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:
June 15, 2017 at 11:25
Hello Simon I’m shanthi from srilanka I’m 2018 dv winner one of my friend husband ready to give affidavit my friend family is 4 members my family is 3 members I want to know his earning was $42000 annual income is it enough to sponsor us ? he is in los angels !
My CN is 2xxx Probably my interview in November or December so when I can get the affidavit ! if he send now is there any time to expired cos I got more then 3 months to interview
Thanks Simon
June 15, 2017 at 13:59
1. Check the FPG for 7.
2. Google USCIS I-134
June 15, 2017 at 14:34
i checked fpg is only showing 3 areas but I don’t no which one is set for los angles ?Sorry
Columbia 7 for $ 37140
Alaska 7 for $ 46440
Hawaii 7 for $ 42720
Can you help me to find thanks ?
June 15, 2017 at 14:56
Check if Los Angeles is in Hawaii or Alaska.
Let me know if it has moved.
June 15, 2017 at 17:15
LIST OF CONTIGUOUS US STATES
This is a list of all 48 contiguous US states: Alabama; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Connecticut; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Idaho; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland; Massachusetts; Michigan; Minnesota; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; Nebraska; Nevada; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; North Carolina; North Dakota; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington (not to be confused with Washington, D.C.); West Virginia; Wisconsin; Wyoming.
Washington, D.C. (the capital of the U.S., also referred to as the District of Columbia) is not to be confused with the state of Washington.
TERMS USED IN THE NON-CONTIGUOUS STATES
Both Alaska and Hawaii have their own unique labels for the contiguous United States because of their own locations relative to them.
I think California (los Angeles) FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES
Am I right Simon ? ?
June 15, 2017 at 20:58
The answer is RIGHT THERE!
June 16, 2017 at 15:56
Hello Simon
My sponsor is cousin her earning around $43000 she is already gave sponsor to 3person
2016 august
2015 December
2012 September
All are non immigrants sponsor now there are settled no more supporting by cousin if I try this sponsorship is there any risk! (I’m family of 3 her 4 )
I checked the FPG 7of us $37140 is enough in Nyc thanks to shanthi for the last comment and your answer
She is the close relations I got, is there any risk sir !
Thank you
June 16, 2017 at 17:32
Yes – the previous sponsorships might create some (small) risk.
June 16, 2017 at 17:52
Thank for the quick answer sir
If I show my property value around $40000
And I have some saving around $6000
If I show this it will help or do I needs to show only bank balance
Thanks sir
June 16, 2017 at 18:03
Read the article above.
June 20, 2017 at 20:07
Hi Simon,
I have a question related to taxes.
I was in USA with a J1 visa from March 2014 to February 2015. I realized I filled wrong my taxes for 2014 (I filled 1040EZ instead of 1040EZ NR). Also, I didn’t filled my taxes for the two months of 2015.
I know I can amend 2014 taxes and fill now 2015 taxes, so my mistakes will cost me, at the beginning, some dollars.
But my question is that if you know any case like mine and if DV2018 process can be affected by this issue.
Thank you.
June 21, 2017 at 02:12
I don’t think it will impact your DV case
June 28, 2017 at 15:35
Hello dear Simon,
I won the DV2018 lottery, and I am about to immigrate to the US with my wife.
I have a question regarding bank funds, in the time of the interview I assume we will have around $16k, which might be insufficient (not above poverty line, which is $20k), my question is, will taking a loan of about $5k be a good thing to do? is it something common among other selectees? or it might fail our request?
Thank you in advance!
June 28, 2017 at 16:22
It would be unwise. Depending on the embassy it might not even be questioned.
July 1, 2017 at 16:14
I just checked it in a local forum online and people who immigrated to the US from my country said that the embassy *requires* a document that proves that one can support his family.
So, in that situation, what will happen if I won’t have all the money in the day of the interview? what about if I will be able to get the remaining amount within few months?
Thank you!
July 1, 2017 at 16:47
The I-134 is the best solution.
