AOS Interview

[besaangel 18]

lol, let me re-read. AGAIN LOL

[Nartaki 7]

And I am pretty sure the affidavit from friends and family etc. has to be notarized, I know i read it somewhere in the instructions. We notarized ours and the interviewer even referred to it during the interview - just mentioned it. I had actually forgotten about it

This is from the I-130:

Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the maritalrelationship (Each affidavit must contain the full nameand address, date and place of birth of the person makingthe affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner ofbeneficiary, if any, and complete information and detailsexplaining how the person acquired his or herknowledge of your marriage); or

I think if the affidavit needs to be sworn or affirmed, it has to be done in the presence of the notary. But I have read of some VJers who didnt use a notary but still had other ample evidence to prove a bonafide marriage.

[besaangel 18]

Thanks hon, we have A LOT of evidence but just wanted to include a letter or two...

[TheBears 9]

I know that its the sworn affidavits but I've never read anywhere that says it HAS to be notarized. Thats what I am asking. Does anyone have any proof that is has to be notarized?

If you're making an affidavit, it needs to be notarized. It's easy enough to do at your local bank.

If you're just making a sworn statement, it doesn't need to be notarized.

Difference between sworn statement and affidavit: Notarization.

So... when the instructions ask for an affidavit, to me that means they want a notarized document.

Definition of "Affidavit"

[Nartaki 7]

Its kind of funny that the I-864 Affidavit of support doesnt need to be notarized anymore.

[besaangel 18]

If you're making an affidavit, it needs to be notarized. It's easy enough to do at your local bank.

If you're just making a sworn statement, it doesn't need to be notarized.

Difference between sworn statement and affidavit: Notarization.

So... when the instructions ask for an affidavit, to me that means they want a notarized document.

Definition of "Affidavit"

It IS a sworn statement but many refer to it as a letter of affidavit or affidavit letter. No confusion intended but its easily confusing but USCIS states it as "Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties havingpersonal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship"

Its kind of funny that the I-864 Affidavit of support doesnt need to be notarized anymore.

LOL and the I-134 has to be lol.... They need another word to use for the letters cuz its easy for people to be confused about what we are actually referring to

[TheBears 9]

Its kind of funny that the I-864 Affidavit of support doesnt need to be notarized anymore.

True. Then again, I think the I-864 should be notarized. It's a contract; it should have witnesses to the signature.

I didn't say the letters from third parties with knowledge of the relationship MUST be notarized. I just pointed out the difference between sworn statement vs. affidavit.

Instructions and form titles are confusing; take it up with the Department of State. Notarization is easy and often free. I don't see the harm in notarizing it. Nor do I see a specific, written requirement for notarization.

I wasn't demanding or saying this MUST be done. The question was: MUST an affidavit be notarized. The answer is yes. In order to technically be an affidavit, it needs to be notarized. Does USCIS require affidavits? Apparently not. Two different questions.

What I was saying is know what you're making and sending in to support your case. Is it an affidavit or is it a sworn statement? Plenty of people have notarized affidavits and been just fine. Plenty of people have not notarized personal statements and been just fine. I don't think USCIS really knows the difference or cares.

[EmVee 4]

I know that its the sworn affidavits but I've never read anywhere that says it HAS to be notarized. Thats what I am asking. Does anyone have any proof that is has to be notarized?

That was my screw up, sorry. I think it's like a previous poster mentioned, in order to BE an affidavit it has to be notarized. But you don't have to get an affidavit. I just have written letters from my friend and sister-in-law, they weren't notarized. In the OP's case though, I probably WOULD get it notarized, just to be extra sure all my evidence was perfect because they have so little to go on right now.

Nartaki, it's not a requirement to say that you don't pay bills, etc. in the letter. It's up to you guys what you want to put in the letter, after all. I was just suggesting to the OP that it might be an easier way to explain to the IO why they have so little evidence at the moment. I'm sure what you have is perfectly fine, though.

[justucia 0]

you can draw up wills and put each other as beneficary- sign them in front of notary with 2 witnesses

how about a safe deposit box with both your names?

good luck!

[besaangel 18]

That was my screw up, sorry. I think it's like a previous poster mentioned, in order to BE an affidavit it has to be notarized. But you don't have to get an affidavit. I just have written letters from my friend and sister-in-law, they weren't notarized. In the OP's case though, I probably WOULD get it notarized, just to be extra sure all my evidence was perfect because they have so little to go on right now.

Nartaki, it's not a requirement to say that you don't pay bills, etc. in the letter. It's up to you guys what you want to put in the letter, after all. I was just suggesting to the OP that it might be an easier way to explain to the IO why they have so little evidence at the moment. I'm sure what you have is perfectly fine, though.

Thanks for the clarity hon... really appreciate it.