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:
January 3, 2016 at 17:36
Hi Brit,
Pls want to know if Ghana also has the HOST system, and does that mean an affidavit of support will not be required. Thanks a lot for the guidance you always give us
January 3, 2016 at 17:47
Yes they use the host system which USUALLY means no I134
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 29, 2016 at 22:54
Please Simon What is the host system?
October 30, 2016 at 02:56
It is described ib the article above,
January 3, 2016 at 21:33
Hello Simon, i have a problem because in ds-260 i have written the address where i intend to live, but the address is different from the sponsor that sended me the affidavit of support i-134. ( two different adresses and two different persons). my interview is on 11/02/2016, do i have to change the address on ds-260 or maintain two different address. i intend to live in the address of ds-260.
January 4, 2016 at 00:55
Two different people is fine.
January 7, 2016 at 06:02
Hi Simon,
At the interview the CO took the I-134 that was filled out by the person whose address was listed in my ds-260 form but we are going to live at a different address in a different state. Is this going to be a problem when we enter the USA? Can the officer tell us that we have to go to the state indicated in the affidavit? Or is it not a big issue and we can reside wherever we want irrespective of the address of the person who gave us the I-134?
Thank you.
January 7, 2016 at 07:03
It is no issue – you live wherever you want.
January 9, 2016 at 05:26
Hi Sir
can d affidavit of support form (i-134)expire? cuz d one I have got an expiration date which is February at d upper right hand corner of d form. is it like I should get another one or will it b accepted at d embassy despite of d expiry date which?
January 9, 2016 at 05:58
It is the design of the form that has an expiry – but you can ignore that – it has not affect on your use.
January 9, 2016 at 06:21
Thanks A lot Sir
January 9, 2016 at 06:43
Hi Brit, I have an interview on mid Feb, and am hearing about welcome and sponsor letter. Bit confused about that. What is the process for getting/preparing those letters?
January 9, 2016 at 06:53
Nepal embassy accepts a welcome letter – if you are Nepalese – check with others interviewing there.
January 11, 2016 at 00:25
Hi Brit,
Do you know if Madagascar uses the host system? I wrote on my ds260 that I will be living at my aunt’s house( no blood relation, just a family friend of my parents). However she won’t do the I-134 for me and I don’t have much savings. Also, are they going to contact her since I wrote her address for where I will be living once I get to the US?
Thanks!
January 11, 2016 at 00:42
I don’t know about Madagascar. They won’t contact her later, and they won’t check where you are living.
January 11, 2016 at 14:43
1) Does South African embassy use the host system? (i.e system that does not require I-134 and accompanying documents)?
2) If the host system is applied by South African embassy, will I be required to produce bank statements?
3) If my bank statements do not have sufficient money and the host system is also applicable, will my visa be approved?
January 11, 2016 at 21:14
SA do sometimes ask for the I134 – I suggest you obtain one.
January 12, 2016 at 06:44
Does Zimbabwe embassy use the host system?
January 12, 2016 at 18:45
I don’t know.
January 20, 2016 at 16:14
Hi Simon,
i did my interview in 4 Jan and CO required me to provide ID of sponsor only and i submitted it to embassy, but my status don’t change yet , and after review i-134 i find sponsor check do not intend in question 11 is this is problem?or what ?
January 20, 2016 at 18:09
That is a problem if they are relying on the I-134.
You will have to wait to see what they say.
January 21, 2016 at 09:20
Hi
My DV case is under AP. I have submitted the I-134 and IRS 2014 of my sponsor the US embassy in Sri Lanaka. They asked me to find a new sponsor because my sponsor’s income is not enough. Can I provide my own financial statements with my sponsor’s documents?
I have my own savings and properties. Is it possible to use the combination of AoS and my own money to show them I am not going to be public charge for them.
January 21, 2016 at 16:09
The I-134 either meets the requirement or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t it is useless.
January 21, 2016 at 10:01
not understand if they are relying on the I-134.? and can i send it again after modify from sponsor?
