Affidavit of Support for a Student Visa — Sample, Format & Template [2026]
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An affidavit of support is a formal document where a sponsor (usually a parent or relative) legally promises to fund a student's tuition, living expenses, and other costs while studying abroad. It is required for student visa applications to the USA (for Form I-20 issuance and F-1 visa interviews), Canada, Australia, and the UK. Custom affidavit letters should be notarized, while the US government's Form I-134 is signed under penalty of perjury and does not require notarization. Both must be submitted with supporting financial evidence such as bank statements and income proof.
If you are applying for a student visa to the USA, Canada, Australia, or the UK, you will almost certainly need an affidavit of support as part of your application. This document proves to visa officers and universities that you have a sponsor who can financially support your education abroad.
This guide explains what an affidavit of support is, when you need one, what it must include, and provides ready-to-use sample templates for the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. You can download and customize these samples for your own visa application.
What is an affidavit of support?
An affidavit of support is a legally binding document where a person (the sponsor) swears under oath to financially support a student during their studies abroad. The word "affidavit" comes from Latin and means "to pledge" — it is a written promise that carries legal weight because it is signed in the presence of a notary public or sworn officer.
The sponsor — also called the "affiant" — declares that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the student's tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, and other costs for the entire duration of the program. This document assures visa officers and universities that the student will not become a financial burden in the host country.
An affidavit of support is also commonly known as:
- Letter of Sponsorship or Sponsorship Affidavit
- Affidavit of Financial Support
- Letter of Financial Guarantee
- Certificate of Financial Responsibility
- Declaration of Financial Support
Regardless of the name used, the purpose is the same — to provide documented proof that someone is willing and able to fund your education.
When is an affidavit of support required?
An affidavit of support is required at two critical stages of the study abroad process: during university admission and during the visa application.
| Country | When Required | Specific Form |
|---|---|---|
| USA (F-1 Visa) | For I-20 issuance + F-1 visa interview | University's own form or I-134 (if US-based sponsor) |
| Canada (Study Permit) | Study permit application | No standard form — custom letter |
| Australia (Student Visa - Subclass 500) | Subclass 500 student visa | Financial Declaration / custom letter |
| UK (Student Route Visa) | CAS & Student Route Visa | Financial undertaking letter / custom letter |
For the USA specifically, most universities require you to submit an affidavit of support (along with bank statements) before they will issue your Form I-20 — the document you need to schedule your F-1 visa interview. Some universities provide their own financial support form (often called AFCOE — Application for Certificate of Eligibility); others accept a general affidavit letter written by the sponsor.
If your sponsor is based in the United States, they may also complete Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support — a USCIS form that formally confirms their ability to support you financially. While Form I-134 is not mandatory for F-1 visa applications, it significantly strengthens your case during the visa interview.
→ F-1 visa interview questions and answersForm I-134 explained: Declaration of Financial Support (USA)
Form I-134 is an official USCIS document where a US-based sponsor declares they have sufficient financial resources to support a foreign national during their temporary stay in the United States. The current version — titled "Declaration of Financial Support" — replaced the older "Affidavit of Support" version of the same form. It is free to file and available for download on the USCIS website.
Who can file Form I-134? The sponsor (called the "supporter" on the form) must be:
- A US citizen (by birth, naturalization, or derivation) or a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
- At least 18 years old
- Able to demonstrate income at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size
- Filing a separate Form I-134 for each person they are sponsoring
What does the form require? Form I-134 is divided into several parts:
- Part 1 — Supporter's information: Full name, address, date of birth, country of birth, citizenship or immigration status, US Social Security Number, and Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
- Part 2 — Beneficiary's information: The student's full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and relationship to the sponsor
- Part 3 — Financial information: The sponsor's employment details, annual income, assets (bank accounts, real estate, stocks), and liabilities
- Part 4 — Declaration and signature: The sponsor signs under penalty of perjury that all information is true and correct
Supporting evidence to attach with I-134:
- Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence
- Recent bank statements showing sufficient deposits and available balance
- Employment verification letter or recent pay stubs
- Most recent US federal tax return
- Proof of any additional assets (property deeds, investment statements)
Important: Form I-134 does not need to be notarized — the sponsor signs it under penalty of perjury, which carries the same legal weight. However, the US consulate can request the sponsor to post a bond guaranteeing the student will comply with visa terms. Also note: Form I-134 is different from Form I-134A, which is specifically for sponsors of Ukrainian, Cuban, Haitian, Venezuelan, or Nicaraguan parolees.
