Such affidavits must be sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit as well as the following:
1. his or her relationship to the petitioner, if any, and
2. complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of the marriage.
The instructions for the I-751 Petition describes the affidavits that must accompany the petition as follows:
"Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by at least two people who have known both of you since your conditional residence was granted and have personal knowledge of your marriage and relationship. (Such persons may be required to testify before an immigration officer as to the information contained in the affidavit.) The original affidavit must be submitted and also contain the following information regarding the person making the affidavit: his or her full name and address; date and place of birth; relationship to you or your spouse, if any; and full information and complete details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge."
The Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship is a crucial document required to accompany an I-130 or I-751 application or petition submitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This affidavit serves as evidence of a bona fide marital relationship between a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) and their non-U.S. citizen spouse. This affidavit is specifically prepared by the couple themselves, and it must include detailed information outlining the history, nature, and authenticity of their marriage. The purpose of this document is to convince the INS that the marriage is not fraudulent and that it meets the legal requirements for immigration benefits. Keywords for this topic: Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship, I-130 application, I-751 petition, Immigration and Naturalization Service, bona fide marriage, U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, non-U.S. citizen spouse, immigration benefits, fraudulent marriage. There are two main types of the Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship, each used for different immigration application or petition scenarios: 1. Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship for I-130 Application: This affidavit is utilized when a U.S. citizen intends to sponsor their non-U.S. citizen spouse for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card). It establishes the legitimacy of the marital relationship to support the I-130 petition, which is the initial step in obtaining an immigrant visa for the spouse. 2. Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship for I-751 Petition: This type of affidavit is employed when a conditional permanent resident (CPR), who obtained their lawful permanent resident status based on marriage, applies to remove the conditions on their Green Card. The CPR and their U.S. citizen or LPR spouse must submit this affidavit as part of the I-751 petition to prove that their marriage is genuine and ongoing. In both cases, the Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship is a vital supporting document that demonstrates the couple's commitment, shared life, and intent to maintain a genuine marital relationship. It should contain comprehensive details regarding the couple's history, joint assets and liabilities, financial commingling, cohabitation, social activities, and any other evidence that reaffirms the authenticity of their marriage. This affidavit must be signed by both spouses under oath and preferably in the presence of a notary public. It is recommended to gather additional supporting documents, such as joint bank account statements, tax returns filed jointly, lease or mortgage agreements in both names, photographs, and affidavits from family and friends who can attest to the validity of the marital relationship. By submitting a well-documented and persuasive Vermont Affidavit of Marriage Relationship, couples can increase their chances of a successful immigration application or petition, as it plays a vital role in convincing immigration authorities of the authenticity of their marital bond.
