Disclaimer: The following article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on particular cases, individuals are encouraged to consult a qualified attorney or contact the relevant government agencies (e.g., the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or the Department of Foreign Affairs).

Affidavit of Support Preparation for Immigration and Visa Requirements (Philippine Context)

1. Introduction

An Affidavit of Support (AOS) is a legal document in which a person (the “sponsor”) promises to provide financial support for another individual (the “beneficiary”) who is traveling or immigrating. In the Philippine context, an Affidavit of Support often arises in two major scenarios:

When a Filipino travels abroad and the destination country or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) requires proof that the traveler has sufficient financial backing.
When a foreign national visits or immigrates to the Philippines and the Philippine government (or a Philippine Consulate abroad) requires a local sponsor’s guarantee of financial support.

This article will focus primarily on the Philippine legal and procedural requirements surrounding Affidavits of Support, especially for Filipinos traveling abroad. It will also touch on how Affidavits of Support can be used in foreign visa applications and Philippine visa/immigration procedures.

2. What Is an Affidavit of Support?

An Affidavit of Support is a sworn statement executed under oath, usually before a notary public or consular officer, whereby a sponsor commits to financially support and provide for the needs (food, accommodation, transportation, etc.) of the traveler or immigrant. In essence:

Sponsor: The person making the affidavit, typically a relative or close friend who is financially capable.
Beneficiary: The person traveling or immigrating who needs financial backing or proof of sufficient support.

Key elements of an Affidavit of Support include:

The identity of both the sponsor and the beneficiary.
Proof of the sponsor’s capacity to support the beneficiary (e.g., bank statements, pay slips, proof of income).
A statement declaring the sponsor’s willingness and legal obligation to support the beneficiary.

3. Philippine Immigration Requirements for Traveling Abroad

While immigration requirements can vary depending on the traveler’s specific situation and destination, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has guidelines to prevent illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and ensure travelers have the means to support themselves.

Under Philippine Immigration departure regulations, especially for certain categories (e.g., first-time overseas travelers, minors, or those traveling as a fiancé(e) or spouse to a foreign national), the BI may request:

Proof of Relationship between sponsor and beneficiary (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
Proof of Sufficient Funds or Affidavit of Support from a sponsor if the traveler’s personal finances appear insufficient.
Notarized Affidavit of Support and Guarantee if specifically required under the BI’s guidelines (often accompanied by supporting financial documents).

Failure to present an Affidavit of Support or other proof of financial capacity when required can lead to offloading—the Philippine immigration authority preventing the traveler from boarding the flight.

4. When Is an Affidavit of Support Required?

The requirement for an Affidavit of Support may arise in the following situations:

Tourist Visa Applications to Other Countries
- Many embassies or consulates require proof of financial stability. If the applicant cannot show sufficient resources, a sponsor (usually a family member abroad) may execute an affidavit or letter of guarantee.
- Some countries, such as the United States, may require a specific form (e.g., Form I-134) instead of a generic affidavit, but the concept remains the same—a formal assurance of support.
Visits for Family or Friends
- If you are visiting a relative or a close friend abroad, some embassies may require a formal invitation letter plus an Affidavit of Support. The sponsor assures the local immigration authority that the traveler will not become a public charge.
Philippine Immigration’s Requirement for Departing Filipinos
- The Philippine Bureau of Immigration can require an Affidavit of Support from a local or overseas sponsor, especially if the traveler appears unable to support themselves financially.
- Often labeled as “Affidavit of Support and Guarantee,” this document may be demanded for certain categories of travelers (e.g., minors traveling without parents, unemployed individuals, or first-time travelers).
Foreign Nationals Coming to the Philippines
- In some cases, a foreign national applying for a Philippine visa (e.g., 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa) might need a Filipino sponsor to execute an Affidavit of Support, guaranteeing the foreigner’s upkeep in the Philippines.

5. Steps to Prepare an Affidavit of Support

While the exact process can vary depending on the specific embassy, consulate, or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s instructions, the general procedure for preparing an Affidavit of Support is as follows:

Step 1: Determine the Need and Requirements

Identify whether the destination country’s embassy or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration specifically requires an AOS.
Check any official guidelines (e.g., the BI website, the destination country’s embassy website) to confirm required documentation and format.

Step 2: Gather Sponsor’s Supporting Documents

To prove financial capacity, the sponsor should prepare:

Proof of Income
- Recent payslips, employment certificate, or business permits if self-employed.
Bank Statements
- Showing sufficient funds, typically covering the latest 3–6 months.
Proof of Identity and Status
- Valid government-issued ID (e.g., Philippine passport, driver’s license, or for a sponsor abroad, a resident ID or immigration status documents).
Proof of Relationship (if applicable)
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other documents establishing familial links.

