Your fiancé(e)’s I-129F has been approved, the interview is coming, and a new form has appeared on the list: Form I-134. It is the document that shows the US government your fiancé(e) will not need public benefits after arriving, because you can support them. It is short, but it is where many K-1 cases slow down: income worked out against the wrong household size, missing tax records, or an unsigned form. New American Hope prepares the I-134 and the financial evidence behind it, from your information, in English, Urdu or Punjabi. Here is what you need to know.
The short answer
| Full name | Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Who signs it | The US citizen petitioner, and sometimes a second supporter if income is short |
| Who it is for | Mainly K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants; consular officers can also ask visitors for it |
| Filing fee | None |
| Income benchmark (K-1) | Generally 100% of the federal poverty guidelines: $21,640 for a household of two in 2026 |
| Where it goes | To the US embassy with your fiancé(e)’s case, usually brought to the visa interview |
Who has to sign Form I-134?
In a K-1 case, the US citizen who filed the fiancé(e) petition signs it. The form is a declaration that you can support your fiancé(e) during their stay, and it is signed under penalty of perjury, so every figure on it has to match your tax records. USCIS rejects unsigned forms, and you need a separate I-134 for each person you are supporting, for example a fiancé(e) and their child on a K-2 visa.
If your income is not enough on its own, a second person, such as a parent or sibling with stable income, can sign their own I-134 as well. Assets such as savings can also help close a gap. Deciding which route is stronger is part of what we check before the interview.
How much income do you need in 2026?
For a K-1 visa, consular officers generally look for income of at least 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. The figures below came into effect on 1 March 2026.
| Household size | 100% (K-1 benchmark) | 125% (I-864 later) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $21,640 | $27,050 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $41,250 |
| Each extra person | +$5,680 | +$7,100 |
Household size is where most mistakes happen. It counts you, your fiancé(e), any of their children coming with them, and anyone else you support or claim on your taxes, including children from an earlier marriage. Some officers are stricter than the 100% benchmark, so income close to the line deserves extra evidence. Planning ahead also helps with the next stage: after the wedding, the green card application needs the I-864 at 125%. Our guide to how much a K-1 visa costs covers every fee from petition to green card.
Form I-134 vs Form I-864
The two forms are easy to confuse because both are about financial support. They belong to different stages of the K-1 journey.
| Form I-134 | Form I-864 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | K-1 visa interview, before your fiancé(e) travels | Green card application, after the wedding |
| Name | Declaration of Financial Support | Affidavit of Support |
| Income benchmark | Generally 100% of the poverty guidelines | 125% of the poverty guidelines |
| What it means for you | A sworn statement for the visa decision | A legally enforceable contract to support your spouse |
If you are still choosing between the two visa routes, our guide to fiancé visa vs spouse visa compares them side by side.
Where Form I-134 goes wrong
| Problem | Where it goes wrong | With New American Hope |
|---|---|---|
| Household size | Children or dependents left out, so the income figure looks better than it is | We work out the correct household size from your tax return and family details |
| Income evidence | Figures that do not match the tax return, or no proof of current employment | We list the exact records to attach: tax transcripts, W-2s or 1099s, a job letter and recent pay stubs |
| Income below the line | No plan B, so the interview ends with a request for more documents | We check early whether savings or a second supporter can close the gap |
| Old form or no signature | An outdated edition, or a copy sent without a signature | We use the current edition and make sure the signed original reaches your fiancé(e) |
| Mismatched details | Names, dates or addresses that differ from the I-129F | We check the form against the petition before it is sent |
For where the I-134 fits in the whole process, see our K-1 visa timeline.
For fiancé(e)s in Pakistan
K-1 interviews for Pakistan take place at the US Embassy in Islamabad. Some embassies treat the I-134 as optional for K-1 cases, but officers can still ask for proof of support at the interview, so it is safer to have a signed form and its evidence ready. Your fiancé(e) brings the documents to the interview, so the original needs to reach Pakistan in good time. We prepare the full package in advance and tell your fiancé(e), in Urdu or Punjabi, exactly what to carry.
The verdict
Form I-134 is short, but it carries a lot of weight at the K-1 interview. The form itself is rarely the problem; the household size, the income evidence and the plan for a shortfall are. Getting those right before the interview saves a request for more documents and weeks of delay.
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-134 used for?
Form I-134, the Declaration of Financial Support, shows that someone in the United States can support a visa applicant financially. It is used mainly for K-1 fiancé(e) visas, and consular officers can also ask visitors for it.
How much income do I need for Form I-134 in 2026?
For a K-1 visa, consular officers generally look for income of at least 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. From 1 March 2026 that is $21,640 for a household of two in the 48 states and Washington, D.C., plus $5,680 for each extra person. Alaska and Hawaii have higher figures.
Is there a fee for Form I-134?
No. There is no USCIS filing fee for Form I-134. It is sent with the fiancé(e)'s visa case, usually brought to the embassy interview.
What is the difference between Form I-134 and Form I-864?
Form I-134 is used at the K-1 visa stage and generally needs income of 100% of the poverty guidelines. Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, is filed later with the green card application, needs 125%, and is a legally enforceable contract.
What if my income is too low for Form I-134?
Savings and other assets can help, and a second person with stable income, such as a parent or sibling, can sign their own Form I-134. It is best to plan this before the interview so your fiancé(e) brings the extra evidence.
Can New American Hope help me with my fiance visa case?
Yes. New American Hope LLC is a bonded California immigration consultant, not an attorney, and does not give legal advice; it has helped families with US immigration paperwork for over 10 years. We complete the Form I-129F fiance petition from our clients' information, organise the relationship evidence, and help with the consular-stage paperwork and the green card forms after the marriage. The first consultation is free, in English, Urdu or Punjabi: call or WhatsApp +1 (530) 761-2830.
Disclaimer: New American Hope LLC is a private immigration consultancy, not a law firm, government agency, embassy, or consulate. We do not provide legal advice. Information in this article is for general guidance only and may change; always confirm current requirements, fees, and processing times with USCIS (uscis.gov) or the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov). Final decisions on any application are made solely by the relevant government authorities.
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