Canada has become a beautiful place to travel to. However, to achieve this there are requirements that must be met. One of these requirements is the affidavit of support for a student visa.
Affidavit of support is among the needed requirements in applying for a student visa in the USA or Canada is the Affidavit of Support.
This affidavit is of support a kind of promise from a sponsor to back the student up financially during their academic expedition in Canada.
This Affidavit of Support is a vital document for student Visa applicants, it however goes to explain the student’s financial capacity and backup during their academic studies in Canada and the USA.
This article will go on to highlight what an affidavit of support is and stands for.
Table of Contents
- What is an Affidavit of Support
- Prerequisite for Submitting an Affidavit of Support
- 1. Up-to-date Financial qualifications from the sponsor
- 2. Documents required from the sponsor
- 3. Details needed for the Affidavit of Support
- 4. Backup letter
- 5. Deadline for Submission
- Writing an Affidavit of Support Letter
- 1. Garner all necessary information
- 2. Write the letter
- 3. Identify yourself
- 4. Declare financial ability
- 5. Letter of support and intent
- 6. Make available Notarization and Certification
- Conclusion
What is an Affidavit of Support
Knowing the place of the affidavit of support in the visa application is very important in the visa application.
The knowledge of this is very important for students applying for a student visa in Canada or USA.
Affidavit of Support simply put is a legal document that proves the financial support of the visa applicant by a sponsor or a family member residing in a particular destination in any country in the world.
However, it is the sponsor who supplies the proof of sponsorship for the visa applicant, proving that they have sufficient funds or source of funds to support the applicant while he or she is in the United States or Canada.
Different universities have their way of referring to an Affidavit of Support.
Below are a few terms for an affidavit of support:
- Statement of Undergraduate Sponsorship Form I-134
- Affidavit of Financial Support
- Financial Resources Statement or Letter of Financial Support
- Financial Declaration and Certification
- Form I-864 for immigrant visas
This affidavit simply displays the money the sponsor (parents or guardians) has.
However, just the mere display will not suffice. Confirmation must be obtained from a credible source, such as a bank, proving that the money is indeed present.
Applicants’ final admission confirmation will not be finalized until the Affidavit of Support is submitted.
Prerequisite for Submitting an Affidavit of Support
Before one can submit an affidavit of support, there are prerequisites that are expected that an applicant must attain.
These requirements will ensure that the sponsor is financially capable and qualified to support the student during their stay.
Below are the requirements for submitting an Affidavit of Support for a USA & Canada Student Visa:
1. Up-to-date Financial qualifications from the sponsor
The sponsor must prove he/she is financially capable of sponsoring the applicant and must demonstrate the ability to support the student for their studies financially.
This includes providing evidence of income, assets, and savings that meet the required income or exceed the minimum income requirement set by the government.
2. Documents required from the sponsor
The sponsor is required to present various financial papers, such as tax returns, bank statements, and employment letters, to back up their claim of financial ability.
3. Details needed for the Affidavit of Support
The Affidavit of Support papers must be completed with true details and information about the sponsor; this includes their full name, contact information, and relationship to the student being sponsored.
4. Backup letter
In this case, the affidavit must express one’s support for the student’s application and one’s intent to provide financial support for their education.
However, this letter must explain one relationship with the student and any other relevant information that supports one’s ability and willingness to give financial support.
5. Deadline for Submission
Lastly, it is important to know that the Affidavit of Support should be submitted within the specified time by the government or the educational institution.
It is important to check and know the given deadline and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted on time.
Making available all these requirements is of great importance because it goes a long way in telling the success of the student visa application process.
Failure to attain all these necessary financial support documents can result in the rejection of the visa application. Hence, it is essential for sponsors to meticulously review the requirements and provide all necessary information and needed documentation.
Writing an Affidavit of Support Letter
Writing an Affidavit of Support Letter can sometimes be tedious and overwhelming. However, with proper order.
Below are the necessary guidelines for writing an Affidavit of Support Letter:
1. Garner all necessary information
The first thing to do is to garner all the necessary information needed to write an Affidavit of Support.
These information includes; the bio-data of the sponsor and the student, financial information, and the reason for the support.
2. Write the letter
Begin by addressing the letter to the right authority, such as the embassy or consulate, and be sure the date and subject of the letter is included.
3. Identify yourself
Start with the introduction of yourself as the sponsor and include your complete name, address, and relationship to the student.
4. Declare financial ability
Declare your financial strength to support the prospective student throughout their academic studies.
However, as backup you will need to provide details of your current employment, salary, and other income sources.
5. Letter of support and intent
Draft a letter stating your commitment, making sure you will give all the financial support to the student.
Again, this indicates that you are in tune with the financial responsibilities that come with sponsoring a student.
6. Make available Notarization and Certification
Provide the Affidavit of Support notarized and certified backup by a legal authority to make it a legally binding document.
Conclusion
Affidavit of Support is highly essential in the USA & Canada student visa application process.
It serves as proof of financial responsibility for the applicant’s expenses while studying abroad.
In the absence of this document, a student’s visa application may be turned down, consequently resulting in missed opportunities and dreams.
Applying for a student visa to study in the USA and Canada can be very tasking and tedious but the reward that comes with a breakthrough can erode the memory of all the tough times you endured.
In a nutshell, it is highly essential to understand the requirements and procedure for submitting an Affidavit of Support, all the necessary information that should be included in the letter, and how to write an effective letter that is attached to it.
However, a sponsor should take time and carefully and accurately prepare this document.
This document can make all the difference in ensuring the student’s smooth and successful visa application process.
