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 16, 2017 at 12:26
Hi Brit
Have gotten all my documents but don’t know how to arrange it please help me.
Again, I check my affidavit, it does not have a photo ID of my sponsor
March 16, 2017 at 13:39
What do you not know how to arrange?
Ask the sponsor to scan/email a photo ID
March 17, 2017 at 07:05
Dear Mr.Brit,
We are family of 3 persons. Me ,my husband and our baby. Case # 2017AS000067XX I am the principal applicant. So far we could not find someone to sign an AOS for us. But we have 35,000.00 USD as our financial evidence. It is in my husbands account. Should the bank statement be in my name? Because I am the principal applicant.I appreciate your advice.Thanks
March 17, 2017 at 14:27
Either name is fine – you are treated as a couple.
March 17, 2017 at 12:58
Please I have to questions regarding the Affidavit of support document i – 134
* can the sponsor email the signed documents to me or it should be by post
* how much should he have on his bank statement
March 17, 2017 at 14:21
It should be mailed.
It is about income, not savings – and the amounts are described in detail above.
March 19, 2017 at 21:43
Please can I provide a financial bank account statement from a person who is not a USA resident
March 19, 2017 at 21:57
No.
March 17, 2017 at 23:31
Hi Brit, my question is about the wife of my sponsor.
1) What documents should she fill … only i-134 ?
2) What if she isn’t working is a problem ??
3) Would it be a problem at the interview if my sponsor is only a friend (he is not a relative)
Thank you.
March 17, 2017 at 23:40
1. For most embassies (all apart from Tirana) the spouse of the sponsor does not fill in anything.
2. No
3. Not a problem as long as you can explain the relationship.
March 18, 2017 at 23:14
Hi, do you know if the Madrid Embassy usually requires the I-134 if we don’t have enough savings at the moment of the interview?
Thanks.
March 18, 2017 at 23:25
I don’t know – assume yes.
March 19, 2017 at 16:45
Hi, i won the diversity visa program along with my wife, is my sponsor going to write the i-134 inform by pen or what? if how are is him going to deliever it.
March 19, 2017 at 21:56
Pen is fine. Send by mail.
March 19, 2017 at 16:50
is him going to sent it by post, or what? if so please help me, i will be call for interview by next month
March 19, 2017 at 21:55
The I-134 should be sent by mail.
March 23, 2017 at 09:56
Dear Mr.Brit
Can we have an affidavit of support from another person. ( not the person mention in our ds260 form where we will be staying
Thank you
March 23, 2017 at 13:47
Yes
March 27, 2017 at 13:37
Hello sir I will be going for my interview tomorrow but my affidafite of support is not ready , what is your advice .? Should I be worry?
March 27, 2017 at 13:55
Attend the interview. If they ask for the affidavit you will be given time to produce it after the interview.
March 28, 2017 at 07:32
Hello sir , I’m doing my interview tomorrow but my sponsor didn’t send my affidafite of support up to now , what is your advice?
March 28, 2017 at 11:35
Go to the interview. They may or may not ask for an affidavit. If they do, you will have time to provide it.
March 30, 2017 at 08:26
Dear Mr.Brit,
could you help me.? I am bit confused about the I 134 form. I have heard sponser must sighn separate forms for each applicant. Our sponser want to clarify this AOS form. I am the principal applicant. My husband and our little son are accompanying me. Should the sponsor submit 3 separate forms for three of us? or 01 is ok? Because I 134 page 2 has all the details of beneficiary’s spouse and children.
Thanks in advance
March 30, 2017 at 14:54
One.
March 30, 2017 at 17:46
Hi Simon.
I have a question regarding the I 134:
Does the sponsor only has to be a permanent resident (Green Card holder) or US citizen, or can he/she be a legal resident with a valid EB5 visa?
Hoping to hear from you.
March 30, 2017 at 17:47
Temporary visa holders may be accepted, but since their stay is temporary their support is also temporary – and that makes them a weaker sponsor.
March 30, 2017 at 18:01
Thanks for your rapid response.
My potential sponsor is in the process of getting his Green Card, and he is now living in the US with a valid EB5 visa. Do you think that his sponsorship is good enough or should I try to get another sponsor?
March 30, 2017 at 21:12
It’s up to you.
