An affidavit is a sworn letter used to verify that the couple’s relationship is genuine. The person who writes an affidavit is an affiant. The affiant swears to the affidavit’s truth. When submitting affidavits to USCIS, experts recommend a typed letter. Affidavits typically cover these basic points:
- Full name and address of affiant
- Date and place of birth
- Relationship to applicant and spouse
- An account of their relationship explaining:
- How they met the couple
- Time frame they have known the couple
- Give a sense of the frequency (i.e. frequently socialize)
- Details explaining how the person acquired this knowledge (i.e. friends)
- Date and signature
Remember, the affidavit is supporting evidence to prove that the couple has a bona fide marriage. That is, the marriage is true and genuine. So the affiant generally provides a short account of why he or she believes this is true. The affiant can use a story that proved mutual commitment, the hard work that the couple have put into the immigration process, etc.
The letter does not generally need to be notarized, but will include a valid ID; it is helpful to include a sworn statement that states, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”
We’ve put together a detailed guide that explains the different types of documents an applicant can provide as proof of a bona fide relationship, as well as which documents are considered stronger vs. weaker evidence.