Affidavit of Support from friends

[clairegie 265]

I understand that our friends who are willing to write an affidavit for us may be required to testify before an immigration officer. My questions is how often does this occur? Our friends who knows us best were the ones we met during my husband's service in the military and have now all gone home to their respective states. Do they get called over to a USCIS office in their state? Anyone have an idea how this part goes? We just want to be able to give them all the details so they know what writing the affidavit entails.

[Cheezees 1,514]

Never heard of anyone actually being called to testify. Not even once.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

Hmm I don't think I have ever heard of that happening either.

Also just a heads up, title is a bit confusing since Affidavit of Support generally refers to the I-134 and I-864, which doesn't sound like what you are asking about.

Can I ask what the testimonies are for? Looking at your timeline it looks like you got your green card fairly recently, so I am a little confused on what you would even need them for.

[JayJayH 546]

I understand that our friends who are willing to write an affidavit for us may be required to testify before an immigration officer. My questions is how often does this occur? Our friends who knows us best were the ones we met during my husband's service in the military and have now all gone home to their respective states. Do they get called over to a USCIS office in their state? Anyone have an idea how this part goes? We just want to be able to give them all the details so they know what writing the affidavit entails.

They will not be required to do anything.

Affidavits really aren't given much weight as evidence, they're more of a bonus. Icing on the cake if you will. They certainly don't hurt, but they don't do much more than backup an already convincing case.

In an absolute worst case scenario in which the USCIS has 1. clear and concise evidence that you and your husband's marriage was a sham and 2. proof that your friends knew this at the time they wrote the affidavits, then yes, I suppose they could in theory go after them for providing false statements.

Edited December 5, 2015 by JayJayH

[NickD 202]

USCIS wanted two, we could have provided more than a several dozen. All of our relatives, friends, neighbors, assoicates, co-workers new we were living together. If our marriage did break up, wife still had three options to stay here, just a lot of extra work. But you have to do it. Here is the format for these leters of affadavits.

An outline of what the USCIS wants is as follows taken from their I-751 application form.

"Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship. (Such persons may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.)

The original affidavit must be submitted and also contain the following:

Information regarding the person making the affidavit:

His or her full name and address;

Date and place of birth;

Relationship to you or your spouse, if any;

Full information and complete details explaining how the

person acquired his or her knowledge.

Affidavits must be

supported by other types of evidence listed above."

Here is a sample letter I found on the web:

*Full Name*
*Address*
*Phone Number*

8-31-03

To whom it may concern:

My date of birth is xx-xx-xx, and I was born in town, state. I have known Jennie xxxxx since March 2001. I first met her at a family dinner at a local restaurant. I attended her wedding to Benjamin xxxxx in August 2001. I see Jennie regularly at family events and holidays. I have spent the past three 4th of July celebrations with Jennie and Benjamin watching fireworks. I have helped them move into their first apartment in 2001 and recently into their new home in June 2003. They have worked hard together to make this home their home. They are happily married and looking forward to their years ahead.

Sincerely,

*Signature*

Closure of this letter can be:

"I declare under penalty of perjury under the Law of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed on month day, year at my town, my state."

If your affidavit writer is willing / able to have their letter notarized, then you may as well have it done.

[clairegie 265]

Hmm I don't think I have ever heard of that happening either.

Also just a heads up, title is a bit confusing since Affidavit of Support generally refers to the I-134 and I-864, which doesn't sound like what you are asking about.

Can I ask what the testimonies are for? Looking at your timeline it looks like you got your green card fairly recently, so I am a little confused on what you would even need them for.

Reading up on the Lifting of conditions although I'm not due for a while. Yup, I'm way past the I-134 stage.

Thanks everyone for the help!