How can I get an affidavit of support and guarantee for traveling to Canada as a tourist?

An affidavit of support and guarantee is a legal document that a person residing in Canada signs to take financial responsibility for a tourist visiting from another country, such as the Philippines. This affidavit is crucial for tourists who may not have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Canada. Here’s how you can obtain one:

Step 1: Find a Sponsor in Canada

To obtain an affidavit of support and guarantee, you need to have a sponsor in Canada. This could be a relative, friend, or any person who is willing to take financial responsibility for your stay. The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents

The sponsor will need to gather several documents to support the affidavit of support and guarantee. These typically include:

Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (such as a passport or PR card).
Recent financial statements or proof of income to show the ability to support the visitor financially.
A copy of the visitor’s passport and travel itinerary.

Step 3: Drafting the Affidavit

The affidavit of support and guarantee should be drafted, including the following information:

Full name, address, and contact details of the sponsor.
Full name, address, and contact details of the visitor.
A declaration of the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor.
A detailed statement confirming the sponsor’s financial responsibility for the visitor’s expenses, including accommodation, food, medical expenses, and any other costs incurred during the stay.
Dates covering the visitor's stay in Canada.

Step 4: Notarization of the Affidavit

Once the affidavit is drafted, it needs to be notarized. The sponsor should sign the document in the presence of a notary public in Canada. The notary will then officially stamp and sign the affidavit, making it a legally binding document.

Step 5: Submission to the Visitor

After notarization, the sponsor should send the original affidavit of support and guarantee along with the supporting documents to the visitor in the Philippines. The visitor will need these documents when applying for a Canadian tourist visa.

Step 6: Applying for a Canadian Tourist Visa

With the affidavit of support and guarantee and other required documents, the visitor can proceed to apply for a Canadian tourist visa at the nearest Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC) or online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The following documents are typically required for the visa application:

A valid passport.
Completed visa application forms.
Photographs that meet the visa specifications.
The affidavit of support and guarantee.
Proof of relationship with the sponsor.
Proof of the sponsor’s financial capability.
Travel itinerary and return tickets.
Any other documents as specified by the IRCC.

Tips for a Successful Application

Ensure that all documents are complete and accurately filled out.
Provide clear evidence of your intention to return to the Philippines after your visit.
Demonstrate sufficient ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property.

Obtaining an affidavit of support and guarantee can significantly strengthen a Canadian tourist visa application by providing assurance to the Canadian authorities that the visitor will be financially supported during their stay.