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:
November 25, 2017 at 14:48
Hi Simon,
Do you think that $30K liquid in bank account will satisfy the Jerusalem embassy for a household of 2?
Also, if I get a job offer prior to the interview, are there any official documents that the company should sign on? what counts as a proof that I have a job offer?
Thanks
November 25, 2017 at 14:54
I don’t know about Jerusalem. An I-134 would be better.
A job offer is both convincing and suspicious at the same time. Be careful with that.
November 25, 2017 at 15:58
What if the job is as a software developer? still might be suspicious?
November 25, 2017 at 16:54
Possibly. There has to be a good reason why a real USA company would want to hire someone who is not yet authorized to work here. So – if the offer is real, for a real reason – then no problem.
November 25, 2017 at 19:23
So basically, I can’t get an I-134, I don’t know anybody in the US. Does It mean that I actually have a bad chance on getting the visa?
November 26, 2017 at 14:49
Each case is different – so I cannot predict that.
November 25, 2017 at 19:24
PS. I meet all other requirements.
November 30, 2017 at 18:38
Hi Simon,
In the article, you are listing Photo ID as one of supporting documents for the I-134. In the official instructions for I-134 I did not find Photo ID as requested evidence. So is it necessary ? Thank you.
November 30, 2017 at 20:16
Yes.
November 30, 2017 at 20:53
hallo birt
am from Ethiopia winner of dv 2018 with my wife and I haven’t i-134 form ….is it mandatory for my country?…others say host is enough but am afraid b/c my sponsor is ready to live with his wife(she is now in Ethiopia but we could go at the same to us if things are right) what you say??
November 30, 2017 at 21:23
Host is normally enough. I-134 is safer.
December 1, 2017 at 09:29
My family(4) sat for interview, we were asked to provide I 134, But we have no sponsor,
What is the alternate method. Does proof of funds solve my problem? If so is there any application or form to produce financial details?
December 1, 2017 at 15:14
They have asked for an I-134, so that would be the safest plan. However, you might be able to show a substantial amount of savings (more than $30,000). What country was this?
December 1, 2017 at 21:04
Sorry if this has been asked already – would demonstrating access to significant ($25-30K) available credit (credit cards, line of credit) be considered favourable with regard to public charge? This would be in addition to savings/investments of a similar amount, not using solely credit to make the case.
December 1, 2017 at 21:19
No. Credit (debt) doesn’t help.
December 1, 2017 at 23:14
LOL But an unenforceable letter from an acquaintance is accepted. 🙂
December 2, 2017 at 01:13
Yup. 🙂
December 6, 2017 at 07:23
Dear Brit simon sir,
Thank you a lot for helping People.i am 2018 and it is on process for 2nl.
if embassy co in Nepal ask I-134 and the I-864 can i show my land and others non cash property which can sell and make in cash ? or what will best
December 6, 2017 at 17:11
Nepal tends to be more interested in a host (friends or family). If you do not have a host, then personal savings can be shown, but they would focus on liquid assets (cash) rather than non liquid assets (such as land).
December 6, 2017 at 07:43
Dear Brit sir
Namaskar
i am 2018 winner. i have sponsor in Texas , i have fillup his details within ds260.regarding I-134,
we are 3 members including me. i am paying Salary tax in Nepal yearly Rs 178000 nearly ($2000) and i have tax clearance certificate also
i don’t have cash balance in bank 20/30 lakh right now but i have Land in Kathmandu and share which can make cash so please advice me how to make preparation for interview ?
Can i submit my tax report and Audited my salary income details too ?
thank you so much
December 6, 2017 at 17:13
Please see my answer to your other question. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/comment-page-8/#comment-94785
December 8, 2017 at 06:36
Dear respected Brit simon sir,
Heartily thank you for giving response and advice to all people queries.
Q.1- My father were expired in 1972 (A.D) and mother in 1995 , i submit ds260 details so I have to submit Death Certificate in embassy ? thank you sir
December 8, 2017 at 15:24
No
December 12, 2017 at 12:43
Dear sir I am from Sri Lanka and I selected for 2018 dv lottery so I am expecting interview future months and I do not have a us sponsor but I have $25000 + vehicle and property around $65000 so I want know can I get visa?
December 12, 2017 at 14:54
That is up to the CO – but normally your savings would be enough.
