If you have a student in the family going overseas to study, you may need to submit an affidavit of support alongside their application.
What is an affidavit of support and what does it entail? This guide has you covered for answers, and samples of how to write the letter. Read on to learn more about affidavits of support.
📝 What is an affidavit of support for a student visa?
Immigration authorities overseas want to see that students who are going to study in their country have the financial means to support themselves during their stay. Since often these students haven’t entered the workforce or have their own means of income, parents and family members support them financially.
The parents, spouse or family relation that is supporting the student is typically called a sponsor.
So a student visa application may request an affidavit of support in order to see that the student has financial support from their family during the program they are applying for. The affidavit of support is either written on letterhead or submitted through a form that is provided by the institution.
Alongside the affidavit of support, parents or family members will also typically have to provide proof of relation to the applicant. An example of this can be in the form of a birth certificate, or in the case of a spouse, a marriage certificate, amongst other qualifying documents.
The sponsor typically has to be one individual from the family, and is not a collection of family members. You can nominate one person from the family to act as the sponsor for the student applicant, or have it as 2 people such as both income earning parents. But do read the fine print carefully on student applications, because some immigration authorities may require the sponsor to be a parent or spouse, and an aunt or uncle do not qualify.
With the proof of relationship and the affidavit, a sponsor will also need to show that they have the minimum financial requirement for the student to receive a visa. Each country has their own minimum requirements for Indian students, and specific documentation to show evidence of meeting it. Many countries like to see a sponsor’s bank statements or even an ITR-V to ensure the student has adequate means to live in the country.
Is an affidavit of support required for an F1 visa interview?
Yes, an affidavit of support is required as part of the student’s application package if the student requires a sponsor to meet the financial requirements. Meeting the financial requirement sufficiently is required also in order for the Form I-20 to be issued to the student and educational institution.
An F1 visa is an international student visa issued for a college, university, high school or vocational school in the United States. ¹
F1 visa applicants will be called for an interview to verify information, assess genuine interest in studying the US and to return home to India. But most importantly, they will want to gauge the feasibility of financial support during the student’s stay in the US.
In the interview, the student will be asked about how they will fund their tuition and living expenses in the US. The student should have full knowledge and be well versed in the information in the affidavit of support letter and the origin of the finances.
If you are based in the US and are a sponsor for an international student applicant, you will need to complete the Form I-134.
What is the income requirement for an affidavit of support?
The income requirement for an affidavit of support depends on the country the student is applying to. Each country has their own requirements and it can also be dependent on the amount of time the student is required to stay. It can also differ between rural and urban campuses within a country.
Here are a few sample income requirements for countries in Europe for full time students for a 1 year program:
| Minimum Financial Requirement Annually | Amount in INR | |
|---|---|---|
| UK (London) | £12,006 | ₹12,36,618 |
| Germany | €10,332 | ₹9,15,067 |
| France | €6,150 | ₹5,44,682 |
| Italy | €5,978 | ₹5,29,449 |
INR price shown is converted at the mid-market exchange rate of €1 = ₹88.57 and £1 =₹ 103 as of June 25, 2021
✏️ How do I write an affidavit of support letter?
If you are not provided a form to complete for an affidavit of support, you will have to write your own. This is ideally done as a formal letter, typed and on personal letterhead.
The intention of an affidavit of support is to capture the following:
- Who you are
- Your relation to the student applicant
- That you intend to support the student applicant financially
- How long you intend to support the student
- That you can meet the financial requirements
- Your source of earnings
- Outline the documents included as evidence of meeting the requirements
- Signature
Here are some samples of what an affidavit of support can look like. Remember that the affidavit of support should be written by the sponsor, and not the student.
While these are a guide, it is best to write your own original letter to show genuine support for the student.
Affidavit of support of student visa: Sample 1
[Your Full Name]
[Address]
(Video) How to make Affidavit of Support for Canada Visa Application. Affidavit of Support points.[Contact information]
[Date]
The relevant embassy or consulate
Address
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [enter your name]. This letter is to confirm financial support for the student visa application for [enter student's full name] [passport number or application number]. The student has been accepted to [name of institution] as a full time student. As the student’s [enter familial relationship], I will be supporting their studying and living expenses while they are in the country. I have included a copy of the birth certificate/marriage certificate/other familial ties document to verify our relationship.
I intend to provide fully for all the expenses the student incurs during the length of the entire program in [applying country]. The expenses include: tuition, accommodation, meals, living expenses, study expenses and any other miscellaneous expenses during his/her stay.
