Writing An Affidavit To Support A Relative Or Friend For Immigration

affidavit of support sample

An Affidavit to support a relative or friend is a written sworn statement that is written on behalf of an individual in support of an immigration application or other related proceedings.

The purpose of this letter is to work in favor of the immigrant in question by substantiating important aspects of their immigration case. Instances where affidavit letters are usually very useful are immigration cases in which the applicant must prove a bona fide (good faith) marriage, good moral character, or abuse within a marriage.

The Affidavit letter should be a personal declaration that includes:

1. The name, date and place of birth, phone number, and address of the affiant (person writing the letter).

2. The history of the personal relationship with the applicant.

3. Details of how the affiant came to acquire the knowledge stated in the declaration, such as the legitimacy of the applicant’s marriage.

4. Penalty of Perjury Language. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it is important to include a sworn statement that states, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.”

5. Date and signature.

Who to consider for writing an Affidavit?

Individuals who might be fit to provide such a statement should be someone close to the applicant, such as a friend or a family member or anyone with firsthand knowledge of the applicant's claims.

The affiant should be able to provide specific narratives and direct instances to adequately support the case.

How to format an affidavit letter?

1. Opening statement- It is vital that the introduction outlines the name of the affiant, age, citizenship status, relationship to the immigrant, and the duration of their relationship with the applicant.

2. Body Paragraph- This is where the affiant will provide statements and instances that help prove the applicant’s claim based on their firsthand knowledge and observations. Whenever possible, the affiant should provide specific examples to give a more detailed illustration.

3. Closing statement- The last statements should summarize the statements made and what conclusion the affiant wishes for the officer to draw at the end of reading his or her letter.

An affidavit should not be used as primary evidence in a case where other objective evidence exist.

In other words, affidavits should be used to either fill in gaps in cases where stronger evidence may not exist, or to support other existing evidence that is used as primary evidence in a case.

Form-filling is just one very important aspect of filing a successful immigration case. Interpretation and application of the law, strategy, and providing accurate supporting documents and sufficient documentary evidence are some of the other very important components of a successful immigration case.

Affidavits can also support Green Card applications, especially in cases based on marriage or family relationships. For example, if someone is applying for a marriage-based Green Card, letters from friends or relatives who know the couple personally can help show that the marriage is genuine. These statements provide valuable context that official documents may not fully capture.

Keep in mind, affidavits should only serve as supporting evidence. Immigration officers usually prefer stronger records such as financial documents, leases, or photographs. Still, when those are limited, affidavits can help fill in the gaps.

For guidance on using affidavits effectively, it’s wise to consult an experienced Green Card immigration lawyer who can make sure your case is supported with the right evidence.

Let us help you! For a private case evaluation, leave us a message or call us at 321-325-1125.

Please also ask-

Q1. Can I use an affidavit of support for immigration cases in Clermont, FL?

Ans: Yes. In my practice here in Clermont and surrounding area, I regularly prepare affidavits of support for clients. These affidavits can be used in immigration cases across the United States, but working with a local immigration attorney ensures that your affidavit meets USCIS requirements and is tailored to your specific case.

Q2. Who can write an affidavit of support for a marriage-based Green Card in Florida?

Ans: From my experience handling marriage-based Green Card cases in Clermont or Central Florida, affidavits can be written by anyone who personally knows the couple—friends, relatives, or even close community members. The key is that the affiant provides specific, truthful examples that show the marriage is genuine.

Q3. Do affidavits for immigration cases need to be notarized in Florida?

Ans: No, they do not. USCIS does not require notarization for immigration affidavits in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S. What’s most important is including the correct sworn statement: “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” This is what gives the affidavit legal weight.

Q4. How do I write an affidavit of support for a family member in Clermont, FL?

Ans: When I guide clients in Clermont through this process, I recommend including your full legal name, address, date of birth, your relationship to the immigrant, and detailed examples that demonstrate your knowledge of the case—for example, attending their wedding or knowing details about their daily life. Having an immigration lawyer review the draft can make sure nothing important is missed.

Q5. Can affidavits help with Green Card applications in Florida?

Ans: Yes. I often use affidavits in Green Card applications, particularly in marriage-based cases. In Florida, affidavits from family members, friends, or colleagues can help establish that a marriage is genuine, especially when other forms of evidence (like joint leases or financial records) are limited.

Q6. What should I include in an affidavit for immigration in Florida?

Ans: An affidavit should always include your full name and Florida address, your relationship to the applicant, and specific examples of what you’ve personally witnessed—such as family gatherings, shared milestones, or consistent cohabitation. And don’t forget the perjury declaration at the end with your dated signature.

Q7. Where can I get legal help for affidavits of support in Clermont, FL?

Ans: At my office in Clermont, I help clients draft, review, and submit affidavits of support that strengthen their immigration cases. If you need assistance, you can contact the Law Office of S.A. Peterkin at (321) 325-1125 for a private consultation.