Visa applications can be intimidating, and when financials are concerned, even more so. But the Affidavit of Support is a document that can really boost the likelihood of a visa app. As the applicant, you’ll want to know about the Affidavit, as you should the sponsoree, as knowing how the document operates can help you avoid roadblocks on your trip starting instead of starting your trip.
In the interest of concision and clarity, the following article shall focus on the Affidavit of Support as applied to tourist visa applications, where financial sponsorship oft appears as a factor in approval.
Whether you are the applicant, the sponsor, or just the taga-research assigned, what you are about to read next are the things that you need to know about the Affidavit of Support:
- What it is and why it matters
- When it becomes necessary and whoever needs it
- Who can become a sponsor and what they have to provide
- Country-specific formats and legal considerations
- Key components of a valid affidavit
- Frequent errors to circumvent
- Useful pro tips, download templates, and a sample affidavit
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty so you can approach your visa application process with clarity and confidence.
What is an Affidavit of Support?
An Affidavit of Support is a notarized document where a sponsor assumes the financial burden of a visa applicant while the latter stays as a visitor to a foreign country. It demonstrates that the visitor will not become a burden to the public or charge for the host country’s social services.
This statement generally includes the financial and personal data of the sponsor, which is proven through documents such as work letters, current tax documents, and bank statements. It becomes a guarantee through a written document to the immigrating that the visitor will be maintained and will not require the assistance of the state.
Example:
In the case of Marites of the Philippines, when she’s requesting a tourist visa to the U.S., her kin, a U.S. citizen, John, could file an Affidavit of Support stating that he will defray her accommodation, feeding, and travel expenses while a tourist she is.
This action alone, and even more so when paired with adequate financial documentation, can boost Marites’ chances of visa approval considerably.
When is an Affidavit of Support Required?
The immigration authorities generally ask for an Affidavit of Support in the following situations:
- If the applicant fails to demonstrate an adequate amount of financial means to sustain them throughout the journey.
- When traveling to countries that have rigorous immigration policies (e.g., U.S., Canada, UK, Schengen countries).
- When applying for long-stay, student, or family-based visas.
- If the applicant is unemployed, a student, or retired.
While not always mandatory, submitting an Affidavit of Support in advance may strengthen an application by expressing preparedness and sponsorship.
Example:
For a Schengen visa, an Affidavit of Support may be required when an applicant’s own bank account is lacking funds, but a Europe-based relative or friend is willing to cover accommodations and other expenditures. The statement insures a degree of economic security to the visa application.
More Examples:
- Visitor visas: particularly where there are weak financial ties or income
- Student visas: When the student is being financially supported by someone else
- Fiancé(e) or spousal visas: For family-based
- Family or immigrant reunification visas: For parents, siblings, or other relatives
- Employment-based visas that include dependents: For certain countries
The requirement may vary by country and even by embassy or consulate, so always double-check the official visa guidelines for your location.
Eligible Sponsors for Tourist Visas
Not everyone can be a sponsor. Immigration officers evaluate the sponsor’s immigration status, relationship to the applicant, financial standing, and consistency in documentation.
1. Sponsor Who Is a Citizen or Resident of the Country to Be Visited
This is the most reliable form of sponsor. The citizen or permanent resident will, on average, have the means and legal status to finance and sponsor an applicant. The following are some key eligibility criteria:
A. Legal Status
The sponsor must be a citizen or legal permanent resident (PR) of the country that you are going to travel to. Documentation like a passport, green card, or national ID should typically be shown.
B. Minimum Age
The sponsor should typically be above 18 years old. The age condition may, in certain cases (like the U.S.), refer to legal capacity to bind by an enforceable contract.
C. Income Requirements
The sponsor should provide evidence of regular and adequate income. For instance, in the U.S., the sponsor’s income should be 100%–125% or more of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which depends on the type (I-134 vs. I-864).