December 18, 2017 at 04:41
Dear Brit
I have a question about I134 form,
There is a check box, the sponsor should select if they intent to contribute. then there is an explanation saying if they select intend they should indicate the exact nature and duration of their contribution in part 7, if the sponsor is willing to support the beneficiary fully what should he write in part 7? (page 4, Part 3, number 18)
Thank you so much for your time.
December 18, 2017 at 06:41
The sponsor should answer honestly.
December 18, 2017 at 18:27
I know, The sponsor is my dad. and he could support me for life time with any amount of money needed! but we should give a number and duration, what I’m asking is what is the requirements. how much and for how long is required to satisfy the embassy that he is willing to contribute.
I appreciate your time and help,
December 18, 2017 at 18:30
It should be unspecified and generous.
Something like “whatever financial support is needed for as long as that is needed”. But the wording should be his.
Your father is a US resident – right?
December 18, 2017 at 20:16
Thank you so much, Yes, He is a US resident.
In the form it says we should indicate the duration and nature of support. Whether it is about accommodation we should say how long and if it is money tell how much and for how long!
I’m a little bit confused with this requirements.
Thank you again for your help.
December 18, 2017 at 20:23
I think I was clear – but you can discuss it with your father.
December 18, 2017 at 20:23
This is the exact wording in the form:
if you select “intent,” indicate the exact nature and duration of the contributions you intend to make in part 7-Additional information. For example if you intend to furnish room and board state for how long and if money, state the amount of USD and whether it is to be given in a lump sum, weekly or monthly and for how long.
Could you just confirm again that unspecified and generous works here?
I’m so sorry for taking your time and indeed thankful for your help.
December 22, 2017 at 13:05
Whats confusing about this is it is nowhere in their checklist of stuff for interview! I have a spanish and Canadian bank account in between both I have quite a bit over so that should be ok if I show those?
December 22, 2017 at 15:19
Yes
December 31, 2017 at 22:50
Hi Brit, am from Ghana and want to ask if the affidavit of support (I-134) is a requirement for the Accra embassy or by just stating a ‘close’ host should be enough. Thank you.
December 31, 2017 at 22:56
Host is normally enough.
January 6, 2018 at 06:52
Hi Simon,
For a family of 3 would it be enough to show
1. Savings of around 30K
2. Two real estate units worth 50K and 80K. Latest one partially held by mortgage of around 47K.
Or will I still need to get an Affidavit of Support?
Thanks
January 6, 2018 at 15:53
That is probably enough, BUT a I-134 is always safest.
January 6, 2018 at 15:22
Dear Sir,
Thank you for helping us always
1. my sponserer is an aunty. she is a pensioneer.she has an AMERICAN passport. for my visa interview she gave me copies of her passport,2015 W2 form, 1099 form and tax return form.along with an affidavit.She has lost her original documents of the above mentioned forms except the pass port.& the affidavit.For my visa will the photo copies are sufficient?
2. My sponserer is not showing any deposits behalf of us.so that we are showing our assets. I mentioned them below .savings account 22000 USD ,our car and two plots of lands and three houses.they are worth more than 95000 USD.also we have a very good monthly income.I wanted to know the fact that if we show an extra income will that be helpful for us to obtain the visa or not.
3. For the time being my sponserer has come to my country.since last two months she was here.she is expecting to leave thecountry with us when we get our visas.Will it be o.k for her to be here during our visa interview? .Has she to show her return tickets on our visa interviews?
4. At the moment my husband is staying abroad.He works there.he is expecting to come to his mother land 20 daysbefore the visa interview.He will come for one months holiday,and if we get visa he hopes to go to his working place and get him self resign from his job .So that both of us will be able to go to USA together. As he is on leave, if we get the visas soon it wont be a problem,but if it gets delayed more than two weeks my husband wont be able to report to his work as he is not having his passport.If such a thing happens what is the steps that we have to follow?
5. Acording to my case no(48XX)I expect that my interview will be on March or April.CEAC site shows that I am “at NVC” status .I have to insert some detaills to my DS 260 application.For that I have to unlock that , as the interviews are on process will that unlocking DS 260 will affect my interview date? That is , I wanted to know will there be any delay in my interview?
January 6, 2018 at 21:26
Hi Simon,
I am a housewife being at home with my daughter. My husband is working as a contractor. His contract will be ended in April and he is planning to stay home and spend more time with us. (We always do this after his contract ends, so no relation to DV lottery. He would do this anyway).
We have £50K savings for DV lottery what we can show and no family or friends who can provide I-134.
