Affidavit Of Support Letter For A Friend Template for New Zealand

An Affidavit of Support Letter for a Friend is a formal legal document that plays a vital role in New Zealand's immigration system. When you sign this affidavit, you're making a sworn declaration to provide specific types of assistance to your friend who is applying for a visa or immigration status in New Zealand. This document carries significant legal weight and demonstrates to Immigration New Zealand that your friend will have adequate support during their stay.

When do you need this document?

You'll need to prepare an Affidavit of Support Letter when your friend is applying for various types of New Zealand visas and requires evidence of local support. This is particularly common for visitor visa applications where your friend needs to show they have accommodation and financial backing during their stay. Student visa applicants often require this document when they need additional support beyond their own financial resources. The document is also essential for temporary visa applications where Immigration New Zealand requires assurance that the applicant won't become a burden on public resources. Additionally, some work visa categories may require this affidavit when the applicant lacks sufficient independent financial means.

Key legal considerations

The affidavit creates legally binding obligations that you must be prepared to fulfill throughout your friend's stay in New Zealand. You're essentially guaranteeing that you will provide the specific support outlined in the document, whether that's accommodation, financial assistance, or both. Under the Crimes Act 1961, making false statements in this affidavit constitutes a serious offense with potential criminal penalties. You must honestly assess your financial capacity and living situation before making commitments, as Immigration New Zealand may verify your ability to provide the promised support. The document must include accurate personal information about both you and your friend, detailed relationship history, and specific descriptions of the support you're offering. Remember that your obligations continue for the duration specified in the affidavit, and failure to provide promised support could have serious consequences for both you and your friend's immigration status.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under the Immigration Act 2009, affidavits of support must meet specific formatting and content requirements to be accepted by Immigration New Zealand. The document must be properly sworn or declared before an authorized person such as a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or notary public, in accordance with the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. You must provide comprehensive personal details including your full legal name, address, occupation, and contact information, along with similar details for your friend. The affidavit must include your friend's passport number, visa application details, and the specific nature of your relationship with supporting evidence. Immigration advisers involved in the process must comply with the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The Privacy Act 2020 governs how personal information in the affidavit is collected, used, and disclosed. Immigration New Zealand may request additional supporting documents such as bank statements, employment records, or property ownership evidence to verify your capacity to provide the promised support.