Many consulates/ foreign governments require proof that the legal parents have granted permission for their minor child to travel abroad without them. This is a seperate requirement from AFS’s application process. Generally, anyone with custody must sign the Parental Consent Form (PCF) and have it notarized. There are a few special cases:
- If you are over 18: If you turn 18 prior to one month before departure, you will likely only need to submit a PCF if you’re going to Argentina, Japan and Chile (these countries’ legal age is 21).
- If your parents are divorced: If both parents have visitation rights, they both need to sign. Two separate PCFs can be notarized and submitted. If one parent does not have visitation rights, a copy of the divorce papers can be submitted and only the custodial parent needs to sign. If you are not sure how your situation should be handled, contact AFS-USA as soon as possible.
- If one parent has a different last name than you: Consulates may require documentation explaining why one parent has a different last name. These could include a copy of a divorce decree, this student’s birth certificate, a copy of a marriage license, or adoption papers. Regardless of the documentation selected, it must establish that the signer is the natural parent of the child.
- If you live in a different city than a parent: You may have difficulty having all of the documents signed, notarized, or apostilled as necessary. If a parent lives in a different state than you, that parent may need to follow their state’s rules for obtaining vital records or notarizing and apostilling documents.
- If you live with a stepparent: Unless they are legal guardians through adoption or custody agreement, stepparents must not sign the PCF. If they are legal guardians, documentation must be included.
- If one parent is estranged: A recent notarized affidavit from a lawyer should be submitted to the effect that the absent parent has been out of touch for a significant period of time. If this situation applied to you, please contact AFS-USA as soon as possible as the visa process may be more complicated.
- If one parent is deceased: The surviving parent must sign the PCF and attach a photocopy of the death certificate.
- If both of your parents are deceased: Legal guardian(s) must sign the PCF and attach proof of Legal Guardianship. A copy of the death certificate may also be required.