My question is: is that a problem on our interview if we both are not working for a few months (no income) and in that time either when our interview is due, but we can proof that amount of money mentioned above?
Would it look weird to them? Or can this be normal and they would be happy with the proof of savings?
Thanks.
January 6, 2018 at 21:34
It doesn’t matter at all.
January 6, 2018 at 21:40
Sorry, should have typed my messege here.
Thanks.
And do you need to show that amount of savings at the US border control when you are going to the US with your DV visa for granting? Or is that only needed when you are at the interview?
Thank you.
January 6, 2018 at 22:03
Just because they can think at the interview that you are using your savings up until you arrive to the US.
Especially if you dont have any income (monthly salary) in that time when you are at the interview.
January 6, 2018 at 22:04
Don’t overthink it. Relax.
January 6, 2018 at 21:39
Thanks.
And do you need to show that amount of savings at the US border control when you are going to the US with your DV visa for granting? Or is that only needed when you are at the interview?
Thank you.
January 6, 2018 at 21:41
Please ignore this message.
January 6, 2018 at 22:10
I just wanted to know that this savings/money needs to be shown at the US border control as well (when you already have the visa in your passport) or only at the interview?
I think this is not overthinking. Just want to do the right thing when we are at that stage.
January 6, 2018 at 22:14
You don’t show money at the border. Nothing like that. Please. Relax.
January 6, 2018 at 22:17
I think I can relax now. ?
And thanks for your reply and your hard work.
January 15, 2018 at 09:43
Hi Brit. Thanks for your help.
1- Completing I-134, should it be handwritten or typed? My sponsor did it both in a form. Does it trouble?
2-And he didn’t complete my information page. Who needs to complete beneficiary information? Me or sponsor?
Thanks!
January 15, 2018 at 14:46
1. Either. No problem.
2. The sponsor.
January 15, 2018 at 10:38
Hi Brit, do u have any idea with not updating visa bulettin?
January 15, 2018 at 14:45
It’s 9:40am on the east coast. Patience.
January 18, 2018 at 19:13
Hi Brit Simon. Thank you for your time and effort, you have helped us so much. May I please ask though. We have gone for our interview in South Africa and everything checked out except for our finances. We were put on AP and need to provide an affidavit of support. Should we not get one but a job offer, will that suffice? Thanks
January 18, 2018 at 19:44
Getting a genuine job offer from outside the USA is very unusual and will be seen with some level of suspicion. An I-134 is safer.
January 18, 2018 at 20:52
HELLO DEAR SIMON
AN DV APPLICANT RECEIVE THIS NOTIFICATION AFTER INTERVIEW THE
SAME DAY (IVORY COAST ABJ)
Dear visa applicant.
This office regrets to inform you that is unable to issue a visa
because you have been found ineligible to receive a visa under
the following secition of the immigrant and nationality act. the
information contained in the paragraph marked with X pertain your
visa application. please disregard the unmarked paragraphs.
X:Section 212(a)(9) which prohibits the issuance of visa to
onyonelikely to become a public charge
*warrning: IF YOU FAIL TO TAKE THE ACTION REQUESTED WITHIN ONE
YEAR FOLLOWING VISA DENIAL UNDER SECTION 221(G)OF IMMIGRATION AD
NATIONALITY ACT,SECTION 223(G)OF THE ACT REQUIRESTHAT YOUR
APPLICATION BE CANCELLED
1: is it possible to have another chance ,if he found un other
sponsor
2: how to ask for a second chance
3: or not hope
NB: Application Status
DV1 Administrative Processing (PRINCIPAL APPLICANT)
DV2 Refused (SPOUSE)
DV3 Ready (CHILD 1)
DV4 Ready (CHILD 2)
January 19, 2018 at 05:54
Hi Brit,I know that it is advised that applicant.must not.sell a home to.prove finances until.you.have aa visa in your hands,If I do sell it do I risk passing the interview?will that have a negetive impact on my appliccation?
January 19, 2018 at 06:30
No, it’s just very unwise.
January 19, 2018 at 07:41
Thanks brit
January 25, 2018 at 07:35
Hello Britt. How do I know they request for that.
January 25, 2018 at 17:05
What? I have no idea what you are talking about. Be clear.
