A very common question that comes up about the DV lottery is about the requirement to prove you will not become a public charge (i.e. be in need of financial assistance from the government). Many people have a hard time accepting that is even a requirement. Well it is. For sure. Everywhere, for everyone. Got that? OK – let me explain…
For DV lottery there is a set of rules that frequently refer to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Essentially the DV lottery is operated within a framework of immigration law and there are standard aspects of the laws that apply to all immigration cases. The public charge requirement is one such example. The instructions for the DV lottery include information about this in their FAQ (Question 37 in DV2015 and DV2016 instructions). The notes say:-
37. If I receive a visa through the DV program, will the U.S. government pay for my airfare to the United States, help me find housing and employment, and/or provide healthcare or any subsidies until I am fully settled?
No. The U.S. government will not provide any of these services to you if you receive a visa through the DV program. If you are selected to apply for a DV, you will need to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge in the United States before being issued a visa. This evidence may be in the form of a combination of your personal assets, an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) submitted by a relative or friend residing in the United States, an offer of employment from an employer in the United States, or other evidence.
OK, so it is required. OK???
So how do you prove that you will not become a public charge. The simplest way is to demonstrate that you have enough money/assets to support yourself. This can be in various ways, for example:-
- Bank/other financial statements
- Real Estate/Property
- Stocks/Bonds
- Income from business investments
The CO will be far more interested in “liquid” assets (such as savings in a bank account) than other non liquid assets.
If you intend to show the above you will need to show around $10,000 for each adult, and a bit less for children (for example $25,000 for a family of four, $10,000 for a single person). This can be from a combination of the above.
If you cannot show that level of personal finance a job offer can help, and of course someone already working in the USA on a temporary visa can show existing salary (payslips, tax records, job confirmation letters and so on).
If the selectee cannot provide the above, they may be advised obtaining an “affidavit of support” from a family member or friend already in the USA. The affidavit of support should be in the form of the I-134 which must be filled out by a US legal resident and supported by tax filing records, payslips and so on. The instructions for the I-134 are clear and helpful.
The selectee only needs to provide one I-134 to cover their case (it covers the principal and all derivatives). The income of the person filling out the I-134 should be greater than that shown on the Federal Poverty Guidelines for total number of family members for the sponsor/family AND the selectee/derivatives.
The original (or now scanned/emailed) signed I-134 plus supporting documents is presented by the selectee at the interview IF requested. Not all embassies request it as a matter of course, and some hardly ever request it. However, not providing it if requested can lead to AP/disqualification.
Supporting documents for the I-134 are the sponsors:
- 1040 (annual tax report – most recent copy)
- W2 (annual employee earnings statement if employed – most recent copy)
- Recent Payslips
- Photo ID
The I-134 should be sent to you prior to the interview by mail or scanned and the supporting documents can be photocopies or sent by email.
There are several African countries where the “host” system serves to satisfy the requirements. If the selectee is planning to stay with a host, they could be asked what is the relationship between host and selectee. If there is a good relationship (family, or close friend) the Consular Officer is allowed to use their discretion to take that as evidence that the selectee will not become a public charge.
If you are unsure about the difference between the I-134 and the I-864, then please check out this post for more information.
For more info including how to complete the I-134, please watch this video.
Sources:
March 4, 2020 at 5:53 am
Someone to be a sponsor for me and my wife needs to earn at least $17,240 In one year?
I have good Friend there but I’m afraid will it somehow make problem for this person if lets say we can’t find a job (worst case scenario)…
Also does he have any expenses while filling i-134?
What if CO don’t ask us for I-134 and I don’t show it to them, will this guy still be my sponsor officially?
March 4, 2020 at 11:12 pm
You should read the article above.
March 8, 2020 at 7:16 am
Hi Brit,
My sponsor has income of 32k. I think 32k is above the poverty guidelines (12k) for 1 person.
Please correct me on my understanding.
Thank you
March 8, 2020 at 6:14 pm
The article above explains all.
March 8, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Hi Brit,
After reading your article, I have shared my understanding to you. I want to know whether my understanding and your article is same….
You may say yes or no.
