The “Declaration of Financial Support,” or Form I-134A, is a document that is used in the US immigration system when a person (referred to as the “beneficiary”) requests to enter the country temporarily for parole or humanitarian reasons. Usually, a sponsor (also known as the “petitioner”) who promises to provide the beneficiary with financial support throughout their visit submits this form. Preparing your application effectively and being aware of the processing time will help you avoid needless delays.
This guide covers various dates, what to anticipate during the Form I-134A processing, and how to make sure your application is effective and robust.
What is form I-134A?
The online form known as Form I-134A, also known as the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by anyone who would like to sponsor a foreign person for admission.
Comprehensive details regarding the sponsor’s financial situation and capacity to support the beneficiary in question are provided in Form I-134A. Usually, the I-134A is used to demonstrate that the sponsor has the money necessary to sustain the beneficiary while they are on temporary parole in the United States.
I-134a Processing Time
Processing times for cases can differ. As fully and effectively as feasible, USCIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are examining and processing cases. As of 2023, Form I-134A processing times typically range from two to twelve weeks, depending on the following factors:
- Uniting for Ukraine Program: Within two to four weeks, many applications for beneficiaries who are Ukrainian were processed.
- Programs for Parole in Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua: Beneficiaries from these nations have typically had their applications processed in 8 to 12 weeks, however this can change depending on the amount of applications and background checks.
Form I-134A Process & Approval time
To start the procedure, a sponsor located in the United States must submit Form I-134A to USCIS via the online myUSCIS web interface. Both the sponsor’s and the beneficiary’s basic biographical details and immigration history are questioned on the form. A thorough financial summary that includes details on the sponsor’s assets, liabilities, sources of income, and regular spending is also required. It is mandatory for the sponsor to submit a distinct Form I-134A for every beneficiary they intend to help, even if they are aiding several members of the same family. Make sure a foreign national may be properly sponsored and admitted to the United States by completing the I-134A form, which is a crucial step in the sponsorship procedure.
Tips for Avoiding Delay in Processing Time for I-134a
- Make sure the right paperwork is filed. USCIS will only accept Form I-134A for this kind of sponsorship; Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support) will not be accepted.
- Send in just one form for each beneficiary. Sponsors are asked by USCIS to refrain from filing multiple Form I-134 A for the same beneficiary.
- Verify any mistakes or errors on your Form I-134A. Make sure your form is error-free and has the beneficiary’s right contact information before submitting.
- Make use of your online USCIS account. After filing, applicants can check the status of their case and, if necessary, modify the information on their filed form using their USCIS online account.
Conclusion
In order to bring someone into the United States under humanitarian parole or other special programs, the Form I-134A procedure is a necessary step. Sponsors can contribute to a smoother procedure for themselves and their beneficiaries by being aware of the processing periods and completing a thorough application with ample supporting documentation. Processing times might range from two to twelve weeks, based on the program and volume of applications. By being well-prepared and paying close attention to details, you can improve your chances of receiving an approval in a timely manner.