Are you planning to sponsor family members or loved ones to come to the US on humanitarian parole? If so, it’s important to be aware of Form I-134A, the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support. This form is required to demonstrate your financial ability to support your loved ones during their temporary stay in the US.
USCIS uses this form to ensure that you have the financial means to cover the expenses of your loved ones while they are in the US on humanitarian parole.
In this blog, we will provide a detailed overview of Form I-134A, including its requirements, process, necessary supporting documents, and processing times.
Here we go!
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 submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by individuals seeking to sponsor a foreign national for entry into the United States. This form is specifically for financial sponsorship and is currently accepted for two specific immigration programs:
- Sponsorship of Ukrainian refugees under the Uniting for Ukraine program.
- Sponsorship of Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Venezuelan migrants through the humanitarian parole program for these nationalities.
Form I-134A requires detailed information about the sponsor’s financial situation, demonstrating their ability to support the beneficiary during their temporary stay in the U.S. on parole. It is used to confirm that the sponsor has sufficient financial resources to provide for the beneficiary’s needs while he is staying in the U.S on humanitarian parole for a temporary period.
Who is Eligible to File Form I-134A?
You must fulfill basic requirements while filling Form I-134A to sponsor your loved ones on humanitarian parole. Those are-
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have legal immigration status.
- You must be physically present in the U.S. when submitting the form.
- You are required to undergo and pass a background check.
- You must complete and sign Form I-134A yourself. The person seeking parole cannot submit the form on their behalf.
- You must submit a separate Form I-134A for each individual you wish to sponsor.
How to File Form I-134A: A Step by Step Process
To begin the process, a U.S.-based sponsor must submit Form I-134A through the online myUSCIS portal. The form asks for basic information about both the sponsor and the beneficiary, including biographical details and immigration history.
The sponsor will also need to provide a thorough overview of their financial situation, including details about their assets, liabilities, income sources, and expenses.
After submission, USCIS will review the form and all supporting documents to verify that the sponsor has the financial means to support the beneficiary. At this point, USCIS will also conduct a background check on the sponsor to check for any potential fraud, exploitation, or legal concerns.
Moreover, Form I-134A plays a crucial role in the sponsorship process, so it’s essential that you complete it thoroughly and accurately.
List of Required Documents
So far, we’ve covered what Form I-134A is, who is eligible to file it, and the filing process. Now, let’s take a look at the documents you’ll need to attach with Form I-134A.
- Tax Returns- Recent federal tax returns can show your financial history and stability.
- Pay Stubs- Recent pay stubs (usually from the past 30 days) demonstrate your current employment and regular income.
- Bank Statements- Recent bank statements (typically the last 2-3 months) demonstrate that you have sufficient funds available to support the sponsored individual.
- Asset Documentation- This includes details of assets like property, vehicles, or investments that can be used for individual support.
- Letter of Employment- A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Business Ownership Documentation- If you own a business, you can include documents such as, business registration, profit/loss statements, and business tax returns.
- Evidence of Relationship- To prove the relationship with the one you wish to sponsor, you need to include documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or others.
These documents will help USCIS officers understand that you will be able to bear the financial expenses of the individual you wish to sponsor. So make sure you attach all the required documents with form I-134A.
Form I-134A Processing Time 2024
Typically, the processing time for Form I-134A ranges from 3 to 6 months. However, this time frame can vary depending on several factors:
Staff Availability: The number of staff available at the processing center plays a significant role in how quickly your form can be processed.
Workload: The volume of applications being processed can impact how long it takes to process your form. During peak seasons, such as immigration surges or major policy changes, USCIS may experience an increased workload, potentially leading to longer wait times.
Processing Center: The specific USCIS service center that is assigned to process your Form I-134A can also affect the timeline due to several reasons.
Concluding Lines
Form I-134A is an essential step for those wishing to sponsor family members or loved ones for temporary entry into the U.S. on humanitarian parole. By understanding the eligibility criteria, filing process, required documents, and processing times, you can ensure a smooth immigration experience for your loved ones.
With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully navigate the process and provide your loved ones with the support they need during their stay in the United States.
If you need further assistance with filing Form I-134A and sponsoring your loved ones on humanitarian parole, feel free to reach out to us at sales@imagility.co. Our team will get in touch and provide guidance to ensure a smooth immigration journey.
Good Luck!
