An affidavit is a sworn statement of facts used as evidence in legal proceedings, including immigration applications. It’s a crucial document that can strengthen your case by providing personal accounts and verifiable information. When it comes to immigration, affidavits often serve to corroborate the applicant’s claims, demonstrate relationships, and support character assessments. A well-written and detailed affidavit can significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome. This article explores 21 examples of affidavit letters suitable for diverse immigration needs.
Crafting an effective affidavit requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. The affidavit should clearly state the affiant’s (the person writing the affidavit) relationship to the applicant, the basis of their knowledge, and specific, relevant facts. Avoid vague statements or opinions; instead, focus on providing concrete examples and observations. Remember to include the affiant’s full name, address, contact information, date, and signature, notarized by a certified notary public.
These samples cover a range of scenarios, including affidavits of support, affidavits of relationship (marriage, family), character affidavits, and affidavits attesting to specific events or circumstances. Use these samples as a guide to structure your own affidavit, tailoring the content to accurately reflect your specific situation. Remember, modifying these samples is essential to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Copying them verbatim can raise red flags with immigration officials.
Before submitting any affidavit, have it reviewed by an immigration attorney. They can assess its legal validity and ensure it complies with all applicable regulations. They can also provide guidance on strengthening your affidavit and addressing any potential issues. While these samples offer a valuable starting point, professional legal advice is crucial for navigating the complexities of immigration law. Properly prepared affidavits are vital to a successful immigration application process.
21 Affidavit Immigration Letter Samples
Sample 1: Affidavit of Support (I-864 Example – Basic)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a citizen/lawful permanent resident of the United States.
2. I am completing this affidavit to provide support for [Applicant’s Full Name], who is my [Relationship to Applicant].
3. I am willing and able to provide financial support for [Applicant’s Full Name] as required by law.
4. My annual income is [Affiant’s Annual Income].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 2: Affidavit of Marriage Relationship
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] and [U.S. Citizen/LPR Spouse’s Full Name] since [Date].
2. I have witnessed their relationship and can attest that it is a genuine and loving one.
3. I have observed them [Give specific examples of their interactions: e.g., “sharing meals together,” “attending family events,” “supporting each other through difficult times”].
4. To the best of my knowledge, their marriage is entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 3: Affidavit of Family Relationship (Sibling)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am the [Brother/Sister] of [Applicant’s Full Name].
2. We share the same parents, [Father’s Full Name] and [Mother’s Full Name].
3. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] my entire life.
4. [Provide specific details about your shared childhood or family history: e.g., “We grew up together in [City, State],” “We attended the same schools,” “We have many shared memories”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 4: Affidavit of Good Moral Character
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Number] years.
2. I have known them to be a person of good moral character. They are [Give specific examples: e.g., “honest,” “reliable,” “respectful,” “community-minded”].
3. I am not aware of any instances where [Applicant’s Full Name] has engaged in unlawful or unethical behavior.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 5: Affidavit of Common Law Marriage (If Applicable in Jurisdiction)
(Note: Common law marriage is only recognized in certain jurisdictions. Consult with an attorney.)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am familiar with the relationship between [Applicant’s Full Name] and [Partner’s Full Name].
2. To my knowledge, they have presented themselves as a married couple to the public in [Jurisdiction where common law marriage is claimed] since [Date].
3. They have held themselves out to be married by [Give specific examples: e.g., “referring to each other as husband and wife,” “filing joint tax returns,” “owning property together”].
4. They intend to be married and live together permanently as husband and wife.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 6: Affidavit of Financial Assistance
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am aware that [Applicant’s Full Name] is applying for [Immigration Benefit/Visa Type].
2. I have been providing financial assistance to [Applicant’s Full Name] since [Date].
3. This assistance has included [Specify the type of assistance: e.g., “rent payments,” “grocery money,” “payment of medical bills”].
4. I am willing to continue providing this financial assistance to [Applicant’s Full Name] if needed.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 7: Affidavit of Living Situation
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I live at the same residence as [Applicant’s Full Name].
2. [Applicant’s Full Name] has resided at this address since [Date].
3. [Describe the living arrangement: e.g., “We share a two-bedroom apartment,” “They live in a separate room in my house”].
4. [If applicable, state any contributions the applicant makes to the household: e.g., “They contribute to the rent and utilities,” “They help with household chores”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 8: Affidavit of Employment History (Verification)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am the [Your Title] at [Company Name].
2. [Applicant’s Full Name] was employed at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
3. Their position was [Applicant’s Job Title].
4. [Describe the applicant’s job duties and performance: e.g., “They were responsible for [Duties],” “They were a hardworking and reliable employee”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 9: Affidavit of Volunteer Work
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am the [Your Title] at [Organization Name].
2. [Applicant’s Full Name] volunteered at [Organization Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
3. They volunteered as a [Volunteer Position].
4. [Describe the applicant’s volunteer duties and contributions: e.g., “They assisted with [Duties],” “They were a dedicated and valuable volunteer”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 10: Affidavit of Community Involvement
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Number] years and have observed their involvement in the community.
2. They are actively involved in [List specific community activities: e.g., “the local church,” “the neighborhood association,” “a local charity”].