Included with this letter are the bank statements [and additional documents if necessary] to show evidence of meeting the financial requirements for a student visa. I can guarantee that the student applicant will have full access to this account for the entire term he/she is a full time student overseas. I have also attached a copy of my government-issued ID to verify my details.
See AlsoCops can't break these rules if you're pulled over | finder.comReporting dangerous driving | startrescue.co.ukNYS Notary Public Association Licensing Classes : ContactHow To Become A Special Education Teacher | Degrees And CareersPlease feel free to contact me with any questions or for further information.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full name]
(Video) HOW TO MAKE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: Proof of funds in Canada study permit
Affidavit of support of student visa: Sample 2
[Your Full Name]
[Address]
[Contact information]
[Date]
The relevant embassy or consulate
[Address]
Subject: [Enter student’s name} - [Passport or application number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
This letter is to confirm that I will be bearing all expenses for the student applicant, [Enter student’s full name and passport/application number] for the length of their program at [enter educational institution name and location].
I confirm I am the [enter familial relationship] of the student applicant and I have enclosed the [birth certificate/marriage certificate/family relation document] with this letter for verification.
I have also attached my bank statements and income tax returns as evidence of meeting the financial requirements laid out for full time students. The student will have access to this bank account and the said funds to pay for any expenses incurred during his/her stay, including:
- Tuition
- Travel
- Food
- Medical expenses
- Accommodation
- Books and supplies
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Any unforeseen expenses
This is in addition to round trip flight tickets back home here in India. I am gainfully employed with a salary of X,XX,XXX which is able to support the student overseas. I have attached my employment contract to this letter as well.
See AlsoWhat Happens When a Truck Driver Has a Fatal Car Accident?FreightWaves Classics/ Infrastructure: Signs on the National Old Trails RoadResearch Overview - EMDR Institute - EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING THERAPYAn Educator’s Guide to Teaching Styles & Learning Styles(Video) All Documents For Canada Study Visa || What is Affidavit of Support || Must Watch || 2021Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full name printed]
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Sources:
- US F1 visa
- Germany Financial requirements
- UK Financial Requirements
- France Financial requirements
- Italy Financial requirements
All sources checked as of 25 June, 2021
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
FAQs
What is affidavit of support for Canada student visa? ›
An Affidavit of Support is a contract signed and declared by an individual to guarantee the minimum amount of financial support required by a student to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, books and supplies for the length of their studies.
Do we need affidavit of support for UK student visa? ›Yes, if the student needs a sponsor to achieve the financial requirements, an affidavit of support for student visa is required as part of the application package. In order for the student and educational institution to receive the Form I-20, they must also meet the financial requirements.
What are the documents required for student visa? ›Documents required for a US student visa
Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20. Application fee payment for the SEVIS. Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page. Your photograph in the requested format, and number.
For students willing to study in the US, parents and relatives can very well be accommodated as sponsors. Applicants can also look for education loans to sponsor their study in the US. In some cases employers can also sponsor F-1 visa provided they are ready to employ applicants post their study abroad.
How much money is needed for affidavit of support? ›If, for instance, that shortfall is $5,000, you must include at least $25,000 in assets on your Affidavit of Support. If the sponsor is a U.S. citizen, then any assets that are equal to three times the difference between the sponsor's income and applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines is typically enough.
Who pays for Affidavit of support fee? ›Who has to pay the AOS fee? The following categories of immigrants are required to pay the AOS fee: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, unmarried children under age 21, and parents of U.S. citizens age 21 and older)
Why does UK student visa get rejected? ›Reasons for visa refusal
Missing documents. Unsuccessful credibility interview. Failure to meet the strict Student visa rules, such as not maintaining the required funds in your account for 28 consecutive days. Not attaching an ATAS clearance certificate (if your course is subject to ATAS)
A financial sponsor, including a petitioner, must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The sponsor must also have a domicile (residence) in the United States.
How do I get affidavit of support for student visa? ›The affidavit of support is submitted by a form given by the institution that is in a prescribed format. It can also be sent on a letterhead provided by the institution. For substantiating the relationship between a sponsor and the student, there must be some proof.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa? ›The I-20 is the form you will use to apply for a U.S. student visa. Most students need to show from $30,417** to $34,417** in available funding depending on scholarship amount.
Which country gives student visa easily? ›
A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
How long does it take for a student visa to be approved? ›Application processing time could vary between 3 day to a few weeks depending on volume. If the embassy finds issues with your application, the processing time may stretch up to a few months.
Can a US citizen sponsor a friend for student visa? ›Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.