January 21, 2016 at 17:06
I-134 or I-184 – what is the difference ~ which one is god for srilanka
January 21, 2016 at 18:05
134
https://britsimonsays.com/?s=134
February 14, 2016 at 14:11
hi shamika.how are you
January 25, 2016 at 11:41
hi simon… If i intend to show sponsor me the Bank financial statements of the name of a relative or friend live in my country will accept consular.
January 25, 2016 at 17:32
Sponsorship is based on INCOME, not the sponsors savings.
January 28, 2016 at 00:41
Hi Simon, thanks for your respond. The was something I missed out that I want you to clarify me.
My spponsor have filed for a joint tax paid. He and his wife. Please what I wish to know, can both of them send me their payslips, ID cards or any other documents if required?
2). You talked of having one signed I -136,
I don’t know if both of their income can be considered or just the person who happened to signed the I-136 incomes will be considered?
Thanks .
January 28, 2016 at 01:16
The family income is shown on the tax return – they will accept that.
January 28, 2016 at 10:48
How much money for me and my wife ( two Persons )
is it 20,000$ or less
and how they measure the properties and other stuff like an apartment or furniture for example
Thanks
January 28, 2016 at 15:15
Cairo – Egypt
January 28, 2016 at 16:53
At least $20k. Other non liquid assets are not really considered – just liquid assets.
January 29, 2016 at 20:54
are you sure ??
That means any properties or gold stuff has no value??
Me and my wife are just married we have some gold jewelries
and an apartment = 11,000$
and we have about 6000$ in cash
and we have some furniture
we are In the thirties of age
My wife is civil engineer
I’m an executive director
and we have a good job experience 5 years for each of us
isn’t enough?
that means we will get visa refused
January 30, 2016 at 01:31
Yes I am sure how they will evaluate assets.
However, they may decide that your savings are enough considering your careers, but in all honesty, $6k won’t last very long on the USA. You might want to obtain an I-134.
It is NOT certain you will get refused – if they are not satisfied they will give you some time to obtain a sponsor.
May 23, 2016 at 04:48
Hi simon, usually in average how much is the living cost for a single person going to be for a month, if living a simple lifestyle? thanks in advance.
May 23, 2016 at 14:14
Impossible to answer – there are many different areas in the USA and cost of living varies enormously.
February 4, 2016 at 15:29
dear simon
if I could not get an I 134 signed from anyone but I got a good job offer in the us what do u think of that?
February 4, 2016 at 15:44
Be very careful to ONLY present a job offer if it is 100% genuine. If it is, then it is good evidence. If it is less than 100% genuine, then it can get you disqualified for the lie.
February 5, 2016 at 20:09
Ty very much
February 8, 2016 at 23:49
Hello Simon ,
1: I hav more times the money required for the fear of public charge but not in bank as the situation in Iraqi banks is not stable (keep my money at mine ) , ISIS and low oil prices some bank declared bankruptcy , so we afraid from banks here , i m doctor and also my wife with good salaries , how i can explain that to embassy ?
2: Can I Buy my car now ( equal to 25k$ ) and put the money in bank to overcome the question about of newly deposit money ( bond of bought car ) ?
3: Can I bring paper form my brother (dentist ) and my wife family state that they will support me in new life in USA till I will be US certified for medical licence (USMLE) there as they really will do that especialy my wife ś family ?
4:they required all emails and phone numbers i had ( i had old phone number and old email not remember clearly ) should told that or ignore ?
4: i hav email which is name from drugs ( morphine and histamine ) , for first give drug impression for the owner , but i made it when i was in college and was short cut for my name morphine .. Moxxxx and my collegue ( my love and then my wife ) histamine …hxxxxx . We loved each other and then marry( morphine is love hormone , histmine is allergy irritant mediator .. From missing her ) should I explain the meaning of my email when i mention it ? Thanx for ur patience from different applicants with different questions ????
