How to Get an Affidavit Notarized for U.S. Immigration

Immigration applications often require more than government forms and official records. In some cases, applicants may need supporting affidavits or sworn statements from family members, friends, or other individuals who can personally confirm important facts about their background, relationships, or circumstances. Depending on the document and the agency receiving it, notarization may be required or recommended.

Getting an affidavit notarized for U.S. immigration involves preparing the correct statement, confirming the required notarial act, verifying the signer’s identity, and completing the signing process properly. For people in South Florida, a mobile notary can make this process more convenient by bringing notarization services directly to their home, workplace, or another agreed location.

Understanding the difference between an immigration affidavit and an official immigration form is equally important. Not every document needs a notary, and an incorrectly notarized statement may create unnecessary delays.

What Is an Immigration Affidavit?

An immigration affidavit is a written statement in which a person formally declares facts based on their personal knowledge. It may be submitted as supporting evidence in an immigration application, petition, or other proceeding involving U.S. immigration authorities.

Affidavits can help explain circumstances that may not be fully documented through official records. For example, a relative might describe their knowledge of a family relationship, while a longtime friend might provide details about a couple’s marriage.

An immigration affidavit generally identifies the person making the statement, explains their relationship to the applicant when relevant, and provides specific information supporting the facts being presented.

Why Are Affidavits Used in Immigration Cases?

Affidavits can provide additional information when an applicant needs to establish facts that are difficult to demonstrate through standard documentation. They may support an application by providing firsthand accounts from people who have direct knowledge of the situation.

Common reasons for submitting supporting affidavits include:

• Explaining a family relationship or marriage.

• Providing information about a person’s birth or identity.

• Describing a couple’s relationship history.

• Confirming someone’s residence or living arrangements.

• Explaining why certain civil records are unavailable.

• Providing firsthand accounts of events relevant to an immigration case.

USCIS considers the credibility and relevance of supporting evidence. An affidavit is not automatically accepted simply because it has been notarized. Its contents must still be useful and appropriate for the immigration matter.

What Types of Immigration Affidavits May Need Notarization?

The type of affidavit and the requirements of the receiving agency determine whether notarization is necessary. Some supporting statements may need to be sworn before a notary, while others may be submitted as declarations under penalty of perjury.

Here are several types of affidavits that may arise in U.S. immigration matters.

1. Affidavit of Relationship

An affidavit of relationship is a written statement describing how two people are related or how the person making the statement knows the applicant.

For example, a parent, sibling, or other relative may provide information supporting a family-based immigration petition. The statement may describe family connections, shared experiences, or other relevant details.

Depending on the case, the receiving authority may request supporting documentation or a specific format.

2. Affidavit of Bona Fide Marriage

An affidavit of bona fide marriage is a supporting statement from someone who has personal knowledge of a couple’s relationship and marriage.

Friends, relatives, and other individuals familiar with the couple may describe how they know the spouses, how long they have known them, and what they have personally observed about their relationship.

These statements may support a marriage-based immigration application, although they are only one possible type of evidence. USCIS evaluates the entire case rather than relying on a single affidavit.

3. Affidavit of Birth

An affidavit of birth may be used as secondary evidence when an applicant cannot obtain an official birth record or when additional documentation is requested.

A person with direct knowledge of the birth or relevant circumstances may provide a sworn statement explaining the information.

USCIS has specific evidence requirements when primary civil documents are unavailable. Applicants should follow the applicable country-specific documentation guidance and any instructions issued for their case.

4. Affidavit of Residence

An affidavit of residence is a written statement confirming information about someone’s living arrangements or residential history.

It may be requested when an applicant needs to provide additional information about where they lived or who shared their residence.

The statement should contain accurate information from someone who can personally verify the circumstances.

5. Personal Affidavit or Sworn Statement

A personal affidavit or sworn statement allows an individual to formally explain events, circumstances, or information relevant to an immigration case.

For example, someone may provide a detailed statement about a family situation, a personal experience, or an event that cannot easily be documented through official records.

If the document requires an oath or affirmation, the signer must complete the appropriate notarization process.

How to Get an Affidavit Notarized for U.S. Immigration

Getting an immigration affidavit notarized is generally straightforward when the document is prepared correctly and the signer understands what to expect.

The following steps explain how the process typically works when using a Florida notary public.

Step 1: Prepare the Affidavit

Start by obtaining the affidavit or statement required for the immigration matter.

The document may come from an immigration attorney, an authorized legal representative, or another appropriate source. If the applicant is preparing the statement independently, they should first confirm the applicable requirements.

A supporting affidavit generally includes:

• The full legal name of the person making the statement.

• Their address and relevant contact information.

• Their relationship to the immigration applicant, if applicable.

• A clear explanation of the facts they personally know.

• Relevant dates, locations, and circumstances.

• The appropriate declaration or signature section.

• A notarial certificate, if required.

