Affidavit of Support Definition

A Affidavit is an official document, where the Affiant (person signing the Affidavit) states facts and swears them to be true and accurate. It is a written sworn statement of fact voluntarily made, signed under oath and witnessed by an official, such as a notary public.

The word Affidavit derives from Medieval Latin and means for he/she has declared upon oath.

Affidavits may be written in the first or third person, depending on who has written the document.

What is an Affidavit of Support?

An Affidavit of Support, Form I-864 is filed on behalf of people who want to immigrate to the United States. Anyone applying to be a permanent resident through sponsorship of a family member, Family-Based Green Card, Form I-130, must have a financial sponsor. A sponsor is also required for a family member coming to work for a relative, or for a company in which a relative owns at least 5 percent. When filing a petition for a relative, applicants must also submit an affidavit of support. Not filing an Affidavit of Support will render the application incomplete, and the family member being sponsored will not be given permission to immigrate based on that petition.

A Affidavit of Support, Form I-134, is used to sponsor a U.S. Visa Applicant Online. It is commonly used in connection with visitor visas, fiancé(e) visas, diversity visas, and students. While it is not absolutely mandatory, it is highly recommended.

Because Affidavits of Support requiere that the petitioner, provide detailed information, as well as swear its accuracy under oath and witnessed by an official, it is extremely important to follow instructions on how to correctly complete and submit an Affidavit of Support.