Hey guys! If you're a Venezuelan looking to come to the United States through the I-134A process, or if you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident looking to support a Venezuelan, you've come to the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms. Let's dive in!

    What is Form I-134A?

    So, what exactly is this I-134A thing we're talking about? Officially, it's called the Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support. Basically, it's the form that a U.S.-based supporter fills out to show that they can financially support a beneficiary from Venezuela (as well as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Ukraine) who is seeking to come to the U.S. under a specific program.

    The I-134A form is crucial for Venezuelans aiming to benefit from the humanitarian parole programs established by the U.S. government. These programs allow eligible Venezuelans, who have a supporter in the U.S. willing to provide financial assistance, to live and work in the United States temporarily. This initiative aims to offer a safe and legal pathway for Venezuelans fleeing the dire economic and social conditions in their home country.

    The form itself gathers detailed information about the supporter's financial status, including their income, assets, and ability to provide for the beneficiary's needs. The U.S. government uses this information to assess whether the supporter can indeed provide sufficient financial backing, ensuring that the beneficiary won't become a public charge. Think of it as the U.S. government's way of ensuring that individuals entering the country through these programs have a stable foundation.

    It's not just about filling out a form, though. The supporter is making a commitment, promising to help the beneficiary with housing, healthcare, food, and other essential needs. This commitment is a significant responsibility, and it underscores the importance of having a reliable and financially stable supporter. Without a valid and approved I-134A form, Venezuelans are unable to advance through the subsequent stages of the humanitarian parole process.

    In simple terms, the I-134A form is the starting point for Venezuelans seeking a new beginning in the United States, and it represents a crucial link between the beneficiary and their U.S.-based supporter. It is designed to provide a structured and secure pathway for those in need, while also ensuring that the supporters are capable of fulfilling their financial commitments. So, if you're considering applying or supporting someone, understanding this form is the first and most important step.

    Who Needs to File Form I-134A?

    Okay, so who actually needs to file this form? There are two main groups we're talking about: the supporters and the beneficiaries. Let's break it down:

    • Supporters: These are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are willing to financially support a Venezuelan (or Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Ukrainian) beneficiary. To be a supporter, you need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support the beneficiary during their stay in the U.S. This means having enough income and assets to cover their basic needs, such as housing, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses. The supporter must reside in the United States, including territories like Puerto Rico, and must be prepared to undergo a background check to ensure they are not involved in any activities that could pose a risk to the beneficiary or the U.S.

    • Beneficiaries: These are the Venezuelan nationals (or Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Ukrainian) who are seeking to come to the U.S. under the humanitarian parole programs. To be eligible, beneficiaries must be outside the United States when the I-134A form is filed on their behalf. They also need to meet certain eligibility criteria, which include passing security vetting and background checks. The beneficiary must demonstrate a need for humanitarian parole, typically by showing that they face significant risks or hardships in their home country. Additionally, they must have a U.S.-based supporter who is willing and able to provide them with financial support throughout their stay.

    The interplay between the supporter and the beneficiary is critical. The supporter initiates the process by filing the I-134A form, and the beneficiary's eligibility is contingent on the supporter's ability to meet the financial requirements. The supporter provides the necessary financial backing, while the beneficiary complies with the legal and security requirements. This collaboration is essential for the success of the humanitarian parole program, as it ensures that those who come to the U.S. have the support they need to start a new life while also safeguarding the security and interests of the United States.

    In short, if you're a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who wants to help a Venezuelan friend or family member come to the U.S., you need to file Form I-134A. And if you're a Venezuelan hoping to come to the U.S. through this program, you need a U.S.-based supporter who is willing to file the form on your behalf.

    How to File Form I-134A: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Filing Form I-134A might seem daunting, but it's totally manageable if you break it down into steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

    1. Create a USCIS Online Account: First things first, you need to create a USCIS online account. Go to the USCIS website and sign up for an account. This is where you'll access and submit the form. Make sure you remember your username and password because you'll need them throughout the process.
    2. Access Form I-134A: Once you're logged in, find Form I-134A in the list of available forms. Click on it to start filling it out. The form is entirely online, so you don't have to worry about printing anything.
    3. Fill Out the Form: Now comes the detailed part. You'll need to provide a lot of information about yourself, including your name, address, date of birth, and immigration status. Be honest and accurate. Any discrepancies or false information can cause delays or even rejection of your request. You'll also need to provide information about your employment, income, and assets. This is to prove that you can financially support the beneficiary.
    4. Provide Information About the Beneficiary: You'll need to provide detailed information about the Venezuelan beneficiary you're supporting. This includes their name, date of birth, contact information, and their relationship to you. Make sure you have all this information handy before you start filling out the form.
    5. Upload Supporting Documents: You'll need to upload documents to support the information you're providing. This can include things like your tax returns, bank statements, and proof of your immigration status. Make sure your documents are clear and legible. Scanned copies are usually fine, but make sure they're high quality.
    6. Review Your Form: Before you submit, take a good look at everything you've filled out. Make sure there are no errors or missing information. It's a good idea to have someone else review it as well, just to catch anything you might have missed. Accuracy is key here.
    7. Sign and Submit: Once you're confident that everything is correct, you can sign the form electronically and submit it. You'll need to agree to the terms and conditions and certify that the information you've provided is true and accurate.
    8. Wait for USCIS to Review: After you submit the form, all you can do is wait. USCIS will review your request and may ask for additional information or documentation. Be patient and respond promptly to any requests from USCIS.
    9. Check Your Status Online: You can check the status of your form online through your USCIS account. This will give you an idea of where your request is in the process and whether there are any updates.

