What is an OSAP Affidavit?

An OSAP Affidavit is a sworn document that must be signed before an authorized official, like a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or lawyer. It contains a written statement of facts provided by the person making the Affidavit (called the deponent or affiant). An Affidavit must be notarized, meaning the affiant affirms that the contents of their Affidavit are true before the authorized official.

If you lack the documents required to prove certain personal facts, OSAP may ask you to submit an Affidavit with your application. An OSAP Affidavit enables you to complete the OSAP application process and secure financial assistance for your studies. 

Once your Affidavit is notarized, it has the same effect as swearing to tell the truth under oath in court. Therefore, your OSAP Affidavit must be completed accurately and truthfully. In Canada, intentionally affirming false information in your Affidavit is considered perjury. According to Canada’s Criminal Code, perjury is an indictable offence and can result in significant consequences.

Does My OSAP Affidavit Need to be Notarized?

In Canada, all Affidavits (including your OSAP Affidavit) must be notarized to be considered valid. Your OSAP Affidavit needs to be notarized by a notary public, lawyer, paralegal, or commissioner of oaths. 

You can get your OSAP Affidavit notarized online by uploading your OSAP Affidavit and booking a virtual notary appointment. A notary will confirm your identity and ensure you understand what you’re signing. Once you affirm that the contents of your OSAP Affidavit are true before the notary, they’ll witness your signature. Next, they’ll sign your OSAP Affidavit and stamp it with an official notary seal. Book an appointment to get your OSAP Affidavit notarized online, in under 7 minutes with NotaryPro!

What Information Should My OSAP Affidavit of Parent Non-Taxable and/or Foreign Income Verification Contain?

If you earned foreign or non-taxable income that wasn’t reported to CRA, you may need an OSAP Affidavit. You’d use this Affidavit if you couldn’t produce the required documents to prove your foreign or non-taxable income. Your OSAP Affidavit of Non-Taxable or Foreign Income should include:

• Personal information, including your/thier full name and current permanent address

• The last year you/they were living in the foreign country (if applicable)

• The total amount of foreign income you’ve received in the foreign country’s currency

• The reason(s) you’re unable to provide the required documentation 

• The source(s) of your foreign or non-taxable income payments

Sources of Non-Taxable or Foreign Income in Ontario

In Ontario, the below income sources are considered non-taxable or foreign sources of income: 

• Life insurance compensation 

• Child support received 

• Employment income

• Income earned on a Canadian First Nations Reserve

• Income earned outside of Canada   

• Gifts and inheritances over $3,600

• Rental income  

• Investments of any type (e.g., bonds, stocks, or GICs) 

• Lawsuit Settlements 

• Investment Gains

• Lottery winnings over $3,600 

• Strike pay from a union

• Interest, dividends, or capital gains from tax-free savings accounts (TFSA)  

• Spouses and parents must report scholarships as non-taxable income if the scholarships weren’t reported on Line 15000 on their income tax return