Thank you 😊
March 8, 2020 at 6:29 pm
You didn’t read it properly. The family size is NEVER 1. It is at least the sponsor PLIUS you. That is two – even without spouses and children.
So – look up the FPG for the correct COMBINED family size. No need to ask me again.
March 8, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Hi Brit,
I just marked that.
For 5 family members, upto 30k is required.
Hence for 2 family members 32k should be fine.
Thank you again sir.
Regards,
Santosh
June 13, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Thanks sir for all your help!
In your experience is 15 000$ savings for 2 people enough? We both have Masters degree (Law and CS) and the interview is in EU if it matters? Thank you
June 13, 2020 at 6:06 pm
@Brenda – please read the article. 15k is not enough. Get an I-134.
March 8, 2020 at 10:17 am
I have some concerns , if someone does like to sponsor me,does his income statements (supporting document at the time filing the affidavit by him/her) visible to me. And this affidavit is directly sent to me or the relevant embassy with the case number.
March 8, 2020 at 6:16 pm
If someone is a friend that will sponsor you they should not have a problem trusting you.
The I-134 is carried by you and presented if asked. It is NOT sent to the embassy.
March 8, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Do I nessasary to fill in form i-134 to interview? I’m dvlottery winners, from iraq my cn AS14XXX
March 8, 2020 at 8:04 pm
That is wise to reduce risk.
March 9, 2020 at 7:01 pm
Hi simon
I have a question for you. I would like to know if my sponsor has an income of 45,000 dollars living in the state of Ohio when we are a total family of 8 people. could he sponsor me
because I saw that for a family of 8 people it is 44120.
I’m a little confused I can’t understand I’m being talked to by 125% more. I read all of your articles but I don’t come with your videos because I’m French-speaking
answer me if it’s enough or not
Thanks
June 11, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Is it a document requested by all embassies or it depends on where you get to be interviewed. I’m asking this because a friend I have didn’t have a sponsor and had no clue about affidavit of support, yet was issued the lottery visa just a year ago. He had his interview at U.S embassy at Accra, Ghana. Was he just lucky or some embassies are a bit flexible with the affidavit of support?
June 12, 2020 at 12:38 am
It varies by embassy, by case, and it has become more common in the last year.
June 13, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Do you know if the US embassy in Bulgaria will ask for an affidavit of support/I-134 form?
June 13, 2020 at 5:47 pm
It is best to assume that they will.
June 16, 2020 at 2:53 pm
Hello! Does the sponsor need to be currently residing in the US, or just a US citizen that files US taxes?
Thank you so much
June 16, 2020 at 7:12 pm
Citizen or US resident.
June 16, 2020 at 7:33 pm
Thanks for your reply! Sorry to be specific about it, but to clarify – if they are a US citizen (born there) but now live in Canada (still paying US taxes of course), that would be fine?
Thanks!
June 16, 2020 at 10:34 pm
No – I would suggest a US resident
June 18, 2020 at 7:29 am
Hi Simon! How are you doing? I’m here again after settling in USA for 3 months by DV2020 with your valuable support. I’m here to seek more support for my new friend from Africa due to he could not post his questions on your blog, he said. Hope you kindly respond to the questions below and I will let him know. Please see below scenarios of his condition I quoted.
“Awesome, thank you so much!
I wanted to ask you some questions,
I have case number 2021AF00019***,
1. Does my case number have chance to be interviewed, if so which month probably?
3. I already got admission letter FROM US college, and I am about to get a job offer in USA from my host’s business, will that increase my chances of getting a visa or it would cause more problems?
2. I have 4 different Hosts and I will tell you their scenarios, I want to know who will be the best choice to use in interview:
1st Host: he’s US citizen, he is married ( has a wife and one young kid) and we’ve met via Facebook and he used to sponsoring charity organization in my country but we never met personally and he never came in my country , he sponsoring my education (from High school until now),food for my family regularly equal monthly amount, materials…
He’s ready to host me , he has high salary (more than 150k$ annually) and he is willing to gimme a job offer in his business before I even apply. He even gave me some extra funds when he sent the funds, now I have 4k$ in my savings because of his savings.