April 3, 2017 at 18:21
you said that ” There are several African countries where the “host” system serves to satisfy the requirements.”does it mean that those countries their is no necessary to present i134 form. and does it include ethiopia
April 3, 2017 at 19:37
Some cases in Ethiopia are asked about financial support, some are asked about hosts.
April 9, 2017 at 08:43
Hi brit,
I was done my interview on last week but I have received 221(g) yellow paper on interview day. Consular Office inform me your sponsor does not meet his income for affidavit support base on poverty rule and he request to submit new sponsor documents etc(I-134 from and Tax transcript).Now my case is administrative processing. Now I try to find new sponsor for me. I am little bit worry about to happen.
After submit above documents, there is chance to get visa for me or not.
Which way to best for submit the above requested document. By email or Mail
April 9, 2017 at 15:50
If you find a better sponsor you have a chance. As for how you send it – the fastest way…
April 11, 2017 at 16:51
Hi britsimon
Should the Affidavit of support be signed by any authority after my relative (who is a US citizen ) fill it and before he send it to me ?
Thank you in advance for your help and patience .
April 11, 2017 at 18:24
No. The I-134 specifically answers that question.
April 12, 2017 at 03:02
Do we still need to fill the I-134 form if we have enough money in the bank account?
April 12, 2017 at 03:29
It is up to you to decide how you want to present the case. The I-134 is less risky.
April 12, 2017 at 06:08
Hi I am a sri lankan .If I present a sponsor letter in my DV interview,
a) what is the content of that letter.
b) Person who will give that letter need to be have a PR in USA (Can some have student visa ,issue a Sponsor letter for me)
c) is it necessary to get the Sponsor letter from the person who i Enter in the DS-260 form.
April 12, 2017 at 12:52
a. It is not a letter – it is the I-134.
b. A student will not be earning enough money.
3. It can be that person or someone else.
READ THE ARTICLE ABOVE!!!!!
April 15, 2017 at 12:57
Dear Brit, I want to ask if its mandatory to enter all the details of the previous affidavit of support in the i134 form? Even when they have been given many years ago, and now all the beneficiaries are on their own?
April 15, 2017 at 13:13
It is mandatory to tell the truth…
April 17, 2017 at 13:42
Hi Brit,
as im ready now for my interview
my cousine who’s in Asylee cant sponsor me and my uncle the citezen there his annual paid is less bcz of his big family
so i would like to ask u this bcz i received an email from the embassy about the time and the documents to prepare along with I-134 file:
1- its easy for me to prove to the consular my bank statement have around 50K$ .. can that work?
2- im working with american company for US military in kuwait.. can that make like guarante or sponsor?
3- finally im not planning to go there directly incase i get succeed.. i’ll need 1 year to finish my contract and clear my things before i go… can i say that to him to show him i wouldnt need sponsor for my case?
thank you,
April 17, 2017 at 13:47
1. That can work, yes.
2. Only if they have agreed to transfer that job to the USA.
3. No. You MUST enter the USA within 6 months and then you can leave for up to 12 months – BUT that does not remove the financial need.
April 17, 2017 at 18:53
Dear BritSimon
1. I am about to get into the interview.
2. I have >10,000USD per capita in a bank account in the USA plus same amount (but in local currency) in my bank account in my homeland. I understand that should be more than enough to show and no need for me to work on proving other asset I have (real estate etc).
3. If I read you right there is no special form to fill for “self support” proving above poverty – kindly approve my understanding.
4. The USA Bank balance I can print from my computer – will that be ok or they might request a more original paper – in that case will same amount original from homeland bank will be ok by their own with no need for USA bank account prove ?
5. Is there any concern that if I will show a real estate from my homeland it might play against me later on if I will end up in need to prove that despite potential frequent flies homeland-USA I am a USA resident ?
Thanks
April 17, 2017 at 20:32
1. OK
2. This sounds like a statement. Whilst that would normally be enough – it is not clear cut – so some COs might not be satisfied by savings alone.
3. Correct
4. Statements printed at home may or may not be acceptable. I cannot say with certainty.
5. No concern.
April 20, 2017 at 17:49
Hello Simon,
Thank you for the help provided by your blog!
Just a quick question: since they changed the I-134 form a few months ago now on the instructions they ask for these statements:
A. Statement from an officer of the bank or other financial institutions with deposits, identifying the following details
regarding the account:
(1) Date account opened;
(2) Total amount deposited for the past year; and
(3) Present balance.
