Notarized vs. non-notarized affadivits

[Ismael&Blair 66]

I read through many people's posting on submitting evidences for the i-751. But I read mixed comments on this. I am going to include a few affadivits that shows our "good faith" marriage.

My question is "Did you submit affadivits that were notarized or just signed?"

I don't remember reading that they had to to be notarized. Any comments or advice welcomed!

[Cheezees 1,514]

The instructions to the I-751 form state they must be sworn (aka notarized) affidavits. However, affidavits are such weak evidence it does not seem to matter if they are notarized or not. But just a signed statement is not what they instructions call for. I would suggest leaving them out altogether if you have other strong evidence. Good luck!

[Ning 619]

I read through many people's posting on submitting evidences for the i-751. But I read mixed comments on this. I am going to include a few affadivits that shows our "good faith" marriage.

My question is "Did you submit affadivits that were notarized or just signed?"

I don't remember reading that they had to to be notarized. Any comments or advice welcomed!

These are secondary evidence at best but nothing wrong with including them. Its just that anyone can write anything which is why there is no need nor requirement to notarize docs for USCIS.

Keep in mind that notaries simply verify signatures. They have nothing to do with content.

Our good faith evidence amounted to the marriage cert. There were no questions nor problems.

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Get them notarized. I failed to do this in the original package and received an RFE. After waiting 9 months we were approved today. Good Luck to you

[NikLR 13,220]

A notary just makes sure the person signing it is really that person by checking ID and watching a signature. In no way, shape, or form does that mean the affidavit is sworn or truthful. A sworn affidavit would be one given in front of a judge after swearing an oath.

However you can certainly send them if you choose and if you feel that being notarized gives more credence, then pay the $5 at the UPS store (or make a trip to the bank) and have the affidavit notarized. We sent one, however didn't bother with a notary as the friend is really easy to track down should the government choose to do so. (Since both he and my husband work for the federal government, lol.) We also have a lot of good evidence otherwise so it was more of a "here's something else... yes we have friends..." lol

Btw my spelling today is terrible... sigh

Edited June 18, 2015 by NLR

[Cathi 5,610]

We submitted 2 affidavits, neither was notarized

[Cathi 5,610]

Get them notarized. I failed to do this in the original package and received an RFE. After waiting 9 months we were approved today. Good Luck to you

They do not need to be notarized. Was you RFE specifically to send notarized affidavits? We sent 2 affidavits, neither was notarized and it was not an issue. We were approved with no RFE. In fact we have never had any RFEs at any stage i the process

[tru_loves_journey 117]

They do not need to be notarized. Was you RFE specifically to send notarized affidavits? We sent 2 affidavits, neither was notarized and it was not an issue. We were approved with no RFE. In fact we have never had any RFEs at any stage i the process

I had sent letters from friends NOT notarized in the original package. I sent the exact documents as the first time when we received the RFE the only difference was I had friends and family notarize for the new package. And another thing...Tax returns aren't a nessessity either, not included in either package. We had joint utility bills, joint checking account, 5 Affidavits , joint car insurance, joint car ownership, joint Vet bills for our pets, life insurance showing beneficiaries, Wills made. So as for our case it had to be the Affidavits. Also when you receive an RFE there's a list of things that can be used as evidence and Affidavits are listed. To be safe and not sorry when filing include Notarized letters from friends and family. We waited almost 6 weeks to be approved after receiving the RFE. Good Luck to everyone

[metsphan23 2]

so if me and my wife dont have an apartment right now, is there any other way, besides a weak affidavit to show we live together? all utilities are in her grandparents name..

[NikLR 13,220]

so if me and my wife dont have an apartment right now, is there any other way, besides a weak affidavit to show we live together? all utilities are in her grandparents name..

You can get them to do an affidavit or draw up a lease agreement with them.

Include anything that shows both of your names at that address like cards addressed to the two of you, driver's licenses. etc...

[metsphan23 2]

so i would have to send anniversary cards to immigration? 2 weeks ago we celebrated our 3rd anniversary...

[NikLR 13,220]

Copies of the envelopes would be helpful and even copies of the cards if you choose. Don't send the originals unless you don't care about keeping them.

[metsphan23 2]

ok. ill add that to the list. and our deadline to send evidence is august 14(estimate, dont have actual form in front of me), when would be a good time to send the package?

[NikLR 13,220]

ok. ill add that to the list. and our deadline to send evidence is august 14(estimate, dont have actual form in front of me), when would be a good time to send the package?

Before the deadline? The sooner they get the things they need the sooner they can respond.

[Ismael&Blair 66]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Today I spent my day meeting up with my childhood best friend and I got her letter she wrote for me notarized at UPS. It was $10 for it. The notary asked if we wanted to do the regular one or the sworn one. My BFF did the sworn affadivit one which he asked if everything she wrote was the truth. She raised her right hand and said YES.

I reread what was on the USCIS website and they wanted two "SWORN" affadivits. So just to be safe than sorry for the RFE, we decided to just get it SWORN by a notary. I like to follow each direction's line for line.

I will keep in touch to let everybody know our outcome! Again, shokran bezzeff and to all the people who are observing Ramadan, wishing you a blessed month of Ramadan Mubarak!

Edited June 20, 2015 by Ismael&Blair