Explaining Form I-134A

Form I-134A (Online Declaration of Financial Support) is a USCIS form used by U.S.-based supporters who need to prove their ability and commitment to support immigrants who are entering the U.S. through humanitarian parole programs. 

If you are going to support a Ukrainian, Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, or Nicaraguan immigrant through one of these programs, you will need to complete USCIS form I-134A. FileRight’s guide to the I-134A form explains the basics. 

What Is Form I-134A?

Form I-134A is where a U.S. supporter promises to help an immigrant financially during their stay in America. On this form, you’ll share information about your finances to show that you can support you while you get settled. Think of it as a way for the U.S. government to ensure the immigrant you are supporting will have someone reliable helping them when they arrive.

Right now, this form is specifically used for Ukrainian refugees and migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela coming through special humanitarian programs. As a supporter, you will fill out this form online through the USCIS website, making a formal commitment to help the immigrant during their temporary stay in the United States.

How Long Does it Take for the I-134A Form to Be Approved?

The approval time for Form I-134A typically ranges from 7-14 days for Ukrainian cases and about 3-4 weeks for cases involving Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan beneficiaries. However, processing times can vary significantly based on:

• Completeness of the application
• Volume of applications being processed
• Program-specific requirements
• Background check processing time
• Verification of supporter’s financial documentation

Some applications may be approved within a few days, while others might take longer if additional documentation or verification is needed. Keep in mind that USCIS processing times can fluctuate based on current workload and staffing levels.

How Much Is Sufficient Income for I-134A?

For Form I-134A, supporters generally need to demonstrate an annual income of at least 100% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size, plus the number of beneficiaries they plan to support. For 2024, this means:

Household Size	Minimum Annual Income
1 person	$15,060
2 people	$20,440
3 people	$25,820
4 people	$31,200
5 people	$36,580

Additional factors that strengthen a supporter’s application:

• Stable employment history
• Assets (property, savings, investments)
• Good credit score
• Regular income above minimum requirements
• Additional household income from family members

The higher your income above these minimums, the stronger your application will be considered.

How do I prove my income on I-134?

To prove your income for Form I-134A, you’ll need to provide comprehensive financial documentation including your most recent federal tax returns, recent pay stubs or employment verification letter, and bank statements from the last 3-6 months. Additional supporting documents that strengthen your case include proof of assets (property deeds, investment statements, retirement accounts), business ownership documentation if applicable, and evidence of any other income sources. 

All documents should be clear, legible digital copies, and if you’re using income from household members, include proof of their relationship to you and their commitment to helping support the beneficiary. The stronger and more complete your financial documentation, the better your chances of approval.

What Supporting Documents Do I Need for I-134A?

So which documents will you need for Form I-134A? These are the required documents you will need to have ready for USCIS to review:

• Most recent tax returns
• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Pay stubs or employment verification letter
• Government-issued ID
• Proof of legal status in U.S.

You may also be asked to provide the following supporting documents:

• Property ownership documents
• Investment/retirement account statements
• Business ownership documentation
• Mortgage or lease agreements
• Additional income proof (if applicable)

You will also need to follow these digital format requirements:

• Clear, legible scans/photos
• File size under 6MB
• Common formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG)
• English translations for foreign documents

Understanding the I-134A Process: A Simple Guide

Don’t worry – the I-134A process is simpler than it might seem! Here’s what happens:

First Steps

A U.S. supporter fills out the online form through myUSCIS. They’ll provide basic information about themselves and the immigrant they are supporting, plus details about their finances to show they can help support the immigrant. As a supporter, you’ll be asked to provide your basic details and information about your finances and provide supporting documentation. All of this is done electronically, so there are no paper forms needed.

The Review

USCIS then reviews everything to make sure the supporter can help the immigrant get started in the U.S. They’ll do a routine background check – this is normal and helps keep everyone safe. During the background check, USCIS will verify the supporters information, then they will assess the supporters financial capability to support the immigrant. This process typically takes two to four weeks. 

What Happens Next

If Form I-134A is approved, the immigrant will receive an email notification and create their own USCIS account. Next, they’ll complete their portion of the process and then wait for travel authorization. Once they are authorized, they will be able to plan their travel, and upon arrival they will receive parole status. 

Remember: Thousands of immigrants and their supporters complete this process successfully every month, so you are not alone in this journey. Try not to be too stressed, and remember that it’s okay to ask questions. This process is part of a well-organized system in the United States, and it is meant to help and not to hinder. In fact, it will help began an immigrant’s next chapter in America!

Important Points to Remember About Form I-134A

• You don’t need to fill out this form – your U.S. supporter does.
• All of the financial paperwork is your supporter’s responsibility.
• This process helps ensure that you’ll have support when you arrive in the U.S.
• Many people complete this process successfully every day, and there’s no reason you can’t be the next.