July 1, 2017 at 18:31
Unfortunately I don’t have any relatives in the US 🙁 and I will try my best to get a job prior to the interview but I can’t rely on that at all
June 29, 2017 at 18:43
Hello,if I have a AoS from a US relative do I need to prove additional savings (bank account)
June 30, 2017 at 00:32
Normally, no.
July 12, 2017 at 16:21
Hi Simon! I have a question. My sponsor could be a cousin of my wife? In the Affidavit of Support (Relationship of Sponsor) what do I have to write? Friend or wife´s relative?
Thanks for your help.
July 12, 2017 at 18:20
“wife´s relative”
July 18, 2017 at 11:27
Hello BritSimon. Do I necessarily need an affidavit of support from a U.S citizen if I can provide evidence that my father who is based in South Africa can support me financially?
July 18, 2017 at 12:42
If you are interviewing in SA, yes – they have been known to ask for financials.
July 28, 2017 at 16:07
Hi Simon,
I’m a winner for DV2018 and I want to prepare I-134 form to have it with me in the future for the interview and have some questions if you don’t mind:
1- Is it a must that the person who will fill it for me a US citizen “living” in USA or he can be living outside USA and working out if USA?
2- Is it recommended that I-134 form to be filled when the interview date is decided with the required documents preparation time? Or does NOT matter if I prepare it now where I expect my interview wikl be after a year!
Appreciate your kind helping all the time
July 28, 2017 at 21:51
1. In the USA.
2. Get it, and the supporting documents nearer the interview date.
July 29, 2017 at 02:21
Thank you
July 31, 2017 at 07:22
Dear simon,
Please note that I couldn’t secure AOS and my interview is in a couple of weeks, will it help to show that I have bank balance of USD 100K for a family of 4.
July 31, 2017 at 14:56
Yes
August 5, 2017 at 00:13
HI Simon. My mom is a winner of DV 2018. She has filled and submitted DS 260 for herself and the derivatives. Thats all we have done yet. I just heard about the form i- 134. Is it a requirement for every applicant to have a sponsor in the USA, or is it possible for my mom to sponsor herself given she has the funds.
August 5, 2017 at 00:17
The article above answers these questions.
August 9, 2017 at 23:21
Hello Brit. About the i-134, if posting from US to Africa may delay because of interview date, can I let my sponsor scan and send to me via email so I print and send to the embassy during the interview?
August 9, 2017 at 23:31
You can try – but there is a risk they don’t accept it.
August 13, 2017 at 08:31
Dear brit,
thanks for your great effort,
I have couple of questions, im dv2017 winner,the first question about income tax:
What is the amount which over it you need to pay tax,let’s say the annual income is around 25000 usd,do I pay tax and how much approx?
Second question about savings in the bank account do I have to pay any tax for that let’s say amount is less than 100k
Thanks
August 13, 2017 at 14:48
1. THat varies by circumstances and location. You can enter details into a paycheck calculator and get a pretty good idea. https://www.paycheckcity.com/
2. No – you pay on INCOME, not savings. So you might get interest on the savings – and therefore the interest is taxable, not the savings.
August 15, 2017 at 22:36
About the Poverty Guidelines is that For annually income right. Thank you so much Brit
August 15, 2017 at 23:10
Yes
August 18, 2017 at 12:42
Hi simon I have question regarding the I-134
1.) Should my sponser fill in the form handwritten or type in the information
2.) After filling in the form is she suppose to submit it to USCIS for approval or any concerned orgarnizatiin before sending me the original coppy of the form
Thanks simon with the good work you are doing am expecting a feedback from you
August 18, 2017 at 14:16
1. Either way.
2. Send the form to you by mail, PLUS supporting documents (copies of 1040, W2, payslip, passport)
August 18, 2017 at 22:26
Hi Brit, pls i want to know if all embassies demand for the affidavit of support? Am asking this because i have a friend in Ghana who won the lottery, attended his interview without the affidavit of support but yet received his visa. Am a bit confused here. Am much concerned because I have also won and waiting to be interviewed in Ghana.
August 18, 2017 at 22:37
Ghana don’t often ask for the I-134. They do ask about a host.
August 19, 2017 at 11:38
Where to find W2 form? And what are the payslips ?
