Evidence and Sworn Affidavits

[SENKA 0]

Hello,

I've just started preparing a package for I-751 application, which I have to mail at the end of January. I have a 16 different items of evidence, but am still concerned if that is enough, since I see some other people get RFE regardless. If a person sends everything they have, and then receives an RFE, what do you send as additional evidence? It almost seems wise to keep a couple of things in reserve just in case. Anyone's thoughts on this?

Could someone please also tell me if sworn affidavits must be notorized? Does that mean that the person who signes a letter has to go and have it done? Seems a bit too much to ask someone not only to sign a letter, but to also go through a trouble of notorizing it.

Also, does the person have to be US Citizen? Is it o.k. to ask a family member for this, or is it better to have a friend sign it?

Thank you so much.

Senka

[YuAndDan 153]

The example one provided on VJ shows notarization, is is a sworn affidavit.

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/USCIS_I751_Affidavit.doc

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/I-751_support.doc

[Waiting in Vancouver 6]

The friends that we got sworn affidavits from we had them get them notarized but my wife's sister is a notary so it wasn't too much of a big deal for them to get it done. Obviously we didn't have her sister write one too though . I would suggest if you are planning on having a family member write one then you should have at least 1 that is a friend. I just figured that the person writing the affidavit should be a US citizen but a can't be 100% sure of that. It makes sense though.

I am not so sure it would be wise to hold back some information. I think it would be better to send everything you got (within reason) and not worry about getting an RFE. If you do get a RFE then deal with it at that time. Chances are all you will have to do is send the same information again with maybe another sworn affidavit or something.

We didn't have as much evidence as others and we got approved. We didn't send any pictures as we usually don't get pictures taken of us. We had one utilities bills in both our names and we had just finished building a new house so both of our names were on the new mortgage. We were worried a little as we had just moved to our new address so we had some info from our old address and some from our new address and we figured that might raise some flags.

Good luck !!

[Merp 0]

most banks have a notary of the public (and most times the service if free if you have an account there – just ask them), have your family/friends take the letters to one - but don't sign the letter till they get there since that is what the notary is witnessing, the signature.

I agree it's a good idea to send everything you have, I wouldn't hold anything back - you never know you might not get a RFE if you send everything. And if you do get an RFE, like the othe person said, you just end up sending a copy of everything again plus a few other things that you can find, not a huge deal... if feels like a huge deal the day you get the letter... but once you calm down it's do-able.

Good luck!

[SENKA 0]

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Also, I can't get the back of the Green Card to copy clearly, the middle part just comes out black. And do I need to send passport photos or not? This requirement is listed under exception section of general instructions, and it seems like it applies only to those who reside overseas? I just don't want to miss sending something and have the package returned. Thanks.

Edited January 4, 2009 by SENKA

[Kathryn41 3,205]

No, you don't need to send passport photographs - that is a requirement only if you are not currently in the US, ie. stationed in an overseas military post. You will receive a letter about a month or so after you submit your application called a Biometrics Appointment letter. It will tell you the time and place where you will go to get your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Yes, the middle strip of the Green Card will come out black - the material doesn't reflect light in a way that it can be copied on a copier so don't worry - that is normal and they expect that.

You'll be fine:-).

[scott300hp 0]

Hi Senka,

This a little off subject but I noticed in your message you said you had 16 items of evidence....wow! I'm in the same boat as you as I'm preparing my I-751 packet to be mailed by mid January. I know that everyone's situation is different but could you share what those 16 items are? I'm racking my brain to come up with as much evidence as possible.

Thanks so much~Scott

[SENKA 0]

Hi Senka,

This a little off subject but I noticed in your message you said you had 16 items of evidence....wow! I'm in the same boat as you as I'm preparing my I-751 packet to be mailed by mid January. I know that everyone's situation is different but could you share what those 16 items are? I'm racking my brain to come up with as much evidence as possible.

Thanks so much~Scott

Hi Scott,

Here are the items I have so far:

1. joint checking accounts

2. joint Amex card

3. Investment beneficiery statement

4. joint water utility bill

5. joint tax return

6. timeshare title in both names

7. car and rental insurance

8. apartment rental agreement

9. letter from employer about joint medical coverage

10. RCI correspendence in both names

11. Costco membership

12. Gym membership

13. boarding passes from trip to Europe

14. envelopes addressed to both names

15. pictures with friends and family

16. hotel bill from Europe in both names

I hope this helps. we still have to come up with letters from friends, and then I think we'll be ready to mail the package as soon as 90 days timeframe kicks in.

Good luck!

No, you don't need to send passport photographs - that is a requirement only if you are not currently in the US, ie. stationed in an overseas military post. You will receive a letter about a month or so after you submit your application called a Biometrics Appointment letter. It will tell you the time and place where you will go to get your fingerprints and photograph taken.

Yes, the middle strip of the Green Card will come out black - the material doesn't reflect light in a way that it can be copied on a copier so don't worry - that is normal and they expect that.

You'll be fine:-).

Thanks Kathryn for your help!