If you are applying to have a family member join you in the US for a green card, you will typically need to file a USCIS form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) as well as your visa sponsorship forms. An Affidavit of Support shows the Department of Homeland Security that you have the assets and the finances to support your family member while they are in the US. Form I-134 is legally binding, so it is important to carefully consider before you file. Even if you and your family member part ways after he or she moves to the US, you will still be financially responsible for ensuring that your family member does not become a burden on the US government. If your family member does end up using benefits, you may be required to pay them back. If you do decide to file a form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), here are the steps you will need to take:
1) Download form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) from the USCIS website and also download the instructions that come with the form. Read the instructions carefully and ensure that you understand them before you start to fill out the form.
2) Fill out the basic information about yourself, including your name, date of birth, age, place of birth, and address. Type this information or print it neatly using black ink. If it cannot be read, your form may be delayed, so make sure that the form is legible. Fill out the information about your residency in the US as well.
3) Fill out the information about the family member you are sponsoring. You will need to supply information about the person’s name, age, gender, address, marital status, and other information. If your family member is moving to the US with dependants, you will need to supply details about the dependants as well.
4) Fill out the information about your finances. First, read lines four through six and then start entering information about your assets, life insurance, bank accounts, savings, businesses, stocks, mortgages, real estate, and other financial information. It is important to fill this information out very accurately. Do not guess – get the actual numbers before you fill out this information. Keep in mind that inaccuracies or dishonesty here may be a criminal offense.
5) Fill out information about your dependants, including your spouse or children.
6) Fill out information about any other affidavits of support any other visa applications you have filed for others.
7) Give information about your support of the petitioner. If you will be supporting your family member in the US, you will need to check the appropriate box on Form I-134 and you will need to provide details on how long you will contribute to your family member financially.
8) Sign the document in the presence of a notary and have the notary witness the signature. By signing Form I-134, you are verifying that you understand the financial responsibilities of an affidavit of support, so make sure you read the instructions and really understand them.