January 30, 2018 at 16:14
Hi Brit,
I am needing to file the I-134 for my relatives. I am in united states under non-immigration status of TPS, which grants me the legal status until June,2018 . The interview has been scheduled on 4th week of March. So, will there be any problem regarding that? Because this affidavit of support letter actually tries to verify that the person arriving in united states does not become burden to the government. Will they question about the sponsor’s eligibility as being not in good standing to make them believe that the sponsor will be able to support the new arriving member until that person become self-sufficient ? You know, what if the new arriving person comes to states in June and my status is lost? So, I am a little bit concerned if there will be any questions about it and the CO refuses the Visa?
January 30, 2018 at 18:15
No, you should not be a sponsor.
February 15, 2018 at 09:27
Dear Brit,
Is financial proof of 20000+ $ enough for me and my husband, or do we need filled formular by sponsor anyway?
Do we need separate bank accounts of 10000$ or one bank account of 20000$ is okay?
Tnx
February 15, 2018 at 15:12
20k is normally enough. 2 accounts is fine.
February 16, 2018 at 15:53
Hi Brit,
My sponsor is married and lives with her husband, she sponsored her parents and sister less than 21 yrs old who arrived in US 3 years ago and hold a GC , also she sponsored a married couple of 2015 Dv winners, a married couple of 2018 Dv Winners who already got their VISA on January. How much income should she approximately have to sponsor me and my husband as well?
Thank you,
Era
February 16, 2018 at 17:53
The income levels are described above – that but with someone who has sponsored other people, there is increased risk that the embassy will decide the sponsor is not suitable.
February 20, 2018 at 21:44
Is it required from the Sponsor, that affidavit be sworn to or affirmed before an immigration officer before he send or he can just simply mail me directly after he fills..
February 20, 2018 at 21:54
Just send it to you.
February 21, 2018 at 18:09
Hello,
please if you have a friend who is a US citizen and owns a company,instead of affidavit of support can he issue employment letter ??? does US laws permit that??
Thanks
February 21, 2018 at 19:07
Yes – but it would be foolish to present that is the offer is not 100% genuine.
February 24, 2018 at 02:41
What should be the total number of a family ?
February 24, 2018 at 03:57
Huh?
February 24, 2018 at 06:58
Maybe if you have five children as derivatives can you add them or you have a limit.?
February 24, 2018 at 14:52
There is no limit. 5, 10, 20. As long as they are your children.
February 24, 2018 at 14:49
Hello Simon,
Somewhere up in the comment section you mentioned that ” Nepal tends to be more interested in a host (friends or family)”.
Can you please clarify what you were trying to say.
Thankyou for your support☺.
February 24, 2018 at 14:55
The article describes the need in detail. The embassy in Nepal wants a “welcome letter” from a host. Nepalese selectees know more about that than I.
February 26, 2018 at 16:28
Do you think 15,000$ still safe for single apllicant? Single and no children.
February 26, 2018 at 16:32
I mean 15,000$ cash on my hand. I’m kind of worry about my statement because I have no relatives in the states.
February 26, 2018 at 17:29
It really varies by case and embassy.
February 27, 2018 at 11:48
I had friends who just had 10K in their bank accounts. That was enough for them back then. But like Simon says, it depends on the embassy
February 27, 2018 at 07:12
Hi Brit,
none of the checklist document for DV lottery list down the need to prove financial ability, I’m not questioning that it is needed but now wondering what else could be needed and somehow is not on the checklist ?!
February 27, 2018 at 14:45
The financial requirements are described in the DV entry FAQ. Thy are part of law.
As for other documents, some things may be needed based on YOUR situation. It really is common sense – so think and prepare well.
March 8, 2018 at 16:25
Hi BritSimon,
Our (family of three) interview was on Tuesday 6th March. All went well. The CO told us she will issue our visas as soon as we send the I-134 form.
I contacted my sponsor and he indicated he had sponsored his father and mother-in-law, as well as a family relative in the past. He is worried it might affect our application.
Can I request the affidavit and other supporting documents from another capable sponsor whom I didn’t list initially on my application? If I do this, will the embassy accept? Do I need to somehow explain to them why I got another sponsor?
Thanks a lot.
March 8, 2018 at 17:04
Yes you can do that – just be sure it is someone you know and meets the income requirements.
March 8, 2018 at 17:16
Thanks a lot for your prompt response.
Yes I know the person very well. We attended University together and actually spoke to him about it a couple of minutes ago.
Just to be clear, does your yes include the part where I asked if I should explain to the embassy why I got a new sponsor?
I appreciate your time Simon. Thanks.