    Filing Form I-134A can seem like a lot of work, but if you take it one step at a time, you'll be just fine. Just remember to be honest, accurate, and patient, and you'll be well on your way to supporting your Venezuelan friend or family member in their journey to the U.S.

    Key Requirements for Supporters

    Alright, let’s zoom in on what it takes to be a solid supporter. The U.S. government has certain expectations, so let's break down the key requirements for supporters who are filing Form I-134A:

    • U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence: First and foremost, you gotta be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. This is a non-negotiable requirement. You can't support someone through this program if you're not legally residing in the U.S.
    • Residency in the United States: You need to actually live in the U.S., including its territories like Puerto Rico. This means you have a primary residence in the United States and spend the majority of your time here.
    • Financial Capacity: This is a big one. You need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support the beneficiary. This includes having enough income and assets to cover their basic needs, such as housing, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses. USCIS will look at your income, employment history, bank statements, and other financial documents to assess your ability to provide support. Your income needs to be at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size including the beneficiary.
    • Willingness to Undergo Background Checks: You'll need to agree to undergo background checks to ensure you're not involved in any activities that could pose a risk to the beneficiary or the U.S. This includes criminal background checks and security vetting. Be prepared to provide information and documentation to facilitate these checks.
    • Commitment to Provide Support: Being a supporter isn't just about filling out a form. It's about making a commitment to provide actual support to the beneficiary. This includes helping them find housing, access healthcare, enroll in school, and navigate the U.S. legal and social systems. You should be prepared to provide this support for the duration of their stay in the U.S.
    • Sponsorship of Only Those You Can Genuinely Support: While you can file a Form I-134A for multiple beneficiaries, it is important to only sponsor those individuals who you can genuinely and adequately support. Overextending your financial capabilities can result in inadequate support for each beneficiary and may raise concerns during the evaluation process.

    Meeting these requirements is crucial for being a successful supporter. The U.S. government wants to ensure that beneficiaries have the support they need to thrive in the U.S. without becoming a public charge. So, if you're considering becoming a supporter, make sure you're ready to meet these requirements and provide the necessary support.

    What Happens After Form I-134A is Approved?

    So, you've filed Form I-134A, and good news – it's been approved! What happens next? Here's the lowdown on what to expect after your I-134A form gets the green light:

    1. Beneficiary Receives Travel Authorization: Once your I-134A form is approved, the Venezuelan beneficiary will receive an email from USCIS with instructions on how to create a USCIS online account. After creating their account, they will then need to download the CBP One app and apply for advanced travel authorization. This authorization allows them to travel to the U.S.
    2. Beneficiary Arranges Travel to the U.S.: Once travel authorization is granted, the beneficiary is responsible for arranging their travel to the U.S. This includes booking their flight and making any other necessary travel arrangements. Keep in mind that the beneficiary is responsible for covering their own travel expenses.
    3. Arrival in the U.S.: Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, the beneficiary will be inspected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. CBP officers will verify their identity, review their travel documents, and determine whether they are eligible to enter the U.S. If everything checks out, they will be granted parole, which allows them to temporarily live and work in the U.S.
    4. Ongoing Support from the Supporter: As the supporter, your role doesn't end when the beneficiary arrives in the U.S. You're still responsible for providing ongoing support to help them adjust to life in the U.S. This includes helping them find housing, access healthcare, enroll in school, and navigate the U.S. legal and social systems. Your support is crucial for their success and well-being.
    5. Applying for Work Authorization: After being paroled into the U.S., Venezuelans are eligible to apply for work authorization. They can do this by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. Once their application is approved, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to legally work in the U.S.
    6. Compliance with Parole Conditions: While in the U.S. on parole, Venezuelans must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes reporting any changes of address to USCIS and avoiding any activities that could jeopardize their parole status. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in their parole being revoked and them being deported from the U.S.

    Common Mistakes to Avoid

    Nobody's perfect, but when it comes to immigration forms, it pays to be extra careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when filing Form I-134A:

    • Inaccurate Information: This is a big one. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. Double-check names, dates, addresses, and other details to avoid errors. Even small mistakes can cause delays or rejection of your request.
    • Missing Information: Don't leave any blanks on the form. If a question doesn't apply to you, write

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