Affidavit Of Invitation And Support Template for the United States

When sponsoring a foreign visitor to the United States, you may need to provide an Affidavit of Invitation and Support to satisfy immigration requirements. This legal document demonstrates your commitment to financially support your visitor and helps immigration officials determine whether the visitor is likely to become a public charge during their stay.

When do you need this document?

You'll need this affidavit when a foreign national applies for a temporary visitor visa (B-1/B-2) and requires proof of financial support. Immigration officers often request this document when the visitor's personal financial resources appear insufficient for their intended stay. The affidavit is particularly important for visitors from countries with higher visa denial rates or when the visitor lacks substantial ties to their home country. You may also need this document for family reunification visits, business trips where the visitor's employer isn't covering expenses, or medical visits where treatment costs require guaranteed payment sources.

Key legal considerations

The affidavit creates legally binding financial obligations under federal immigration law. As the sponsor, you're declaring your willingness and ability to support the visitor financially, which may include housing, food, medical expenses, and transportation costs. Your income must meet or exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, including the visitor. The document requires comprehensive financial disclosure, including tax returns, employment verification, and asset statements. False statements in the affidavit can result in perjury charges, and you may be held financially responsible for any public benefits the visitor receives. The affidavit doesn't guarantee visa approval but demonstrates good faith support commitments to immigration authorities.

Legal requirements in United States

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act and USCIS regulations, the affidavit must include specific sponsor information such as citizenship status, complete contact details, and relationship to the visitor. You must provide detailed visitor information including passport details, intended length of stay, and purpose of visit. Federal requirements mandate financial documentation proving your ability to support the visitor at 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. The document must be notarized according to your state's notary laws, with proper identification verification and notary seal. USCIS Form I-134 may be required alongside or instead of a general affidavit, depending on the specific immigration process. State-specific notarization requirements vary, but all require the sponsor's physical presence before a licensed notary public and proper acknowledgment procedures.