What to know about Affidavit of Marriage for I-130 or I-751 Petition
This affidavit is a legal document used to affirm the authenticity of a marriage relationship when submitting an I-130 or I-751 application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). It serves to provide evidence that a genuine marital relationship exists between the petitioners, which is essential for immigration purposes.
Circumstances that call for this form
This form is typically used in the following situations:
- When applying for a spouse's immigration through an I-130 petition.
- When filing for the removal of conditions on residency through an I-751 petition.
- When additional proof of a legitimate marriage is required by immigration authorities.
Who might need Affidavit of Marriage for I-130 or I-751 Petition
This affidavit should be completed by individuals who can attest to the marriage relationship of the petitioners. This may include:
- Friends or family members of the married couple.
- Neighbors who have observed the couple's relationship.
- Colleagues who can vouch for the couple's commitment to each other.
Elements that make up this form
The affidavit includes several important sections, such as:
- Affiant Information: The name, address, and background of the person making the affidavit.
- Relationship Details: A description of how the affiant knows the petitioners and the nature of their relationship.
- Duration of Co-habitation: Information regarding how long the petitioners have lived together as a married couple.
- Signature and Notarization: The affiant's signature, along with a notary public's confirmation of the affidavit's validity.
Tips for completing the Affidavit of Marriage for I-130 or I-751 Petition
Follow these steps to complete the affidavit:
- Identify the affiant: Fill in the name and address of the person making the affidavit.
- Provide personal details: Include the affiant's date and place of birth.
- Describe the relationship: State how the affiant knows the married couple and the length of that acquaintance.
- Detail the marriage: Indicate the duration the petitioners have lived together as a married couple.
- Sign and notarize: The affiant must sign the document in front of a notary public, who will then also sign and date the affidavit.
State-specific requirements
The affidavit must be notarized, which means it should be signed in the presence of a notary public. Each state may have different rules regarding notarization, so it is important to check local regulations to ensure compliance.
Advantages of the online version
Accessing this affidavit online offers several advantages:
- Convenience: Download and complete the form at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.
- Editability: Easily make changes to the document as needed before finalizing it.
- Legal reliability: Ensure that you are using the most up-to-date and legally compliant version of the form.