Can a friend sponsor me to study in USA? ›Introduction. While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
Can I sponsor a friend for a student visa? ›Unfortunately, the only way that you can sponsor a person's visa or green card application is if you are the non-citizen's employer, relative, or fiancé(e). The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend.
Can I use my savings for Affidavit of support? ›What can be used as assets? Financial sponsors can only include assets that are convertible into cash within one year and without considerable hardship or financial loss to the sponsor and his/her family. Examples of assets easily convertible to cash are savings, stocks, bonds and property.
How long does it take after Affidavit of support? ›After you submit your Form I-864, it takes about one-two months of processing time before you are scheduled for an interview.
What documents do I need for Affidavit of support? ›A copy of your individual federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of every Form 1099, schedule, and any other evidence of reported income.
How much is the Affidavit fee? ›Affidavit of Support Fee
The AOS fee has to be covered by the petitioner unless the petitioner asks the visa beneficiary to cover the cost. The Affidavit of Support fee is $120.
All applications for the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) will undergo a pre-screening before being granted an appointment starting December 1, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai announced.
How can I avoid UK visa refusal? ›
A fresh application can be filed as soon as the first visa application was rejected, or on completion of the appeal process. When re-applying for a UK visa, care should be taken to ensure the form is filled in correctly and all relevant information has been provided, to avoid the visa application being rejected again.
What is the success rate of UK student visa 2022? ›UK sponsored study visa grant rate is overall 98% for all nationals applied from outside the UK for entry clearance in 2022 – top countries that were granted most visas for UK.
How much money should I show for UK student visa? ›How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. You'll need either: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London. £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London.
What's next after Affidavit of support? ›Once the NVC receives your correct and complete affidavit of support form(s), they will be sent to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate, along with the immigrant visa petition.
Can I submit Affidavit of support online? ›Attorneys and accredited representatives cannot file Form I-134 online at this time. Use this form to agree to provide financial support to a beneficiary of certain immigration benefits for the duration of their temporary stay in the United States. You must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary.
How do I submit my Affidavit of support? ›To submit documents, log into CEAC and go to the “Start Now” buttons located under Affidavit of Support Documents and Civil Documents. When you have uploaded all the required documents for each section, press “Submit Documents”.
Can I sponsor myself for student visa? ›No sponsor is required for an F1 visa. The intending student must simply have - and must prove - enough money to pay his/her own way: tuition, fees, room and board, and incidental expenses.
What is Affidavit of support for international students? ›The Affidavit of Financial Support and supporting financial documents are required for F-1 or J-1 visa documents to be issued to enter the United States. Documents may be submitted in one of the following ways: upload financial affidavit to the MSW online application, Additional Information page OR.
Does embassy check bank statement? ›Ans. Yes, the US Embassy very well checks the proposed F-1 visa bank statement requirement.
Is bank statement required for student visa? ›Along with the Transcripts, offer letter, passport etc, students must carry the following documents to prove their financial stability to study in the United States: I-20 (mandatory) ITR Statement. Recent Bank Statement (mandatory)
How do I prove sufficient funds for visa? ›
The only recognized way to prove your financial sufficiency are recent bank account statements during the last three months. Attention, bank statements must show the name and address of the owner. The embassies cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
Which country rejects most visa? ›Which Countries Have The Highest Rejection Rates? According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark.
Which is the hardest student visa to get? ›Saudi Arabia is considered the most difficult student visa to get but there has been arguments about that this toughness is only for Non-Muslims and that Muslim countries like Pakistan easily get Saudi student visa but that is still a matter not approved of by Saudis.
Which country is toughest to get visa? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
If you are a prospective student, the interviewing officer may ask about your specific plans or promise of future employment, family or other relationships, educational objectives, grades, long-range plans and career prospects in your home country.
Why do student visas take so long? ›Delays are usually caused by additional security and background clearances due to your citizenship, ties to specific countries, or field of study. These additional clearance checks may take several weeks to several months to process. There is no way to circumvent or expedite this process.
How do I know if my visa is approved? ›At the end of your immigrant visa interview, the consular officer will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a consular officer.
How much does it cost to sponsor an international student? ›...
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Visa?
| Visa/Form | Cost |
|---|---|
| American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 charges | $750 to $1,500 |
Many students wish to invite friends and family for a short visit to the United States. The B-2 visitor visa is a good choice for visits of 6 months or fewer in duration or for family members who do not qualify for an F-2 or J-2 dependent visa (such as parents, siblings, cousins, etc.).
