Affidavit of Bona Fide Marriage Sample PDF: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated December 24, 2025)
Accessing sample PDF affidavits is crucial for I-751 petitions, showcasing daily life through joint finances, leases, and photos․
These documents demonstrate a genuine marital union to USCIS․
Understanding the Affidavit of Bona Fide Marriage
An Affidavit of Bona Fide Marriage is a sworn statement verifying the legitimacy of a marriage, particularly vital for immigration purposes like the I-751 removal of conditions․ It’s submitted by individuals who can attest to the couple’s genuine relationship, going beyond simply stating the marriage is real․
These affidavits detail how the affiant knows the couple, observing their interactions and shared life․ USCIS uses these statements, alongside other evidence like joint finances and travel itineraries, to assess if the marriage was entered into in good faith, and isn’t solely for immigration benefits․
Purpose of the Affidavit in Immigration Cases
The primary purpose of the affidavit within immigration cases, specifically the I-751 petition, is to demonstrate a “bona fide” marriage – a marriage entered into with genuine intent, not solely to circumvent immigration laws․ USCIS requires substantial proof, and affidavits provide crucial third-party corroboration․
These statements bolster the petition by offering external validation of the couple’s shared life․ Affidavits, combined with financial records (joint taxes, bank accounts) and lifestyle evidence (travel, photos), paint a comprehensive picture of a legitimate marital relationship, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome․
Who Can Serve as an Affiant?
Affiants are individuals who can attest to the genuineness of the marriage․ Friends and family members are commonly used, providing firsthand accounts of the couple’s relationship․ However, USCIS scrutinizes affidavits from relatives more closely due to potential bias․ While relatives can serve as affiants, their statements carry less weight than those from impartial sources․
Ideal affiants are those who have known the couple socially and can detail specific interactions and observations demonstrating a real marital life, not just a marriage on paper․ The more diverse the pool of affiants, the stronger the case․
Acceptable Affiants: Friends and Family
Friends and family represent excellent sources for affidavits, offering personal insights into the couple’s shared life․ Affiants should detail how they know the couple, describing interactions and experiences that demonstrate a genuine marital relationship․ Specific examples are vital – recounting shared events, holidays, or everyday routines strengthens the affidavit’s credibility․
These individuals can attest to the couple’s consistent portrayal of a married unit, providing valuable corroborating evidence for the I-751 petition․ Their observations contribute to a holistic picture of a bona fide marriage․
Limitations on Affiant Relationships (Relatives)
While relatives can provide affidavits, USCIS often gives them less weight due to potential bias․ Affidavits from parents, siblings, or other close relatives should be exceptionally detailed and corroborated with other evidence․ Simply stating “they seem happy” isn’t sufficient․
Focus on specific, observed instances of the couple’s shared life, independent of familial obligation․ A strong affidavit from a relative details interactions witnessed without prompting, demonstrating genuine knowledge of the marital dynamic․ Supplement these with non-relative affidavits for a stronger case․
Key Elements of a Strong Affidavit
A compelling affidavit goes beyond simply stating the marriage is real․ It requires detailed, firsthand accounts of the couple’s life together․ Affiants must clearly articulate how they know the couple, the duration of their acquaintance, and the frequency of interactions․
Specificity is paramount․ Avoid vague statements; instead, provide concrete examples of shared experiences, observed affection, and integrated lives․ The affidavit should paint a vivid picture of a genuine marital relationship, demonstrating a shared history and future plans, bolstering the I-751 petition․
Detailed Description of How the Affiant Knows the Couple
The affiant must establish their credibility and connection to the couple․ Begin by detailing when and where you first met them, and the circumstances surrounding that initial encounter․ Explain the nature of your relationship – are you a friend, coworker, or family member?