March 8, 2018 at 17:24
You can explain if asked. The address you give in the DS260 is not necessarily the same as your sponsor. So – right now you haven’t told them who the sponsor is – because you haven’t given them an I-134.
By the way – which embassy is it (I like to monitor which embassies insist on the I-134)?
March 8, 2018 at 17:43
It’s the embassy in Sandton, Johannesburg South Africa. The interview went so well I couldn’t believe it. The CO – a very pleasant lady asked two questions – when I came to South Africa and she asked my wife how long we have been married. She then did all the talking. She was happy very happy with us.
March 8, 2018 at 17:52
OK – so it was predictable that they would ask for the I-134 then. It is common/normal in Johannesburg.
March 8, 2018 at 17:55
Yes. Highly predictable. Thanks a lot Simon for the good work you do here. Your site actually made me calm down while waiting for the interview date.
Thank you so much.
David.
March 8, 2018 at 17:57
So – I have to ask – why didn’t you take the I-134?
March 8, 2018 at 18:03
I only found this exact link about public charge and the I-134 form on Thursday 1st March. I have been following the other threads on Visa bulletin and interview experience.
I immediately contacted my sponsor and he couldn’t get it to me on time. So when it was eventually requested I told them I didn’t have it. The CO was kind enough to ask me to request it from my sponsor and send to the embassy as soon as I receive it.
March 8, 2018 at 19:17
Ahhh, I see.
March 8, 2018 at 22:56
Hi Simon,
What does the embassy in Johannesburg South Africa prefer, I-134 or savings?
March 8, 2018 at 23:06
Oh I just got my answer from reading above. Why though a preference for the affidavit, doesn’t that prejudice people like me who have no relatives or friends in the US? I mean I am financially capable of getting enough funds to support myself until I get a job. Sholdn’t they be considered equal as opposed to one being preferred?
March 9, 2018 at 00:18
If you read the article above you will see that having substantial savings IS acceptable instead of an I-134 – BUT the level of savings required can be significant. An I-134 is therefore preferred by the embassy, and is easier. If you think you can show strong enough financial position, you are free to go ahead and show that to the embassy.
March 14, 2018 at 08:43
Dear sir,
Luckily my num is current in OC region and will be having an interview in may. Just wanted to know if they ask about affidavit of support or I134 in Fiji embassy??.. i am a school teacher and i have written a host in DS260 that will support me in US but i did not fill I134. please advise
March 14, 2018 at 14:00
I am not sure about Fiji – but I would suggest an I-134.
March 14, 2018 at 13:50
Hi brit. I have property that has value around 90 k dollar but only 4 k dollars in cash do i need to sale these to convert in cash for bank statement
March 14, 2018 at 20:40
DO NOT sell assets prior to approval! Rather than that, explain your plan for supporting yourself or get an I-134
March 17, 2018 at 16:18
Please I want to know how long it takes for USCIS takes to aprove I-134.
March 17, 2018 at 18:49
They review it *during* the interview – normally that is all. But, if they have concerns – then they take some time to investigate after the interview.
March 18, 2018 at 13:32
Hi BritSimon,
I have few questions.
1) Since I am already working for a US MNC based outside of the US, should I inform my US-based boss first before the interview?
2) Since currently studying US Degree, does the consulate requires a confirmed admission letter from the US University?
3) And juggling between work and studies, I have not met the financial requirement, would my position be considered?
4) I had lost an original diploma certification since I had undergone a private education, would a hard copy do?
March 18, 2018 at 15:43
1. Up to you
2. That would be wise to take to the interview.
3. You need support https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
4. Probably.
March 19, 2018 at 15:40
Hello Simon
Can the I-134 be signed by a non US citizen who is legally residing in the US under a non immigrant visa ( like a H1-B visa or an E visa for example ?)
Thanks
March 19, 2018 at 16:21
A citizen is preferable – why add the extra complication?
March 21, 2018 at 16:21
I don’t know any US citizens. All the people I know in the US are friends who are residing there under a temporary non immigrant visa, hence my question.
What I don’t get is if they are on a temporary visa, how can they claim support to someone who will be in the US permanently ?
Thanks
March 21, 2018 at 17:51
A temporary visa can cause doubt about the supporter for the reason you mention.
March 23, 2018 at 02:28
dear Brit,
on the website of embassy where my interview is appointed, among the necessary documents affidavit of support i134 isn’t present in the list. Can an officer ask me to provide affidavit of support i134?
