Affidavit Letter for Immigration Marriage Example: Bona Fide Marriage Letters and Samples

An affidavit letter for immigration marriage example shows what a supporting document from a third party should look like when submitted in connection with a spousal visa or green card petition. An affidavit of marriage for immigration sample is used by a friend, family member, or acquaintance who personally knows the couple to attest that the marriage is genuine and not entered into for immigration purposes. The formal name for this document is a sample affidavit of bona fide marriage letter for immigration — the “bona fide” language is central because immigration law specifically requires proof that the marriage was entered in good faith, not as a means to circumvent immigration controls. A well-drafted affidavit letter for immigration marriage sample includes the affiant’s personal relationship to the couple, specific examples of the couple’s shared life, and a sworn declaration before a notary. A full affidavit of bona fide marriage letter for immigration sample typically runs two to three pages and addresses multiple aspects of the couple’s relationship history.

This guide explains what the affidavit must contain, who can write it, and how to draft and notarize it correctly.

Who can write a bona fide marriage affidavit for immigration

Eligible affiants

An affidavit of marriage for immigration sample can be written by any person who personally knows the couple — a friend, family member, coworker, neighbor, or member of the same religious community. The affiant must be able to speak from personal knowledge, not hearsay. USCIS reviewers look for affiants who have actually observed the couple together, attended events with them, or have direct knowledge of their shared household and family life. An affiant who only knows the couple through social media has weak standing compared to one who has attended family gatherings or shared social occasions with them over several years.

There is no legal limit on the number of affidavits a couple can submit, but quality matters more than quantity. Two detailed, specific affidavits from people who know the couple well carry more weight than five generic statements.

What the affiant must swear to

The affidavit letter for immigration marriage example must be signed under penalty of perjury — the affiant is swearing that the statements are true to the best of their knowledge. The document must be notarized. A false affidavit submitted to USCIS constitutes immigration fraud, a federal crime. Affiants should only attest to facts they personally know to be true.

What a bona fide marriage affidavit must contain

A complete affidavit letter for immigration marriage sample includes the following elements: the affiant’s full name, address, date of birth, and citizenship or immigration status; the affiant’s relationship to the couple and how long they have known them; specific examples of the couple’s shared life (joint activities, shared residence, family integration, travel together); and a sworn declaration that the marriage is genuine to the affiant’s personal knowledge.

A strong sample affidavit of bona fide marriage letter for immigration avoids generic language. Statements like “they seem happy together” are weak. Statements like “I attended their joint birthday celebration in March 2023, where I met their respective families” are specific and credible. The more concrete the detail, the more useful the document is to the adjudicating officer.

Drafting the affidavit of bona fide marriage for immigration

A full affidavit of bona fide marriage letter for immigration sample should follow this structure: opening paragraph identifying the affiant and their relationship to the couple; body paragraphs covering specific knowledge of the couple’s shared life, organized by topic (shared residence, financial interdependence, social integration, family involvement); a paragraph specifically addressing whether the affiant believes the marriage was entered in good faith; and a notarized signature block with the sworn declaration language.

Immigration attorneys often provide clients with an outline or template for this document. Using a template as a starting point is appropriate, but the specific content must be authentic — filling in generic statements defeats the document’s purpose. Consult an immigration attorney if you are unsure whether your affidavit meets USCIS standards or if the petition involves any complications including prior immigration violations.