Describe the frequency of your interactions, whether it’s regular social gatherings, shared activities, or professional collaborations․ A strong affidavit clarifies how the affiant personally witnessed the couple’s relationship develop and evolve, providing a foundation for subsequent observations․
Specific Examples of Shared Experiences and Interactions
Beyond simply knowing the couple, provide concrete examples․ Detail specific instances where you observed them interacting as a married couple – shared holidays, vacations (mention travel itineraries!), or even everyday routines․
Describe how they support each other, make joint decisions, or display affection․ Mention attending events together, meeting family members, or observing their shared household responsibilities․ Photos with family and friends bolster these claims․ These anecdotes demonstrate a genuine, lived-in relationship, strengthening the affidavit’s impact․
Required Information to Include in the Affidavit
A comprehensive affidavit demands detailed information․ Begin with the affiant’s full legal name, address, and relationship to the couple․ Crucially, outline how they know the couple and for how long․
The affidavit must cover the couple’s history – how they met and their courtship – and details of their life together, including daily routines and activities․ Affiants should attest to the genuineness of the relationship, emphasizing shared experiences and a committed partnership․ Accuracy and honesty are paramount for a successful petition․
Couple’s History: How They Met and Courtship
Detailing the couple’s initial encounter is vital․ The affidavit should narrate where and how the couple first met, providing specific dates if possible․ Describe the early stages of their relationship – the courtship period – including dates, activities, and the development of their emotional connection․
Affiants should explain their observations of the couple’s interactions during this time, noting any signs of genuine affection and commitment․ Focus on the progression of the relationship, demonstrating it wasn’t solely for immigration purposes․
Details of Their Life Together: Daily Routines and Activities
Illustrate the shared daily life of the couple․ Affidavits should move beyond special occasions and describe typical routines – who handles household chores, how they spend evenings, and shared weekend activities․ Mention joint responsibilities like grocery shopping, cooking, or managing finances․
Specificity is key․ Instead of stating “they spend time together,” detail how they spend that time․ Describe shared hobbies, social interactions with friends and family, and any traditions they’ve established․ This demonstrates a fully integrated life, proving a genuine marital bond․
Supporting Documents to Strengthen the Affidavit
Affidavits are significantly bolstered by concrete evidence․ Include copies of joint bank and credit card statements, demonstrating shared financial responsibility․ Proof of joint residence, such as a lease agreement or mortgage documents, is vital․ Health, auto, and life insurance policies listing both spouses further solidify the claim․
Don’t underestimate the power of everyday bills․ Utility bills, and even documentation from schools or doctors, addressed to both individuals at the same address, provide compelling local proof․ These documents paint a picture of a shared life, reinforcing the authenticity of the marriage․
Joint Financial Evidence: Bank Accounts and Credit Cards
Submitting joint financial records is paramount for proving a bona fide marriage․ Copies of joint bank account statements, covering several months, clearly demonstrate shared finances․ Similarly, joint credit card statements, showing regular usage and timely payments, are highly persuasive․
USCIS scrutinizes financial intertwining․ Providing evidence of shared financial responsibility—like a joint savings account established during the marriage—strengthens the petition․ These documents, alongside affidavits, create a robust case, illustrating a genuine commitment and shared economic life․
Joint Residence Proof: Lease or Mortgage Documents
Establishing a shared residence is a cornerstone of proving a bona fide marriage․ Submit a copy of your joint lease agreement or mortgage documentation, clearly displaying both names as tenants or owners․ USCIS wants to see evidence of cohabitation and a shared household․
Supplement this with utility bills (electricity, water, gas) addressed to both individuals at the same address․ These documents, combined with affidavits, demonstrate a consistent pattern of living together as a married couple, bolstering the credibility of your petition and showcasing a genuine marital union․
Additional Evidence for a Bona Fide Marriage Petition (I-751)
Strengthening your I-751 petition requires comprehensive evidence beyond the basics․ Include joint tax returns, demonstrating financial intertwining and a shared commitment․ Health, auto, and life insurance policies listing both spouses are also vital․
Birth certificates of children born during the marriage provide strong evidence․ Don’t overlook utility bills and county records tied to your USCIS field office’s jurisdiction․ These documents collectively paint a picture of a legitimate, ongoing marital relationship, increasing your chances of approval․
Joint Tax Returns as Proof of Financial Intertwining
Jointly filed tax returns are powerful evidence demonstrating a shared financial life, a key component of a bona fide marriage․ USCIS scrutinizes these returns to confirm consistent financial integration․ Submitting several years’ worth—if available—strengthens your case considerably․
Ensure the returns accurately reflect your marital status and shared income/deductions․ These documents clearly illustrate a commitment beyond legal formality, showcasing a genuine partnership․ They are a cornerstone of a successful I-751 petition, proving financial interdependence․
Health, Auto, and Life Insurance Policies
Including joint insurance policies provides compelling evidence of a shared life and future planning, vital for proving a bona fide marriage․ Policies listing your spouse as a beneficiary demonstrate a clear intention of long-term commitment․ USCIS views these as strong indicators of a genuine marital relationship․
Submit copies of all relevant policies – health, auto, and life insurance – showcasing shared responsibility and financial entanglement․ These documents, alongside tax returns and bank statements, build a robust case, confirming a legitimate union beyond immigration purposes․
The Role of Photos and Travel Itineraries
Photos and travel documents powerfully illustrate a shared life, offering visual proof of a genuine marital relationship for your I-751 petition․ Include pictures with family and friends, demonstrating integration into each other’s social circles․ Submit itineraries and tickets from shared trips, showcasing joint experiences and commitment to spending time together․