Thanx for ur help
February 9, 2016 at 00:31
1. They know the situation with banks – just be as open as you can be. Your professions will help.
2. I would not recommend you buy a car as proof of funds – but you do what you think is best.
3. If your brother is in the USA – then that is what the I-134 is for.
4. Don’t worry so much about that.
5. Explain if you want – but most interviews last 3 or 4 minutes.
February 9, 2016 at 21:36
Hello Mis.Simon ,
How to fill point 11 on I 134 form
Thanx
February 9, 2016 at 23:48
I would suggest something like “I INTEND to support the person/family named in item 3 with financial assistance as required, for as long as required”.
February 22, 2016 at 22:44
Hi! Can I please check I understand this correctly. I have a friend in the states (my friend of 22 years) that is happy to do an AOS. She has 2 kids (single mom). And we are 3 in my family. So she needs to earn at least $32,570 (the poverty guidelines for 6 people)? I had a look at the form and I saw something about whether she gets financial support for the children, as one would from a divorced spouse paying child support. So is that $32,570 still the figure she needs or would it be less/more? I just want to make sure she earns enough before wasting our time getting it if she doesn’t. (I haven’t asked her what her salary is.)
Thank you!
February 22, 2016 at 23:55
Yes you have it all correct. But treat that as the minimum she should be earning. More would be better, and some embassies use the I-864 standard which would be 125% of that number.
February 23, 2016 at 16:43
Is there a requirement for how long the funds need to have been in any given savings account for?
February 23, 2016 at 17:42
There is not a set period of time – it is a matter of the CO using his/her judgment.
February 27, 2016 at 22:32
Which African countries do not require the I134 & would consider me the host? I am interested in Uganda.
February 27, 2016 at 23:41
ALL embassies can (and sometimes do) ask for an I-134. Some generally respect the hist system, but I don’t have a list, and I advise people to give themselves the best chance possible.
March 11, 2016 at 06:20
Hi Brit,
I have downloaded the form however it states that it expires on 29-Mar-2016.
Still My Interview will be in May.
Is it okay to send this form to sponser man or we should get latest form before the interview?
March 11, 2016 at 06:37
Ignore the date on the form.
March 11, 2016 at 06:48
So we take that for and send it to the sponser man in USA and get it filled by him and plus receive all the bank balance and IRS tax transcripts and submit at the interview right?
Also do I need to show my bank balance as well?
Also Please let me know we should take all the originals of IRS and I134 form filled by sponser right.
Eventhough If I have a sponser do I still need to show my bank balance.
March 11, 2016 at 07:28
Make the strongest case you can make!
March 11, 2016 at 07:40
Good one! Now I get the point mate <3
March 17, 2016 at 03:37
Hi BritSimon,
Thanks for the link. Pls let me know if it is mandatory to transfer all funds + property when travelling to states, which have been illustrated to the embassy. Ex: if $40,000 worth funds+property is illustrated in total, can only $20,000 can be transferred to states?
March 17, 2016 at 04:39
That is no problem.
March 17, 2016 at 07:18
I read a forum some time back that the immigration in states do check the availability illustrated funds upon arrival. It is likely to happen, despite i need to declare funds? Also pls guide me to a link which discusses experience of DV process, interview and immigration.
Thank you for helping the community with valuable guidance.
March 17, 2016 at 14:07
No they do not check funds on arrival. They financial ability at the interview.
This site has tons of information on DV, interview experiences, life after immigration AND links to other forums. What more could you possibly want????
March 17, 2016 at 07:26
1. Can i know whether i could amend details on the application submitted as it is still at nvc, so it is up to date.
2. Why does the application state different expiry dates time to time?
Thanks
March 17, 2016 at 14:08
1. You can email KCC to unlock the DS260 (use the search for “unlock”)
2. You can ignore that. It is to do with the form, not your case.
March 19, 2016 at 18:30
Hi simon can u please explain me what does mean
(I134, + W2/1040 ) + copy of passport. I get u only copy of passport
March 19, 2016 at 20:11
The article explains what an I-134 is. The W2/1040 are tax documents that anyone living in the USA will know about.