Does having a US sponsor reduce your chances for an F-1 visa? ›It's one of the most common misconceptions about visa application: Having a sponsor guarantees approval. In reality, in most cases, the opposite is true. Having a sponsor can actually lessen your chances at being granted a visa. Of course, it's still on a case-by-case basis.
How much bank balance is required for US visa? ›
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
Does US student visa get rejected? ›Student visas are only granted in the United States if applicants provide sufficient proof of their intention to return to their home country after completion of the course. If the Consulate officers doubt the intent to return home upon completing the education, the visa application is straightaway rejected.
Where can I find sponsors for international students? ›Sponsorship for International Students from Private Organizations. Another option for finding a sponsorship for international students come from private organizations. Many companies may seek out international students for key job positions. They may also offer scholarships for them.
Who can sponsor me for USA student visa? ›For students willing to study in the US, parents and relatives can very well be accommodated as sponsors. Applicants can also look for education loans to sponsor their study in the US. In some cases employers can also sponsor F-1 visa provided they are ready to employ applicants post their study abroad.
Can I sponsor my sister for student visa? ›Different family members, different categories of immigration. Yes, they can sponsor. Form I-134 needs to be filled and notarized.
Can I sponsor my nephew for a student visa? ›U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents cannot sponsor their nephews or nieces to get a Green Card.
› studying-abroad › how... ›How to Get a US Student Visa
Apply for US Student Visa- F-1, J Exchange, M | IDP India
Student Visa - Study & Exchange
- Philippine Consulate Toronto.
- Philippine Consulate Vancouver.
- Philippine Consulate Alberta.
- DFA-Ottawa.
- JCA Law can help you prepare the Affidavit of Support and Consent. ...
- If the matter is urgent, call 855-522-5290 during office hours.
A financial sponsor, including a petitioner, must be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (LPR). The sponsor must also have a domicile (residence) in the United States.
How do I qualify for affidavit of support? ›Be U.S. citizen or national or a permanent resident. Be at least 18 years of age. Be domiciled (live) in the United States. Meet all of the financial requirements of a sponsor pursuant to INA 213A.
Can a friend provide affidavit of support? ›
Introduction. While you can't petition for a friend's immigrant visa or Green Card (only family members can do that), you can financially sponsor a friend's immigration petition with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
How do I get Affidavit of support for student visa? ›The affidavit of support is submitted by a form given by the institution that is in a prescribed format. It can also be sent on a letterhead provided by the institution. For substantiating the relationship between a sponsor and the student, there must be some proof.
Does Canadian Embassy accept Affidavit? ›An affidavit must be signed and sealed by a Canadian notary. Attestation by Canadian notary public provided they speak both languages. If that is the case, ensure that the notary public adds to their declaration the following statement: They attest to speaking both languages.
Is Affidavit of support free? ›If you file outside the United States: There is no fee if you file with USCIS or the Department of State. If you file within the United States: You must file with the Department of State; however, they charge a fee. For more information, please visit their website.
How long does it take to get Affidavit of support? ›It usually takes about two to three weeks. For some applicants, evaluation will require a longer period of time.
How long does Affidavit of support last? ›Support under the Form I-864 lasts until one of the five Terminating Events defined by federal statutes and regulations. Until one of these five events happens, the Form I-864 sponsor is bound by the contract and required to provide support when needed.
What's next after Affidavit of support? ›Once the NVC receives your correct and complete affidavit of support form(s), they will be sent to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate, along with the immigrant visa petition.
Can I submit Affidavit of support online? ›Attorneys and accredited representatives cannot file Form I-134 online at this time. Use this form to agree to provide financial support to a beneficiary of certain immigration benefits for the duration of their temporary stay in the United States. You must file a separate Form I-134 for each beneficiary.
Do I need appointment for Affidavit of support? ›All applications for the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) will undergo a pre-screening before being granted an appointment starting December 1, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai announced.
Does Affidavit of support need to be notarized? ›The letter does not need to be notarized, but it is important to include a sworn statement that states, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.” The petitioner should understand that an affidavit is only supporting evidence.
Can a friend sponsor f1 visa? ›
Unfortunately, the only way that you can sponsor a person's visa or green card application is if you are the non-citizen's employer, relative, or fiancé(e). The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend.
Does Affidavit of support need to be original? ›Submitting Evidence
The principal immigrant must submit one original Form I-864 for his or her file along with supporting financial evidence of the sponsor's income. A Form I-864 is considered original if it is signed in black ink.
Affidavit of Support Format
An Affidavit of Support must contain the following: The person providing the Affidavit of Support's full name, address, date, and place of birth. They should explain what their relationship with you and your spouse is (for example, friend or pastor) They must explain how they came to know ...