Struggling to navigate the financial evidence requirements for Form I-134? Feeling overwhelmed by the documentation process? Let’s dive into the essential tips and strategies to conquer these requirements in 2024.
As you know, when you submit Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, you will also need to provide supporting documents to evidence your answers on the form. In other words, you’ll need proof that the facts you’ve provided are true. Most notably, you must submit proof of identity and proof of income. Additional documentation may be necessary depending on your answers in the I-134 declaration.
Evidence of Identity for Form I-134
You need to submit proof of your identity. In the event you are a U.S. citizen, you may provide one of the following documents:
• A copy of the biographic page from your unexpired U.S. passport.
• A copy of your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by USCIS or the former INS.
• A copy of Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), issued by a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
• An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying that you are a U.S. citizen with a valid passport.
• A copy of your birth certificate issued by a civil registrar, vital statistics office, or other civil authority showing that you were born in the United States.
Proof of Income
In addition to submitting Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, the supporter must establish with evidence that they have the income or financial resources to support the foreign national beneficiary. Although the minimum income threshold is acceptable, immigration officers weigh more heavily on income that exceeds the requirement, as it is also more reliable. In other words, a supporter with a stable, well-paying job is a better option to include as a sponsor than someone with unreliable employment.
Supporters who are employed with a company or organization can submit a W-2, an employment letter, and a federal tax return to meet this requirement. However, individuals that don’t have W-2 employment can have a more difficult time as they will need to show other types of documentation. Self-employed supporters will need copies of bank statements to show regular deposits that match the stated income and copies of 1099s. Again, your tax returns can help establish a history.
Applicant’s Resources
In certain situations, an applicant may overcome the law’s public charge provisions by submitting evidence of his or her own financial resources. Suppose the petitioner is unable to show evidence of satisfactory financial resources.
In that case, the applicant may submit to the officer evidence of funds or income from one or more of the following sources:
• Cash Assets– Submit 12 months of bank statements to show the present balance of the applicant’s account, the date the account was opened, the number and amounts of deposits and withdrawals. Explain if there were any huge deposits.
• Real Estate or Property Ownership– Generally, you must provide a title deed or equivalent as proof of ownership. You must submit a professional appraisal or letter from a lawyer to indicate its present value and a copy of loan statements as disclosure of loans against the property.
• Bonds and Stocks– Submit statements or letters verifying ownership of stocks and bonds, with present market value or indication of expected earnings.
• Insurance– Provide a statement from your insurance company showing policies held and the present case surrender value.
• Other sources of income may be acceptable if you provide proof or satisfactory evidence that the income is reliable and belongs to you.
You must also provide a statement on how the funds or income will be transferred to the United States if the financial resources are derived from a source outside the U.S.
Client Experience
Meet Anna, a determined individual with dreams of reuniting with her family in the United States. Eager to sponsor her relatives’ immigration journey, Anna faced the daunting task of meeting the financial evidence requirements for Form I-134.
Navigating the intricacies of financial documentation can be overwhelming, but Anna didn’t have to face it alone. With our expert guidance, Anna diligently gathered the necessary financial evidence, including bank statements, tax returns, and employment verification letters.
Through meticulous preparation and attention to detail, Anna ensured that her financial documentation met the stringent requirements outlined by Form I-134. With our assistance, she confidently submitted her application, knowing that every aspect had been thoroughly addressed.
Despite initial anxieties, Anna’s perseverance paid off when her Form I-134 application was approved without delay. Today, Anna’s family is reunited in the United States, thanks to her diligent efforts and our expert assistance in navigating the financial requirements of Form I-134.
Anna’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and expert guidance in overcoming immigration hurdles. With our help, Anna turned her immigration aspirations into a reality, paving the way for a brighter future with her loved ones by her side.
Bonus Information Form I-134
As promised, here’s some bonus information that you may not know about:
Suppose you cannot demonstrate that you meet the income requirement for your household size. In that case, you can also enlist a secondary co-sponsor (a person outside your household) willing to accept full financial responsibility for the visa applicant.
A financial co-sponsor, also known as a “joint sponsor,“ can be anyone who meets the government’s visa income requirements. This joint sponsor does not need to be a family member or relative of either the sponsor or the visa applicant. However, the financial co-sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. green card holder, at least 18 years old, and living in the United States.