B. Statement(s) from your employer on business stationery showing:
(1) Date and nature of employment;
(2) Salary paid; and
(3) Whether the position is temporary or permanent.
I already have the ones that were normally required (Photo ID, Payslips, w2,1040)
do I need to ask my sponsor to prepare those two statements or should I be fine with the documents I already have?
Thank you very much for your help!
April 20, 2017 at 23:58
The documents you have are usually sufficient.
April 21, 2017 at 01:26
Dear simon is bank statement enough to approve I will not be a public charge
April 21, 2017 at 02:37
Read the article above.
May 2, 2017 at 04:44
hello dear brit, once more thanks for your all kindness.
i am dv lottery holder and i am student in china and my interview is also in china . and my interview is after 2 days on 4 may 2017 , my family is in afghanistan. so now it these two days i can not provide the i-134 form and i am a university student and my farther support me . what you think which way is better for me :
1) i ask for my father bank statement and i hand during my interview ?
or
2)i ask from my father to deposit money in my own account and then i hand my bank statement during my interview?
3)and if yes , how much can be enough ?
May 2, 2017 at 06:18
I would not be surprised if they insist on the I-134. Other than that – choose your best option from your choices.
May 28, 2017 at 05:09
Hello, I am also in China, may I have your email? I have some questions regarding the DV if possible?
Thank you
August 13, 2017 at 21:41
Hello Feri..did they ask for the I-134 form (Affidavits of support) in Guangzhou ?
May 3, 2017 at 15:54
Does it make any difference if the sponsor of the affidavit is a US citizen or a green card holder?
I’m closer with someone who is a GC holder for several years, but if it will be best to have a citizen as the sponsor I can try to find someone.
Thank you!
May 3, 2017 at 16:26
Either is fine.
May 3, 2017 at 21:42
My niece interview was in Feb, I wrote a letter inviting her and indicated she will be my charge. I didnt send any financial documents only my address and phone number.
She was asked what I do and to prove she is my relative and was given her visa. She had no coin of her own just 18 years and from school
May 3, 2017 at 22:27
Is there a question?
May 6, 2017 at 10:25
I’am trying to sign and submit the application , and the system wants my KCC case number ! but the system is telling me there is no matching with my case number that I have entered
is it the same number that I have got in selected check screen ?
May 6, 2017 at 17:42
Always check the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
May 10, 2017 at 12:21
Hi Brit, as I mentioned in my other inquiry to you, my husband just won with the DV2018. My question is whether we really need to get a sponsor to fill the I-134 sponsorship form for us? The reason I am asking is simply that it is not mentioned either on the dv website, nor in the instructions and checklist for required documents at our embassy. Do we need to get it or is simply recommended?
May 10, 2017 at 13:43
No embassies mention it but it is in the DV instructions when you submitted and it is a part of standard immigration law. Some embassies ask for it, some don’t.
May 11, 2017 at 19:25
Hi simon, I would like to know how much should my sponsor be earning in order to support me! Please advice
May 11, 2017 at 20:29
That is fully discussed in the article above.
May 13, 2017 at 12:36
Hi Simon,
Thank you for the amazing blog!
I have won the DV2018 visa (AS3xxx, interview around DEC according to the data in this website) and I intend to move to the US with my spouse.
Currently we have around $6500 in our bank and at the worst situation we are going to have around $12,000 at the date of the interview, should I be worried with that?
I thought about looking for a job in the US only after the interview (if I will be eligible then for the DV) as I assumed that I still do not have visa and no one will be looking to hire me (I am working as a software developer).
When I will leave my job I will get severance pay of around $3500 (but that will be around May 2018), and hopefully at this date I will have another $3000 of savings, so the total savings at around May 2018 will be $18,500 (which is not $10,000 per person).
So basically with $12,000 at the interview (minus additional costs of medical and visa fee we will have $10,500).
Does it really insufficient?
What are my options? I do not have any body I know in the US to take any sponsorship (and I think I will make it well living on my own in the US, getting job etc.)
Thank you!
May 13, 2017 at 13:06
It may be enough for the CO – I can’t really be certain. The CO will consider other aspects such as your work and how likely you are to find work. As a software developer, that might reduce the concern anyway.
May 20, 2017 at 13:44
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your answer!
I have another question that I would like to ask that is related to the “public charge” issue.
Do you think that age is a factor? if me and my wife are young couple (both below 25, both are working but without degree), and we will not have sufficient funds (we will have around $12,000), but still, we are young, do you think that it might be considered better than older selectees who does not have sufficient funds?
