Affidavit Letter Of Support Template for the United States

An Affidavit Letter of Support is a sworn legal document that creates a binding financial obligation between you as a sponsor and the United States government when helping a foreign national immigrate. This document serves as your formal promise to provide financial support and prevent the beneficiary from becoming a public charge during their stay in the United States.

When do you need this document?

You need an Affidavit Letter of Support when sponsoring family members or other qualifying individuals for various immigration benefits, including family-based green cards, fiancé visas, or certain employment-based visas. The document is mandatory for most family-sponsored immigration cases and some employment-based petitions where the immigrant requires financial sponsorship. Immigration officials use this affidavit to evaluate whether you can financially support the beneficiary and ensure they won't rely on government assistance programs. The requirement applies whether you're sponsoring a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other eligible relative seeking permanent residency or temporary immigration status.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit creates a legally enforceable contract that remains in effect for up to 10 years or until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen, whichever comes first. You must demonstrate income at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, and this obligation continues even if your relationship with the beneficiary changes through divorce or estrangement. The government can pursue you for reimbursement of any means-tested public benefits the beneficiary receives during the sponsorship period. Your financial responsibility extends beyond basic living expenses to include healthcare costs and other essential needs. Joint sponsors may be required if your income doesn't meet the minimum threshold, and they share equal responsibility for the beneficiary's support.

Legal requirements in United States

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 213A and federal regulations 8 CFR § 213a, your affidavit must include specific information about your income, assets, employment status, and household composition. You must provide tax returns, employment verification, and bank statements to prove your financial capacity. The document requires notarization under state-specific notary laws, and you must sign under penalty of perjury per 18 U.S.C. § 1621. USCIS Form I-864 serves as the official affidavit format for most cases, though some situations may require alternative forms. The affidavit must be current, typically filed within six months of the immigration petition or interview. You must also demonstrate U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status and maintain domicile in the United States throughout the sponsorship period.