Sponsor Letter for US B1/B2 Visa — Format, Template & Tips

When someone else is funding your US trip, a sponsor letter (often accompanied by Form I-134 Affidavit of Support) is essential. It tells the US consular officer who is paying for the trip and how.

At a Glance

Document: Sponsor / Affidavit of Support
For: United States
Visa Type: B1/B2 Visitor
Mistakes: 5 to avoid

Why It Matters Format & Rules Sample / Template Do's & Don'ts Common Mistakes FAQs

Why This Document Matters

US consular officers assess whether you'll be a 'public charge' (burden on government funds) in the USA. A sponsor letter shifts that concern to the sponsor. If your sponsor has strong US ties and finances, your chances of approval improve significantly.

Format & Requirements

Sponsor writes letter on plain paper with signature. Ideally accompanied by USCIS Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), notarized. Attach sponsor's IRS tax returns (last 3 years), employment letter, bank statements, and US legal status proof.

Sample / Template

Customize before submitting

sample-sponsor-letter-us-visa.pdf

[Sponsor Name] [Sponsor US Address] [Sponsor Phone & Email] [Date] To Whom It May Concern, US Consulate [City, India] Re: Sponsorship for US B1/B2 Visa — [Applicant's Name], Passport [XXX] I, [Sponsor Name], am [US citizen / Permanent Resident], SSN: [XXX], residing at [address] since [year]. I confirm that I am sponsoring the US visit of my [relationship] [Applicant Name], from [dates]. During the visit, [Applicant] will stay at my home in [city, state]. I will provide: 1. Accommodation at my residence 2. All meals 3. Local transportation 4. Medical expenses if any emergency Financial Capacity: - My annual income: USD [amount] (see attached W-2 and tax returns) - My current bank balance: USD [amount] - Employer: [company name] — [position] since [year] I confirm that the applicant is entering the USA solely as a visitor and will return to India after the approved visit period. [Applicant's Name] has strong ties to India including [employment, property, family]. Attached Documents: 1. Copy of my US passport / Green Card 2. Form I-134 Affidavit of Support (notarized) 3. IRS tax transcripts (last 3 years) 4. Employment verification letter 5. Bank statements (last 6 months) 6. Proof of US residency Sincerely, [Signature] [Sponsor Name]

Do's and Don'ts

Do

✓Use USCIS Form I-134 when possible — more official
✓Include IRS tax returns (most important US income proof)
✓Attach W-2 and employment verification letter
✓Submit sponsor's US legal status proof (passport/GC)
✓Mention specific exact dates of proposed visit
✓Show sponsor's annual income of at least 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

Don't

✕Don't skip I-134 — it carries legal weight
✕Don't submit unverified or old tax returns
✕Don't claim sponsor will fully fund if unaffordable for them
✕Don't let sponsor be on unemployment/welfare
✕Don't forget notarization on I-134
✕Don't leave sponsor's SSN blank

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Sponsor uses old tax transcripts (must be recent)

Sponsor's income doesn't match US living standards

No I-134 form submitted

Sponsor is on public assistance (disqualifies)

Sponsor's English isn't clear on letter

Stop guessing. Get your sponsor / affidavit of support reviewed by experts.

We've prepared thousands of visa files. One mistake in your document can cost you a rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit sponsor / affidavit of support for United States visa?+

Yes. US consular officers assess whether you'll be a 'public charge' (burden on government funds) in the USA. A sponsor letter shifts that concern to the sponsor. If your sponsor has strong US ties and finances, your chances of approval improve significantly.

What is the correct format for sponsor / affidavit of support?+

What are common mistakes to avoid in sponsor / affidavit of support?+

Sponsor uses old tax transcripts (must be recent) Sponsor's income doesn't match US living standards No I-134 form submitted Sponsor is on public assistance (disqualifies) Sponsor's English isn't clear on letter

Can SureshotVisa help me prepare my sponsor / affidavit of support?+

Yes. Our experts review and prepare every document in your visa file — including sponsor / affidavit of support — to embassy standards. Book a free consultation to get started.