Affidavit Of Sponsorship For Visa Template for the United States

An Affidavit of Sponsorship for Visa is a critical legal document you must complete when sponsoring a foreign national for entry into the United States. This sworn statement serves as your formal commitment to provide financial support for the visa applicant and ensures they will not become a public charge. The affidavit creates a legally enforceable obligation between you as the sponsor and the U.S. government.

When do you need this document?

You need to prepare this affidavit when sponsoring family members for immigrant visas, supporting fiancé(e)s applying for K-1 visas, or assisting friends and relatives seeking temporary visitor status. The document is mandatory for most family-based immigration petitions and many employment-based cases where additional financial assurance is required. USCIS requires this sponsorship commitment before approving visa applications to ensure applicants have adequate support upon arrival in the United States.

Key legal considerations

Your affidavit creates a binding legal obligation that extends beyond the visa approval process. You must demonstrate income at least 125% above the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size, including the beneficiary. This financial responsibility continues until the beneficiary becomes a U.S. citizen, works for 40 qualifying quarters, or permanently leaves the United States. If the beneficiary receives certain public benefits, the government can seek reimbursement from you for those costs. You should carefully review your long-term financial capacity before signing, as this commitment can last up to 10 years or more.

Legal requirements in United States

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 213A and 8 CFR 213a regulations, your affidavit must include comprehensive financial documentation proving your ability to support the beneficiary. You must provide tax returns, employment letters, bank statements, and asset documentation to establish qualifying income. The document requires notarization according to your state's notarization laws, and you must use the appropriate USCIS form - typically Form I-864 for immigrant visas or Form I-864EZ for certain family members. If your income falls below requirements, you may need a joint sponsor who also meets the financial criteria. USCIS evaluates your sponsor eligibility based on current Federal Poverty Guidelines published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.