How to Get a Notarized Sponsorship Letter From a US Citizen

If you are applying for a visitor visa, a fiancé visa, or any other non-immigrant visa to the United States, one of the most common requirements is a sponsorship letter—often called an Affidavit of Support—from a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to financially support you during your stay. This letter is not a casual promise; it is a legally significant document that assures the immigration officer that you will not become a public charge. However, many applicants and sponsors are confused about the notarization requirement. While the official U.S. government Form I-864 (for immigrant visas) does not require notarization, Form I-134 (for non-immigrant visas) often does, and many U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide insist on notarized sponsorship letters for various visa categories. A notarized letter carries additional weight because it is a sworn statement made under oath, and the notary's seal verifies the identity of the signer. Obtaining a proper notarized sponsorship letter from a U.S. citizen involves more than just signing a piece of paper—it requires the sponsor to appear before a commissioned notary public with valid identification, present supporting financial evidence, and complete the correct form. Failing to follow these steps can lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE) or outright visa denial. This guide provides a complete roadmap for both the sponsor and the beneficiary, ensuring your sponsorship letter meets the strictest standards of U.S. immigration officials and foreign embassies.

Key Rule: A notarized sponsorship letter is a sworn affidavit that must be executed before a commissioned notary public. The sponsor must present a valid government-issued ID, sign the document in the notary's presence, and attach supporting financial evidence (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) to demonstrate the ability to support the beneficiary. The letter must be dated within 30–60 days of visa submission.

What Is a Sponsorship Letter and When Is It Required?

A sponsorship letter is a formal document in which a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident agrees to provide financial support to a foreign national for the duration of their stay in the United States. It is typically required for non-immigrant visas such as the B-2 tourist visa, the K-1 fiancé visa, and sometimes for student visas when the applicant's personal funds are insufficient. The letter serves as a guarantee that the beneficiary will have adequate financial resources and will not rely on government assistance. The most commonly used forms are:

Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support): For non-immigrant visas. Often requires notarization, especially when submitted abroad.
Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support): For immigrant visas (green card). Does not require notarization by law, but many U.S. consulates may request a notarized copy.

Regardless of the form, a notarized sponsorship letter is a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury, and the notary's seal attests that the sponsor's identity was verified.

Who Can Serve as a Sponsor and What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

Not every U.S. citizen or resident can sponsor a foreign national. The immigration officer will scrutinize the sponsor's financial capacity and legal standing. The table below summarizes the core eligibility criteria for a sponsor.

Requirement	Details	Proof Needed
Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status	The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.	Copy of U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or green card.
Age	Must be at least 18 years old.	Date of birth on ID or birth certificate.
Domicile in the U.S.	The sponsor must reside in the United States (or intend to establish domicile).	Utility bills, lease agreement, or voter registration.
Income Threshold	For Form I-864, income must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size. For Form I-134, the requirement is less strict but still must show sufficient income to support the beneficiary.	Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements.
Relationship to Beneficiary	The sponsor can be a relative, friend, or even an employer. There is no strict relationship requirement for non-immigrant visas, but a closer relationship adds credibility.	Not required, but a letter explaining the relationship helps.

Follow This Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Notarized Sponsorship Letter

Obtaining a properly notarized sponsorship letter requires careful coordination between the sponsor and the notary. Follow these steps precisely.

Determine the correct form or letter format: If the embassy requires a specific form (I-134 or I-864), download the latest version from the USCIS website. If no form is required, draft a formal letter that includes the sponsor's full name, address, relationship to the beneficiary, a clear pledge of financial support, and a list of assets and income.
Gather supporting financial documents: The sponsor must collect their most recent tax return (last year), pay stubs from the last 3–6 months, bank statements, and any other proof of income or assets. These documents will be attached to the sponsorship letter.
Complete the letter or form: Fill out all fields accurately. For Form I-134, include the beneficiary's full name, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of support. Do not leave blanks; write "N/A" where not applicable.
Make an appointment with a commissioned notary public: The notary must be commissioned in the state where the sponsor resides. Notaries can be found at banks, UPS stores, law offices, or online notary platforms (if remote notarization is allowed in the state).
Appear before the notary with valid identification: The sponsor must present a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, or state ID). The notary will verify the identity and record the ID details in their journal.
Sign the letter in the notary's presence: The sponsor must sign the document while the notary watches. Do not sign before the appointment. The notary will then affix their seal, signature, and a notarial certificate (usually a jurat or acknowledgment).
Attach supporting documents to the notarized letter: The notary does not notarize the supporting documents, but you must attach them to the notarized letter for the visa application. Ensure each page is clearly labeled.
Make copies for your records: Keep a copy of the notarized letter and all supporting documents. The original will be submitted to the embassy or consulate.
If required, obtain an apostille: For documents going to a foreign country that is a member of the Hague Convention, you may need an apostille on the notarized letter. This is obtained from the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned. Note: For visas, an apostille is not always required—check with the embassy.