D. Domicile or Residence
The sponsor needs to reside within the country that they’re sponsoring from. So an American expat abroad may not be eligible unless they prove that they have an intention to re-establish domicile within the U.S.
Example:
A Canadian PR to sponsor a visiting cousin should provide evidence of income, a utility bill or a lease to show their address in Canada, and an explanation letter regarding the purpose of the visit.
2. Sponsor Who is Traveling with You
In situations where you’re traveling with a financially stronger friend, relative, or partner, that person can often act as your sponsor—even if they are not a resident of the destination country. This is particularly helpful for group trips or couple travel.
A. Legal Status
Though they need not necessarily be a citizen of the recipient country, they should possess a current visa, residence permit, or travel permission to the same country. Their travel documents should align with the purpose and date of your trip.
B. Minimum Age
Once again, the sponsor should typically be 18 years and up to assume financial responsibility.
C. Income Requirements
The traveling companion should have financial means to cover your own costs, plus theirs, as well. Evidence may include up-to-date bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from their job to substantiate pay and job security.
Examples:
- You’re going to apply for a Schengen visa accompanied by your friend who holds a current multi-entry Schengen visa. If they’re sponsoring the hotel and traveling costs, they may include an Affidavit of Support indicating these facts and present proof of income and confirmation of bookings.
- If your traveling companion is sponsoring the trip, they too may file an Affidavit of Support. This is often the situation when there are friends or a partner who are co-applicants or have pre-approved visas.
- A married couple who travel together might have the more financially capable spouse file an Affidavit of Support on behalf of the other, particularly when one spouse lacks regular income.
Additional Tips:
- The sponsor should be able to express their relationship to the applicant clearly.
- Embassies might request evidence of prior communication or visits (screenshots, photos, flight history).
Types of Affidavit of Support by Country
Every country has its own style and rules when it comes to the Affidavit of Support. Knowing what each embassy expects will save you time, effort, and maybe even a rejection. Here’s a quick rundown of some common examples:
United States (Form I-134 or I-864)
- Form I-134: For non-immigrant visas (e.g., tourist, student).
- Form I-864: For immigrant visa applicants (e.g., marriage-based green cards).
- Requires supporting documents: IRS tax transcripts, pay stubs, bank letters, employment verification.
- U.S. sponsors must meet income thresholds based on household size.
- More info
Canada
- No official “Affidavit of Support,” but a Letter of Invitation serves the same purpose.
- Should include the inviter’s full name, address, legal status in Canada, and financial capacity.
- May require notarization and supporting documents.
- Guide from CIC
United Kingdom
- Typically written as a Support Letter, addressed to UKVI.
- Must be signed and ideally notarized.
- Should include the sponsor’s address, ID, employment status, and confirmation of accommodation.
- UK Gov Guide
Schengen States (e.g., Germany, France, Netherlands)
- In Germany: Known as a Verpflichtungserklärung.
- Requires in-person appointment at local immigration office.
- Sponsor’s income and rental agreement are examined.
- In France or Italy, a similar support letter or accommodation certificate may be needed.
- Example: Germany
Australia
- No standardized form, but a detailed Statutory Declaration is acceptable.
- Must include details of the relationship, travel itinerary, and financial support.
- Attach payslips, bank statements, and passport copy.
- Australia Visa Guide
What Should Be Included in an Affidavit of Support?
Whether you’re using an official form or drafting your own letter, these are the essential elements:
Personal Information of the Sponsor
- Full legal name
- Address and contact information
- Immigration status or residency
- Occupation and employer details
Statement of Support
- A clear statement of financial responsibility for the applicant
- Duration and purpose of the support
- Relationship to the applicant
- Assurance that the applicant will not rely on government aid
Financial Details
- Sponsor’s income
- Source of income (employment, business, pension, etc.)
- Declaration of sufficient funds to support the applicant
Signature and Date
- The document should be signed and dated by the sponsor
- In some cases, it should also be notarized or witnessed
Pro Tip: Use a formal, business-letter format and check grammar, dates, and consistency across documents.
