Affidavit Of Support Template for Canada

When sponsoring someone for Canadian immigration, you'll need to demonstrate your financial commitment through a legally binding document. An Affidavit of Support serves as your sworn statement to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you can and will provide financial support for your sponsored person, ensuring they won't require government assistance.

When do you need this document?

You must prepare an Affidavit of Support when sponsoring spouse, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, or other eligible relatives under Canada's Family Class immigration programs. The document is also required for certain economic immigration streams where sponsorship applies. IRCC uses this affidavit to assess whether you meet the minimum necessary income requirements and can fulfill your sponsorship obligations. Your affidavit becomes part of your sponsorship application package and demonstrates your serious commitment to supporting the sponsored person's integration into Canadian society.

Key legal considerations

Your Affidavit of Support creates a legally enforceable undertaking under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This means you're legally obligated to provide financial support for the duration specified in your sponsorship agreement—typically 3 years for spouses and 10-20 years for parents and grandparents. If your sponsored person receives social assistance during this period, the government can recover those costs from you. You must include accurate financial information, including income statements, employment details, and assets. False declarations can result in sponsorship refusal, criminal charges for misrepresentation, and bars from future sponsorship applications. The affidavit must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public to be legally valid.

Legal requirements in Canada

Under Canadian federal law, your Affidavit of Support must comply with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which specify minimum income thresholds based on family size and location. You must demonstrate income at or above the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for the required period, typically through tax returns, employment letters, and bank statements. The Canada Evidence Act governs proper execution of the affidavit, requiring personal appearance before an authorized official. Provincial Notaries Acts may apply depending on where you execute the document. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) governs how personal information in your affidavit is collected and used by immigration authorities. Your affidavit must include specific declarations about your relationship to the sponsored person, financial capacity, and understanding of your legal obligations under the sponsorship agreement.