3. [Describe the applicant’s contributions to these activities: e.g., “They volunteer their time,” “They donate to the organization,” “They help organize events”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 11: Affidavit of Need for Medical Treatment
I, [Affiant’s Full Name – Ideally a Medical Professional], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am a [Your Profession] licensed to practice in [State/Country].
2. I have examined [Applicant’s Full Name] and have determined that they require [Specific Medical Treatment].
3. This treatment is [Explain the necessity of the treatment: e.g., “essential for their health and well-being,” “not readily available in their home country”].
IMPORTANT: This affidavit should be supported by medical records.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 12: Affidavit Regarding Past Immigration History
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am familiar with the past immigration history of [Applicant’s Full Name].
2. [Explain any previous visa applications, denials, or entries into the United States: e.g., “They were previously denied a tourist visa,” “They overstayed a previous visa but have since departed the U.S.”].
3. [Provide any relevant details or explanations: e.g., “The denial was due to [Reason],” “They were unaware of the visa requirements”].
IMPORTANT: Be truthful and accurate. Failure to disclose past immigration history can have serious consequences.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 13: Affidavit of Language Proficiency
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Number] years.
2. I am fluent in [Language] and have observed [Applicant’s Full Name] speaking this language fluently as well.
3. [Give specific examples of the applicant’s language proficiency: e.g., “I have had conversations with them in [Language],” “I have seen them translate documents from [Language]”].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 14: Affidavit Regarding Lost Documents
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am aware that [Applicant’s Full Name] needs to provide a copy of [Document Name] for their immigration application.
2. The original [Document Name] was [Explain how the document was lost: e.g., “lost in a fire,” “stolen,” “lost during a move”].
3. [Describe the efforts made to recover the document: e.g., “We have filed a police report,” “We have contacted the issuing agency”].
Include any supporting documentation (police report, etc.)
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 15: Affidavit of Parental Relationship (for a child)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am the [Mother/Father/Legal Guardian] of [Child’s Full Name], born on [Child’s Date of Birth].
2. [Provide details of the parental relationship: e.g., “I have been the primary caregiver for [Child’s Name] since their birth,” “I have consistently provided financial and emotional support for [Child’s Name]”].
3. [If applicable, explain any circumstances regarding the other parent].
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 16: Affidavit Corroborating a Specific Event
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. On [Date of Event], I witnessed [Applicant’s Full Name] [Describe the event: e.g., “attending a specific meeting,” “being involved in a car accident,” “assisting someone in need”].
2. [Provide a detailed account of what you observed. Be specific and include relevant details.].
3. I am providing this affidavit to confirm that [Applicant’s Full Name]’s account of the event is accurate.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 17: Affidavit of Support from Multiple Individuals (Combined)
(This requires careful coordination and potential legal review.)
We, [Affiant 1’s Full Name] residing at [Affiant 1’s Full Address] AND [Affiant 2’s Full Name] residing at [Affiant 2’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. We are jointly providing support for [Applicant’s Full Name], who is our [Relationship to Applicant, e.g., “Nephew”].
2. Affiant 1’s annual income is [Affiant 1’s Annual Income], and Affiant 2’s annual income is [Affiant 2’s Annual Income].
3. Together, we are willing and able to provide the required financial support for [Applicant’s Full Name].
[Affiant 1’s Signature]
[Affiant 1’s Date]
[Affiant 2’s Signature]
[Affiant 2’s Date]
Sample 18: Affidavit attesting to a translation of a document.
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I am fluent in both [Language A] and [Language B].
2. I have accurately translated the attached document from [Language A] to [Language B].
3. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the translation is a true and accurate representation of the original document.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 19: Affidavit Regarding a Change of Address
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I, [Your Name], have moved from [Old Address] to [New Address] on [Date of Move].
2. My current mailing address is [New Address].
3. I am providing this affidavit to update my address for immigration purposes.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 20: Affidavit of Relationship – Demonstrating Emotional Support
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Number] years.
2. During this time, I have observed [Applicant’s Full Name] provide significant emotional support to [Related Person, e.g., their spouse, child, parent].
3. [Provide specific examples, e.g., “I witnessed them comforting their spouse during a difficult illness,” “They consistently provide encouragement and support to their child in their studies,” “They regularly check in on their elderly parent and assist with their needs.”]. These examples should be detailed and illustrate the depth of the emotional support provided.
[Signature]
[Date]
Sample 21: Affidavit of No Criminal Record (When Official Records are Unavailable)
I, [Affiant’s Full Name], residing at [Affiant’s Full Address], being duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
1. I have known [Applicant’s Full Name] for [Number] years and have resided in [City, Country] for [Number] years.
2. To the best of my knowledge and belief, [Applicant’s Full Name] has never been arrested, charged with, or convicted of any crime in [City, Country].
3. I am not aware of any behavior by [Applicant’s Full Name] that would suggest they have a criminal record.
Important: Only use this when you *cannot* obtain official police records or background checks. This is a weaker form of evidence. Explain why official records are unavailable.
[Signature]
[Date]
Disclaimer: These samples are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Remember to notarize all affidavits.
Conclusion
Affidavits are critical tools in immigration proceedings, offering personal testimony to support various aspects of an application. While these 21 samples provide a solid foundation, tailoring each affidavit to your unique circumstances and seeking professional legal counsel is essential. A well-crafted and legally sound affidavit can significantly strengthen your case and contribute to a positive outcome.