An affidavit of support is a legal document that is often needed when someone wants to move to the United States, especially if they are coming to live with family or to work. It is a signed statement from a sponsor, who is usually a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, saying that they are ready to pay for an immigrant’s living expenses.
An affidavit of support is used to make sure that the sponsored foreigner won’t become a burden on the government and that they have enough money to support themselves. By signing this document, the sponsor offers to help the immigrant financially if they can’t take care of themselves. This keeps the immigrant from having to use public assistance programs.
Most of the time, the statement of support is sent in as part of a visa application or an adjustment of status. It asks the supporter to give information about their income, assets, and number of people living in their home to show that they have enough money to support the immigrant. The government poverty guidelines are used to figure out the sponsor’s income, and they must meet the minimum income requirements to be a sponsor.
When a sponsor signs an affidavit of support, they are making a formal agreement with the U.S. government. If the sponsored immigrant does get certain public benefits based on their income, the government can ask the backer to pay back the money.
It’s important to remember that signing an affidavit of support is a big deal, and sponsors should think carefully about their ability to help the person who wants to come to the U.S. before signing the document.