March 26, 2016 at 12:31
Hi Brit! I-134 form should be typed or filled using an Ink pen?
How should the we proceed?
March 26, 2016 at 14:16
Either.
March 26, 2016 at 16:12
Thank you 🙂
March 30, 2016 at 15:31
Hello! what AOS mean ?
March 30, 2016 at 22:13
Adjustment of Status – for people living in the USA already.
April 1, 2016 at 22:51
Hi Simon,
My sponsor already filled 1_134 for another friend of him in 2006, and they are well settled in USA now. Will that be a problem for our case.
TIA
April 1, 2016 at 23:15
No.
April 2, 2016 at 10:46
Dear Brit ,
Greetings !
I have one question .
Since i have my bank statement with deposit of around 7000 USD , Is that will be enough amount for CO that i will not become a public charge . ?
I am single applicant .
2: you have any Idea that is US Embassy In Afghanistan Required the form I-134 ?
3- I have a good job i am working in a International Airline as a Deputy Marketing Manager should i get a HR Verification to Interview with my ID Card copy.?
4: If my sponsor dose not have that much saving , Can i find a new sponsor and get the filled I-134 with other supporting documents to the Interview ?
Thanks In Advance. . .!
April 2, 2016 at 14:47
ALL you answers are already in the article above (with a little common sense).
April 3, 2016 at 03:58
Thank you !
April 12, 2016 at 21:17
Hi Mr simon
i just have few questions and i have read all the article
my gf living will send me the 1-134 form and she has some questions like she is working with 2 jobs one is full time job and one is part time job so should she get the 1040 from these 2 jobs and she was working with a job before for 19 years so should she bring that as well
and regarding the W2 form what is that year for that like back to how many years for it
and does she have to bring a letters from there jobs that she is already working there
also for the payslips how many month back she should print out
regards
April 12, 2016 at 21:34
Current year 1040 and W2, 2 or three months of payslips. Plus ID.
April 12, 2016 at 21:40
thank you sir , but is it for both jobs the full time job and the part time job ?
and what about the APARTMENT RENTAL AGREEMENT do i need a copy of that as well ?
April 12, 2016 at 21:41
1040 covers both jobs. That with two W2s. I did not list the rental agreement for a reason…
April 12, 2016 at 21:18
oh sorry one more question
does she have to send a copy of her APPARTMENT RENTAL AGREEMENT
or it is not needed
thanks
April 12, 2016 at 23:26
sir ,
in the i-134 form there is the Presently resides at (Street Number and Name) but im living in saudi arabia and my interview is in jordan so what address to write there ?
sound stupid sorry
April 13, 2016 at 02:30
The truthful address.
April 13, 2016 at 21:18
of course sir i say the truth always but what should i type the address for i work ( saudi arabia ) or the address i was born and the place that i will have the interview in
please answer sir
thanks
May 7, 2016 at 01:43
Hi Simon, Thanks for the information. I have a question, I want an US citizen be my sponsor, but he doesn’t currently live in the US, he was not living in the US for about 2 years. I know that he pays his taxes there. Can he be my sponsor or should I find another person?
May 7, 2016 at 02:35
Find someone else.
May 9, 2016 at 12:27
Hi Simon
My wife is the principal applicant and right now she is not working. I have the money to support our family but don’t know if its ok to say that we as a family have the funds or I better make a transfer to my wife’s bank account
May 9, 2016 at 14:41
The funds are considered as a couple.
May 13, 2016 at 02:54
Hello Brit,
Can a Friend of mine be my sponsor? Im From Venezuela do you know if the CO here ask for that?
Other question?
If I dont have enougn money, the I-134 If enough? only that?
