Affidavit of Single Status

An affidavit of single status is a legal document certifying that the person named in the document is not married. Such documents may be required for people applying for marriage visas, to show that they are free to marry after receiving their visas. The requirements vary, depending on the policies of the particular nation, and it is advisable to retain the services of an immigration attorney to get specific advice to smooth the process of immigration.

Also called a certificate of no record or a certificate of no impediment, the affidavit of single status must be brought to an embassy along with other paperwork needed for the visa application. The documentation is carefully reviewed and the applicant is interviewed. If consular officials are satisfied with the contents of the application, a visa can be granted. Under the terms of the visa, the new immigrant must generally marry within a set period of time, and can then apply for residency status.

Embassy requirements for an affidavit of single status may allow people to simply make and sign a sworn statement in front of a notary or embassy official, saying that they are unmarried and are free to marry. In other cases, a records search demonstrating that a person is unmarried may be required. Some nations have tightened the rules in response to cases where people who are already married have applied for marriage visas. Bigamy is generally not legal and the second marriage will be invalid under the law.

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