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How to Fill Out Form I-134 for a K-1 Visa: A Definitive Guide

The Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, is a critical document in the K-1 visa process. It demonstrates to the U.S. government that the K-1 visa applicant (your fiancé(e)) will have adequate financial support upon arrival and will not become a public charge. Accurately completing this form is paramount to avoid delays or even denial of the visa. This guide provides a comprehensive, section-by-section breakdown of how to complete Form I-134 for a K-1 visa, ensuring you understand each requirement.

Understanding the Purpose of Form I-134

Before diving into the specifics, it’s vital to understand the purpose of Form I-134. Unlike the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864, used for green card applications), the I-134 is not legally binding. Instead, it serves as a good-faith pledge that you, the U.S. citizen petitioner, will financially support your fiancé(e) upon their entry into the United States. It shows your intent and ability to provide support until your fiancé(e) can become self-sufficient. While not legally enforceable like the I-864, providing accurate and honest information is essential. Any misrepresentation could raise concerns with USCIS.

A Section-by-Section Guide to Form I-134

We will break down the form into specific sections and provide clear instructions for each. Make sure you download the latest version of Form I-134 from the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov). Using an outdated form can lead to rejection.

Part 1. Information About You (Sponsor)

This section collects your personal information.

1.a. Family Name (Last Name): Enter your last name as it appears on your government-issued ID.
1.b. Given Name (First Name): Enter your first name.
1.c. Middle Name: Enter your middle name, if applicable.
2. Other Names You Have Used: If you have used any other names (e.g., maiden name, alias), list them here. This is important for background checks.
3. U.S. Social Security Number (if any): Provide your Social Security number. This helps USCIS verify your income and tax information.
4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any): If you have a USCIS online account, enter the number. This helps link the form to your account.
5. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): Enter your date of birth in the specified format.
6. City/Town of Birth: Enter the city or town where you were born.
7. Country of Birth: Enter the country where you were born.
8. Gender: Select either “Male” or “Female.”
9. U.S. Mailing Address: Enter your current mailing address. This is where USCIS will send any correspondence regarding the form. Ensure it is accurate and reliable.
10. Physical Address (if different from mailing address): If your physical address is different from your mailing address, provide it here. If they are the same, write “Same as mailing address.”
11. Is your current mailing address the same as your physical address?: Select either “Yes” or “No”.
12. Contact Information: Provide your phone number and email address. Make sure these are active and monitored regularly.

Part 2. Information About the Beneficiary

This section requires information about your fiancé(e), the beneficiary of the K-1 visa.

1.a. Family Name (Last Name): Enter your fiancé(e)’s last name as it appears on their passport.
1.b. Given Name (First Name): Enter your fiancé(e)’s first name.
1.c. Middle Name: Enter your fiancé(e)’s middle name, if applicable.
2. Other Names the Beneficiary Has Used: List any other names your fiancé(e) has used.
3. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): Enter your fiancé(e)’s date of birth in the specified format.
4. City/Town of Birth: Enter the city or town where your fiancé(e) was born.
5. Country of Birth: Enter the country where your fiancé(e) was born.
6. Gender: Select either “Male” or “Female.”
7. Beneficiary’s Foreign Address: Provide your fiancé(e)’s current address in their home country. This is crucial for communication purposes.
8. Beneficiary’s U.S. Address (if known): If your fiancé(e) has a U.S. address (e.g., if they are already in the U.S. on a different visa), provide it. If not, write “Unknown.”
9. Relationship to You: Select “Fiancé(e)” from the dropdown menu.
10. Is the beneficiary coming to the United States to work?: Select “Yes” or “No.” Typically, for a K-1 visa, you’ll select “No” as the intention is to marry you, and then the beneficiary applies for a work permit.

Part 3. Information About Your Household

This section is critical for determining your ability to provide financial support.

1. Are you currently married?: Select “Yes” or “No.” If you are married, provide information about your spouse.
2. Total Number of Dependents: Enter the total number of dependents you claim on your most recent federal income tax return. This includes your spouse (if applicable), children, and any other individuals you financially support and claim as dependents.
3. List of Dependents: Provide the full name, relationship to you, and date of birth for each dependent. Accuracy is essential here.

Part 4. Financial Information

This is the most important section of Form I-134. Provide complete and honest information.

1. Current Gross Annual Income: Enter your current gross annual income (before taxes). This is the total income you earn in a year. You can use your most recent pay stubs or tax return to calculate this.
2. Current Annual Household Income: Enter the combined gross annual income of your entire household, including your spouse’s income (if applicable) and any other income sources you regularly receive.
3. Employment Information: Provide your current employer’s name, address, and your job title. If you are self-employed, state “Self-Employed” and provide details about your business.
4. Do you have any other sources of income?: Select “Yes” or “No”. If you have any other sources of income, such as rental income, investment income, or retirement benefits, list them here and provide the annual amount. Be thorough and accurate.
5. Type of Assets: Indicate the value of your assets, such as savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and real estate. Do not include the value of your primary residence or retirement accounts unless you have easy access to them.
6. Total Value of Assets: Calculate the total value of your assets and enter the amount here.
7. Provide any additional information about your assets: Provide details and location information for the accounts, such as bank name and account numbers.