March 23, 2018 at 02:48
They can ask for anything they like.
March 23, 2018 at 09:30
HI Brit,I am a 2018 dv selectee with a family of 4.I real do not have savings but have property worth $150k and I my sponsor is willing to fill up 1-134 .What is your advice on this ,is this convincing ? The US Embassy is based in Nairobi-Kenya
March 23, 2018 at 18:08
If you can get an I-134 – get that.
March 23, 2018 at 18:42
Dear Sir;
I am a 2018 DV winner from Liberia. I was scheduled on the 6th of March 2018 for an interview but was refused visa, they took my documents and give my passport including the refusal letter stating under section 221(g) because of unsupported documents.Is there any advice that you can give me.
March 23, 2018 at 19:26
Provide the documents they have asked for.
March 23, 2018 at 19:08
Hi Brit,
Me and my wife we currently live in USA. We have been on F1 visa for 2.5 years. We decided for a CP. I work full time (I already started my CPT) she works part time. We have W2, legal income(which is not very high…), we rent an apartment here, have cars ect. Do we still need to provide some savings on our account or I-134? Is the fact that we have been living here for 2.5 years enough? CN EU25XXX
Thank you.
March 23, 2018 at 19:24
I don’t know your situation, nor the embassy where you will interview – but having an I-134 would remove doubt.
March 27, 2018 at 06:08
Hello Simon,
In the post above you said: ‘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… 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.’
With your phrase above you mean that if I show a letter from my bank that I have over $10,000 in my bank account is acceptable in place of I-134? Am I correct? The bad thing, I don’t have a person I know in United States to complete the I-134. I hope the letter from the bank will be okay.
Also what should I ask the bank officer to write on the letter? If the bank officer write: ‘we confirm that XXXX XXXX with passport no. XXXXX has $16.000 in her bank account’, is this okay or should I use diffrent wording?
Thank you for helping us,
Nadia
March 27, 2018 at 06:15
Some embassies will accept bank statements (not a letter).
March 27, 2018 at 08:45
Thank you Brit Simon for your time and effort, to reply. May you please explain. I will try to get bank statements in place of a bank letter. Do you believe I am in risk of visa denial, due to that I don’t have an I134 at the interview? If CO ask for an i134 and I show my bank statements, will he/she deny my visa? Thanks
March 27, 2018 at 16:15
I can’t judge your case – only the CO can.
March 27, 2018 at 16:46
If both husband (sponsor) and wife are working. Can both combine their income/savings and put a joint amount in one form of affidavit of support I-134?
March 27, 2018 at 16:56
Yes. Tax reports are normally filed jointly.
April 8, 2018 at 05:32
Dear Brit,
While filling i-134, in annual income box, do we have to fill only sponsor’s (husband) income or we have to fill joint income (husband+wife) income.
April 8, 2018 at 13:17
The sponsor should be completing that form. And they can use joint income.
April 5, 2018 at 14:20
Hi BritSimon – I will be doing my interview in London but see no mention of this form (1) do I have this form filled in advance with the assumption that it may be asked for ? (2) are there any other forms / documents needed that are not specified in the list of “getting your documents ready”? The reason I ask is that the I-134 isn’t in that list…. Thanks!!!
April 5, 2018 at 16:43
The article above explains why the form is used. The FAQ of the lottery entry mentions the need for an I-134. It is not always required – but London OFTEN ask for it.
There are a few other things that you might want to take that are not listed – it’s a matter of thinking about what the CO might ask for.
April 5, 2018 at 16:47
Thanks – I did read your article (regarding public charge)- do you have a link or article regarding other potential items that may be needed?
April 5, 2018 at 17:23
No – it is a matter of considering your own situation for unusual circumstances and using your own judgement.
April 10, 2018 at 09:21
Hi Brit, Should affidavit support I-134 be filled for each family member(dependent’s, spouse, children’s ) separately, or just for principal.
April 23, 2018 at 06:59
Dear Simon,
My sponsor for I-134 is not a permanent resident or citizen in USA. He is a software engineer and on his work visa (H1-B). is he eligible to give I-134 for me?
April 23, 2018 at 14:11
Probably, yes – but it is at the the discretion of the CO, so a permanent resident would be better.
April 24, 2018 at 04:32
Thanks Simon
May 6, 2018 at 10:11
hi dear
1:is it enough my sponsor to send the I-134 to me only after he fill it. if not
2. is there any place to which he will send it and how