Understanding the Form I-134 Income Requirement to Support Immigrant Visitors

As immigration experts, let us explain the income requirement for those who want to support immigrant visitors. 

To support the visitor, you have to complete Form I-134, which is a Declaration of Financial Immigrant Visitor Support. It requires you to showcase proof of all your income sources. 

The income requirement should equal or more than 100% of the poverty guidelines the government sets. Of course, it's better to have a higher income for individuals supporting someone with a K visa.

Determining Your I-134 Income Requirement

You can easily determine if you meet the income requirement by checking the poverty guidelines that are valid for this current year. By reviewing these charts, you can find the minimum income you need to support foreign national visitors.

How can you identify your current income? This is the gross amount of cash you plan to get this year. 

If it's your only employment and you make $36,000 a year, your current income is probably $36,000. On the other hand, if you didn't have a job when the year began and you started to work on the 1st of May, your present salary would probably be around $24,000. (Since 8 out of 12 months equal 3/4 of 36,000 USD). 

This is different from your tax return, which shows your income history. 

If you’d like to get professional income requirements to help with calculating your current income, we are here to help. In addition, our experts will assist you with identifying whether you qualify for the I-134 declaration or not. 

I-134 Income Requirement for K-1 or K-3 Visa Holders

For those supporting a K-1 or K-3 visa holder, you should keep in mind that soon after the visa holder gets into the country, they will likely change their status to become a permanent resident.

If it’s the case that involves a K-1 fiancé, they should get married before submitting a change of status application for a green card. This part will require completing Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. The petitioning sponsor should earn at least 125% of the government poverty level. You should consider this income requirement before you complete Form I-134. If you can't meet this requirement, getting a joint sponsor is an option.

What to Do If You Can't Meet the I-134 Income Requirement

If you can't meet the income requirement specified in Form I-134, you still have a few options available. One option is to use your assets and property to qualify for a finance support declaration associated with Form I-134. One more option is to find another supporter for the non-immigrant.

It's important to remember that you must be able to demonstrate that you can support the visitor during their stay.