Navigating the immigration process can feel like a maze, and when it comes to Form I-751, the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, you might find yourself needing to submit additional proof to show your marriage is real. One common and very important piece of evidence is an affidavit letter. This article will guide you through what an Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751 is, why it's crucial, and provide you with examples to help you get started.
Why Your Affidavit Letter Matters
An affidavit letter is essentially a sworn statement from someone who knows you and your spouse well, testifying to the legitimacy of your marriage. Think of it as a character witness for your relationship. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to be sure that you entered into marriage solely for immigration benefits, and these letters help them see that your marriage is genuine. The importance of a well-written and convincing affidavit letter cannot be overstated in the Form I-751 process.
When crafting your affidavit, consider including details about:
- How long they have known you and your spouse.
- How they know your marriage is genuine.
- Specific examples of your life together as a married couple.
Here's a quick look at what USCIS might be looking for:
| Key Information | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Relationship to Couple | Friend, family member, religious leader, employer |
| Duration of Knowledge | Years, specific dates if possible |
| Observations of Marriage | Attended wedding, witnessed living together, observed interactions |
Affidavit from a Close Friend
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Friend's Perspective
[Your Friend's Full Name]
[Your Friend's Street Address]
[Your Friend's City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Friend's Phone Number]
[Your Friend's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Your Friend's Full Name], and I am writing this affidavit to attest to the genuine and bona fide nature of the marriage between [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name]. I have known both [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] for [Number] years.
I first met [Your Name] in [Year] through [How you met Your Name]. I met [Spouse's Name] shortly after, around [Year], when they began dating [Your Name]. I have had the pleasure of witnessing their relationship blossom and eventually lead to their marriage on [Date of Marriage].
Since their wedding, I have seen firsthand how much they love and support each other. I have attended family gatherings, shared meals with them, and have been privy to their daily lives. For example, I remember when [Share a specific, positive anecdote about their life together, e.g., they bought a pet together, they helped each other through a difficult time, they planned a trip]. I have also seen them work together on [mention a shared activity or responsibility, e.g., household chores, planning for their future].
I truly believe that [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] are deeply committed to each other and have built a loving and stable marriage. Their relationship is based on love, respect, and mutual companionship.
I am happy to provide any further information or answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Friend's Signature]
[Your Friend's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from a Family Member
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Family Member's Perspective
[Family Member's Full Name]
[Family Member's Street Address]
[Family Member's City, State, Zip Code]
[Family Member's Phone Number]
[Family Member's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Family Member's Full Name], and I am the [Relationship to You, e.g., mother, brother, aunt] of [Your Name]. I am writing this affidavit to confirm the authenticity of the marriage between my [son/daughter/niece/nephew], [Your Name], and [Spouse's Name].
I have known [Your Name] my entire life, and I have known [Spouse's Name] since [Year] when they began dating my [son/daughter/niece/nephew]. I witnessed their wedding on [Date of Marriage] and have been a consistent presence in their lives as a family member.
As a close family member, I have had the opportunity to observe their relationship closely. I have seen them share intimate moments, support each other through challenging times, and celebrate their successes together. I remember when [Share a specific, heartfelt anecdote about their marriage that highlights their bond, e.g., they moved in together, they supported each other during a job loss, they planned their future home]. I also have seen how they communicate and make decisions together as a married couple.
I am confident that their marriage is one of love, commitment, and genuine partnership. They have built a strong foundation together, and I believe they will continue to have a happy and lasting marriage.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Family Member's Signature]
[Family Member's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from a Religious Leader
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Religious Leader's Perspective
[Religious Leader's Full Name]
[Religious Institution Name]
[Religious Institution Street Address]
[Religious Institution City, State, Zip Code]
[Religious Leader's Phone Number]
[Religious Leader's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Religious Leader's Full Name], and I am the [Your Title, e.g., Pastor, Imam, Rabbi] of [Religious Institution Name]. I am writing this affidavit to confirm the validity of the marriage between [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name], whom I had the honor of marrying on [Date of Marriage].
I have known [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] since [Year/Date you first met them]. I recall our pre-marital counseling sessions with them, during which they expressed their deep love and commitment to one another. We discussed their shared values, their hopes for their future together, and their understanding of the sanctity of marriage.
During the wedding ceremony, I witnessed their sincere vows and their joy in embarking on this journey together. Since their marriage, I have had the opportunity to interact with them at [mention religious activities, e.g., church services, community events]. I have observed their dedication to their faith and their consistent support for each other.
Based on my interactions and observations, I firmly believe that their union is a genuine and loving one, entered into with sincere intentions. They exemplify the principles of commitment and partnership that are central to our faith.
I am available to provide any further clarification you may require.
