What is Form I-134A?

Form I-134A, also known as the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is an online form that lets a U.S.-based supporter request permission to financially support a foreign national who seeks to come to the United States. It is used in two key immigration programs:

1. Uniting for Ukraine program: This program lets you support Ukrainian refugees.
2. Humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans: This program allows you to sponsor migrants from these four countries.

When you fill out Form I-134A, you provide detailed information about your ability and willingness to financially support the foreign national while they are in the U.S.

There’s also Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support), which is the paper version of the form. It is used for other immigration purposes and is filed by people who want to show that an immigrant won’t need government assistance while in the United States.

When you submit Form I-134A, you're asking USCIS for permission to sponsor a specific foreign national. USCIS will review your information and decide whether you can be a supporter. If approved, the foreign national may be allowed to enter the U.S. under the applicable program.

Form I-134A requirements

To file Form I-134A, you must meet certain eligibility requirements as a supporter. USCIS will review your information to decide whether you can financially support the beneficiary.

• You must be in the United States.
• You must have lawful status (such as U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or another lawful status).
• You must be able to demonstrate sufficient income and/or assets to support the beneficiary for the duration of their stay in the U.S.
• You must be willing to provide financial support and accept responsibility if the beneficiary cannot support themselves.

USCIS may also consider your household size, existing financial obligations, and other factors when evaluating your ability to support the beneficiary.

The beneficiary must also meet the specific program eligibility requirements (Uniting for Ukraine or the CHNV humanitarian parole processes).

I-134A income requirements

USCIS does not publish a fixed income threshold for Form I-134A in the same way it does for some other sponsorship-related filings. Instead, USCIS evaluates whether the supporter can financially support the beneficiary based on the totality of the evidence.

In practice, many supporters use the federal poverty guidelines as a reference point, but USCIS may consider additional circumstances including assets, household size, and ongoing obligations.

• Your household size and dependents
• Your current income and stability of employment
• Your assets (such as savings, property, or investments)
• Your monthly financial obligations and liabilities
• Whether you are supporting other beneficiaries

If USCIS believes you do not have enough income or assets, they may determine you are not eligible to be a supporter.

Who is eligible for sponsorship with Form I-134A?

Form I-134A is used for specific humanitarian parole pathways. The beneficiary must qualify under the relevant program and must have a supporter who meets USCIS requirements.

• Uniting for Ukraine beneficiaries (Ukrainian citizens and certain immediate family members) may be eligible if they meet the program requirements.
• Beneficiaries from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela may be eligible under the CHNV humanitarian parole processes if they meet the requirements.

Eligibility is program-specific and can involve additional criteria, including travel documentation, security and background checks, and compliance with the program’s terms.

Supporters should also be aware that USCIS may deny requests where the beneficiary does not meet program requirements even if the supporter is financially eligible.

Form I-134A process

The Form I-134A process is conducted online through USCIS. The supporter submits the request, USCIS reviews it, and—if approved—the beneficiary may proceed with next steps under the specific program pathway.

1. Create a USCIS online account (supporter).
2. Complete and submit Form I-134A online.
3. Upload supporting documents and evidence.
4. USCIS reviews the submission and issues a decision.
5. If approved, the beneficiary receives instructions for next steps under the program (including travel authorization steps, if applicable).

Processing timelines can vary significantly, and USCIS may request additional information depending on the case.

How to file Form I-134A

Form I-134A is filed electronically through the USCIS online portal. There is no paper filing option for I-134A.

1. Go to USCIS.gov and create an online account.
2. Navigate to Form I-134A and begin the application.
3. Enter supporter information and beneficiary information accurately.
4. Provide financial evidence and upload required documents.
5. Review for completeness and submit electronically.

Because the filing is online, accuracy and documentation quality are critical. Missing evidence can slow processing or lead to denial.

Supporting documents to include with Form I-134A

Supporting documents help USCIS evaluate whether you can financially support the beneficiary. While the exact documents can vary by situation, common evidence includes:

• Proof of lawful status in the United States
• Employment verification letter and/or recent pay stubs
• Recent tax returns and W-2/1099s (if available and relevant)
• Bank statements showing savings and available funds
• Evidence of assets (if relying on assets rather than income)
• Documentation of household size and financial obligations (if relevant)

USCIS may consider the completeness and consistency of your documentation. If documents conflict (for example, income on pay stubs differs from tax returns), it can raise concerns.

Form I-134A cost

There is no filing fee for Form I-134A.

However, other costs can arise depending on the broader process (for example, travel-related expenses or costs tied to supporting documentation).

Form I-134A processing time 2024

Form I-134A processing times vary. USCIS timelines can fluctuate based on volume, program demand, and the completeness of your submission.

Some cases may be processed faster than others, and USCIS may take longer if additional review is required.

A complete filing with strong documentation generally reduces the risk of delays, although it does not guarantee a particular timeline.

Tips to avoid processing delays

• Double-check all names, dates of birth, and passport details before submitting.
• Upload clear, legible documents (avoid blurry photos or partial scans).
• Provide consistent financial evidence that matches your claims.
• Use a logical file naming structure for uploads.
• Respond promptly if USCIS requests additional information.