Part 5. Sponsor’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

This section requires your signature and certification.

1. Sponsor’s Statement: Read the statement carefully. It certifies that the information you have provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
2. Sponsor’s Contact Information: Verify that your phone number and email address are correct.
3. Sponsor’s Certification: Carefully read the certification statement. By signing, you are attesting to the truthfulness of the information provided.
4. Sponsor’s Signature: Sign and date the form in black ink. An electronic signature is generally not accepted.

Part 6. Preparer’s Information (If Someone Other Than the Sponsor Prepared the Form)

If someone helped you prepare the form, they must complete this section. If you prepared the form yourself, leave this section blank.

Supporting Documents

While Form I-134 doesn’t require as much documentation as Form I-864, providing some supporting documents can strengthen your case. Consider including:

Photocopy of your U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate (to prove citizenship).
Copies of your recent pay stubs (showing your current income).
A copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax Return (Form 1040).
Copies of bank statements (showing your assets).
Evidence of other income sources (if applicable).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving sections blank: Fill out every section completely. If a section doesn’t apply to you, write “N/A” (Not Applicable).
Providing inaccurate information: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting the form.
Failing to sign the form: An unsigned form will be rejected.
Using an outdated version of the form: Always download the latest version from the USCIS website.
Underestimating income or assets: Be honest and accurate about your financial situation.

After Submitting Form I-134

Form I-134 is typically submitted as part of the K-1 visa application package to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will review the form and forward it to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) will be interviewed. The consular officer will review the I-134 to assess your ability to provide financial support. Be prepared to answer any questions the consular officer may have about your financial situation.

FAQs: Form I-134 and the K-1 Visa

Here are frequently asked questions to address additional concerns and nuances associated with Form I-134 for K-1 visas.

1. Do I need to meet a specific income threshold to sponsor my fiancé(e) on a K-1 visa?

While there’s no strict income requirement for Form I-134 as there is for Form I-864, demonstrating sufficient income to support your household (including your fiancé(e)) is crucial. USCIS will consider your income, assets, and household size when assessing your ability to provide support. Generally, having an income at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size is favorable.

2. What happens if my income is not sufficient to support my fiancé(e)?

If your income is insufficient, you can include information about your assets (savings, investments, etc.) to demonstrate your ability to provide support. You may also consider finding a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements and is willing to sign their own Form I-134.

3. Can a joint sponsor be used for Form I-134 in a K-1 visa case?

Yes, a joint sponsor can be used for Form I-134. The joint sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and reside in the United States. They must also demonstrate sufficient income and assets to support your fiancé(e) without needing to rely on public benefits.

4. Is Form I-134 legally binding?

No, Form I-134 is not legally binding. It is a declaration of your intent to provide financial support. However, providing false information on the form can have serious consequences, including visa denial.

5. What happens if my fiancé(e) receives public benefits after arriving in the U.S.?

While Form I-134 is not legally binding, your fiancé(e)’s receipt of public benefits could raise concerns during their adjustment of status (green card) application. It may be perceived as an indication that you failed to provide adequate support as promised.

6. What documents should I submit with Form I-134?

While not mandatory, providing supporting documents can strengthen your case. Consider including copies of your U.S. passport or birth certificate, recent pay stubs, your most recent federal income tax return, and bank statements.

7. How often does Form I-134 need to be updated?

Form I-134 is usually valid for the duration of the K-1 visa process. However, if significant changes occur in your financial situation (e.g., job loss, significant increase in income), it may be advisable to submit an updated form.

8. Can I submit Form I-134 electronically?

Currently, Form I-134 must be printed, signed in original ink, and submitted as a physical document. Electronic signatures are generally not accepted.

9. Where do I submit Form I-134?

Form I-134 is typically submitted as part of the K-1 visa application package to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then forward the form to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) will be interviewed.

10. What if I am self-employed? How do I prove my income on Form I-134?

If you are self-employed, you can provide copies of your business tax returns, profit and loss statements, bank statements showing business income, and any other documentation that demonstrates your income and financial stability.

11. What if I don’t have a U.S. Social Security Number?

If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), write “N/A” in the space provided. However, you must provide a valid explanation for why you do not have an SSN.

12. What happens after the interview?

After the interview, the consular officer will review all the submitted documents, including Form I-134, and make a decision on the K-1 visa application. If approved, your fiancé(e) will receive their visa and can travel to the United States.