The person making the statement should review everything carefully before scheduling notarization.

Step 2: Confirm Whether Notarization Is Required

Not all immigration affidavits require a notary. Some documents may require a sworn statement, while others may be accepted as declarations signed under penalty of perjury.

Before arranging an appointment, review the instructions provided by USCIS, the National Visa Center, the U.S. Department of State, or the immigration attorney handling the case.

This step is particularly important because different immigration documents have different execution requirements.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Notarial Act

There are two common types of notarization that people may encounter when preparing affidavits.

Jurat

A jurat is used when a signer must swear or affirm that the contents of a document are true. The notary administers an oath or affirmation, and the signer signs in the notary’s presence.

This is commonly associated with affidavits and sworn statements.

Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer personally appeared before the notary and acknowledged signing the document voluntarily.

Unlike a jurat, an acknowledgment does not involve the notary administering an oath about the truth of the document’s contents.

The required notarial act should be determined by the document’s instructions and applicable law. A notary should not simply choose whichever certificate is more convenient.

Step 4: Schedule a Notary Appointment

Once the document is ready, the signer can arrange an appointment with a commissioned notary public.

In South Florida, a mobile notary may be a convenient option for people who prefer to complete the process at home or at another agreed location.

Signing With Lissy offers mobile notary appointments at private residences, offices, hospitals, care facilities, and other locations throughout its service area.

You can learn more about available mobile notary services and arrange an appointment based on your location and document requirements.

Step 5: Present Acceptable Identification

The signer must establish their identity before the notary can complete the notarization.

Florida law specifies acceptable identification methods and requirements for satisfactory evidence of identity.

Depending on the circumstances, identification may include:

• A current Florida driver’s license.

• A Florida identification card.

• A valid U.S. passport.

• An eligible foreign passport.

• Certain qualifying government-issued identification documents.

Florida Statutes Section 117.05 provides the identification requirements for Florida notarial acts.

If the signer is unsure whether their identification will qualify, they should contact the notary before the appointment.

Step 6: Sign the Affidavit and Complete the Notarization

The signer should follow the instructions for the required notarial act.

For an affidavit requiring a jurat, the notary administers the oath or affirmation before the signer signs the document.

The notary then completes the appropriate certificate, including the required date, location, signature, identification details, and official seal.

The notary verifies the signer’s identity and properly performs the notarial act. The notary does not independently investigate whether every statement in the affidavit is true.

Step 7: Review and Keep the Completed Document

After notarization, review the document to confirm that the notarial certificate has been completed and the required seal and signature are present.

Keep a copy for personal records and follow the instructions provided by the immigration attorney or receiving agency when submitting the original or a copy.

Remember that notarization does not guarantee USCIS approval or acceptance of the affidavit as sufficient evidence.

Does Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, Need to Be Notarized?

No. The signature on Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, generally does not need to be notarized under current U.S. Department of State guidance.

This is an important distinction because Form I-864 is different from an ordinary supporting affidavit.

Form I-864 is completed by a qualifying financial sponsor who agrees to accept financial responsibility for an intending immigrant. It is a legally enforceable sponsorship document, not simply a personal statement describing someone’s circumstances.

The Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual explains that the required signatures on Form I-864, Form I-864EZ, and Form I-864A do not need notarization.

The sponsor must still sign the appropriate form and provide the required supporting financial documentation.

For official information, review the Department of State’s Affidavit of Support guidance.

Applicants should also use the latest applicable form edition and follow the current USCIS or National Visa Center instructions.

What Information Should an Immigration Affidavit Include?

A well-prepared affidavit should provide enough information for the receiving authority to understand who is making the statement, what facts they are confirming, and how they know those facts.

The exact requirements depend on the immigration matter and the purpose of the affidavit.

USCIS guidance for certain situations involving unavailable primary and secondary documents specifically discusses affidavits from people with direct personal knowledge.

For these particular cases, applicants should review the USCIS Policy Manual on documentation and evidence rather than assuming the same requirements apply to every immigration affidavit.

Can You Use a Mobile Notary for Immigration Affidavits?

Yes. A mobile notary can notarize eligible immigration-related affidavits and sworn statements when the signer and document meet the applicable notarial requirements.

Mobile notarization is especially useful for people who have difficulty traveling, have demanding schedules, or prefer to complete their paperwork at home.

A mobile notary can travel to an agreed location and perform the required notarial act in person.

Signing With Lissy provides mobile notary services throughout South Florida, including appointments at:

• Private residences.

• Business offices.

• Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

• Assisted living communities.

• Nursing homes and care facilities.

• Other agreed locations.

This option allows signers to arrange notarization without having to travel to a traditional office.

To learn more about available appointments, visit the Signing With Lissy services page.

Can an Immigration Affidavit Be Notarized Online?

Sometimes. Remote online notarization, also known as RON, allows an eligible signer and notary to complete a notarization through a secure audiovisual session rather than meeting in person.

