Caro

Hi,

So, we are getting our paperwork together for the interview, but we are a little bit unsure about the I-864-A. Please correct me if I am wrong:

1) It was my understanding that since we have been married for a while (> 6 months of living together) and I am working, we should complete I-864-A.

2) My understanding is that we should complete I-864-A even if my husband could sponsor me by himself.

3) Now a question. I-864-A has to be signed by both the US spouse and the "sponsored immigrant", and both signatures have to be notarized. Can the signatures be notarized individually, i.e. he signs in front of a public notary where he works, and I sign the next day in front of a public notary where I work, or do we have to sign the form together in front of a public notary?

Thanks a bunch,
Caroline

Pallyn

My husband's income was included on the I-864, no need to complete the supplemental form. This was done by the interviewing office, despite my meeting the requirements on my own. As far as I know, only the USC is signing because they are the person bound by the affadavit.

Rete

Unlike the other poster, we included the I-864A and BCIS (NYC) was fine with it.

Dekka's Angel

Generally, you can have a joint document notarized either way. It's just as binding. Signing it together, however, eliminates any (unlikely) squick by notary 2 that the document was somehow altered between signatures.

Caro

Thanks!
Caroline

Rete

Actually that is only a possibility if the document was prepared in front of the notary and then signed and notarized. If, however, as is the case with the I-864 and I-864A, the forms are completed first and then taken to a notary for witnessing of the signature. After all, the notary is only attesting to the personage of the signer not to the validity of the documentation. A standard notary legend would be something of this in nature:

On this the 3rd day of July, 2003, before me personally appeared John C. Doe, who has set his hand hereto of his free will and act.

_____________
Notary Public
Commission Expires


I know in the world of commercial finance law the same document may be signed in various states and signatures notarized and executed signature pages telecopied to the attorneys and all are legally binding as per a proviso within the loan document itself.

Just thought to throw in my 5 cents on the case of notarization of documents from my limited experience as a notary.

Rete

jcapulet

Caroline,

I had my affidavit of support signed ahead of time, then brought it to the notary. She said I wasn't supposed to do that because the whole purpose was to witness me signing the form. She gave me a break though, and asked me to sign a separate sheet of paper to match the signatures and of course they were consistent. I would think you'd have to have the forms filled out, but with the signatures left blank until all persons are present to sign in front of the notary.

Juliet