Form I-134A, officially called the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form designed for sponsors who want to financially support certain foreign nationals coming to the United States on humanitarian parole.
Immigration pathways:
This form is currently accepted only for two specific immigration pathways:
- Uniting for Ukraine program — for Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members seeking temporary parole in the U.S.
- Humanitarian Parole program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV) — a special parole program for nationals from these countries facing serious harm or hardship.
Read Also: U.S. EB-1 Visa Explained – Immigration Path for Individuals
Form I-134A Details:
Form I-134A lets a sponsor demonstrate to USCIS that they have the financial means and willingness to support the beneficiary during their stay in the U.S. This is important to ensure the parolee will not become a public charge (dependent on government benefits).
The form collects detailed information about the sponsor’s:
- Income
- Assets
- Liabilities
- Financial responsibilities
Eligible candidates:
To be a sponsor, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a visa holder with valid legal status
- Be physically present in the United States when filing the form
- Undergo and pass a background check
- Personally file and sign Form I-134A (the beneficiary cannot file on their own behalf)
- File a separate form for each beneficiary, including minors
How to Apply For U.S. Sponsor Support for Migrants to Form I-134A?
Sponsors file Form I-134A online through the official USCIS myUSCIS portal. The form requires:
- Biographical information for both sponsor and beneficiary
- Sponsor’s detailed financial information
- Information on the beneficiary’s immigration and travel history
After submission, USCIS reviews the form, supporting documents, and conducts a background check. Approval means USCIS is confident the sponsor can support the parolee for the parole period.
Important Information:
USCIS advises sponsors to:
- File only Form I-134A (not Form I-134, which is a different document)
- Submit one form per beneficiary (no duplicates)
- Carefully review the form for errors or typos before submitting
- Use a USCIS online account to track case status and make corrections if needed
Uniting for Ukraine Program:
This program offers Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members the chance to enter the U.S. temporarily for up to two years under humanitarian parole.
Sponsors committing through Form I-134A must provide:
- Financial support
- Help with housing, healthcare, employment, transportation, and other resettlement needs
After USCIS approves the form, beneficiaries receive instructions to complete their parole application and arrival process.
Humanitarian Parole Program:
This parole program provides an alternative to dangerous migration routes by allowing eligible individuals from CHNV countries to apply for travel authorization and parole status at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad.
Important Update:
The Biden administration announced it will not renew this parole program beyond two years. New applications will still be accepted, but beneficiaries cannot extend their stay beyond the parole period.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Risk of serious harm or hardship in their home country
- Eligibility under U.S. immigration law (no criminal history, prior violations, etc.)
- Having a U.S.-based sponsor who files Form I-134A
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can one sponsor support multiple beneficiaries?
Yes, but a separate Form I-134A must be filed for each beneficiary, including minor children.
Who can be a sponsor for Form I-134A?
Sponsors must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or visa holders with valid legal status, physically present in the U.S. when filing the form.
What is Form I-134A and who files it?
Form I-134A is the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support filed by a U.S.-based sponsor to demonstrate financial support for migrants seeking humanitarian parole under specific programs. Only the sponsor can file it, not the beneficiary.