I really hope that the CO might consider us for the good as we are young, healthy, working couple.
Basically, that sufficient funds thing is the only thing that bothers me as I know that as a software developer who currently works at a big company, I can take care of my own in the US.
I really appreciate your answer.
Thank you!
May 20, 2017 at 14:35
The CO will take various factors into account – including your age, work and area you plan to live. The safest option would be an I-134.
May 17, 2017 at 00:52
Hi simons my sponsor already gave sponsor to someone in last year he gave 2 guys they got gc without any problems if he gave to me also it will be red list ? His year income $40 to 45 k he got own house !
Thank you
May 17, 2017 at 01:17
It’s a risk.
May 17, 2017 at 06:49
Dear brit Simon,
Will it be helpful to have two AOS”s filled if the financial position of one of them is not sufficient and the other, though enough finances, isn’t a GC holder?
May 18, 2017 at 04:21
No – two bad AOS’s don’t combine to make a good one.
May 17, 2017 at 21:39
Hi Brit,
You said above that there is more risk involved when using a bank statement to meet the financial requirements, as opposed to presenting an I-134. You mentioned the $10k of cash savings per adult as a rule of thumb but I haven’t managed to find any specific figures, and I understand they vary depending on circumstances. So am I playing with fire if I’m eyeballing the minimum requirement, but have the option of providing an I-134 instead? Also, if the $10k turns out to not be sufficient, will the (London) embassy give me the opportunity to provide further documents (such as the I-134) or will it be case closed? Thanks
May 18, 2017 at 03:20
An I-134nis commonly requested in London. If you don’t have one – you are put on AP while provide one – and that can lead to further delays.
May 18, 2017 at 08:57
After the following have been prepared by the usa sponsor, how much must be in his account as balance to stand strong as usa sponsor?
1040 (annual tax report – most recent copy)
W2 (annual employee earnings statement if employed – most recent copy)
Recent Payslips
Photo ID
May 18, 2017 at 13:09
The amount in the bank is not important. It is based on INCOME.
May 18, 2017 at 10:44
Hi BritSimon,
My father will have his interview in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.
Do you know if 130k is enough savings for he and his wife? Will he need to show an affidavit of support?
Tks,
May 18, 2017 at 13:01
That is enough.
May 22, 2017 at 20:58
Thank you. You are helping me a lot.
Should he fill the I-134? Or he just need to show bank statements?
May 22, 2017 at 09:34
Hi Simon
I’m dv 2018 winner my cousin ready give a i134 but he already gave last year for his friends he was earning around 45-50k his family4 my one 3
And I have $7.5k saving balance
Our house value around $40k
Monthly rent value $160 (yearly $1920)
My question is do I need to find another sponsor or shall I use my cousin? Is it safe with my saving and property values CO will accept our claim or he will refuse!
Thank you
May 22, 2017 at 17:52
There is some risk (due to the other sponsorship), but your cousin is otherwise a good sponsor (enough income and family relationship). So – it is worth trying to use him as a sponsor.
May 23, 2017 at 07:33
Thanks for quick answer is my saving is enough if my sponsor is a risk it will save us from that risk?
May 23, 2017 at 13:48
Savings could help, yes (minimum $10,000 per person).
May 26, 2017 at 02:24
Hi btits
My interview is programmed for june but I still do have a sponsor yet.
Ppl are telling me that is a private documemt and can not give it to friend.
My question is
1)By showing that I have a house which is rented 1000 us a month is gonna b enough?
2)By having a promise of working in a fast food or in a low job income can be enough?
3)Can I use a financial statment or the 134 form filled by a friend who live in my country showing that he is financially able to support me?
May 26, 2017 at 19:06
1. No, probably not.
2. No, probably not
3. No
Some embassies won’t ask about finances, some embassies will be satisfied with your savings, others will want an I-134. In the last case, you would be put on AP until you provide it.
May 26, 2017 at 03:08
I have tried my best to find a sponsor but people are really reluctant to doing so… If I can’t find a sponsor, what will happen if the affidavit is requested and I don’t have one??
If I have $25K personal funds, how likely would you say it is for them to request the affidavit? (family of 2 young adults, no kids yet)
May 26, 2017 at 19:05
Some embassies won’t ask about finances, some embassies will be satisfied with your savings, others will want an I-134. In the last case, you would be put on AP until you provide it.
