Navigating the intricacies of international student visa applications can be a daunting task. One crucial aspect of this process is the Affidavit of Support, a legal document that demonstrates financial sponsorship for a prospective student. Understanding the requirements and procedures for this document is essential for securing a student visa and successfully pursuing academic endeavors in the United States or Canada.
What is an Affidavit of Support?
An Affidavit of Support, also known as Form I-864 in the United States, is a legally binding agreement where an individual, known as the sponsor, pledges financial responsibility for a prospective student seeking a student visa. This document assures immigration authorities that the student has sufficient financial means to cover their educational expenses and living costs throughout their academic program.
Why is an Affidavit of Support Required for Student Visas?
Student visas are primarily granted to individuals who intend to pursue full-time academic studies at authorized educational institutions. However, international students often face financial challenges in covering the costs associated with higher education, such as tuition fees, housing, food, and other living expenses. The Affidavit of Support serves as a safeguard to ensure that these students have the necessary financial support to complete their studies without relying on public assistance or engaging in unauthorized employment.
Who Can Serve as a Sponsor?
The sponsor for an Affidavit of Support must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency: Only individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents can serve as sponsors.
- Financial Capability: Sponsors must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the student throughout their studies. This includes providing evidence of income, assets, and liabilities.
- Relationship to the Student: Sponsors must have a close relationship with the student, such as a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent.
Affidavit of Support for USA Student Visa
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
In addition to the general eligibility requirements, sponsors for USA student visas must meet specific financial criteria. The sponsor’s income must exceed 125% of the federal poverty guideline for their household size. Additionally, the sponsor must provide documentation of their income and assets, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment accounts.
Required Documents for Sponsors
Sponsors must gather several documents to support their Affidavit of Support, including:
- Form I-864: The sponsor must complete and sign Form I-864, providing detailed information about themselves, their income, and assets.
- Financial Documents: Sponsors must provide evidence of their financial standing, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment account statements.
- Proof of Relationship: Sponsors must provide documentation of their relationship to the student, such as birth certificates, adoption decrees, or guardianship documents.
Filing Process for Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
The Affidavit of Support can be filed electronically or by mail. If filed electronically, the sponsor must create an online account with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and submit the completed Form I-864 along with supporting documents. For mail-in submissions, the sponsor must gather all required documents and send them to the designated USCIS processing center.
Financial Requirements for Sponsors
The financial requirements for sponsors vary depending on the student’s program and location of study. However, sponsors must generally demonstrate the ability to cover the student’s tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation costs throughout their academic program.
Affidavit of Support for Canada Student Visa
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors
Sponsors for Canada student visas must meet similar eligibility criteria as their USA counterparts. They must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons. Additionally, they must have sufficient financial means to support the student and provide evidence of their income and assets.
Required Documents for Sponsors
ponsors for Canada student visas must provide similar documentation to those required for USA student visas, including:
- Form IMM 1294: The sponsor must complete and sign Form IMM 1294, providing detailed information about themselves, their income, and assets.
- Financial Documents: Sponsors must provide evidence of their financial standing, such as tax returns, bank statements, and investment account statements.
- Proof of Relationship: Sponsors must provide documentation of their relationship to the student, such as birth certificates, adoption decrees, or guardianship documents.
Financial Requirements for Sponsors
The financial requirements for sponsors vary depending on the student’s program and location of study. However, sponsors must generally demonstrate the ability to cover the student’s tuition fees, living expenses, and transportation costs throughout their academic program.
Renewal of Affidavit of Support
The Affidavit of Support may need to be renewed if the student’s academic program extends beyond the initial period covered by the original affidavit. Additionally, if the sponsor’s financial circumstances change significantly, they may need to file an updated Affidavit of Support.
How to Write an Affidavit of Support Letter
- First, gather all of the necessary information about yourself and the person you are sponsoring. This includes your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information. You will also need to provide information about the person you are sponsoring, such as their full name, date of birth, and relationship to you.
- Next, you will need to complete the affidavit of support form. This form is available online from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form will ask you to provide information about your income, assets, and liabilities. You will also need to sign the form under penalty of perjury.
- Finally, you will need to submit the affidavit of support form to USCIS. You can submit the form electronically or by mail. If you submit the form electronically, you will need to create an online account with USCIS. If you submit the form by mail, you will need to send it to the designated USCIS processing center.
- In addition to the affidavit of support form, you will also need to submit supporting documentation. This documentation may include tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and investment account statements.
Sample of Affidavit of Support for Student Visa in Canada & USA
Sample 1
[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]
Sample 2
[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]
Conclusion
The Affidavit of Support plays a crucial role in ensuring that international students have the necessary financial support to pursue their academic aspirations in the United States or Canada. By understanding the eligibility requirements, documentation requirements, and financial obligations associated with this document, sponsors can effectively fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to the success of international students.
