Who Can Help International Students With Affidavit Forms?

International students are often required to submit an affidavit of support as part of their application package to prove they have the financial means to support themselves during their studies. This document is signed by the applicant's financial sponsor, who accepts financial responsibility for the student and is usually a parent, spouse, or family member. The sponsor must meet a minimum income level and provide evidence of their finances, such as a certified copy of their bank account or a letter from their employer. In the case of a retiree acting as a sponsor, they would need to meet the same requirements and provide the necessary financial documentation to ensure the student has adequate funding for their expenses.

Can a retiree fill out an affidavit for international students?

What is an affidavit of support?

An affidavit of support is a legally enforceable contract that outlines a sponsor's financial responsibility for an applicant. The sponsor agrees to use their financial resources to support the applicant, who is coming to live or study in the United States. The sponsor's responsibility usually lasts until the applicant becomes a U.S. citizen or is credited with 40 quarters of work (typically 10 years).

The affidavit of support is required for individuals applying for immigrant visas or adjustments of status, including international students. The specific form and requirements may vary depending on the applicant's situation and the institution's guidelines. For example, Form I-864 is commonly used for family-based immigrants, while Form I-134 is used for international student applicants.

The sponsor must provide evidence of their finances and supporting documents. This includes tax returns, income statements, employment information, and assets. The sponsor must also meet the minimum income requirements, which can be determined using a poverty guidelines calculator. The sponsor's financial information is subject to verification by the U.S. government.

In the context of international students, the affidavit of support ensures that the student has sufficient financial support during their studies. The sponsor is typically a parent, spouse, or family member who provides proof of their relationship with the student. The sponsor must demonstrate that they meet the minimum financial requirements for the student's expenses, including tuition and living costs.

Who can be a sponsor?

The person who signs the Affidavit of Support is also known as the "sponsor". This is usually the petitioner who filed an immigrant petition on behalf of the intending immigrant. The sponsor must be a US citizen or a permanent resident of the US, with ties to the country, such as a US bank account and the filing of tax returns. They must also meet a minimum income level, called the Federal Poverty Guidelines, to financially sponsor a visa applicant. The minimum income requirement will depend on the number of family members in the sponsor's household.

If the petitioner's income is insufficient, they may find a "joint sponsor" who will also financially support the visa applicant. This can be a non-family member. The joint sponsor must also submit an Affidavit of Support, proof of their income, and proof of their legal status in the US.

In the case of a student visa, the sponsor can be the parents, relatives, or any family member supporting the student's education financially.

What are the income requirements?

The financial sponsor must meet a minimum income level, known as the Federal Poverty Guidelines, to financially sponsor a visa applicant. The Affidavit of Support, or Form I-864, is a legally enforceable document that outlines the financial responsibility of the sponsor. The sponsor's financial responsibility typically lasts until the applicant becomes a US citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work, which is usually 10 years.

The minimum income requirement is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and this increases with the number of people in the household. The sponsor must complete Form I-864P to determine the minimum income requirement for Form I-864.

If the sponsor's income is insufficient, they can either find a joint sponsor or use the income of a household member to meet the Poverty Guidelines. A joint sponsor will also need to complete Form I-864 and provide proof of their income and legal status in the US. The sponsor can also use assets to meet the income requirements, including cash, stocks, bonds, and property.

The sponsor must provide their US federal income tax return for the most recent tax year, as well as proof of current employment. If the sponsor was not required to file a tax return, they must provide an explanation. Failure to provide this information will result in a delay or denial of the visa application.

It is important to note that the sponsor's obligation to provide financial support ends if either the sponsor or the individual sponsored dies, or if the individual sponsored ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and leaves the United States.

What documents are needed?

The Affidavit of Support is a signed document that accepts financial responsibility for an individual who is coming to live in the United States. This document is typically required for family-based green card applications and is also necessary for international students seeking to study in the US.

The specific documents needed for the Affidavit of Support will vary depending on the country and the type of visa or application being processed. However, some common documents that may be required include:

• A completed Affidavit of Support form (Form I-864 for US immigration)
• Evidence of finances and other supporting documents, such as bank statements or tax returns
• Proof of income, such as pay stubs or employment letters
• Proof of relationship to the applicant, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate
• A passport or other identification document
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

It is important to carefully review the requirements for the specific country and type of visa being applied for, as there may be additional or alternative documents required. Incomplete or missing information can delay the processing of the application.

For US immigration, the sponsor must complete Form I-864. However, if the sponsor's income is insufficient, a joint sponsor may also be required to complete this form. The sponsor must demonstrate that their income is at least 125% above the Federal Poverty Guidelines and provide detailed personal and financial information. This includes income details, assets, liabilities, employment information, and the number of dependents in the household.

For international students, the specific documentation required will vary depending on the country and the educational institution. In some cases, a sponsor's bank statements or tax returns may be requested to ensure the student has adequate financial support. The sponsor may also need to provide proof of their relationship to the student, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

When to submit the affidavit?

The timing of submitting an affidavit depends on the country and the specific requirements of the university. Here is a general overview of when to submit the affidavit for international students:

In the United States, the affidavit of support is typically submitted as part of the student's application package. This is done after the student has received acceptance from the university and is in the process of completing the necessary paperwork for admission. The affidavit of support helps the school issue the I-20 form to the student. The student visa application may also request an affidavit of support to ensure the student has financial support during their program.

For countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, and Spain, proof of financial support or evidence of financial capacity may be required instead of a formal affidavit of support. This can include letters from sponsors or financial institutions.

It is important to note that the affidavit of support should be submitted before the visa application process. The International Programs Officer at the university can assist students in submitting the affidavit of support to the university. After the affidavit is processed by the university, the student can then proceed with the visa application.

To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to review the specific requirements and guidelines of the country and university the student intends to apply to. Each country and educational institution may have its own unique procedures and requirements for submitting the affidavit of support.

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