Step 3: Draft the Affidavit of Support

Although some embassies and consulates provide specific templates or forms, a general AOS should include:

Title and Heading: “Affidavit of Support” or “Affidavit of Support and Guarantee.”
Sponsor’s Information: Full legal name, address, contact details, proof of citizenship or residency.
Beneficiary’s Information: Full legal name, address, relationship to sponsor, purpose of travel, duration of stay (if traveling abroad).
Statement of Support: A clear declaration that the sponsor will assume financial responsibility for the beneficiary’s expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other incidentals.
Date and Place of Execution.
Oath or Jurat Clause: A statement confirming that the contents are true and correct, signed under oath.

Step 4: Notarization and/or Consular Authentication

Notarization
- In the Philippines, have the AOS notarized by a notary public.
- If the sponsor is abroad, the Affidavit of Support must typically be notarized or sworn before a Philippine Consul at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in that country.
Apostille or Legalization
- Depending on the country where the affidavit will be used, you may need to have it apostilled or legalized for international acceptance.
- The Philippines is a signatory to the Apostille Convention, so documents going to or coming from other signatory countries often require an apostille instead of traditional “red ribbon” consular authentication.

Step 5: Submission to the Appropriate Agency

For Philippine Immigration: Present the original notarized AOS, along with supporting documents, at the departure immigration counter if requested, or to BI officials processing your exit.
For Foreign Visa Applications: Include the Affidavit of Support in your visa application package, as directed by the embassy/consulate guidelines.
For a Foreign National’s Philippine Visa: The sponsor submits the affidavit and supporting documents to the Philippine Consulate or Embassy abroad as part of the visa application.

6. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Insufficient Financial Documentation:
- Always ensure that bank statements or payslips reflect the sponsor’s ability to cover the beneficiary’s expenses for the entire duration of travel or stay.
Incorrect or Incomplete Information:
- Double-check all names, passport numbers, and dates. Any discrepancy can cause delays or denial.
Lack of Authentication/Apostille:
- Check if the receiving authority requires a notarial seal only, or further certification by the Philippine Embassy or Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Submitting an AOS When Not Required:
- Some destinations do not need an affidavit of support if the traveler can sufficiently prove their own financial capacity. Unnecessary documents can sometimes cause confusion.
Falsified Documents or Misrepresentation:
- Presenting fake bank statements or making misleading statements in an affidavit is a serious offense that can lead to visa denial, blacklisting, or legal consequences.

7. Effects of Non-Compliance or Misrepresentation

Offloading / Denial of Exit: If the Philippine Immigration officer finds that the traveler cannot prove legitimate purpose or financial capacity, the traveler can be offloaded—even with a suspect or dubious AOS.
Visa Denial (Embassy): Foreign consulates and embassies can deny a visa if they suspect the sponsor cannot actually support the beneficiary or if documents appear fraudulent.
Legal Consequences: Filing a false affidavit constitutes perjury under Philippine law, potentially leading to criminal charges and penalties against the sponsor (and possibly the beneficiary).

8. Tips and Best Practices

Maintain Transparency: Ensure all information provided is truthful and verifiable.
Consult Official Sources: For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, refer to the official websites of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and the consulate/embassy of the destination country.
Seek Professional Advice: If unsure about the drafting or notarization process, consult an attorney or accredited travel/immigration consultant.
Prepare Early: Collate all financial documents and get your affidavit notarized or apostilled (if needed) well in advance of your travel or application schedule.
Keep Extra Copies: Have multiple certified true copies of the affidavit and supporting documents for your records and for any immigration checks.

9. Conclusion

In the Philippines, an Affidavit of Support can be a critical document to demonstrate financial backing, whether you are a Filipino traveling abroad or a foreign national coming to the Philippines. It reassures immigration authorities that travelers will not become financial liabilities in the country they are visiting. Proper preparation involves drafting a clear affidavit, gathering robust evidence of the sponsor’s financial capacity, ensuring accurate notarization or consular authentication, and submitting the affidavit in accordance with relevant Philippine or foreign immigration guidelines.

Always remember that requirements can vary depending on the traveler’s profile, destination, and purpose of travel. Before finalizing any Affidavit of Support, consult official agency websites or seek professional legal help to avoid mistakes that can lead to visa denials, offloading, or legal complications.

References and Helpful Links

Philippine Bureau of Immigration
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs – Authentication Services
Embassy or Consulate website of the destination country (e.g., US Embassy, Canadian Embassy, Schengen country embassy, etc.)

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended to replace advice from licensed professionals. Legal requirements and procedures may change over time, and individual circumstances can vary significantly. When in doubt, consult a qualified attorney, immigration adviser, or the relevant government agency.