May 13, 2016 at 03:45
A friend living legally in the USA can sponsor you, yes. The I-134 will be all you need (if the income is enough)
May 16, 2016 at 05:57
http://www.lccaa.net/eligibility_calculator
May 16, 2016 at 16:24
Hello Brit.
My friend is living in New Jersey, is single without children and want to support me. I would like to know please :
1- Based on 2016 Poverty Guidelines, does he need to have $11,880 or 16,020
2- he is an LPR and came to the United States in March of this year (2016) with DV. how it’s going to be knowing that W2/1080 form is often handed in late January / February?
Have a Good day!
May 16, 2016 at 18:17
1. 16,020 (assuming you are single)
2. He is not a good choice then. Choose someone who can show tax reports for at least 2015
May 17, 2016 at 06:30
Ok. Thanks
May 17, 2016 at 22:37
Hi brit I ask about the sponsor for form I134 I have my frined has 28800$ its enough for me and my wife, daughter. The sponsor is married and has a child. My interview in Sudan. Thanks my friend
May 17, 2016 at 22:40
The article above answers your question!
May 18, 2016 at 11:53
Thanks Mr brit and abrsheed you are help me.
I now you are busy.
Believe me I don’t understand.
Please forgive me my frined.
May 18, 2016 at 18:25
Hey brit I’m a Guyanese… A monetary gift of $15000 from my parents into my bank account plus an I-134 enough to show that me and my 6 yr old daughter would not be a public charge?
May 18, 2016 at 18:45
Yes
May 20, 2016 at 13:11
Hi there! What is the requirement of a bank statement? Do we need to show all the deposit and withdraw of last 6 months? or just a bank statement? What if we put cash recently in the bank is co asking where this money comes? We are not emploued my husband is a student. We have lived in another country for a year.
May 20, 2016 at 16:46
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 23, 2016 at 07:10
Heloo Sir Brit,
Sameera Again!!
My interview july only. I am now very confused because of sponsor documents. Please tell me that which document I Have to prepare. i-134 or i-864.
And simply tell me what is the other document need from sponsor.
May 23, 2016 at 14:09
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
Please just write your question one time and wait.
May 24, 2016 at 05:02
Helloo Brit Sir..
Thank u for ur reply.
Regarding bank statement I have two more question sir.
1. At the moment I don’t have enough money. Can I barrow and deposit from my friends? Is it possible?
2. If YES. My interview will be11 of July. Is it enough time for take for the bank statement?
May 24, 2016 at 05:05
3. can I give bank guarantee from my brother. because He don’t like to deposit.
May 24, 2016 at 05:10
You would need to have a letter from whomever gives you the money to say it is a non repayable GIFT.
May 24, 2016 at 06:39
Sorry for the ask so meany thing Sir. I apologize.
1. At the moment I don’t have enough money. Can I barrow and deposit from my friends? Is it possible?
2. If YES. My interview will be11 of July. Is it enough time for take for the bank statement?
3.My wife is pregnant now and she will delivery baby August only. So How much i have to deposit for bank statement.
Thank u 🙂
May 24, 2016 at 11:01
Sorry for the ask so meany thing Sir. I apologize.
1. At the moment I don’t have enough money. Can I barrow and deposit from my friends? Is it possible?
2. If YES. My interview will be11 of July. Is it enough time for take for the bank statement?
3.My wife is pregnant now and she will delivery baby August only. So How much i have to deposit for bank statement.
Thank u ?
May 24, 2016 at 12:30
Hi Simon
I am sorry to ask this Q, I am confused about what documents should be submitted by the sponsor along with the AOS. The I-134 form description says only the bank statements and company letter should be submitted. What are the other mandatory documents should I request from the sponsor as they are not aware this AOS procedure.
I have sent them below links, but I need to send them additional info so they could refer and get an understanding, as they are friends only. So I need to provide them with genuine and correct info, in order to avoid disappointments. I hope you understand my concern.
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-134instr.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-134.pdf
Thanks much in advance
May 24, 2016 at 14:09
The article above lists the supporting documents needed.