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I-134 Checklist: Declaration of Financial Support

Immigration Attorney and Family Immigration Resource

Streamline your Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) with our comprehensive document checklist. The I-134 is used by a sponsor (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to declare they will financially support a visa applicant so the applicant is not likely to become a public charge. It is commonly required for K-1 fiancé(e) visa interviews and for certain other nonimmigrant visa categories. Unlike the I-864 affidavit of support used for green cards, the I-134 is not a legally binding contract. This checklist helps immigration attorneys, sponsors, and applicants gather the right evidence—proof of income (typically 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for household size), employment verification, tax returns, bank statements, and proof of citizenship or status—so the consulate or USCIS has a complete picture of the sponsor's ability to support the beneficiary.

I-134 Checklist: Declaration of Financial Support form template preview

Key Benefits

Ensure complete I-134 package for consulate or USCIS
Meet income and evidence expectations (125% poverty guidelines)
Cover employment, tax returns, and bank statements
One form per beneficiary; proper signature
Step-by-step preparation for K-1 and other visa support
Professional family immigration workflow

Common Use Cases

U.S. citizens sponsoring K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicantsLPRs or citizens supporting other nonimmigrant visa applicantsImmigration attorneys preparing I-134 packagesParalegals assembling financial support evidenceSponsors gathering proof of income and assetsConsulate interview preparation for K-1 and similar visas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form I-134 and when is it required?
Form I-134 is the Declaration of Financial Support. It is often required for K-1 fiancé(e) visa interviews and for certain other nonimmigrant visas to show the applicant will not become a public charge. Not all consulates require it for K-1, but all require proof of financial support; the I-134 is the standard way to provide it.
What income level must the sponsor meet?
Sponsors generally must show income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size (including the beneficiary). If income is insufficient, assets or a joint sponsor may be used. Check current poverty guidelines and consulate requirements.
What is the difference between I-134 and I-864?
The I-134 is used for nonimmigrant visas (e.g., K-1) and is a declaration, not a legally binding contract. The I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is used when applying for a green card and creates a legally enforceable obligation to support the immigrant. After marriage, the K-1 beneficiary will need an I-864 for adjustment of status.
Does the I-134 need an original signature?
The form must be signed with a valid handwritten signature. A photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the signed original is generally acceptable. Check the specific consulate or USCIS instructions for your case.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support)
Required

Use current edition. One form per beneficiary. Must be signed (handwritten signature; copy of signed original usually acceptable).

Identity Documents

Proof of sponsor's U.S. citizenship or LPR status
Required

Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card. Sponsor must be citizen or LPR, age 18+.

Financial Documentation

Employment verification letter or pay stubs
Required

Letter on letterhead with job title, salary, and length of employment, or recent pay stubs showing income.

Federal tax returns (most recent year, or 2–3 years if requested)
Required

Complete tax returns. Transcripts from IRS may be accepted. Shows income history and household size.

Bank statements showing assets and account activity

Recent statements. Used to show savings and ability to support. Consulate may request 6–12 months.

Evidence income meets 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for household size
Required

Compare current income and household size to HHS poverty guidelines. Include beneficiary in household size.

Documentation of assets (if using assets to meet support level)

Property deeds, investment statements, etc. Follow form instructions for valuing and documenting assets.

Form Completion

Accurate list of dependents and others you financially support
Required

List on I-134; must match tax returns and support household size calculation.

Supporting Documents

Joint sponsor Form I-134 and evidence (if primary sponsor's income is insufficient)

Joint sponsor must also meet 125% poverty guidelines and provide same type of financial evidence.

Documentation

Certified English translations for any foreign-language documents

Include if you submit documents not in English. Translator certification required.