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.
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Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full name]
(Video) How to draft an Affidavit of Support in Favour of a Student for abroad study | Support Affidavit
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.
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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? ›
Any person who has sufficient resources to support the costs of healthcare, stay, studies and repatriation of a student, during an academic year or for the entire duration of the planned studies, can submit an affidavit of financial support to cover the costs.
How do I write a support letter for a student visa? ›I am writing this letter to confirm my sponsorship for _____________ [Applicant's Name] for _______ [give the reason behind the sponsorship like study, visiting a family, etc. He/she will be visiting ______ [country name] for ________ [duration of stay] from _____ to ______ [mention the date].
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 is affidavit of support for student visa Australia? ›Affidavit of Sponsorship is a document stating that the student has certain amount of money in the bank and is willing to use that money for the study purpose. It is one of the important document and must clearly mention the date as well. The relationship certificate is issued and verified by the notary.
How much money is needed for affidavit of support? ›The total value of assets must equal at least five times the difference between the sponsor's income and the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines. If, for instance, that shortfall is $5,000, you must include at least $25,000 in assets on your Affidavit of Support.
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)
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.
What is financial affidavit of support for international students? ›An Affidavit of Support is a contract signed and declared by an individual to guarantee the minimum amount of financial support needed by a student to pay for his / her living expenses, tuition fees, books and supplies for the length of studies.
Who can sponsor an international student? ›Financial Sponsor - The individual, government, company or agency who is willing and able to financially support the international student. Financial support includes tuition, books, supplies, fees and living expenses for the duration of studies at the institution. More than one (1) sponsor per student is allowed.
Who is eligible for affidavit of support? ›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.
Who is exempted for the affidavit of support? ›
Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may, regardless of the duration of their marriage, self-petition for or continue with their application for U.S. residence, so long as they do so within the two years of the U.S. citizen's death and do not remarry. They will not need to submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support.
Who can sponsor me for UK Student Visa? ›- Your country's government or the UK government.
- British Council.
- Any international organisation.
- Any international company.
- Any university.
| August 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visa Program | Visa Category | In Australia |
| Permanent | Skilled (Permanent) Partner (First Stage) | 5 Months 9 Months |
| Temporary | Skilled (Temporary) Student Visitor Working Holiday Maker | 3 Months 5 Months 4 Months 45 Days |
If someone else sponsors the person's visa or green card application, a friend may act as their financial sponsor. To become a financial sponsor, you must file an I-864, or an Affidavit of Support. In this affidavit, you promise to support the non-citizen once the non-citizen enters the U.S.
How do I prove sufficient funds for Australian student visa? ›You can provide evidence your parents or your partner had a personal annual income of at least AUD62,222 in the 12 months immediately before you apply. If you bring family members, you must demonstrate your parents' or partner's income is at least AUD72,592.
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 Affidavit of support take to process? ›The processing time for Form I-864 currently is 11-20 months, but will vary depending on your situation. Note that Form I-864 is submitted as part of a family-based green card application, so the processing time is how long it takes for your green card application to be approved.
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.
What are the risks of an Affidavit of support? ›Risks of sponsoring an immigrant after signing an affidavit of support appear from the contractual relationship between the sponsor and the government. This contract will be enforceable in the court of law and the government may sue the sponsor for failing to provide support to the immigrant.
How long does Affidavit of support last? ›An Affidavit of Support is legally enforceable. The sponsor's financial responsibility usually lasts until the applicant either becomes a U.S. citizen, or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work (usually 10 years) under the Social Security Act.
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 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 much does it cost to sponsor an international student? ›...
How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Visa?
Income Requirement to Become a Sponsor
You must meet certain income requirements to become a sponsor. The most common minimum financial requirement is an annual income of $22,000. This figure is calculated to be at least 125% above the Federal poverty level based on the ASPE.
Ans. Unlike a work visa, an F-1 visa does not necessarily require a sponsorship.
How much bank balance is required for US student visa? ›While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.
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.
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.
How do I avoid Affidavit of support? ›- They are children of the Petitioning sponsor.
- The Petitioning sponsor is a U.S. Citizen.
- They are 17 years or younger when they seek admission in the United States with the temporary Green Card stamp in their passport.
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.