August 19, 2017 at 15:03
These are things your sponsor WILL know.
August 23, 2017 at 01:13
w/ aman
hi brit
I am Eritean and I have interview on 18/9/2017 . our sponsor is marrid and has three kids and I am marrid and I have four kids
#bank account 40,000usd belongs for her and for her hasband
# annual income for her 20,897usd and for her hasband 15,986
#the value of real estat 300,000usd
^^^^^ I recieved all these dicomment on April 2017 . daes have any expire date
# two new born out of four my kids did not include in the form 1-134
#### Daes all these amunt enough or I need anather joint sponsor becouse they havn’t more than these
thanks alot for your cooperation !!!!
I am waiting for your reply
I am waiting for your reply
August 23, 2017 at 01:24
The income is not sufficient. Forget the savings and real estate – just look at income. For a combined family size of 11 people, their income is not enough.
Find another sponsor.
August 23, 2017 at 01:39
thanks again brit
Is it possible to get joint sponsor if yes woud you mind tell the way how can
August 23, 2017 at 05:24
No. YOu cannot have a joint sponsor. You need a new sponsor.
August 23, 2017 at 19:54
w/amanb
thanks alot brit
one more quation
I forget the location of my interviw which is in sudan .
## how they handle about sponsorship.
## if can not find a new sponsor which way is better to reduce the risk the only one who started sponsor or to joint sponsor
thanks for your clear information
August 23, 2017 at 23:22
I don’t know much about how Sudan will treat this, but given your interview is late in the DV processing you I strongly advise you to OVER prepare – because you won’t have time to get paperwork to them after the interview.
August 23, 2017 at 20:17
sorry i am dv winner 2017
interview is after 26 days 18/9 2017
my interview is in sudan
August 24, 2017 at 06:18
w/amanb
hi brit
I got a new sponsor her annual income is 90,000usd
there is no bank account and there is real estat
Is it enough anly annual income ?
dv winner 2017 I have interview on 18/9/2017 in sudan
August 24, 2017 at 13:24
Yes
August 26, 2017 at 20:56
thanks for clear feed back
dear brit
## daes can the sponsor saving new bank account then to send me the new account
## the expire date of our medical 25 october
thanks more that all your feed back!!!!
August 26, 2017 at 21:24
The sponsorship is about income. So they need to show INCOME!
August 26, 2017 at 21:18
please
what can I do about the medical
August 26, 2017 at 21:22
You should not have had the medical so early. The visa will expire 6 months after the medical was granted. So – unless you can travel quickly you will have to repeat the medical.
August 26, 2017 at 23:51
IS It possible to do now befor expire date
is the doctor allow to do medical befor expire date
if not possible to do now please give me the way!!!!!!
the best man
August 27, 2017 at 06:33
I don’t understand your question – I thought you already had the medical.
August 27, 2017 at 13:33
Yes, I had medical but it expire ON 24/10/2017
August 27, 2017 at 15:15
A medical is supposed to last 6 months. So you are making no sense. You will need a medical performed shortly before your interview.
August 27, 2017 at 16:10
what is your case No? when you get mail for interview?
August 27, 2017 at 14:05
Hi Brit
I send my ds260 form in July with my sponsor name( my Aunt)
She just told me that she don’t have a property in the states she think it will cause problem for me
So should i find new sponsor??
Or do joint sponsor??
Can i still use her?
If im changing my sponsor should i write kcc
Or just leave it like that till the interview date
Pls help me out
August 27, 2017 at 15:18
If you actually READ the article you would understand the biggest factor is income, not savings nor property ownership.
August 27, 2017 at 16:36
Ok… thanks
So no need of me changing my sponsor??
August 27, 2017 at 20:12
Hi Britsimon,
Thanks for the valuable information on how to position to answer public charge point. Can a end of benefits letter from company specifying amount of money that will be received (Lets say 30000USD) will be taken as proof of financial capacity against publjc charge doubt.
Thanks in advance for your kind response.
August 28, 2017 at 02:50
I don’t know what you mean by “end of benefits letter”. But a salaried job could help.