Important Legal Disclaimer: Notarization does not validate the content or the truthfulness of the statements—it only verifies the identity of the signer and that the signature was made voluntarily. The sponsor is signing under penalty of perjury, so all information must be accurate. False statements can lead to criminal penalties and visa fraud charges.

Checklist: What Your Notarized Sponsorship Letter Must Include

Use this checklist to ensure your sponsorship letter contains all essential elements and is properly prepared.

Sponsor's full legal name (exactly as it appears on their ID).
Sponsor's current U.S. address and phone number.
Sponsor's date of birth and place of birth (often included on forms).
Sponsor's immigration status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) with a copy of proof.
Beneficiary's full name (exactly as on their passport).
Relationship between sponsor and beneficiary (e.g., friend, relative, employer).
Explicit statement of financial support—that the sponsor agrees to support the beneficiary during the stay and will cover housing, food, medical, and other expenses.
Duration of support—specific dates or "for the duration of the visit" as per the visa.
Sponsor's income and assets—list of annual income, savings, investments, etc.
Date of signing and signature—must be signed in the presence of a notary.
Notarial certificate—complete with the notary's signature, seal, commission number, and expiration date, and the venue (state and county).
Attachments—copy of sponsor's tax return (most recent), pay stubs (last 3 months), bank statements, and proof of U.S. status.

If using Form I-134 or I-864, the form itself contains all necessary fields; just ensure every section is filled and notarized as required.

Common Mistakes That Can Invalidate Your Sponsorship Letter

Even a well-intentioned sponsorship letter can be rejected due to easily avoidable errors. Review this list to safeguard your application.

Failing to sign in the notary's presence: The notary must witness the signature. Pre-signed letters will be rejected.
Using an expired notary commission: The notary's commission must be active on the date of notarization. Always check the notary's expiration date.
Incomplete notarial certificate: The certificate must include the state, county, date, notary's signature, seal, and commission expiration. Missing any element invalidates the notarization.
Inconsistent names: The sponsor's name on the letter must match the name on their ID and supporting documents. Even a missing middle initial can cause problems.
Insufficient supporting financial evidence: A sponsorship letter without tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements is just a promise without proof. Attach all required evidence.
Outdated letter: If the letter is dated more than 60 days before the visa interview, it may be considered stale. Request a fresh notarization close to the interview date.
Not using the correct form: Some embassies require a specific form (I-134) and will not accept a generic letter. Always check the embassy's instructions.
Missing translation: If the sponsorship letter is in English and the visa interview is in a non-English-speaking country, you may need a certified translation. Provide a translation even if the officer speaks English—official procedures may require it.

Pro Tip: If the sponsor lives abroad but is a U.S. citizen, they can have the letter notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country, or by a local notary if the document will be used in the U.S. However, the embassy may require a special form of notarization. Check with the visa office for guidance.

Translation and Apostille Requirements for International Use

Depending on where the visa application is being processed, your notarized sponsorship letter may need additional steps beyond the notary seal.

Translation

If the destination country does not use English as an official language, you must provide a certified translation of the notarized sponsorship letter. The translation must include the notarial certificate and the sponsor's signature. The translator must attach a certificate of accuracy and their contact details. Some embassies require the translation itself to be notarized.

Apostille

If the sponsorship letter is to be used in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need an apostille to authenticate the notary's signature. This is obtained from the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned. However, for U.S. visa applications, an apostille is typically not required because the document is processed within the U.S. system. For foreign embassies in the U.S., check with the specific embassy—some may request an apostille to verify the notary's authority. In practice, most consulates accept a notarized letter without an apostille if it is on a U.S. government form or if the notary's seal is clearly visible.

Consular Legalization

For non-Hague countries, you may need to have the document legalized by the destination country's embassy. This is a separate process that adds time and cost. In such cases, contact the embassy for specific instructions.

Given the complexity, it is safest to ask the visa officer or consulate directly whether an apostille or additional authentication is required. Over-preparing is better than under-preparing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a notary for Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support for green card)?
A: No, USCIS does not require notarization for Form I-864. However, many U.S. embassies and consulates abroad request a notarized copy as part of the visa packet. If the embassy requires it, you must have it notarized.

Q: Can I use an online notary service for a sponsorship letter?
A: Yes, if your state allows remote online notarization (RON). The notary must be commissioned in your state and use a secure video platform. The electronic notarial certificate is legally valid.

Q: What if the sponsor cannot appear in person because they are abroad?
A: The sponsor can have the document notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or by a local notary if the document will be used in the U.S. Check with the visa office for acceptable notaries.

Q: How long is a notarized sponsorship letter valid for?
A: Most embassies require the letter to be issued within 30 to 60 days of the visa interview. Some accept up to 90 days. Always obtain a fresh notarization close to your interview date.

Q: Do I need to attach supporting financial documents to the notarized letter?
A: Yes, you must attach copies of the sponsor's tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of U.S. status. The visa officer needs to verify the sponsor's income and assets.