Form I-134 vs Form I-864 — key differences:
| Feature | Form I-134 | Form I-864 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Non-immigrant visas (student, tourist, fiancé K-1) | Immigrant visas (Green Card, family-based immigration) |
| Legal enforceability | Declaration — less binding | Legally enforceable contract |
| Income requirement | No strict threshold — must demonstrate sufficient resources | 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| Duration of obligation | For the temporary stay only | Until beneficiary becomes US citizen or earns 40 work quarters |
| Filing fee | Free | Free (but associated petition has fees) |
| Notarization required? | No — signed under penalty of perjury | No — signed under penalty of perjury |
For Nepali students: If your parents in Nepal are sponsoring you, you do NOT need Form I-134 — a custom notarized affidavit letter (like the USA sample below) with bank statements is sufficient for both I-20 issuance and the F-1 visa interview. Form I-134 is only needed when a US-based sponsor (such as a relative living in America) is providing financial support.
What should an affidavit of support include?
Every affidavit of support — regardless of which country you are applying to — should include the following information:
- Sponsor's full name and address — the person providing financial support
- Student's full name and passport number — the person being sponsored
- Relationship between sponsor and student — parent, sibling, uncle, spouse, or other
- Name of the university and program — where the student has been admitted
- Duration of financial support — covering the full length of the program
- Declaration of financial capacity — stating the sponsor has sufficient funds
- Estimated annual expenses — tuition, accommodation, living costs, insurance
- Source of income — employment, business, property, investments
- Sponsor's signature — signed under oath
- Notarization — required for custom affidavit letters (stamp and seal from a notary public). Not required for USCIS Form I-134, which is signed under penalty of perjury.
Important: The affidavit must always be accompanied by supporting financial documents — bank statements, salary certificates, tax returns, or property valuations. An affidavit without evidence has no credibility with visa officers.
Affidavit of support sample for USA (F-1 student visa)
This sample is designed for Nepali students applying for a US student visa. Customize the highlighted fields with your own details before getting it notarized.
To,
The Consular Officer
Embassy of the United States of America
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
Subject: Declaration of Financial Support for [Student's Full Name]
Respected Sir/Madam,
I, [Sponsor's Full Name], holder of citizenship certificate / passport number [Number], residing at [Full Address], do hereby declare and affirm that I am the [father/mother/uncle/spouse] of [Student's Full Name], holder of passport number [Passport Number], date of birth [DOB].
I am writing this affidavit to confirm that I will be the sole financial sponsor for [Student's Name] during [his/her] entire period of study at [University Name], located in [City, State], United States of America.
[Student's Name] has been admitted to the [Program Name, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Computer Science] program commencing from [Start Date]. The estimated annual cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, accommodation, and living expenses, is approximately USD [Amount].
I hereby declare that I am gainfully employed as [Job Title] at [Company/Organization Name] with an annual income of approximately USD [Annual Income] / NPR [Amount]. I am financially capable of supporting [Student's Name] for the full duration of [his/her] studies without it causing any financial hardship to my family.
I have enclosed the following supporting financial documents:
1. Bank statements for the last 6 months
2. Salary certificate / income certificate
3. Tax clearance certificate
4. Property valuation certificate (if applicable)
5. Business registration certificate (if applicable)
I solemnly affirm that the statements made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
____________________________
[Sponsor's Full Name]
Date: [Date]
____________________________
Notary Public Seal & Stamp
Registration No: [Number]
Affidavit of support sample for Canada (study permit)
Unlike the USA, Canada does not have a single government-issued affidavit of support form. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) accepts custom sponsor affidavit letters, as long as they are notarized and accompanied by financial evidence. However, some Canadian universities — particularly those near the US border that accept cross-border students — provide their own financial support forms (similar to the UMPI Affidavit of Support for Canadian students).