Can a friend sponsor my UK student visa? ›
If you want to sponsor your visitors' visit to the UK, you should produce an invitation letter and supporting documents. An applicant is the person who will apply for a visitor visa i.e. your friends/family members. A sponsor is the person inviting the applicant to visit the UK i.e. you the student.
Can a friend sponsor my study in UK? ›Family friends can sponsor applicants. Ideally we like to see proof of relationship and if you are not related an explanation as to why that person has decided to sponsor your studies in the UK.
Is Australia giving student visa now 2022? ›New Student Visa Conditions in 2022
The new visa conditions, 8204A and 8204B, have been added to student visa holders studying a higher education course or postgraduate research course and intend to change their course of study, thesis or research topic.
Australia Student visa: Compared to other countries, it is easier to get a student visa for Australia. Students wanting to study in Australia must meet certain requirements to qualify for a visa. Once you are enrolled in a full-time study course you can apply for a visa under Subclass 500.
How much bank balance is required for Australia student visa? ›Minimum Bank Balance for Australia Student Visa
As per above calculation the minimum bank balance required for Australian student visa application for single applicant will be; A$59,000 for a university course; and A$40,000 for vocational course.
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 U.S. citizen sponsor an international student? ›If you have an immediate family member who is a US citizen, they can sponsor you for green card status. To sponsor you, your family member must be a spouse, child over 21, parent, or sibling.
Can a friend sponsor my visa? ›A friend who lives abroad can send you an invitation or even sponsor you. This has a positive impact on the process.
Why is Australian student visa rejected? ›FAILURE TO MEET ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION. Now this requirement is to be expected. To qualify for a student visa, you're going to have to qualify as a student. This translates to: you'll need to have successfully completed the required academic level to study further.
Does Australian embassy check bank statements? ›The Australian and Canadian Embassies require only the bank statement. The Chinese, Korean, and most Schengen embassies ask for BOTH certificate AND statement.
Who can sponsor me for Australian student visa? ›
- the student's education provider in Australia.
- the Australian Commonwealth Government.
- the government of a State or Territory in Australia.
- the national government of a foreign country.
You must present proof that you're a resident in UAE. The documents that provide proof of residency status include your passport, birth certificate, and Emirates ID. You must also give a copy of the certificate of employment issued to you by your employer and proof of income for the previous months.
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.
How much does an affidavit Cost Canada? ›| In-Person | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit of Execution | $19.95 per document | NA |
| Will or POA / Divorce or Separation Agreement 2nd and up each additional document | $29.95 | NA |
| Certified Copy of Passport (including every page) A standard Canadian passport or the equivalent (includes sealing through every page) | $99.00 | NA |
If someone else sponsors the person's visa or green card application, a friend may act as their financial sponsor. To become a financial sponsor, you must file an I-864, or an Affidavit of Support. In this affidavit, you promise to support the non-citizen once the non-citizen enters the U.S.
Who is exempted for the Affidavit of support? ›Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may, regardless of the duration of their marriage, self-petition for or continue with their application for U.S. residence, so long as they do so within the two years of the U.S. citizen's death and do not remarry. They will not need to submit an I-864 Affidavit of Support.
How long does it take after Affidavit of support? ›The processing time for Form I-864 currently is 11-20 months, but will vary depending on your situation. Note that Form I-864 is submitted as part of a family-based green card application, so the processing time is how long it takes for your green card application to be approved.
Can I sponsor myself for Affidavit of support? ›For a family-based immigrant visa, you cannot sponsor yourself. The petitioner must file Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, on your behalf. In certain situations you may be able to include your income and/or assets with the petitioner's household income/assets.
Can I file Affidavit of support online? ›We are only accepting online filing of Form I-134 by individuals agreeing to financially support: Ukrainians and their immediate family members as part of Uniting for Ukraine; or. Venezuelans and their immediate family members as part of the process for Venezuelans.
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.
What are the chances of Canada student visa rejection? ›
Canada Student Visa Rejection Rate 2022
According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), around 30% of all student visa applications for Canada are refused each year.
...
Sponsoring an eligible relative
- Canadian citizen or.
- person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act or.
- permanent resident of Canada.
For all applicants (in or outside of Canada), affidavits must not be done by the applicants themselves, nor by members of the applicant's family. Any member of the applicant's family who may be a lawyer, notary or authorized translator is also not permitted to prepare affidavits.