For many Ontario students, the OSAP application goes smoothly until one line appears on the document checklist: an affidavit is required. It can feel like a legal hurdle, but in most cases it is a simple, one-visit task. Here is how it works in Hamilton.
What is an OSAP affidavit?
OSAP describes an affidavit as a document that is sworn and signed before a lawyer, a commissioner of oaths or a notary public. In other words, it is your own written statement of facts, which you swear or affirm is true in front of someone authorized to administer oaths.
When might OSAP ask for one?
Students are usually asked for an affidavit when they cannot provide an official document that supports something in their application. University financial aid offices list examples such as situations where a student does not have a marriage certificate or official proof of custody. The exact requirement depends on your file, so always follow the wording on your own OSAP checklist.
How to prepare
- Read your checklist carefully. Note exactly what information OSAP is asking you to confirm.
- Draft your statement. Include your full name, the date and the facts requested. Your school’s financial aid office may be able to help you with wording.
- Do not sign it yet. This is the most common mistake. You must sign in front of the commissioner.
What happens at your appointment
At Crown Seal Notary, we will check your photo ID, have you swear or affirm that the contents are true, watch you sign, and then sign and apply our commissioner stamp. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes once your statement is ready.
Please note that a commissioner does not verify whether the facts in your affidavit are true, and we cannot write the content for you. The statement is yours, and you are responsible for its accuracy.
After your appointment
Upload the completed, commissioned affidavit to your OSAP account as directed on your checklist. Keep a copy for your records.
Sources
Related reading
- Free template: General Affidavit (Ontario)
- Free template: Statutory Declaration
- Notarization mistakes to avoid
- Notary public vs. commissioner of oaths
- Online commissioning in Ontario
Book with Crown Seal Notary
Crown Seal Notary serves Hamilton and the surrounding area seven days a week. In-office appointments are available at 21 King St W, 5th Floor, and our mobile service comes to your home, workplace, hospital or care home. To book, call 289-207-0851, email info@csnotary.org, or book online. You can also browse all of our services or read our FAQs.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary provides notarization and commissioning services only. We do not provide legal, immigration or financial advice, and we cannot tell you what to write in your document. If you are unsure which document you need, please check with the organization that asked for it or speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal.
