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Last Update: July 14, 2025
When a loved one is applying for a green card—especially in a marriage-based case—you may be asked to write an affidavit of support. This isn’t the government’s financial form (Form I-864), but a personal statement describing what you’ve seen and know about the couple’s relationship.
Done well, this letter can make a real difference. It gives USCIS officers something no other document can: a human perspective from someone who knows the couple personally.
Note: This is NOT a page about the “Affidavit of Support,” which is the financial support form for certain immigration applicants. Go to our Affidavit of Support page→ to learn more.
What is an Affidavit for Immigration?
An affidavit for immigration is a sworn written statement made by someone who knows the applicant (and their spouse, in marriage-based cases). The letter is used as part of the evidence to support an immigration petition, usually to prove a genuine marital relationship.
Unlike the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)↗, which shows the U.S. petitioner can financially support the immigrant, this affidavit provides personal testimony about the relationship’s authenticity.
Under USCIS policy↗, such statements can be submitted as secondary evidence of a bona fide marriage. They’re particularly helpful if the couple lacks traditional evidence like joint leases, joint bank accounts, or tax returns.
Why is an Affidavit Important?
Immigration officers are trained to detect fraud and spot marriages entered solely for green card benefits. An affidavit offers insight from a third party—someone who has spent real time with the couple and can describe their relationship in detail.
When done well, an affidavit:
- Reinforces the evidence already submitted
- Fills in any gaps where joint documentation is missing
- Demonstrates community knowledge of the couple’s relationship
- Shows consistency across multiple sources of evidence
Who Can Write an Affidavit?
Anyone who knows the couple personally may write an affidavit. Ideal affiants include:
- Close friends
- Family members
- Neighbors
- Coworkers
- Religious or community leaders
The more time they’ve spent with the couple, the more persuasive their letter will be.
Affidavits can be written in foreign languages, but be sure to include a certified translation with the original statement.
How to Write an Affidavit for Immigration
The letter doesn’t have to be fancy—but it must be clear, specific, and honest. Here’s what a strong affidavit includes:
- Introduction
Your affidavit should start with your full name, address, date of birth, nationality, and telephone number.
- Your Relationship to the Couple
Explain how you know them, how long you’ve known them, and in what capacity (e.g., friend, cousin, coworker).
- Personal Observations
This is the most important part. Include details that show:
– How the couple interacts with each other
– How they spend time together (trips, holidays, family events)
– How they talk about future plans or handle challenges
– Use anecdotes and sensory language where appropriate. For example: “I remember helping them move into their new apartment in Mount Pleasant. They argued over where to hang wedding photos, but in the end, they picked the hallway and laughed about it. It felt like watching any real married couple.” - Statement of Truth and Signature
End the affidavit with a statement like:
“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct.” - Have it Notarized
Don’t sign the affidavit just yet. Take the printed affidavit to a Notary Public. The Notary will review your ID and watch you sign the document. The Notary will then certify that the statement was made by you.
✅ Dos and ❌ Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Be honest and write in your own voice
- Include real, specific examples
- Keep it 1–2 pages max
- Use the present tense when describing the relationship
❌ DON’T:
- Submit generic or copy-paste language
- Make exaggerated or false claims
- Leave out your contact info
- Forget to sign and date the letter
Affidavit Format & Notarization
There’s no official USCIS form for this type of affidavit. However, your letter should be:
- Typed, if possible (handwritten is acceptable but less common)
- Signed and dated
- Notarized—this adds credibility and formality
Most U.S. banks, shipping stores, or public libraries offer notarization. If your affiant is abroad, they may use a U.S. embassy or consulate for notarial services.
Here are some helpful templates that you can download and either fill in Adobe and print, or print and complete by hand:
What is a Notary Public and Where Do I Find One?
In the United States, a Notary Public is a public state official commissioned to serve as an impartial witness in performing fraud-deterrent acts related to signing important documents. A notary is permitted to administer an oath. Documents that are notarized carry significant evidentiary weight and are accepted by USCIS in immigration matters.
You can find Notaries in every state of the United States. Most often, you can find a Notary at a bank or law office. A Google search for “notary near me” should provide good results.
In other parts of the world, an official who can perform these duties may have a different name, or in some cases, may not exist at all. If you are unable to notarize a document, you may still provide the statement, but it may carry less importance to an immigration officer.
FAQs About Immigration Affidavits
No. Anyone who knows the couple personally can write one—regardless of immigration status.
No. An affidavit can be written in any language, but you will have to get a certified translation to English to submit with the original letter.
Not for writing the affidavit itself—but an immigration attorney can review it for consistency with your case.
It’s rare, but possible. Always include correct contact information.
Need Help With Your Immigration Case?
If you’re unsure how to prepare strong evidence for a marriage-based green card case, we can help. Occam Immigration offers professional guidance, review services, and full application support—so you can file confidently. Schedule a consultation today→.