sponsor to a long-term financial obligation. However, it’s still a serious commitment.
This overview of the Form I-134 instructions can faciliate your preparation of the declaration. If you need additional assistance, CitizenPath provides an affordable service to help you quickly and accurately prepare Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, for your situation.
Eligibility to be a Form I-134 Supporter
Generally, I-134 supporters should be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are at least 18 years of age and have an income that is greater than 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. However, according to USCIS I-134 instructions, other individuals may act as supporters in certain situations. U.S. nationals and even certain nonimmigrants may act as supporters provided they have a Social Security number and the requisite household income.
Step‑by‑Step I‑134 Instructions
Part 1: Basis for Filing
Indicate who will be filing Form I-134. Generally, the person acting as the supporter is an individual other than the beneficiary. It's unusual for the beneficiary to filing Form I-134 on behalf of themselves, but it is possible in limited situations. Declare one of the following:
- Myself as the beneficiary: Choose this if you’re providing financial support for yourself
- Another individual who is the beneficiary: Choose this if you are the sponsor for someone else
Part 2: Information About the Individual Agreeing to Financially Support the Beneficiary
Provide personal, immigration, and financial details as the sponsor. If the beneficiary is acting as a self sponsor, this section should address the beneficiary's information. In other words, you must complete this section whether you’re filing for yourself or someone else. Include:
- Full legal name and any other names used
- Current mailing and physical addresses: Always use an address where you can reliably receive mail from USCIS
- Date and place of birth
- Immigration status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, etc.)
- USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
- Relationship to the beneficiary: Indicate if the beneficiary is a friend or family member
- Employment status and employer name: Provide details about your employer and the nature of your employment
- Number of dependents you support: Excluding the beneficiary, list all dependents and additional individuals that you are supporting (if applicable)
- Annual income: Even if you are unemployed or retired, you'll need to document your income to meet the federal poverty guidelines for your household size
- Assets: List assets in the supporter's household if you want them considered (cash, savings, property, etc.)
- Intent to Provide Specific Contributions to the Beneficiary: This is the appropriate place to list any room, board, or cash support you plan to give the beneficiary during their visit
Part 3: Information about the Beneficiary
Only complete this section if you’re sponsoring another individual. If you are the beneficiary providing financial support for yourself, you may skip this section.
- Full name and aliases
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
- Place of birth and citizenship
- Marital status
- Current mailing and physical address
- Anticipated period of stay in the U.S.
Part 4: Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature of the Beneficiary
Most people may skip this section. Complete this only if you are the beneficiary providing your own financial support. You’ll affirm that:
- You understand the form and all answers
- Any interpreter or preparer helped you truthfully
- You certify all information is true under penalty of perjury
Then sign and date the form.
Part 5: Statement and Signature of the Sponsor
Most people will prepare this portion of the form. This section is for sponsors filing on behalf of a beneficiary. You must certify that you:
- Reviewed and understood everything in the declaration
- Are making a genuine financial commitment
- Agree to support the person for the duration of their stay
Then, provide your contact information and signature.
Parts 6 & 7: Interpreter and Preparer Contact Information and Certification
These sections are only necessary if an interpreter or preparer helped with the form. If so, you will need to provide information about that person and their contact information. Upon completion, the interpreter and/or preparer must sign and date the form certifying their role.
Part 8: Additional Information
Use this space only if you need more room to answer any earlier questions. Include the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number for each continued response. Attach extra sheets if necessary.
I-134 Supporting Documents
The USCIS instructions for I-134 are very weak when describing the requisite evidence to submit with the form. You must show you have sufficient income or financial resources to assure that the foreign national you are supporting will not become a public charge while in the United States. Generally, you will need to submit:
- Evidence of supporter's U.S. citizenship or immigration status
- Federal income tax return or IRS tax transcript from the most recent tax year
- Evidence of current income such as paystubs and an employment verification letter
- Evidence of asset ownership and value (if applicable)
Again, you must prove that your income meets or exceeds the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. CitizenPath’s service to prepare the declaration will calculate these numbers for you so that you know your qualifications before submitting Form I-134. Our software will also generate a personalized list of supporting documents based on your specific situation. Learn more about our Carrier Documentation Package →
Sample of Form I-134
In this sample I-134 Declaration of Financial Support, the supporter has a household of 4. It includes the supporter, his spouse, his child, and the beneficiary. The household income is $54,500. Based on the federal poverty guidelines, this income is significantly more than 100 percent of the poverty guidelines for a household of four in the state of Florida. With supporting evidence that corroborates his stated income, this person is well-qualified to be the beneficiary’s supporter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the I-134 Instructions
How CitizenPath Can Help
Filing immigration paperwork can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
CitizenPath offers a simple, affordable way to prepare your Form I‑134 online. Our step-by-step software makes the I-134 instructions easier. You can:
- Review questions with simple explanations
- Get real-time alerts for missing info
- Create a properly formatted form ready to sign and submit
- Avoid costly mistakes
Plus, it’s free to try — you only pay when you’re ready to print. Thousands of people use CitizenPath every year to support their loved ones, confidently and accurately.
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