Canada's 2026 proof of funds requirements: As of September 2025, IRCC increased financial thresholds by approximately 10–11%. Study permit applicants outside Quebec must now show:
| Applicant Type | Living Expenses Required (CAD) | Plus Tuition & Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Single student | CAD $22,895 / year | First year's tuition + return travel costs |
| Student + spouse | CAD $22,895 + additional for spouse | First year's tuition + return travel costs |
| Student + spouse + child | Increases per additional family member | First year's tuition + return travel costs |
| Quebec students (2026) | Significantly higher (near triple for under-18) | First year's tuition + return travel costs |
GIC for faster processing: Students applying under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) can purchase a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD $22,583 from a participating Canadian bank. The GIC funds are released to you monthly after arrival — it serves as both proof of funds and a living expense account. SDS applications typically process faster.
What IRCC accepts as proof of financial support:
- Bank statements — last 4 to 6 months showing consistent balances (not a recent lump sum)
- GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) — highly recommended for SDS applicants
- Education loan approval letter — from a recognized financial institution
- Scholarship or bursary confirmation — must state monthly/annual amounts
- Sponsor affidavit — notarized letter from parent/relative with their financial documents
- Pay slips and employment letter — showing sponsor's current income
- Fixed deposits or investment certificates — showing liquid or near-liquid assets
Below is a sample affidavit letter for Nepali students applying for a Canadian study permit:
To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Canadian High Commission, New Delhi, India
AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Respected Sir/Madam,
We, Mr. [Father's Full Name] and Mrs. [Mother's Full Name], citizens of Nepal, residing at [Full Address], hereby declare under oath that we are the parents and sole financial sponsors of [Student's Full Name], holder of passport number [Number], date of birth [DOB].
We confirm that we will be fully responsible for all expenses incurred by [Student's Name] during [his/her] study period in Canada, including tuition fees, accommodation, boarding, transportation, health insurance, and other living costs.
[Student's Name] has been admitted to [Program Name] at [University/College Name — must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)], commencing from [Start Date] to [End Date].
The estimated annual expense is approximately CAD [Amount], which includes:
— Tuition and fees: CAD [Amount]
— Accommodation and living expenses: CAD [Amount]
— Books, travel, and personal expenses: CAD [Amount]
— Health insurance: CAD [Amount]
We are gainfully employed / operate a business as follows:
Mr. [Father's Name] — [Occupation/Business], annual income: NPR [Amount] (approx. CAD [Amount])
Mrs. [Mother's Name] — [Occupation/Business], annual income: NPR [Amount] (approx. CAD [Amount])
We hereby assure you that we are financially sound and capable of supporting [Student's Name] for the full duration of [his/her] studies without any financial hardship. We have enclosed the following supporting documents:
1. Bank statements for the last 6 months
2. Salary certificate / income tax returns
3. Business registration certificate (if applicable)
4. Property valuation documents (if applicable)
5. Relationship proof (birth certificate / family records)
We solemnly affirm that the above statements are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
____________________________
[Father's Full Name]
Date: [Date]
____________________________
[Mother's Full Name]
Date: [Date]
(Notary Public Seal & Stamp — Registration No: [Number])
Critical for Canada: IRCC officers look for consistency and stability in financial documents. A sudden large deposit shortly before applying is a major red flag. Funds should show a consistent balance maintained over 4–6 months. If using a sponsor, clearly explain the relationship and include the sponsor's own income proof and bank statements alongside the affidavit.
Our advisors help Nepali students prepare affidavits of support, financial documents, and complete visa applications with a 96% acceptance rate.
