When applying for a student visa in the USA or Canada, one of the critical requirements is the Affidavit of Support.
This document serves as a promise from a sponsor or sponsor(s) to support the applicant during their stay in the country financially.
The Affidavit of Support is a crucial document for student visa applicants, as it helps to demonstrate their ability to finance their education and living expenses while studying abroad.
In this article, we will explore the importance of the Affidavit of Support for student visa applicants and provide a step-by-step guide on writing a compelling affidavit letter to enhance the chances of visa approval.
Table of contents
Understanding the Affidavit of Support
Understanding the Affidavit of Support is crucial for anyone applying for a student visa in the USA or Canada.
An Affidavit of Support is a legal document that shows the financial support of the visa applicant by a sponsor or a family member residing in the destination country.
It guarantees that the applicant will not become a public charge while studying in the country.
The affidavit of support is required for any student visa applicant who cannot provide sufficient financial support for their studies in the destination country. This includes both F1 student visas for the USA and study permits for Canada.
The Affidavit of Support typically includes information about the sponsor’s financial resources, such as income, assets, and liabilities. It also provides information about the visa applicant and their relationship with the sponsor.
The Affidavit of Support is a binding legal contract, and the sponsor is expected to provide financial support to the visa applicant for their studies.
Different types of Affidavits of Support for USA & Canada student visas depending on the sponsor’s residency status and the visa applicant’s relationship with the sponsor.
There are two types of Affidavits of Support in the USA:
- Form I-134 for non-immigrant visas
- Form I-864 for immigrant visas
In Canada, the Affidavit of Support is known as a “Letter of Financial Support,” It can be written by the sponsor or a third party, such as a bank or a financial institution.
Requirements for Submitting an Affidavit of Support
When it comes to submitting an Affidavit of Support for a USA or Canada student visa application, there are specific requirements that must be met.
These requirements help ensure that the sponsor is financially qualified and can support the student during their stay.
Here’s a list of the requirements for submitting an Affidavit of Support for a USA & Canada Student Visa
- Financial qualifications for the sponsor: The sponsor must demonstrate their ability to support the student for their studies financially. This includes providing proof of income, assets, and savings that meet or exceed the minimum income requirement set by the government.
- Documents to be submitted by the sponsor: The sponsor must submit various financial papers, such as tax returns, bank statements, and employment letters, to support their claim of financial ability.
- Information required for the Affidavit of Support: The Affidavit of Support form must be completed with accurate and complete information about the sponsor, including their full name, contact information, and relationship to the student.
- Letter of Support and Intent: In this section of the affidavit, you should express your support for the student’s application and your intent to provide financial support for their education. This letter should include your relationship with the student and any other relevant information that supports your ability and willingness to provide financial support.
- Submission deadlines: The Affidavit of Support must be submitted within the timeframe specified by the government or the educational institution. It is essential to check the specific deadline and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted on time.
Meeting these requirements is crucial for the success of the student visa application process.
Failure to provide adequate financial support documentation can result in the rejection of the visa application.
Therefore, it is important for sponsors to carefully review the requirements and provide all necessary information and documentation.
How to Write an Affidavit of Support Letter
Writing an Affidavit of Support letter can be daunting, but it can be quickly done with the proper guidelines.
- Gather information: The first step is to gather all the information required to write the Affidavit of Support. This includes personal details of the sponsor and the student, financial information, and the purpose of the support.
- Begin the letter: Start by addressing the letter to the appropriate authority, such as the embassy or consulate, and include the date and subject of the letter.
- Introduce yourself: Begin by introducing yourself as the sponsor and include your full name, address, and relationship to the student.
- State your financial ability: State your financial ability to support the student throughout their studies. This includes providing details of your current employment, salary, and other income sources.
- Include a letter of support and intent: Write a letter stating your commitment to providing financial support to the student and indicating that you understand the financial responsibilities associated with sponsoring a student.
- Provide notarization and certification: Getting the Affidavit of Support notarized and certified by a legal authority must make it a legally binding document.
Tips and Guidelines
- Use a professional tone: The Affidavit of Support letter is a formal document, and it is essential to use a professional manner throughout the letter.
- Be honest and accurate: Provide accurate and truthful information, and avoid making false statements, as this can lead to legal consequences.
- Follow the guidelines: Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by the embassy or consulate, and ensure that all the necessary information is included.
- Keep it concise: Keep the letter brief and to the point, and avoid using unnecessary language or details.
Affidavit of Support for USA & Canada Student Visa Samples
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 is crucial in the USA & Canada student visa application process. It is proof of financial responsibility for the applicant’s expenses while studying abroad.
Without this document, a student’s visa application may be denied, leading to missed opportunities and dreams.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the requirements for submitting an Affidavit of Support, the information that should be included in the letter, and how to write an effective letter.
As a sponsor, taking the time to carefully and accurately prepare this document can make all the difference in ensuring the student’s smooth and successful visa application process.
Applying for a student visa in the USA & Canada can be daunting. Still, with proper preparation and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience.
By understanding the importance of the Affidavit of Support and following the guidelines outlined in this article, sponsors can help make the process positive and successful for their students.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
Join my Facebook Group, Like my Facebook Page or Follow Me on WhatsApp for more interactive discussions.
