Notarization needed?

[Peruchito23 6]

For the "sworn oath" of the personal affidavits of a bonafide marriage from our friends, does this need to be notarized?

The information I am finding says yes but also says no. The USCIS didn't say anything in specific to the topic, but here in Peru if something is not notarized it doesn't carry any weight, so my friends have me second-guessing myself.

This question is specifically for the affidavits from my personal friends for the "evidence of marriage" and also a letter from my land-lord stating that I live in the house.

Thanks!

[Anh map 2,098]

The affidavits really don't carry much weight. No one ever submits a bad one. No need to have it notarized if you choose to submit any.

No need for the LL letter to be notarized.

[Peruchito23 6]

Thank you so much! Here in Peru everything is paperwork, notaries, judges, etc. If it doesn't come with a copy of your license and your fingerprint, it doesn't mean anything so I was trying to convince my Peruvian friends that it's OK if it's not notarized. THANK AGAIN.

[almost_umrican 53]

I partially agree with ANH MAP. Although it is not mandatory to submit the affidavits however, if you submit some , have them notarized (your bank will do it for free). by notarizing, the affidavit is only a true document otherwise you can write yourself an affidavit claiming to be your mother/father in law or friend. i personally did sent 2 notarized affidavits.

[NikLR 13,227]

In the USA a notary simply makes sure the person who says they signed it has ID to show who they are. They're $5 a pop at the local UPS store. The notary means nothing really.

[Shauneg 762]

I partially agree with ANH MAP. Although it is not mandatory to submit the affidavits however, if you submit some , have them notarized (your bank will do it for free). by notarizing, the affidavit is only a true document otherwise you can write yourself an affidavit claiming to be your mother/father in law or friend. i personally did sent 2 notarized affidavits.

How would USCIS know from a notary that the friend is a friend and not someone you paid?

[Bostorican 17]

How would USCIS know from a notary that the friend is a friend and not someone you paid?

This is true but I believe the notarizing gives them a little more of revelance on the decision.

But In my opinion if you are sending affidavits the act of getting them notarized can also be seen by CIS as a person who is investing in their relationship. A person is going all out for their spouse. I believe(my opinion) the officer could / would look at them as having more revelance to the case. In other words it doesnt look like a half ### job on your part.

[NikLR 13,227]

You can believe that should you choose to.

[TBoneTX 45,088]

(your bank will do it for free)

Not necessarily.

OP, unless USCIS specifically requests notarization, none is needed.

[mallafri76 1,012]

All a personal affidavit is, is a letter with a story. It doesn't mean anything. It's just extra paper to fill up a petition with. We sent two with our petition too, but that was before we really had in-depth knowledge about the visa process and definitely before we knew about VJ. If we had known then what we know now, we would have skipped the affidavits because we had strong bona fida evidence as it was.

Honestly, I could write a personal affidavit saying I know OP is in a bona fida relationship and have it notarized... It's useless. Focus on putting the real stuff in your petition like passport stamps/boarding passes of time spent together, emails/phone records etc to show that you communicate on a daily basis, photos of you together, photos of you with each other's family and friends. That's the stuff they care about, not a piece of paper from someone saying something.

[Peruchito23 6]

Honestly, I could write a personal affidavit saying I know OP is in a bona fida relationship and have it notarized... It's useless. Focus on putting the real stuff in your petition like passport stamps/boarding passes of time spent together, emails/phone records etc to show that you communicate on a daily basis, photos of you together, photos of you with each other's family and friends. That's the stuff they care about, not a piece of paper from someone saying something.

Thanks for your input on the affidavits. I know it's not the strongest piece of evidence, but I have lived here with him for 3 years (but we don't rent, we live in his house) so I can't do a "renter's agreement" that shows our names. Due to the nature of my work, we cannot share finances. Additionally, we do not have Skype calls or Facebook chats because we live together.

I am including a series of photos (15 or so) with dates covering the beginning of our relationship until recently. (and of the wedding)

Copy of the marriage certificate

2 sworn statements from friends who attended the wedding.

Other than that... any ideas of what I could bring?

[almost_umrican 53]

How would USCIS know from a notary that the friend is a friend and not someone you paid?

exactly, thats why it is not foolproof

[Anh map 2,098]

Proof of a shared address (bank statements, drivers license, government registration, etc.) would be helpful.

Attending the wedding is not relevant. The marriage certificate proves you are married. They want to see evidence of a life lived together. Travel, children (if any), asset ownership, wills, insurance policies.

[JFH 12,189]

Do you have joint credit cards or loans? Are you both insured to drive the same vehicle? Do you have wills or pensions that list each other as the beneficiary? I even sent a copy of a hospital admission record which listed my husband as my next of kin and emergency contact.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Thanks for your input on the affidavits. I know it's not the strongest piece of evidence, but I have lived here with him for 3 years (but we don't rent, we live in his house) so I can't do a "renter's agreement" that shows our names. Due to the nature of my work, we cannot share finances. Additionally, we do not have Skype calls or Facebook chats because we live together.

I am including a series of photos (15 or so) with dates covering the beginning of our relationship until recently. (and of the wedding)

Copy of the marriage certificate

2 sworn statements from friends who attended the wedding.

Other than that... any ideas of what I could bring?

Do you have anything that show that you live on the same address as your husband? E.g. a phone bill, utility bill etc? If you have something like that addressed to him and something else addressed to you, that would show that you live on the same address.

Also, if you're living in his country, send proof of your status in that country, so you can prove that you're living there.

What about trips, have you taken any trips together? If so, add boarding passes/hotel bookings/photos from those trips.