[pjandrachel]

Hello

I wondered if I could ask a question that from my research seems to highlight a difference of opinion. We are currently in the process of compiling our I-130 package for my spouse and was wondering for the affidavit of support we are going to ask some of my friends/family (me being british) and some of the USCs friends and family. But as notarizing in the UK is upwards of £80 we think this is a bit excessive for documents that may not even be needed. Do you think it is compulsory to get them notarized. We have worded them formally stating
name
date of birth
address
where born
there relationship to either of us
how long they have know either of us
how long they have known us as a couple
how they have observed we are in a committed relationship/marriage
that they can certify we are in a bona fide marriage
followed by "I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct"
signature and date
Is this about right or should it be notarized also.

Between us we have also written a statement regarding the development of our relationship. Written by the petitioner, detailing how we met, how our relationship grew, the times we visited each other, our wedding and how we maintain our relationship when we are apart. We are having this notarized but it is like a 1 page letter that starts:

"I, Mr ???????????????, born on ???????????? in New York USA am making this oath and
statement that myself and ??????? first became friends over the internet in February 2009"

we then go on to describe how the relationship grew, our visits, when we met the others friends/family etc.

and at the bottom states:

"Between our visits to each other we maintain our relationship by a number of means including letters, cards, emails, video chat, instant messaging and telephone calls. It is important to us to try to keep contact on a daily basis and make decisions together as it helps us feel like we are together. We both very much look forward to the time when we can live together as husband and wife in America.

SWORN BEFORE ME at the Town of ????????, in the state of Pennsylvannia, this [DATE] day of [MONTH], [YEAR]

……………………………
Mr ????????????????"


Underneath this I was going to sign also by stating:

"I, Mrs ???????????, do swear on this [DATE] day of [MONTH], [YEAR] at the town of ???????, in the state of Pennsylvannia that this statement is a true account of our relationship and marriage

……………………….

Mrs ??????????????"

and get this notarized. Now is this ok and can we both sign a document that is originally meant to be written from the petitioner?

Thankyou

[together4never13]

We did not notorize any friends or family or our own letters.

[Darnell]

affadavits are optional, the instructions about them USED to say notarized.

[Habakkuk2vs3]

no notarization is "required"....save some $$$$$$$

[Penguin_ie]

No such letters needed from the petitioner or friends, and if you want to send some, make it personal (have each friend write a few sentences as to how they know you two together). No notarisation needed.

BTW, just to make sure you realise, these are NOT Affidavit of Support. That is a financial document.

[pjandrachel]

That's great thankyou! And I should have said affidavit of bona fide marriage not support! So do you think it is ok for us both to sign the statment about our relationship even though it is filed by the petitioner? My signature is to say that I agree with the statement, then get this notarised!

[Nich-Nick]

So do you think it is ok for us both to sign the statment about our relationship even though it is filed by the petitioner? My signature is to say that I agree with the statement, then get this notarised!

I think if you both want to sign a letter, then do it. It's not a requirement and there's nothing that reqires a notary in the immigration process. (The exception would be London likes a notarized statement from the other parent if children are being moved from the UK.) But it's your application and whatever you want to include that makes you feel like it is a better petition, is your decision.

This part of your letter confuses me--

SWORN BEFORE ME at the Town of ????????, in the state of Pennsylvannia, this [DATE] day of [MONTH], [YEAR]

That is more of a notary wording and not what should go before the petitioner's signature (If I'm following correctly that Mr. ?????? is the petitioner.) "Sworn before me" is normally followed by the signature of the witness or notary who the person(s) making the statement swears before. Example:

(Statement about the marriage)

I swear the above is correct.....etc

Mr. Petitioner

I swear the above is correct........etc

Mrs. Beneficiary

Signed and SWORN BEFORE ME at the Town of ????????, in the state of Pennsylvannia, this [DATE] day of [MONTH], [YEAR]

Mr. Notary

Edited by Nich-Nick, 01 April 2012 - 08:11 AM.

[trojam227]

We did Not have our relatives notarize their affidavits. No RFE on that.

[pjandrachel]

Thankyou very much for the responses!
Nich-Nick I see what you are saying and yes it actually makes more sense that the part of the letter that says "Signed and SWORN BEFORE ME at the Town of ????????, in the state of Pennsylvannia, this [DATE] day of [MONTH], [YEAR]"
is done before the notary signature!

[pushbrk]

My advice is that unless you have some major red flags, don't submit any relationship affidavits at all.

[StephanieM]

Affidavits are good to have but not required, and they do not need to be notatized. Save that $ !!!