Is it important to include affidavits with I-751 form submission ?

[blues_traveler]

I am in a bona-fide marriage and have sufficient financial and lease documents to prove it. The I-751 instruction sheet suggests including affidavits from atleast two acquaintances/relatives as an additional option. I find it a hassle to do so, and am wondering what folks think about the importance of doing so.

Thanks in advance,
blues.

[Al Southner]

The answer is very simple: Do you have people who can attest to your marriage or not? If not, then you don't have to include the affidavits. USCIS is using these affidavits to cut you some slack and crap, and avoid an unnecessary second interview with them.

So, you have to weigh the hassle of calling two friends who can write strong affidavits on your behalf for submission with the I-751, and the cost of taking a day off, visit USCIS to be checked whether you still love your wife and happily married. In most cases, I advise people to avoid creating issues for themselves by submitting a dossier of evidence, keep USCIS at a football field's length from their lives. So, you have to make a decision.

The more evidence you submit, the stronger the chances that you won't be called for second interview. Hence, affidavits are strongly recommended...

[pianoplayer]

Originally Posted by blues_traveler

I am in a bona-fide marriage and have sufficient financial and lease documents to prove it. The I-751 instruction sheet suggests including affidavits from atleast two acquaintances/relatives as an additional option. I find it a hassle to do so, and am wondering what folks think about the importance of doing so.

Thanks in advance,
blues.

Hi:

I do not understand what your question is. If you believe that you have sufficient proof of your marriage, and getting affidavits is too much of a hassle, then don't submit them. Personally, I think they require minimal effort if you have co-operative friends. They are not necessary, but can enhance the merit of the application.

It is your call. If you do choose not to submit them, and for some reason you get called to an interview, please just don't complain.

[Triple Citizen]

I didn't include any affidavits in my I-751 in July 2005. My I-751 was approved in 75 days by NSC.

[andr0s]

Blues,

From my personal experience (my own GC processes, and those of several of my friends): Affidavits are one of documents with highest ease of obtainment - usefulness and weight ratios. They're easy to come by, free or cheap in most states (they should be notarized, which might cost couple of $) and often provide credibility to your relationship in a way joint bank accounts or utility bills can't : they establish you and your spouse have a joint social life and common everyday friends. Additionally, they may also have some weight as the character witnesses for the petitioner, indicating to the USCIS official that the petitioner is well received and integrated in the community, etc.

I would say,definitely get a couple. It's easy, it's fast, and it's likely to be an additional weight on your end of scales

[pianoplayer]

Originally Posted by Triple Citizen

I didn't include any affidavits in my I-751 in July 2005. My I-751 was approved in 75 days by NSC.

Hi:

That is wonderful. I am not really sure of what message you are sending. Many I751s are approved without affidavits - they are not NECESSARY. But is an extra form of evidence that can boost an application.

While you clearly only make a purely factual statement, I am concerned that the OP might infer that an affidavit is useless. We do not know the strength of his evidence - it may be prudent for him to include one.