In the process of sponsoring a foreign national to visit the United States, one of the essential steps is to fill out the I-134 form, also known as the Affidavit of Support. This document is used to prove that the sponsor can financially support the visitor during their stay in the country. One crucial aspect of the I-134 form is the associated fee, which can be confusing for many sponsors. In this article, we will break down the I-134 form fee into five manageable steps to help you understand the process.
What is the Purpose of the I-134 Form Fee?
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand the purpose of the I-134 form fee. The fee is not a direct cost for filing the form, but rather a reflection of the sponsor's financial commitment to support the visitor. The fee is not a guarantee that the visitor will be granted a visa, but it does demonstrate the sponsor's ability to provide for the visitor's basic needs during their stay.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Sponsorship
The first step in understanding the I-134 form fee is to determine the type of sponsorship you will be providing. There are two primary types of sponsorships: a. Family-based sponsorship and b. Non-family based sponsorship. The type of sponsorship will impact the level of financial support required and, consequently, the I-134 form fee.
- Family-based sponsorship: This type of sponsorship is for immediate family members, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21.
- Non-family based sponsorship: This type of sponsorship is for non-immediate family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Step 2: Calculate the Sponsor's Income
The next step is to calculate the sponsor's income to determine the level of financial support that can be provided. The sponsor's income must meet or exceed the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for the sponsor's household size.
- For family-based sponsorships, the sponsor's income must meet or exceed 125% of the FPG.
- For non-family based sponsorships, the sponsor's income must meet or exceed 200% of the FPG.
Step 3: Determine the Sponsor's Assets
In addition to income, the sponsor's assets will also be taken into consideration when determining the I-134 form fee. The sponsor's assets can include cash, stocks, bonds, and real estate.
- For family-based sponsorships, the sponsor's assets must be sufficient to cover the visitor's expenses during their stay.
- For non-family based sponsorships, the sponsor's assets must be sufficient to cover the visitor's expenses during their stay, plus an additional 50% of the sponsor's income.
Step 4: Complete the I-134 Form
Once the sponsor's income and assets have been calculated, the next step is to complete the I-134 form. The form will require the sponsor to provide detailed information about their income, assets, and expenses.
- The sponsor will need to provide documentation to support the information provided on the form, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.
- The sponsor will also need to sign the form, affirming that the information provided is accurate and that they will provide financial support to the visitor.
Step 5: Submit the I-134 Form and Supporting Documentation
The final step is to submit the completed I-134 form and supporting documentation to the relevant authorities.
- The sponsor will need to submit the form and supporting documentation to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State, depending on the type of visa the visitor is applying for.
- The sponsor will also need to pay any required fees, such as the visa application fee.
By following these five steps, sponsors can gain a better understanding of the I-134 form fee and what is required to support a foreign national's visit to the United States.