September 7, 2017 at 19:18
Hi Simon,
I have to provide an I-134 for my son who is returning on an SB-1 visa. I withdrew 10,000$ on my trip to India and now have 5k in my bank and 7,500 in cash with me. Where do I show the cash amount in I-134? I would greatly appreciate your help.
September 7, 2017 at 19:28
I only answer questions on the DV lottery process.
September 7, 2017 at 19:46
Hi Simon,
Thanks for a quick reply. I appreciate it. In that case can I ask a general question on i-134? It will be very kind of you to answer it. Specifically in DV lottery process for example, can a sponsor declare cash value in the i-134 form?
Best
September 7, 2017 at 21:45
I suggest you confirm that is the correct form – the I-864 is the more typical form. As for where to put cash value – that is very obvious if you read the form.
September 8, 2017 at 06:31
Thank you
September 16, 2017 at 12:18
hi simon
regarding the public charge… i’ve read a comment on immigration forum that food stamp may lead a problem for DV lottery winners
some people are arguing that food stamp is not considered as public charge as per below link:
https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge
I would appreciate ur answer
September 16, 2017 at 14:16
THe USCIS link is accurate BUT DV winners need to have a better plan than to need food stamps.
September 17, 2017 at 05:32
thanks simon for the clarification
September 19, 2017 at 08:45
Halo Brit. Thanks for all your help so far.
1. For the I-134 do you have info if the CO at Kenyan Embassy normally asks for it or not?
September 19, 2017 at 16:47
Not “normally” but it is possible. They are “normally” satisfied with a host.
October 2, 2017 at 12:02
Hello,
Is there a link to a .gov website where it states DV applicants need to demonstrate their income level or any financial disclosure?
I did not find anything related to that on the checklist of the state department
October 2, 2017 at 13:54
1. It is a part of normal immigration law – and therefore affects DV cases.
2. It is mentioned in the DV lottery FAQ on each years instructions (that you obviously should have read).
October 4, 2017 at 03:32
Hi Brit my sponser just sent me the affidavit of support but it lucked w2 and 1040 when I asked her she told me she has been recently employed and she will start filling her tax next year please simon advice on this matter
October 4, 2017 at 04:18
It is no good without proof of income.
October 4, 2017 at 03:47
Hi simon I need some help my sponser already sent be the I-134 but she failed to give me W2 and 1040, actually she stated that last year she was a student and she started working this year so she don’t have the other forms, kindly advice me what I should do
October 4, 2017 at 04:41
Hello Brit, if my sponsor and his wife signs the form there would be no need for notary am I right ?
October 4, 2017 at 04:51
Correct
October 8, 2017 at 03:24
Hello Brit
I am in China and I need a sponsor, I found someone who agreed to be my sponsor but his yearly income is low so it is okay if he find a joint sponsor?
Thank you
October 8, 2017 at 03:37
No. 1 sponsor with enough income.
October 8, 2017 at 04:06
his yearly income is 19000$ and the Poverty line is 20000$. Is it possible to add a 1000$ to adjust it and get his sponsorship…I know someone who did the same thing by adding money to adjust that.
Thank you Brit
October 8, 2017 at 04:14
Are you asking me if it’s OK to lie? LOL – you should know my answer to that – NO NO NO!
October 8, 2017 at 04:50
Its not a lie…my friend was asked to add a sum of money to adjust it legally…..anyway thanks a lot.
October 9, 2017 at 20:01
Hey Simon !
Could the proof of the dv lottery applicant’s financial situation be a bank account with LOCAL currency (Algerian dinar for instance ) ?
October 9, 2017 at 20:54
Yes
October 15, 2017 at 23:15
Hi Simon, If the selectee spouse have fund of £20,000 in sterling on his business account is that enough evidence of funds for a family of four ? The statement will show his business account annual activities to prove it was profitable.
I understood from the article about the $25000 it covers family of four but I am not sure if that apply for my spouse business account?
October 16, 2017 at 03:10
Some embassies might accept that – but the amount is a bit low.