Florida authorizes remote online notarization under applicable state law. However, the availability of RON does not automatically mean every immigration document can be notarized online or that every receiving agency will accept the resulting document.

Before scheduling a remote session, confirm:

• Whether the document qualifies for remote notarization.

• Whether the receiving agency accepts electronic notarization.

• Whether the signer can complete the required identity verification.

• Whether the document requires additional witnesses.

• Whether the document must be submitted in a specific format.

Signing With Lissy offers remote online notarization services for eligible transactions. Contact the notary beforehand to confirm whether your particular immigration-related document qualifies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Notarizing Immigration Documents

Small mistakes can create unnecessary problems when preparing documents for an immigration application. Taking time to verify the requirements before signing can help avoid preventable issues.

1. Assuming Every Immigration Form Needs a Notary

Not every immigration document requires notarization. Some forms require only a valid signature, while certain supporting statements may require an oath or other formalities.

Always check the instructions for the specific document.

2. Signing Before the Notary Appointment

If the affidavit requires a jurat, the signer must take the oath or affirmation and sign in the notary’s presence.

Signing the document beforehand may require the signer to complete a new signature process or prepare another copy.

3. Using the Wrong Notarial Certificate

An acknowledgment and a jurat serve different purposes. Using the wrong certificate may create problems with the document’s execution.

The signer should confirm the required notarial act before the appointment.

4. Providing Incomplete Information

An affidavit that lacks important details may not provide enough information to support the immigration matter.

Review the document for missing names, dates, addresses, relationships, and relevant facts before signing.

5. Assuming Notarization Guarantees Immigration Approval

A notary verifies identity and performs the requested notarial act. The notary does not decide whether an affidavit meets USCIS evidence requirements or whether an immigration application should be approved.

Applicants should work with an immigration attorney when they need legal guidance about their case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Affidavit Notarization

Does USCIS Require Immigration Affidavits to Be Notarized?

Not always. USCIS requirements depend on the document and the purpose for which it is submitted. Some affidavits may require notarization, while certain declarations can be signed under penalty of perjury without a notary. Always check the applicable instructions.

Can a Friend or Family Member Provide an Immigration Affidavit?

Yes, in appropriate circumstances. A friend or family member may provide a supporting affidavit if they have relevant personal knowledge of the facts. Certain USCIS evidence situations also specify requirements concerning the affiant’s relationship to the underlying petition and their firsthand knowledge.

Can I Get an Immigration Affidavit Notarized at Home?

Yes. A mobile notary can travel to your residence and notarize eligible documents. This is a convenient option for people who cannot easily visit a notary office or prefer an appointment at home.

Does an Affidavit Need to Be Notarized Before Submitting It to USCIS?

That depends on the affidavit and the applicable filing instructions. Some sworn affidavits require notarization, while certain declarations signed under penalty of perjury may not. Applicants should confirm the requirements before submitting their paperwork.

What Identification Do I Need for an Immigration Affidavit Notarization?

Florida notaries must use identification that satisfies Florida’s notarial requirements. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a qualifying driver’s license, identification card, or passport. Contact the notary beforehand if you are unsure whether your identification is acceptable.

Can a Florida Mobile Notary Notarize an Immigration Affidavit?

Yes. A commissioned Florida notary can perform eligible notarial acts on immigration-related affidavits when the signer, document, and requested act meet applicable legal requirements. The notary cannot provide immigration legal advice unless separately authorized to do so.

Can I Get an Immigration Affidavit Notarized Online?

Potentially. Florida permits remote online notarization for qualifying documents and signers. However, the receiving immigration agency’s requirements must also be considered. Confirm eligibility and acceptance before arranging a remote appointment.

Can a Notary Help Me Prepare My Immigration Affidavit?

A notary can perform the requested notarization but should not provide immigration legal advice or determine which affidavit an applicant needs. If you need help drafting a statement, choosing an immigration form, or understanding filing requirements, consult a qualified immigration attorney or authorized representative.

Get Your Immigration Affidavit Notarized in South Florida

Preparing immigration paperwork can involve several documents, signatures, and supporting statements. When an affidavit requires notarization, working with a commissioned notary can help ensure the signing process is completed according to applicable Florida requirements.

Signing With Lissy offers professional mobile notary services for immigration-related affidavits, sworn statements, and other eligible legal documents throughout South Florida. Appointments can be arranged at homes, offices, hospitals, and other agreed locations.

If you already have your affidavit prepared and need a convenient notarization appointment, contact Signing With Lissy to discuss your document and scheduling requirements.

Schedule your mobile notary appointment:

• Website: https://signingwithlissy.com/

• Phone: (305) 586-4854

• Email: signingwithlissy@gmail.com

• Service area: South Florida

Get your document signed and notarized with a convenient appointment that fits your schedule.