Simple question: Does the affidavits attesting ongoing relationship have to be notarized?

[IndigoSkies 168]

My dad is writing a letter (business format) attesting my and my wife's ongoing marital relationship. And I'm getting one of my friend to write the other affidavit. The I751 instruction doesn't say anything about these affidavit having to be notarized. But VISAJourney's example shows notarized example. So should I notarize or not notarized?

Edited January 3, 2013 by IndigoSkies

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

One of the most frequently asked questions on this forum.

No, they don't need to be notarized, and are generally viewed as secondary evidence -- so long as your other evidence is strong, they're not necessary, though if you're the kind of person who likes to err on the side of caution (as I am), it can't hurt to have them done. Just don't worry about notarizing them.

[baron555 934]

My dad is writing a letter (business format) attesting my and my wife's ongoing marital relationship. And I'm getting one of my friend to write the other affidavit. The I751 instruction doesn't say anything about these affidavit having to be notarized. But VISAJourney's example shows notarized example. So should I notarize or not notarized?

Doesn't hurt to notarize them. We did.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

Doesn't hurt to notarize them. We did.

Doesn't hurt, but often costs money, and it's debatable as to how effective affidavits are -- notarized or otherwise.

In my case, I had a lot of good information, but was light on bank info, since my wife and I don't have a joint account. I sent a couple unnotarized affidavits, and was approved without RFE.

[IndigoSkies 168]

Yeah. I'm in the same situation. We file taxes together; so, I'm going to include few years of tax transcripts, health insurance card, 401k/life insurance beneficiary statement. Some medical bills that shows she billing address (doesn't show me in it). I'm including a few pictures. I'm going to notarize the letters just because. And it doesn't cost money since my bank will do it for free.

Green card expires on 21-FEB-2013. My wife is in Bangladesh now. She's coming back 23-JAN-2013. Hopefully, I'll be able to send the I751 packet in by 31-JAN-2013. I'm having flash backs of my I130 days. Those were not good days. Thanks everyone for you reply.