May 27, 2017 at 22:43
Hi Brit,
Is it possible for a family(size of 4) case to have more than one affidavit of support? asking because more than relative want to support the case.
May 28, 2017 at 14:21
No. One I-134 for the family.
May 28, 2017 at 09:57
Hello simons
Im dv 2018 winners
I have questions about my affidavit of support
I have step cousin sister in California her husband ready to give sponsor ! His sponsor is ok to apply or do I need find a another close relations? Or frinds of mine?
And how to mention the relations in affidavit form
Cousin in law or step cousin in law !
Thank you
May 28, 2017 at 13:50
That is fine. He is “family”.
June 5, 2017 at 14:48
Hello dear Simon,
How can one know if a bank statement is required for the interview in the local consul? All I have found is a list in the official DV website that does not contain any requirement for a document that proves one’s financial state.
I am asking it because I don’t want my visa request to be delayed because of missing documents.
Thank you!
June 5, 2017 at 18:38
That varies by embassy and even case to case.
So – the best advice is to prepare properly.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
June 5, 2017 at 18:45
1) How long it will take to get the IRS tax report after requesting online?
2) Is it ok if i get the I-134 form and IRS tax report from email to me from USA or are they need the originals(Courier the doc from USA to sri lankla)?
June 5, 2017 at 18:59
1. I don’t know everything.
2. The I-134 should come by mail. Other documents can be scanned.
June 6, 2017 at 16:13
Embassy on skopje doesnt require The affidavit of support only if you applied with family i applied alone so do i need anything.
June 6, 2017 at 17:54
They could still request the affidavit of support.
June 7, 2017 at 16:42
Can i for example have 10k on the bank instead of affidavit of support is that fine.
June 8, 2017 at 03:59
Some people are approved that way, yes.
June 7, 2017 at 19:18
Hi Sir, last week I emailed the immigrant visa unit to ask if i need an Affidavit of support (1-134) and below is what the replied.
Dear ……,
Please be aware that Affidavit Of Support(I-134) is not required for DV applicants. More information is available on https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/interview/prepare-for-the-interview.html
Sincerely,
June 8, 2017 at 04:05
“Not Required”, does not mean they can’t or won’t request it. But it’s up to you whether to prepare for any eventuality, or risk delay. Your call.
June 8, 2017 at 20:06
Okay Sir. My sponsor is so hesitant to fill Affidavit Of Support(I-134 form and mail it . He said he is so scared OF sharing his SSN because identity theft is becoming more frequent. I am not sure if he really has to share his SSN. So as i am running out of time i am going to Take a bank statement that will show i have 10k dollars to my interview. Do you think that will be enough? Thanks.
June 9, 2017 at 09:31
HI Brits
when you said that the I-134 can be mailed.
1.Do you means it can be send via EMAIL or via POST
just a small precision.
Thx
June 9, 2017 at 14:16
post.
June 11, 2017 at 07:42
Hi brit,
I am dv 2018 winner, i have filled the ds 260 already and i changed the interview location to my home country, do i still have to send an email to kcc regarding the location change or changing it in ds 260 is enough ?
June 11, 2017 at 15:18
Send an email.
June 11, 2017 at 16:46
Dear Simon
We won the lottery and we got Aos form i134, but we dont have W2 and 1040. Is it neccesary to have these, or aos is enough? Ty
June 11, 2017 at 17:42
You need the supporting documents.
June 14, 2017 at 09:27
Hi brit,
my sponser’s yearly income is 35000 USD.they are couple with 3 kids.
is that a enough income?
is that gonna be a problem?
Please response
appreciate your help
Thanks.
June 14, 2017 at 13:52
So you have to add your family number to their 5. THat means a minimum of 6, but if you have a spouse, that would be 7 and if you also had a child that is 8. 35000 is enough for a number of 6, not 7 or more.
June 14, 2017 at 09:31
dear simon,
small question.
are the both form 1099 & 1040 same?
June 14, 2017 at 13:49
No, they serve two different purposes. 1040 includes information from any 1099’s
June 14, 2017 at 21:11
Hi Brit, a family member of two scheduled for interview next week but, person promised to file their affidavit of support has failed to do so! Can someone help them with one with annual income approximately $18000?
Please advise.
Thnkyou.
June 14, 2017 at 22:47
The article explains how to check the income level needed.