2nd Host: he’s US citizen, single and he works in US Navy, we’ve met in 2014 for 2months then he go back to USA, he was my sponsor on I-20 when I was about to apply F1-visa(student visa 2019) but unfortunately my visa had been denied, his salary is somehow low 25k$ though he use them as savings because all basic needs are given from the Navy and he’s willing to be my Host too.
3rd Host: she’s my Aunt, she’s married (with 2kids and hasbund) she has permanent residence, she is willing to host me though her salary is somehow low 40k$.
4th Host: She’s cousin, she’s married (with one baby and husband), she’s GC holder, she came via fully scholarship then she applied for H1B eventually got a green card.
She’s willing to host me and she has a salary of 60k$
Thanks a lot for your precious time!!”
Regards,
June 18, 2020 at 7:25 pm
This guy has posted his question numerous times, and I have answered him.
June 21, 2020 at 11:44 pm
Can I confirm, is that $10,000 USD?
June 22, 2020 at 5:35 pm
It’s dollars, yes – but it is an approximate number. An I-134 is much safer.
June 22, 2020 at 10:11 pm
Hi, Simon.
I am from Ghana and currently employed.
Since I don’t have enough balance in my bank account. Can my employer in Ghana sponsor me or can I use his bank statement at the interview?
June 22, 2020 at 11:13 pm
No
July 13, 2020 at 6:31 am
I am the winner of DV 2021 on form DS-260 I put in the address of the green card delivery the name of my daughter who is a permanent resident of the USA, but the one who is going to sponsor me is her husband who is an American citizen, he is the who is going to fill out the I-134 the question is,
1.is there a problem in that?
2. Does putting my daughter’s name on form DS-260 in the address box where my Green card will arrive will make her a sponsor or has nothing to do with it?
Thanks Sr.
July 13, 2020 at 1:15 pm
1. No
2. Nothing to do with it.
July 13, 2020 at 1:21 pm
Is there any chance for 2020 winner? I am quit upset
July 13, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Embassies have been closed due to the pandemic and now there is also a ban by Trump. We are fighting the ban, but even if we win that we will need the embassies to reopen and time is running out. So, you may not get an interview.
July 13, 2020 at 2:57 pm
OMG……. The bitter truth. The bitter pill that’s difficult to swallow. God help 2020 winners. We are not the cause of covid-19
July 15, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Hi, my agent indicated wassce instead of O level under educational requirement.
I am wondering about this please guide me ok
July 15, 2020 at 11:17 pm
Ask a clear question.
July 21, 2020 at 9:20 pm
Hello Simon,
First of all, thank you for your hard work, you are a star!
Second, one quick question if I may:
I am a EU DV2021 winner, I completed the DS-260 but haven’t been asked for the documents yet. Will they ask for the savings proof in advance or is that only to be checked by the CO during the interview?
Thank you very much in advance and let’s hope we all get a chance
July 21, 2020 at 11:49 pm
At interview.
http://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
August 7, 2020 at 12:18 am
Hi Simon,
I am currently a student and I am in debt because of student loans. Will that be a problem for the CO? Can I tell them that I am planning on finishing my studies first and not planning on becoming a public charge in the US?
Thank you in advance for your reply, and thank you very much for your website and videos, they have helped me alot already.
August 7, 2020 at 3:15 am
Should not be a problem.
November 11, 2020 at 9:16 am
Do you have a sponsor?
August 11, 2020 at 2:54 pm
Hi simon, I was rejected visa because of my place of birth which was mistakenly entered, but I entered the correct one and all other information on my visa application, by then I was in university but now I have graduated and I win again, can I indicate that I have a degree or wassce ? I have both of them.
The amount indicated on my sponsors account on the previous affidavit was 4500$ is that amount OK? But she owns a House to accommodate me.
When filling the DS 260 should I indicate that I was denied visa and attach the documents giving to me during the interview?
What is the minimum amount on someone account who is providing affidavit?
August 11, 2020 at 8:48 pm
There was more to your previous denial than you are telling me.
Complete the DS260 with all accurate information. Don’t try to write what you think they want to read!
The article above describes the INCOME (not account balance) that is needed to be shown by the sponsor.