October 17, 2017 at 09:56
Thanks to let me know but on the article you was saying $25k to covers family of four and £20k is around $26k. If we save another £5k so in total will be around $33k would that will be enough to make them feel comfortable to prove we can support ourselves or it is better to ask a family member in USA for the I-134 sponsor if we can’t show more than this amount.
October 17, 2017 at 12:14
If you can get an I-134, get it.
October 25, 2017 at 19:01
Hi Simon,
Can my husband and I qualify as sponsors to my sister (affidavit of support I-134) although we are non US citizens and not living in USA?
Thanks
October 25, 2017 at 19:25
No
October 25, 2017 at 22:27
Hello dear Brit,
Just in case, I was planning to provide an I-134 but after all I’ve changed my mind because I thought that showing the bank account would be better and safer.
We are two person family and have 25K dollar in bank account. In according to your article we seem we are safe and sound about the financial proof;
Question 1- Are we safe about financial proof ?
Question 2- should we choose the option of I-134 or either way is just ok?
God bless you.
October 25, 2017 at 23:53
1. The CO decides – so I can’t safe “safe”.
2. The I-134 is more predictable.
October 26, 2017 at 00:05
Then is it ok to put some more money to the bank account just 1 week before the interview ?
October 26, 2017 at 01:05
Again – I cannot say that is “OK”
October 29, 2017 at 15:32
Hi Simon, I am the principal applicant and winner for DV2018 and got my visa interview appointment. My spouse as dependent who will immigrate with me to U.S. is included in the application has sufficient fund ( bank statement) to show in our interview. My question is whether that would be acceptable for our family or I as the principle applicant should have a separate bank statement to provide at the time of interview if requested.
October 29, 2017 at 15:47
Joint money is OK
November 1, 2017 at 02:59
Hi Simon, won the dv 2018. When filling the ds260 I indicated the address where I intend to live, but latter on learned of the form i-134 that my host could not meet the threshold. So I got another person from a different state to fill for me the form. My question is, should I change the address I intend to live during the interview or should I just stick to the one I filled in the form ds260? Will that cause any problem in the interview?
November 1, 2017 at 05:39
The person filling out an I-134 does not have to be the same person that hosts you, or in the same location.
November 1, 2017 at 08:14
Thanks Simon.
November 1, 2017 at 09:34
hi brit, mailling adresses in dv lottery 2019 entry form .which adress should be written that is permanent or present adress.please explain it .1)i have written present adress in mailling adress line 1 will it cause any problem
November 1, 2017 at 16:26
Current address. That’s all. It’s not confusing.
November 1, 2017 at 12:03
Hi Simon, I am scheduled for DV interview in Kabul, Afghanistan. Would my husband bank balance be acceptable at the interview who is dependent spouse in the application? Do you have any idea if the CO at Kabul Embassy normally asks I-134?
November 1, 2017 at 16:20
I don’t know about Kabul – but yes they will normally consider combined savings.
November 3, 2017 at 17:10
Hi Simon, I have try to google a lot and yet to find the answer, is the embassy in Jakarta normally ask for i-134?
Thanks
November 3, 2017 at 18:19
I don’t know.
November 3, 2017 at 17:47
Sorry for my english
November 12, 2017 at 03:31
Hi Britsimon! My sponsor, in the I-134 form, part 3 number 38 ticked “do not intend to provide specific contributions to the support of the person named in part 2”
1.would this disqualify the issuance of my visa?
2. do i need to provide additional documents like my bank statements etc. to accompany this I-134 form?
3. should I get a new sponsor?
Kind regards!
November 12, 2017 at 05:30
It makes the I-134 useless. Get a new one.
November 20, 2017 at 09:08
Hi Simon,
Assuming I can’t get i-134 and I know in fact that the consul in my country asks for sponsorship/liquid money on savings OR in the bank account of the applicant, do you think that $25K is sufficient for a household of 2?
I am asking because I’ve heard from someone who’ve had an interview few months ago for a DV visa that the CO asked him to show $100K (which is equivalent to 625% of poverty line) and I never heard about such amounts, do you think that they can really ask for such high amount?
Thanks
November 20, 2017 at 15:17
I have heard of a couple of embassies that expect very high amounts. $25k would satisfy most embassies.