Book a free consultationAffidavit of support sample for Australia (Subclass 500)
For Australian student visa applications, a financial declaration or affidavit of support is submitted to demonstrate that the student can cover tuition and living costs (currently AU $29,710 per year for living expenses alone, plus tuition). Some universities may also require a separate financial declaration form.
To,
The Visa Officer
Australian High Commission
New Delhi, India
AFFIDAVIT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
I, [Sponsor's Full Name], residing at [Full Address], do solemnly declare that I am the [relationship] of [Student's Full Name], holder of passport number [Number].
I hereby affirm that I will fully sponsor [Student's Name] for [his/her] studies at [University Name] in [City, State], Australia. The program — [Program Name] — is scheduled from [Start Date] to [End Date].
The estimated annual cost of education and living expenses is approximately AUD [Amount]. I confirm that I have the financial capacity to cover these costs for the full duration of [his/her] studies.
My current annual income is approximately AUD [Amount] / NPR [Amount], sourced from [employment/business/investments]. I have enclosed bank statements, income certificates, and other relevant financial documents to substantiate this declaration.
I declare that the above information is true and correct, and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true.
____________________________
[Sponsor's Full Name]
Date: [Date]
____________________________
Notary Public / Justice of the Peace
Supporting documents you need with the affidavit
An affidavit of support without financial evidence is essentially meaningless to a visa officer. You must attach documents that prove the sponsor actually has the funds they claim. The specific requirements vary by country, but the following documents are commonly accepted:
- Bank statements — last 3 to 6 months from all accounts held by the sponsor. Balances should show funds have been maintained consistently, not deposited recently as a lump sum.
- Income certificate or salary slips — from the sponsor's employer, showing monthly or annual income
- Tax returns or tax clearance certificate — proof that income is legitimate and declared
- Business registration documents — if the sponsor is self-employed or owns a business
- Property valuation documents — land ownership certificates, rental income proof
- Fixed deposit or investment certificates — showing liquid or near-liquid assets
- Sponsor's passport or citizenship certificate — proof of identity
Pro tip: If you have multiple sponsors (for example, father covering tuition and uncle covering living expenses), each sponsor needs a separate affidavit with their own supporting documents. The combined total must exceed the estimated cost of attendance stated on your I-20 or admission letter.
Common mistakes to avoid in your affidavit of support
- Not getting it notarized. An unsigned or un-notarized affidavit has no legal standing. Always have it stamped and sealed by a registered notary public.
- Mismatched names. The sponsor's name on the affidavit must exactly match the name on bank statements and income documents. Even small discrepancies (initials vs. full name) can cause delays.
- Insufficient funds shown. The bank balance must cover at least the first year's total cost of attendance — tuition plus living expenses — as stated in your I-20 or admission offer. Partial coverage raises red flags.
- Recent large deposits. Visa officers look for consistent balances over 3–6 months. A sudden large deposit right before the application suggests the money was borrowed temporarily and raises suspicion.
- Vague or generic language. Avoid writing "I will support the student" without specifying the university, program, amount, and duration. Be specific and detailed.
- Using the wrong form. For US-based sponsors, use Form I-134. For overseas sponsors (parents in Nepal, for example), a custom affidavit letter is typically sufficient. Do not confuse I-134 with I-864 (which is for Green Card applications).
- Missing relationship proof. If the sponsor is not a parent, include documentation proving the relationship (birth certificates, family records) and a clear explanation of why they are sponsoring.
How Edwise Foundation helps with your visa documentation
Preparing financial documents for a student visa is one of the most detail-sensitive parts of the application process. As Nepal's first AIRC-certified education consultancy, Edwise Foundation has assisted over 7,000 students carefully compile their visa-ready documentation since 2005.
Our advisors review your affidavit of support, check financial documents for consistency, ensure amounts meet university requirements, and guide you through the I-20 and visa interview process. With a 96% acceptance rate across 150+ partner universities, we understand what makes a strong visa application.
→ How to write a statement of purpose (SOP)Book a free consultation to review your financial documents and affidavit of support before submission.
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