Understanding the Affidavit of Support in Marriage Cases
An affidavit of support is a legally binding document where a sponsor promises to financially support an immigrant seeking a green card through marriage. This document is crucial for ensuring that the immigrant will not become a public charge, relying on government assistance for survival. It demonstrates the sponsor’s ability and willingness to provide for their spouse. The US government takes this commitment very seriously and it’s an integral part of the immigration process.
Key Elements and Requirements for a Strong Affidavit
A successful affidavit must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It should clearly state the sponsor’s relationship to the applicant, their income, assets, and employment status. Providing supporting documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements is essential. The affidavit must also express a genuine commitment to supporting the applicant. In addition, ensure the affidavit is properly notarized to give it legal validity. Any inconsistencies or omissions can raise red flags and delay or even deny the application.
Helpful Tips for Writing Your Affidavit
When writing your affidavit, be clear and concise. Avoid using legal jargon that may be confusing. Focus on highlighting your financial stability and your commitment to supporting your spouse. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested by immigration officials. Consider seeking legal advice from an immigration attorney to ensure your affidavit meets all the requirements and is as strong as possible. Remember, honesty and transparency are paramount throughout the process.
Affidavit of Support Marriage Sample Letters
Here are 14 sample letters of support for marriage. These examples demonstrate different scenarios and how to address key points in your affidavit. Remember to tailor these samples to your own specific circumstances and seek legal advice if needed.
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Sample 1: Standard Affidavit
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 2: Affidavit with Assets
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. I also have assets valued at $[Value of Assets], including [Description of Assets – e.g., savings account, stocks].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 3: Affidavit with Joint Sponsor
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. However, because my income alone may not meet the minimum requirement, I have enlisted the help of a joint sponsor, [Joint Sponsor’s Full Name].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], in conjunction with [Joint Sponsor’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 4: Affidavit With Explanation of Income Fluctuations
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. While my annual income this past year was $[Sponsor’s Annual Income], in previous years it was [Previous Year Income] due to [brief explanation, e.g., career change, temporary unemployment]. I am now stably employed and expect my income to remain consistent going forward.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 5: Affidavit with Family Members in Household
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. My household includes [Number] individuals, including myself, my spouse [Applicant’s Full Name], and [List other dependents, e.g., our children].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 6: Affidavit Using Assets to Meet Requirements
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. While this is below the required minimum, I possess significant assets totaling $[Value of Assets], including [Describe Assets: e.g., a home valued at $X, a savings account with $Y]. These assets are readily convertible to cash and more than adequately compensate for the income shortfall.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 7: Affidavit for Self-Employed Sponsor
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am self-employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] operating under the business name of [Business Name]. My net annual income, as reported on my most recent tax return, is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. I have attached copies of my business license and tax returns to further substantiate my income.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 8: Affidavit Explaining Previous Support Obligations
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. I understand that I have existing support obligations related to [Explain previous support obligation: e.g., a previous divorce agreement requiring alimony payments]. I confirm that these obligations do not prevent me from adequately supporting [Applicant’s Full Name].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 9: Affidavit with Letter of Employment
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. A letter from my employer confirming my employment and salary is attached.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 10: Affidavit with an Explanation for Unemployment
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am currently unemployed. I was last employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My last annual income was $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. I am actively seeking employment and have been applying for [Number] jobs per week. I am also supported by [Explain source of support, e.g., savings, family support].
4. While currently unemployed, I possess sufficient assets and expect to secure employment soon, making me financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 11: Affidavit Supporting Multiple Applicants
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth]. I am also sponsoring [Other Applicant’s Names], born on [Other Applicant’s Dates of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income].
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and [Other Applicant’s Names] and ensure that none of them become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 12: Affidavit With Detailed Explanation of Living Expenses
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. My monthly living expenses are as follows: Rent/Mortgage: $[Amount], Utilities: $[Amount], Food: $[Amount], Transportation: $[Amount], Other: $[Amount]. This leaves sufficient funds to support my spouse.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 13: Affidavit Demonstrating Strong Ties to the Community
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am the spouse of [Applicant’s Full Name], born on [Applicant’s Date of Birth] in [Applicant’s Country of Birth].
3. I am employed as a [Sponsor’s Occupation] at [Sponsor’s Employer]. My annual income is $[Sponsor’s Annual Income]. I am actively involved in my community as a [Volunteer role] with [Organization Name]. I am committed to providing a stable and supportive environment for my spouse.
4. I am financially capable and willing to support my spouse, [Applicant’s Full Name], and ensure that he/she does not become a public charge.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
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Sample 14: Simple and direct affidavit
I, [Sponsor’s Full Name], residing at [Sponsor’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen of the United States.
2. I am married to [Applicant’s Full Name].
3. I am employed and have a stable income to support my wife/husband.
4. I promise to fully support [Applicant’s Full Name] after [he/she] immigrates to United States.
Further affiant sayeth naught.
[Sponsor’s Signature]
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
Conclusion
The affidavit of support is a critical component of the marriage-based green card application. By understanding the requirements, providing accurate information, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to supporting your spouse, you can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome. Always consult with an immigration attorney for personalized advice tailored to your unique situation.