These aren’t just memories; they’re evidence․ USCIS looks for consistent patterns of shared activities․ Organize photos chronologically to demonstrate the progression of your relationship․ Combine these with other documentation for a comprehensive and convincing case․
Photographs with Family and Friends
Photographs featuring both spouses alongside family and friends provide compelling evidence of a real, lived-in marriage․ These images demonstrate integration into each other’s lives and social networks, going beyond a purely legal union․ Include photos from various events – holidays, birthdays, weddings – showcasing consistent interaction with loved ones․
USCIS officers assess the authenticity of the relationship, and shared social connections are a strong indicator․ Ensure photos are clearly dated or can be placed within a timeline․ A diverse collection strengthens your case, proving a genuine and ongoing marital bond․
Travel Documents Demonstrating Shared Trips
Shared travel itineraries, such as plane tickets, hotel reservations, and cruise documents, powerfully illustrate a couple’s shared life․ These records demonstrate a willingness to spend quality time together and explore the world as a unit, reinforcing the legitimacy of the marriage․ Include any travel photos alongside the official documentation for added impact․
USCIS looks for evidence of co-mingling experiences, and travel provides a clear example․ Presenting a history of joint trips, even short weekend getaways, strengthens the I-751 petition․ Ensure documents clearly show both spouses’ names and travel dates․
Local Proof and USCIS Field Office Jurisdiction
Establishing a life together within a specific location is vital․ Include local proof tied to your USCIS field office’s jurisdiction, such as county records, DMV mail, or bills from local schools and doctors․ These documents demonstrate a shared community presence and solidify the couple’s established life․
USCIS scrutinizes the authenticity of the marital residence․ Providing evidence of local ties, like utility bills at the same address, reinforces the claim of a bona fide marriage․ Tailoring evidence to the specific field office shows attention to detail and strengthens the petition’s credibility․
Importance of County Records and DMV Mail
County records and DMV mail serve as powerful corroborating evidence of a shared residence and established life together․ These documents demonstrate a tangible connection to a specific location, bolstering the claim of a bona fide marriage․ Official correspondence, like vehicle registration or property tax bills, provides independent verification of the couple’s joint presence․
USCIS values documentation from official sources․ Including these local records demonstrates a commitment to building a life within the community․ They offer a level of authenticity that personal statements alone cannot achieve, significantly strengthening the I-751 petition․
Formatting and Legal Requirements for the Affidavit
Affidavits can be typed or handwritten, though typed affidavits present a more professional appearance․ Regardless of format, the document must adhere to specific legal requirements for validity․ Crucially, the affidavit requires a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public to administer an oath, verifying the affiant’s truthfulness․
The notary’s seal and signature are essential; without them, the affidavit lacks legal standing․ Ensure the notary completes the jurat accurately, including the date and location of signing․ Proper formatting and notarization are vital for acceptance by USCIS, preventing potential delays or denials․
Typed vs․ Handwritten Affidavits
While both typed and handwritten affidavits are permissible, a typed document generally presents a more organized and professional impression to USCIS․ A common misconception exists that handwritten affidavits are the only accepted format, but this isn’t true․ You can submit a neatly typed affidavit to a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public for official witnessing․
However, legibility is paramount; a poorly handwritten affidavit may be rejected․ Regardless of the method, ensure the content is clear, concise, and free of errors․ Choosing a typed affidavit often streamlines the process and enhances readability for the reviewing officer․
Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public Requirements
Affidavits require official witnessing by a Commissioner of Oaths or a Notary Public to be legally valid for USCIS submission․ This process confirms the affiant’s identity and verifies they swore an oath to the truthfulness of the statements․ The Notary will affix their seal and signature, validating the document’s authenticity․
Ensure the Notary is authorized within the relevant jurisdiction․ You’ll need to present valid photo identification to the Notary․ Do not sign the affidavit before the Notary; signing must occur in their presence․ This step is crucial for ensuring the affidavit is accepted as legitimate evidence․
Sample Affidavit Structure and Content
A strong affidavit begins with the affiant’s personal details – full name, address, and relationship to the couple․ Clearly state how long you’ve known them and in what capacity․ Detail your observations of their relationship, focusing on genuine affection and shared life experiences․
Include specific anecdotes illustrating their bond, like shared holidays or mutual support during challenges․ Address the couple directly, affirming your belief in the legitimacy of their marriage․ Conclude with a statement of willingness to provide further information if needed, and sign before a Notary Public․
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Affidavits
Avoid vague statements; USCIS prefers specific examples over generalizations about the couple’s happiness․ Don’t simply reiterate information already provided in other documents – offer unique perspectives․ Refrain from legal jargon or opinions on immigration law; focus solely on personal observations․
Ensure the affidavit is truthful and consistent with other evidence․ Avoid overly flowery language or exaggerations․ Don’t submit affidavits from individuals with questionable credibility or close familial ties that might raise concerns about bias․
Where to Find Affidavit of Bona Fide Marriage Sample PDFs
While a single official source doesn’t exist, numerous immigration law firms offer sample affidavits on their websites as resources․ USCIS doesn’t provide a template, emphasizing individual experiences․ Online legal resources, like Avvo, may host examples, but verify their accuracy․
Search for “I-751 affidavit sample” or “I-130 affidavit sample” to locate potential templates․ Remember to customize any sample to reflect the unique details of the marriage․ Consulting with an immigration attorney is recommended for personalized guidance and review․
