Affidavits sworn by people that know of the relationship

[PattyS_Husband 0]

I just wonder how formal these affidavits need to be. Do I have to notarize them? Or will just a simple letter with a person's or persons' signature and confirming a valid relationship be enough? Thanks.

Ciao!

[Rye Rye 3]

Needs to be notarized from what I understood. I think assuring that those signatures are authentic and not just made up by the applicant would be a big deal for USCIS.

[OBX 51]

Needs to be notarized from what I understood. I think assuring that those signatures are authentic and not just made up by the applicant would be a big deal for USCIS.

As I posted in a similar thread - " No. Many filers have posted that they sent in affidavits without notarization. Some do suggest, however, that affidavits are not required if your other evidence is solid."

I would agree that it makes sense that they should be notarized as you have stated but I know I have read many posts where filers submitted them without notarization.

Edited October 1, 2010 by OBX

[Abhay 15]

Affidavits are the weakest form of evidence. They do not need to be notarized. Just a letter stating how the person know you/spouse with their name, age, address, etc is good enough. That is all we did and got approved in a month or so. Just make sure your financial evidence/insurance evidence is pretty strong. Also, I know a really good immigration lawyer and he never sends affidavits if other evidence is strong! Good Luck

[Tom_Jim 40]

It appears there is no need to have statements, declarations and affidavits notarized. Counsel suggested that one append "SIGNED UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY" affixed to the affidavit when the declarant signs the instrument. How much credence this provides with respect to convincing adjudicators, I'm not certain, but it appears that is helpful for the beneficiary.

I'd like to point out, however, that affidavits are very useful to adjudicators when trying to form an overall picture of the couple or beneficiary. This is especially important for divorce waivers, like myself. Having affidavits from friends and family providing details of the circumstances of the bona fides of marriage is an excellent source of information for the adjudicators. This is also helpful for couples that are removing conditions jointly.

[Bobby+Umit 161]

"Sworn" affidavits are usually notarized. (the Notary is acknowledging that you are the person who is signing the document, they are not declaring the document to be true or not)

"Affirmed" affidavits are not notarized, the signature of the person making them is good enough. (You just add a line stating "I affirm all the above to be true")

Both seem to carry the same legal weight.