Sample Affidavit of Support (Tourist Visa)
Below is a sample affidavit template you can modify. This is particularly useful for tourist or short-term visa applications.
In this situation:
- I am a Filipino citizen based in the Philippines.
- I am sponsoring my cousin who will travel with me to Japan for tourism.
- This document will support their visa application as a Temporary Visitor (Tourist).
PDF File Sample: Affidavit of Support PDF
Additional Notes:
- Notarization is strongly recommended before submission.
- You may also write a simple Letter of Explanation addressed to the Embassy, clarifying that your cousin will accompany you and you will finance the entire trip.
- If possible, provide proof of your kinship (e.g., PSA birth certificates showing common grandparents or family tree).
Supporting Documents Checklist
Most embassies require the affidavit to be accompanied by relevant documentation. These may include:
- Valid government-issued ID or passport
- Proof of legal residency or immigration status
- Employment certificate or contract
- Recent payslips (usually 3 to 6 months)
- Recent bank statements (usually 3 to 6 months)
- Income tax return (latest filing year)
- Property titles or other proof of financial stability (optional)
- Proof of relationship with the applicant
- Utility bills or lease agreement as proof of address
- Notarization or consular authentication (if required)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing an Affidavit of Support seems simple, but many applications are delayed or rejected due to these common mistakes:
Submitting Incomplete Documents
Always double-check requirements. Missing even one document can delay or derail the application.
Not Meeting the Income Threshold
If your income doesn’t meet the minimum requirement, consider adding a joint sponsor.
Using an Outdated Form
For countries like the U.S., make sure to use the current year’s version of Form I-134 or I-864.
Lack of Proof of Relationship
Vague relationships raise red flags. Provide photographs, letters, or other evidence if necessary.
Unclear Financial Statements
Submit organized and recent statements that clearly show your financial capacity.
Forgetting to Notarize (If Required)
Some embassies reject affidavits that are not notarized or properly sworn.
What If the Applicant Doesn’t Have a Sponsor?
If no one is available to sponsor the applicant, here are some ways to strengthen the visa application:
- Submit personal bank statements or investment records
- Provide proof of prepaid travel and accommodation
- Include a letter from your employer verifying return to work
- Show strong ties to your home country (e.g., family, property, business)
- Include a statement of purpose explaining how the trip will be funded
Some embassies allow a joint sponsorship, especially in family-based or immigrant visa categories.
Is the Affidavit of Support Legally Binding?
This depends on the country and the type of visa.
United States
- Form I-864: Legally binding. Sponsors can be sued by the government to recover costs if the immigrant receives public assistance.
- Form I-134: Not legally binding, but taken seriously as part of the application.
Canada, UK, Australia, Schengen
Generally, sponsorship letters and declarations are not legally binding, though false statements can still have legal consequences.
Final Tips for a Successful Affidavit of Support
Here’s how to make sure your Affidavit of Support helps, not hurts:
- Be Honest and Clear – Accuracy is essential.
- Add Evidence – Attach as much proof as possible.
- Match Country Requirements – Use templates that fit your destination’s expectations.
- Notarize When in Doubt – It adds formality and legitimacy.
- Include Proof of Relationship – Photos, messages, and travel history help.
- Use Clear Language – Avoid overly emotional or vague statements.
- Double-Check Everything – Missed signatures and mismatched dates are red flags.
Final Thoughts
An Affidavit of Support is one of the most powerful documents in a visa application. It offers assurance to immigration officers that the applicant has the financial backing needed for a safe and stable stay.
Done properly, it can significantly boost the chances of approval—especially for applicants with limited financial resources or strong ties to their sponsors.
Always remember: honesty, clarity, and complete documentation are key. And if you need help drafting one or understanding specific embassy requirements, don’t hesitate to ask someone knowledgeable.
