Affidavit Of Financial Support For International Students Template for the United States

An Affidavit of Financial Support for International Students is a sworn legal document that demonstrates your ability to financially support an international student during their studies in the United States. This document is mandatory for F-1 and J-1 visa applications and serves as a guarantee that you will provide adequate funding for tuition, living expenses, and other educational costs.

When do you need this document?

You need this affidavit when sponsoring an international student who is applying for a student visa to study in the United States. The document is required during the I-20 or DS-2019 application process, before visa interviews at U.S. consulates, and when students transfer between institutions. Universities typically request this affidavit along with bank statements and other financial documentation to verify that students have sufficient funds for their entire program duration. The affidavit becomes particularly crucial when the student cannot demonstrate personal financial resources and relies on family members, employers, or other sponsors for support.

Key legal considerations

This affidavit creates a legally binding commitment to provide financial support as specified in the document. You must accurately state your income, assets, and ability to maintain financial support throughout the student's program. False statements can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges for immigration fraud. The affidavit must include specific dollar amounts, duration of support, and clear identification of both the sponsor and student. You should only sign this document if you genuinely have the financial capacity to fulfill your commitment, as the student's ability to remain in the United States may depend on your continued support. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about your obligations or the document's terms.

Legal requirements in United States

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act and Department of Homeland Security regulations, the affidavit must meet specific federal standards for student visa applications. The document must be notarized by a licensed notary public and include comprehensive financial information demonstrating your ability to provide support. You must provide evidence of income that exceeds the student's estimated educational costs, typically including recent tax returns, bank statements, and employment verification. The Code of Federal Regulations requires that financial support documentation be current, typically within six months of submission. Additionally, the affidavit must specify whether you are providing partial or complete financial support and clearly state the relationship between you and the student. Some states may have additional notarization requirements, and educational institutions often have their own documentation standards beyond federal minimums.