Immigration Documents That Need a Notary

Navigating the U.S. immigration system involves extensive paperwork, and many of those documents require notarization. In a city as diverse as Los Angeles, where thousands of immigration applications are filed every month, understanding which documents need a notary is essential for a smooth process.

Commonly Notarized Immigration Documents

Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)

One of the most frequently notarized immigration documents, the Affidavit of Support is required for family-based immigration petitions. The sponsor swears under oath that they have sufficient income to support the immigrant. While USCIS does not always require notarization for this form, many immigration attorneys recommend it because a notarized affidavit carries more weight.

Affidavits of Relationship

These sworn statements from friends or family members attest to the genuineness of a relationship, commonly used in marriage-based green card applications. These affidavits should be notarized to demonstrate their authenticity.

Translated Documents

Any foreign-language document submitted to USCIS must include a certified English translation. While USCIS technically requires only certification, notarizing the translator's certification adds credibility. Common documents requiring translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and academic records.

Declaration of Intent

Various immigration applications require declarations where the applicant states their intentions under penalty of perjury. These are stronger when notarized.

Copies of Foreign Documents

When original foreign documents are not available, notarized copies or notarized statements explaining why originals are unavailable may be accepted by USCIS.

Immigration Forms and Notarization

Not all USCIS forms require notarization, but many benefit from it. Here is a general guide:

• I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): Supporting affidavits should be notarized
• I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Supporting evidence and affidavits benefit from notarization
• I-751 (Remove Conditions on Residence): Joint financial and relationship evidence should be supported by notarized affidavits
• I-864 (Affidavit of Support): Recommended to be notarized
• N-400 (Application for Naturalization): Supporting documents may need notarization
• I-601 (Waiver): Supporting declarations should be notarized

The Notarization Process for Immigration Documents

Getting your immigration documents notarized follows the standard process:

1. Bring the document and a valid government-issued photo ID
2. Appear in person before the notary
3. For affidavits, you will need to swear or affirm that the statements are true (a jurat)
4. For translations, the translator signs their certification in front of the notary
5. The notary applies their seal and signs the document

Apostille Requirements for Foreign Documents

Some immigration-related documents may need an apostille or foreign document authentication, particularly if documents issued in the U.S. need to be used abroad. For example, a U.S. birth certificate or marriage certificate that needs to be presented to a foreign government may require both notarization and an apostille from the California Secretary of State.

Finding an Immigration Notary in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has many notaries experienced with immigration documents. When choosing a notary for immigration paperwork, look for:

• Experience with USCIS documents
• Bilingual capabilities if you are more comfortable in another language
• Availability to handle multiple documents in one appointment
• Knowledge of USCIS translation requirements
• Connections to certified translation services

Many notaries in neighborhoods with large immigrant communities, such as Koreatown, Glendale, and Downtown LA, specialize in immigration-related services.

Find one through our Los Angeles notary directory. For cost information, see our guides on notary fees and translation costs.