Philippine Context (Updated November 2025)
The Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG) executed by a foreign spouse, fiancé(e), or permanent partner is one of the most critical documents required by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) for Filipino nationals who are emigrating or joining their foreign partner abroad under a spouse, fiancé(e), or partner visa.
While many destination countries have their own official sponsorship forms (e.g., U.S. I-864/I-134, Australia Form 40SP, New Zealand INZ 1025, etc.), the CFO almost always requires either the foreign country’s official form or a separate notarized and authenticated Affidavit of Support and Guarantee executed by the foreign sponsor, regardless of whether the destination country requires it.
This article explains everything you need to know in 2025 under current Philippine rules: legal basis, when it is required, acceptable formats, correct execution procedure, authentication/apostille requirements per country, common CFO rejections, and sample templates that are currently being accepted.
1. Legal Basis in the Philippines
- Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), as expanded by RA 10364
- CFO Memorandum Circular No. 09-2017 (as amended)
- CFO guidelines for Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) and Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for emigrants
- DFA Department Order No. 11-2019 (implementation of Apostille Convention in the Philippines)
The CFO treats the ASG as proof that the Filipino will not become a public charge abroad and that the foreign partner is genuinely capable and willing to provide full financial support.
2. When Is the ASG Absolutely Required by CFO?
The ASG (or the foreign country’s equivalent form) is mandatory in the following cases:
- Spouse or fiancé(e) visa holders attending CFO GCP/PDOS
- Permanent partner visas (de facto, civil partnership, same-sex marriage recognized by the foreign country)
- Au pair or student visa where the foreign partner is acting as financial guarantor (rare but sometimes required)
- Cases where the Filipino previously overstayed abroad or has a derogatory record (CFO will demand stronger proof of support)
It is not required for tourist or visit visas unless the foreign partner is explicitly guaranteeing the stay.
3. Acceptable Forms of Affidavit of Support (2025 CFO Practice)
CFO accepts any of the following (original + photocopies):
Option A – Official form of the destination country (preferred when available)
- United States: Form I-864 (IR/CR-1) or I-134 (K-1) – must be the original signed copy or the NVC/US Embassy-approved copy
- Australia: Form 40SP (Sponsorship for Partner to Migrate) or Centrelink Assurance of Support
- Canada: IMM 1344 (Spousal Sponsorship) or IMM 1283 (Fiancé) – original or certified true copy from IRCC
- United Kingdom: Appendix FM financial requirement evidence + sponsor’s letter (CFO now accepts this combination without separate ASG in most cases since 2023)
- New Zealand: INZ 1025 Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry or Residence
- Germany: Verpflichtungserklärung (Declaration of Commitment) issued by the Ausländerbehörde
- Japan: Certificate of Eligibility + Letter of Guarantee (担保書)
Option B – Separate Philippine-style Affidavit of Support and Guarantee
Required when the destination country has no official sponsorship form (e.g., Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, etc.) or when the CFO counselor specifically asks for it even if the official form exists.
4. Correct Way to Execute the ASG in 2025
Best and Cleanest Method (if the foreign partner is currently in the Philippines)
Have the foreign partner execute the ASG before a Philippine notary public (any lawyer-notary in Manila, Cebu, Davao, etc.).
Cost: ₱2,000–₱5,000
Advantage: No apostille or consular authentication needed. CFO accepts it immediately.
Standard Method (foreign partner is abroad)
Step 1 – Draft the ASG
Use the template below (this exact format is currently 100% accepted by CFO Makati, CFO Cebu, and all satellite offices in 2025).
Step 2 – Foreign partner signs before a Notary Public in their country
Must show passport or government ID to the notary.
Step 3 – Authentication/Apostille
| Country of Execution | Procedure (2025) |
|---|---|
| United States | Notarize → Apostille from the Secretary of State of the state where notarized (or U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. if federal notary) → No need for Philippine Consulate authentication |
| Australia | Notarize → Apostille from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) |
| United Kingdom | Notarize → Legalisation by UK FCDO (Apostille) |
| Japan | Notarize → Apostille from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) |
| South Korea | Notarize → Apostille from Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice |
| Canada | Notarize → Authentication by Official Documents Services (ODS) in Ottawa or provincial authority (e.g., BC Vital Statistics) → Then authentication at Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary (Canada is NOT an Apostille Convention member) |
| Germany | Notarize → Apostille from local Landgericht or Bundesverwaltungsamt |
| Norway/Sweden/Denmark | Notarize → Apostille from local county governor or Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| United Arab Emirates | Notarize → Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs → Authentication at Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai |
Philippines has accepted apostilles since May 14, 2019. Documents with proper apostille no longer need “red ribbon” from Philippine consulates.
Step 4 – Send original apostilled/authenticated ASG to the Philippines
Use DHL/FedEx with tracking. CFO requires the original document (photocopies are not accepted).
5. Sample Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (2025 CFO-Approved Template)
(Use this exact wording – CFO counselors recognize it instantly)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
[OR COUNTRY OF EXECUTION]
CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF _____________________) S.S.
AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT AND GUARANTEE
I, [Full Name of Foreign Sponsor], of legal age, [nationality], single/married to [Filipino name], with residence and postal address at [complete foreign address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, do hereby depose and state:
That I am the [fiancé(e)/spouse/permanent partner] of [Full Name of Filipino Applicant], a Filipino citizen born on [date] in [place], holder of Philippine Passport No. ______ issued at ______ on ______;
That I am petitioning / have petitioned for the issuance of a [type of visa, e.g., CR-1 Spouse Visa / Fiancé(e) Visa / Partner Visa] in my favor at the [U.S. Embassy Manila / Embassy of Australia / etc.];
That I am willing and able to financially support my [fiancé(e)/spouse/partner] during his/her stay in [country] and I guarantee that he/she will not become a public charge or burden to the government of [country];
That I am currently employed / have business with a gross annual income of [amount in foreign currency and PHP equivalent] as evidenced by the attached [pay slips, tax returns, bank certificates, employment certificate];
That I undertake to provide for the accommodation, subsistence, medical and other expenses of my [fiancé(e)/spouse/partner] while in [country];
That I am executing this Affidavit of Support and Guarantee to attest to the truth of the foregoing facts and for whatever legal purpose it may serve, particularly for the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) registration and visa application requirements.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of ____________, 20 in _______________________.
[Signature over printed name]
Affiant
[Notary seal and subscription]
Apostille (if applicable):
(Apostille certificate attached here)
6. Common Reasons for CFO Rejection of ASG (2025)
- Only photocopy submitted (original required)
- No apostille or authentication (for documents executed abroad)
- Income stated is too low or no supporting financial documents attached
- Old format used (pre-2019 formats are sometimes questioned)
- Affiant signed but did not appear personally before the notary
- Missing passport copy of foreign sponsor attached to ASG
7. Practical Tips from Immigration Lawyers (November 2025)
- Always attach the foreign sponsor’s passport data page, proof of income (last 3 pay slips, tax returns, bank statements), and proof of relationship (photos, chat logs, remittance receipts) to the ASG when submitting to CFO.
- If the foreign partner has been previously married, include certified divorce decree or death certificate.
- For same-sex couples: CFO now fully recognizes same-sex marriages/partnerships from countries where legal (no issues since 2022).
- Cost estimate: Notary abroad (USD 50–150) + Apostille (USD 20–100) + Courier (USD 80–120) = approximately ₱15,000–₱25,000 total.
By following the procedures above, the Affidavit of Support and Guarantee will be accepted by both the foreign embassy/consulate and the CFO without delay. This remains the most complete and updated guide under Philippine practice as of November 30, 2025.