August 22, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Hello,
Can a friend of mine works for Google and has H1B visa filled out the I-134 for a me and I am a DV winner? or should the I-134 filled out by a US citizen or a green card holder?
August 23, 2020 at 5:51 pm
US citizen or GC holder.
August 27, 2020 at 10:29 pm
I have read the article above and understood. But please sir on my side,, am turning 21 years and I was selected for the DV 2021. I have my aunt who will be my host and I will be working while furthering my studies. Am I safe with that or I will become a public charge?
Thanks in advance.
August 27, 2020 at 10:35 pm
To be safe you should get an I-134.
August 27, 2020 at 11:31 pm
okay sir thank you
August 28, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Hello Simon,
me and my wife could not find a sponsor to fill out form I-134 as we don’t have anyone close enough to trust us. But until interview we would show around 30,000 EUR (more than 35,000$) bank balance. For a couple it would be more than enough.
Dealing with public charge, is it still too risky without a sponsor?
Thank you for your time.
August 28, 2020 at 9:37 pm
It is somewhat of a risk – but may be acceptable.
September 2, 2020 at 1:32 am
Hi Simon,
I am in a similar situation with my spouse, but we will be able to show about $100,000 for a family of two. Does that still present any risks or should it be sufficient?
September 2, 2020 at 2:27 am
There is still a small risk – it is up to the CO.
September 5, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Hi brit ,
Im one of plaintiff in curtis case , im from saudi Arabia and im single and i have 5000 dollars in my account . I can add another 5k $ now to make the requirement for 1 person . But I’m not sure if its wise to do or embassy will ask questions of sudden amount in my account .. what u think is best for me to do in this situation . Looking forward for your reply .
September 9, 2020 at 1:21 pm
I-134.
September 11, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Hi Brit,
1. If my sponsor family have 3 children and he is a single-dad. One of the children got married and not live with him and the other two are employed and also not live with him. So if I am a single DV winner how many people will it count?
2. If my sponsor have annual income below the Poverty Guideline but he has some saving in bank account will it help?
3. Does my sponsor have to notarize this I-134 form and send both notary letter and I-134 to me?
September 11, 2020 at 6:42 pm
1. 2
2. No. If he is below the poverty line for 2 people he cannot help anyone.
3. No. It says no on the form itself.
September 13, 2020 at 12:49 am
Hi brit
1: My sponsor send me i-134 form he have 2 dependents and im going to be 3rd and his annual income is 31,000 is that good enough ? Because its more than poverty guidlance for 4 peoples
2:He is self employed so he just send me his 1040 forms total 8 pages of 1040 and driving licence , Do i need something else from him ?
September 13, 2020 at 12:50 am
1. Why are you asking when you know the answer?
2. No
September 13, 2020 at 1:05 am
Bank statements not required ?
September 13, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Hi Simon. Do you think will be harder to get a Sponsor after this news?
Trump officials propose collecting DNA from citizens sponsoring immigrants – news on below website (date: Sep 11, 2020) :
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/516029-trump-officials-propose-collecting-dna-from-citizens-sponsoring
Thank you for all of your hardworking by helping DV Selectees.
September 13, 2020 at 5:25 pm
No.
September 16, 2020 at 7:23 am
hi Brit, is it ok to take two I-134’s for the interview
September 16, 2020 at 8:09 pm
You can take anything you want, but if both the I-134s are under the poverty guidelines you simply have two useless pieces of paper.
October 15, 2020 at 6:33 pm
I won the DV 2021. My husband works for US employer in West Africa. Can he use his income (Employment Letter) as the Sponsor in place of I – 134?
October 16, 2020 at 4:26 am
Well that would be a job he would leave – right??? So no.
October 22, 2020 at 10:10 am
Dear BritSimon,
I have read through your post and the comments regarding public charge. I am a little confused, could you please clarify the below:
1) There is no need to receive I-134 if we have enough money on our bank accounts, right?
2) Are we safe if we have approximately $30000 – 40000$ at the time of the interview for 2 people ( my husband and I)?