Blessings,
[Religious Leader's Signature]
[Religious Leader's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from an Employer (if applicable and appropriate)
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Employer's Perspective
[Employer's Full Name]
[Employer's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Street Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
[Employer's Phone Number]
[Employer's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Employer's Full Name], and I am the [Employer's Title] at [Company Name]. I am writing this affidavit to support the Form I-751 petition for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name]. I have employed [Your Name] since [Start Date of Employment].
In my professional capacity, I have observed [Your Name]'s personal life and interactions. I have seen evidence of their strong and committed marital relationship with [Spouse's Name]. For example, [Your Name] has often spoken fondly of [Spouse's Name] and has shared details of their life together. We have also observed [mention something subtle but relevant, e.g., shared family photos on their desk, or participation in company family events].
During [Your Name]'s employment, I have noted their dedication and stability, which are often reflective of a supportive home life. I have witnessed [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] attending company events together, and their partnership appears genuine and loving.
I can attest that [Your Name] is a valued employee and from what I have observed, their marriage to [Spouse's Name] appears to be a legitimate and loving union.
Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Employer's Signature]
[Employer's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from a Neighbor
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Neighbor's Perspective
[Neighbor's Full Name]
[Neighbor's Street Address]
[Neighbor's City, State, Zip Code]
[Neighbor's Phone Number]
[Neighbor's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Neighbor's Full Name], and I reside at [Neighbor's Street Address], next door to [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name]. I am writing this affidavit to confirm that their marriage is genuine.
I have been living in this neighborhood for [Number] years, and I have known [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] since they moved in on [Date they moved in]. I have had numerous opportunities to observe their life together as a married couple.
I have seen them [mention everyday activities, e.g., gardening together, walking their dog, arriving home from work together, sharing meals on their patio]. I have also witnessed them [mention interactions with each other, e.g., helping each other with tasks, showing affection, planning for their future]. They always appear to be a loving and supportive couple.
From my observations as their neighbor, I am confident that [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] have a strong and authentic marital relationship.
Thank you for considering my statement.
Sincerely,
[Neighbor's Signature]
[Neighbor's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from a Travel Companion
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Travel Companion's Perspective
[Travel Companion's Full Name]
[Travel Companion's Street Address]
[Travel Companion's City, State, Zip Code]
[Travel Companion's Phone Number]
[Travel Companion's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Travel Companion's Full Name], and I am a close friend of [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name]. I am writing this affidavit to support their petition to remove conditions on residence (Form I-751).
I have known [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] since [Year]. I had the pleasure of traveling with them to [Destination] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this trip, I was able to observe the dynamics of their relationship firsthand.
I saw how they collaborated on planning our itinerary, supported each other during our travels, and shared intimate moments as a married couple. For example, I remember when [Share a specific anecdote from the trip that highlights their bond, e.g., they comforted each other when something went wrong, they celebrated a special occasion together, they made decisions jointly]. Their interactions clearly demonstrated a loving and committed partnership.
Based on my experience traveling with them, I firmly believe that [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] have a genuine and strong marital relationship.
I am happy to provide any further details you may need.
Sincerely,
[Travel Companion's Signature]
[Travel Companion's Typed Full Name]
Affidavit from a Business Partner/Colleague
Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751: Business Partner's Perspective
[Business Partner's Full Name]
[Business Partner's Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Street Address]
[Company City, State, Zip Code]
[Business Partner's Phone Number]
[Business Partner's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS Service Center Address - if known, otherwise general address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Affidavit of Support for [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] - Form I-751
Dear USCIS Officer,
My name is [Business Partner's Full Name], and I am [Your Title, e.g., a business partner, a colleague] of [Your Name] at [Company Name]. I have known [Your Name] since [Year] and have worked closely with them during this time.
While my primary interactions with [Your Name] are professional, I have also had the opportunity to interact with [Spouse's Name] on occasion, particularly during company events or when [Spouse's Name] has visited the office. Based on these interactions and conversations with [Your Name], I can attest to the genuine nature of their marriage to [Spouse's Name].
[Your Name] has often spoken of [Spouse's Name] with great affection and has shared details about their shared life and future plans. I have also observed [mention something professional but indicative, e.g., how they prioritize family time, or how they have mentioned their spouse's support in achieving professional goals].
From what I have observed and from [Your Name]'s consistent and sincere references to [Spouse's Name], I am confident that their marriage is a loving and authentic union.
I am available to provide further information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Business Partner's Signature]
[Business Partner's Typed Full Name]
In conclusion, an Affidavit Letter Sample For Form I-751 is a vital document that helps USCIS verify the authenticity of your marriage. By gathering letters from people who know you and your spouse well, and by ensuring these letters are detailed and specific, you significantly strengthen your Form I-751 petition. Remember to have your affiants clearly state their relationship to you and your spouse, how they know your marriage is real, and provide concrete examples of your life together. This careful approach will go a long way in demonstrating the legitimacy of your marriage to USCIS.