Affidavit Of Support Guarantee And Consent Template for Canada

When sponsoring someone to immigrate to Canada, you need to provide legal assurance that you can financially support them. An Affidavit of Support Guarantee and Consent is a sworn document that formalizes your commitment to financially support a foreign national throughout their immigration process and beyond. This legally binding affidavit serves as your promise to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that your sponsored person will not become a burden on Canada's social assistance programs.

When do you need this document?

You'll need this affidavit when applying for family class sponsorship, including sponsoring your spouse, children, parents, or grandparents. It's also required for certain economic immigration programs where financial guarantees are necessary, and when providing support guarantees for international students or temporary residents. The document becomes essential whenever IRCC requires proof of your financial commitment and ability to support someone throughout their stay in Canada. Additionally, you may need this affidavit when co-sponsors are involved in the sponsorship process, as each sponsor must provide separate sworn commitments.

Key legal considerations

Your signature on this affidavit creates legally enforceable obligations under Canadian law. You're committing to provide financial support for a specified period, typically ranging from three to twenty years depending on the relationship and type of sponsorship. The document must include accurate financial information, including your income, assets, and existing obligations, as providing false information constitutes fraud under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. You're also acknowledging that you understand the consequences of default, which can include being barred from sponsoring others in the future, being required to repay any social assistance received by your sponsored person, and potential legal action for breach of undertaking. The affidavit must be properly witnessed and sworn before an authorized official to be legally valid.

Legal requirements in Canada

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its regulations, your affidavit must meet specific federal requirements for sponsorship applications. The document must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, notary public, or other authorized official as required by your provincial legislation. You must demonstrate that your income meets or exceeds the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) thresholds established by Statistics Canada, and provide supporting financial documentation. Provincial laws governing affidavits and sworn documents also apply, meaning the document must comply with your province's Commissioner for Taking Affidavits Act or equivalent legislation. The affidavit becomes part of your official immigration file and creates binding obligations that IRCC can enforce through various legal mechanisms, including debt collection and future sponsorship restrictions.