3) You article mentions having minimum 10000$ per person in order not to be a public charge. However, as a response to one of the comments above you mentioned that it is risky to have 30 000$ and recommended getting I-134. Is it my misunderstanding?
The reason I am asking is that it is difficult for me to get I-134, I would rather show my savings.
4) Is it ok to show statements from my Bank of America account? Or does it have to be from my local bank where I live?
Thanks a million for your input into our future,
Best regards
October 22, 2020 at 8:35 pm
1. That is ultimately up to the CO to decide.
2. See 1
3. Again, see 1. The only “certain” approach is an I-134. Savings is subjective.
4. Doesn’t matter.
October 22, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Thank you!!!!
October 16, 2020 at 7:18 am
No. He will still be working for the company whiles in the United States because it is a remote job and he is allowed to work from any location in the world.
October 16, 2020 at 9:34 pm
You can list it then.
Please use the REPLY button to keep responses linked.
October 16, 2020 at 7:55 am
Does the cost of an emergency operation for child delivery covered under Medicaid (Emergency Medical Assistance) constitute a public charge
October 16, 2020 at 9:38 pm
Not technically, but COs often ask how medical expenses for US citizen births have been paid (and its hard to justify a 9 month process as an emergency).
October 18, 2020 at 2:27 pm
Hello Brit – Can I exclude I-134 if I have a job offer for more than 100k a year?
October 18, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Typically, yes.
January 4, 2021 at 11:56 pm
Hi simon,
My sponsor’s attorney said to him, that he can’t sponsoring me, as he is already sponsoring his father-in-law’s family so he can’t send me an I-134. Actually I have made some searching and it seems that the attorney is mistaken but I still need offical documents or sites_ if there is any_ to convince my friend_the sponsor_ whom is already afraid of doing something illegal.
Kindly advice me and if you have any formal documents declaring this situation, would you please pass it by to me.
Thanks for your expected useful advice.
January 4, 2021 at 11:59 pm
That is probably more of his personal opinion than actual law.
January 18, 2021 at 8:02 am
Hello sir. So for dv 2021 we won’t need any actual paper right? We can reach all the required papers and documents by email from our sponser?
Thanks
January 18, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Email is fine
January 25, 2021 at 7:42 pm
Hi Brit , I am a student and single and I have 15000 USD in my bank account, is it enough or too risky ?
January 25, 2021 at 10:53 pm
Did you read the article?
January 25, 2021 at 11:29 pm
Yes I read it , the problem is that I don’t have a US sponsor . So I don’t know if that’s enough to prove that I won’t be a public charge .
January 25, 2021 at 11:59 pm
And you won’t know until the interview.
January 26, 2021 at 12:54 am
Ok , thank you very much .
February 9, 2021 at 8:54 am
Hi Simon,
I’m currently filling out my DS260. I’m 18 and my plan is to join the U.S. military as soon as I receive my visa. I have completed all testing and even received formal offers to join the Australian military (which I think might be evidence for the CO that I will be able to enter the military). Also, I’ve been in contact with a U.S. military recruiter that has offered me a place to stay during the recruitment process.
The U.S. military does not recruit individuals without at least a green card so I can’t provide a formal job offer.
I’ve been putting off my DS260 for fear that I will not have enough savings when I reach my interview, it is not likely that I will have $10000USD saved if I were to have an interview booked now.
Should I borrow money? Should I sell my car? Perhaps try to go the I-134 route (I have no close contacts in the U.S.)? What do you suggest I do?
Thanks for reading my super long comment.
February 9, 2021 at 8:14 pm
Don’t sell things or borrow. Show what you have or get an I-134.
March 5, 2021 at 8:57 pm
Hey brit
For bank statements should it be like for the last 6 months (for example)
Or it’s ok to put cash money in your bank account just before the interview
March 6, 2021 at 4:51 am
You would have to show the money has been there for some time.
March 6, 2021 at 7:00 am
Im not current yet but i my number might be current next month So if i want to submit an I-134 when should i start the process?
March 6, 2021 at 7:11 am
And would only 20k USD be enough without showing i-134 form?
Sorry but we’re over thinking because covid was harsh financially
March 6, 2021 at 7:14 am
20k for 2 person*