5 Tips For Filling Out I-134 Affidavit Of Support Form

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Filling out the I-134 Affidavit of Support form is a crucial step in the process of sponsoring a foreign national to visit or immigrate to the United States. The form is used to demonstrate that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary during their stay in the US. In this article, we will provide 5 tips for filling out the I-134 Affidavit of Support form to help ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Understanding the Purpose of the I-134 Form

The I-134 Affidavit of Support form is used to demonstrate that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary during their stay in the US. The form is typically required for non-immigrant visa applications, such as tourist visas, student visas, and work visas. The sponsor must demonstrate that they have sufficient income or assets to support the beneficiary and prevent them from becoming a public charge.

Tip 1: Determine Who Can Be a Sponsor

Not everyone can be a sponsor for the I-134 Affidavit of Support form. To be eligible, the sponsor must be:

• A US citizen or national
• A lawful permanent resident
• A corporation or organization authorized to file an affidavit of support

The sponsor must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary.

Gathering Required Documents

To complete the I-134 Affidavit of Support form, the sponsor will need to gather several documents, including:

• Proof of income, such as a tax return or pay stub
• Proof of assets, such as a bank statement or property deed
• Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence
• A copy of the beneficiary's passport

Tip 2: Calculate Your Income and Assets

To determine whether the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to support the beneficiary, they must calculate their income and assets. The sponsor's income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. The sponsor's assets, such as savings or property, can also be used to demonstrate financial support.

Completing the I-134 Form

To complete the I-134 Affidavit of Support form, the sponsor will need to provide detailed information about their income, assets, and expenses. The form consists of several sections, including:

• Section 1: Sponsor's Information
• Section 2: Beneficiary's Information
• Section 3: Sponsor's Income and Assets
• Section 4: Sponsor's Expenses

Tip 3: Be Accurate and Honest

It is essential to be accurate and honest when completing the I-134 Affidavit of Support form. The sponsor must provide truthful information about their income, assets, and expenses. Providing false or misleading information can result in the application being denied or the sponsor being subject to penalties.

Supporting Documents and Evidence

In addition to the I-134 Affidavit of Support form, the sponsor may need to provide supporting documents and evidence to demonstrate their financial support. This can include:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs
• Bank statements
• Property deeds

Tip 4: Keep Records and Documentation

The sponsor should keep records and documentation of their income, assets, and expenses. This can include:

• Tax returns and supporting documentation
• Pay stubs and W-2 forms
• Bank statements and account records
• Property deeds and appraisals

Submitting the I-134 Form

Once the I-134 Affidavit of Support form is complete, the sponsor can submit it to the relevant authorities. The form can be submitted electronically or by mail.

Tip 5: Follow Up and Monitor the Application

After submitting the I-134 Affidavit of Support form, the sponsor should follow up and monitor the application. This can include:

• Checking the status of the application online
• Contacting the relevant authorities for updates
• Responding to any requests for additional information or documentation

By following these 5 tips, sponsors can ensure a smooth and successful application process for the I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Remember to be accurate and honest, keep records and documentation, and follow up and monitor the application.