Affidavit of Support Student Visa

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is a thrilling prospect, filled with academic exploration, cultural immersion, and personal growth. But for many international students, securing the visa is a crucial hurdle. Enter the Affidavit of Support, a vital document that demonstrates your financial ability to cover your educational and living expenses while studying in the USA or Canada.

What is an Affidavit of Support?

Think of an affidavit as a solemn promise by a sponsor (usually a relative or close friend) to financially support you throughout your studies. It assures immigration authorities that you won’t become a public burden on their country.

Who Needs an Affidavit?

If you’re applying for an F-1 student visa in the USA or a study permit in Canada, you’ll likely need an affidavit unless you have sufficient personal financial resources or scholarships covering your entire stay.

Key Differences Between USA & Canada Affidavits:

While both countries require affidavits, there are subtle variations. In the USA, you’ll fill out Form I-864. Canada uses a Statutory Declaration of Sponsorship. The income requirements and some document specifications differ slightly.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors:

Who can be your sponsor? It can be a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, spouse, or even a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or sibling in some cases. They must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Income Requirements:

Sponsors must prove sufficient income to cover 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) for the household size in the USA and 125% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for Canada. This ensures they can comfortably support you without financial strain.

Proof of Income:

Tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and employment letters are common evidence of income. The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the country and your sponsor’s situation.

Joint Sponsors:

If your sponsor’s income is insufficient alone, joint sponsors can combine their incomes to meet the requirement. Each joint sponsor will need to submit their own affidavit and supporting documents.

Completing the Affidavit Form:

Accuracy is crucial! Carefully review the instructions and gather all required documents before starting. The forms may seem complex, but many online resources and guides can assist you.

Form I-864 for the USA is more detailed, requiring information about your sponsor’s household, assets, and debts. The Canadian Statutory Declaration is simpler, focusing primarily on income and sponsorship commitment.

Common sections and information needed include sponsor’s personal details, income and employment information, household size, and relationship to you. Double-check all information for accuracy before signing and getting it notarized (if required).

Submitting the Affidavit:

Attach the completed affidavit to your visa application along with any additional documents specified by the embassy or consulate. Submit it well in advance to avoid processing delays.

Additional Documents Required:

Besides the affidavit, you might need proof of your relationship to the sponsor, their immigration status, and sometimes tax returns or other financial documents. Check the specific requirements for your chosen country.

Affidavit of Support Student Visa Template

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Sample 1

[Insert Date]

[Insert Embassy or Consulate Address]

Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Insert Student Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Insert Sponsor Name], am writing this letter to provide an Affidavit of Support for [Insert Student Name], who is applying for a student visa to study in the USA/Canada.

I am a [Insert Occupation] currently working at [Insert Company/Organization Name]. I earn a monthly salary of [Insert Salary] and a total of [Insert Total Income] in savings and investments.

I can financially support [Insert Student Name] throughout their studies in the USA/Canada. I understand the financial responsibilities of sponsoring a student and am committed to providing financial support to [Insert Student Name] throughout their studies.

I have attached all the necessary financial documents to support this Affidavit of Support, including [Insert List of Documents].

I certify that the information provided in this letter is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Sincerely,

[Insert Sponsor Signature]

[Insert Sponsor Name]

[Insert Sponsor Address]

Sample 2

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

[Date]

[US or Canadian Embassy Name]

[Embassy Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Name], residing at [Your Address], at this moment declare that I am willing and able to provide financial support to [Name of Applicant] for their education in the United States of America/Canada. The purpose of this letter is to serve as an Affidavit of Support for [Name of Applicant]’s student visa application.

I understand that as a sponsor, I am responsible for ensuring that [Name of Applicant] has adequate financial resources to cover the cost of tuition, fees, accommodation, and living expenses during their studies. Therefore, I, at this moment, provide the following information regarding my financial ability to support [Name of Applicant]:

My current annual income is [Amount in USD/CAD], which I earn from [Source of Income].

My total assets, including savings, investments, and real estate, are valued at approximately [Amount in USD/CAD].

I am willing to provide financial support to [Name of Applicant] for their studies, which is expected to be [Number of years] years.

I will provide [Name of Applicant] with a monthly allowance of [Amount in USD/CAD] to cover their living expenses.

I now declare that the above information is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge. I am fully aware of the financial obligations of sponsoring a student visa applicant, and I am prepared to fulfil these obligations to the best of my ability.

I am attaching the necessary documents to support my financial capability, including bank statements, tax returns, and employment verification.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Conclusion

The Affidavit of Support might seem like an obstacle, but it’s a crucial step towards your study abroad dream. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and completing the forms accurately, you can ensure a smooth visa application process. Embrace this hurdle as an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and pave the way for an enriching international education. Remember, with careful planning and preparation, you can turn this challenge into a stepping stone to your academic adventure!