How Do I Prove Single Status?
The proof of single status is a bachelorhood certificate,which is provided as a single status affidavit, here in India and the US.
There are some different names of this very document, which are:
· No Record of Marriage
· Certificate of Freedom to Marry
· Certificate of No Impediment for Marriage
· Certificate of No Record – Marriage
· Affidavit of Single Status
· Affidavit of Marriageability
· Certificate of No Public Record
How do you prove single status?
This certificate is a proof of singleness, which is legally required when one is to prove his marital status as per the judiciary laws of the country.
Unlike other immigration papers, it is a sworn document stating that the affiant is single or, has no dependent from previous marriage (in the case of re-marriage). Foreign governments take it as a licence to allow marriage of a non-resident with the citizens.
So, the non-residents of India have to get it a month before solemnizing marriage. The foreign authority requires this affidavit from NRIs so that it can have information about the foreigner who may be going to be a green card holder. It ensures no polygamy to take place.
The affiant has to get it legalized from the competent authorities of his own country.
How do you get it in India?
The process is very clear.All who are interested in getting this affidavit have to draft the affidavit from the local court and get it stamped or attested from various authorities.
· Notarisation
The notarization is a first stage, which is governed by the government. It verifies the authenticity of all documents that you enclose for legalization. Once checked by the notary public,this sworn statement is attested and signed by him.
· SDM Attestation
Sub-Divisional Magistrate or the Home Ministry of the state government attests it. The officer cross-checks the authenticity of this affidavit and then, marks his stamp. His attestation shows that your document is valid all around.
· MEA Attestation
MEA stands for the Ministry of External Affairs, which is the topmost authority that attests the document or certificate. This is where documents are also apostilled. It is required for the NRIs who are going to settle in the member-country of Hague Convention. Once this attestation is done, they don’t need any other attestation from MEA because it is valid all across the world.
· Embassy Attestation
This is the last step of attestation services, which ensures the single status proof to be validated. It involves Indian & foreign embassy.But the non-residents don’t need its attestation if their document is apostilled. If the affiant is likely to settle in the country apart from the member countries of Hague convention, it’s compulsory. The embassy stamps affidavit once verified.
The applicant can either get through these all attestation stages by himself. It needs physical presence before every authority together with all requisite documents to support your affidavit. The aforesaid steps are in sequence that one should follow one by one. At each stage, the fee is charged. Once you get, show it up to the foreign embassy.
Another option is to consult with an NRI consultant. Such professionals are aware of these steps and have all possible solutions to get through difficulties in legalizing documents. The applicant may provide the power of attorney (PoA) for it. It can help him to get through these legalization steps without any problem.
Documents to Support Affidavit
· Get an affidavit drafted in the court or SD Moffice, stating his personal details such as the name, address, identity, and witnesses on a stamp paper.
· Enclose an address proof that can be any document, such as bank passbook, Voter ID, Aadhar card, Rental agreement,etc.
· A valid Passport or Visa
· Proof of Birth, which can be the applicant’s date of birth such as Birth Certificate, School certificate, etc.
· Proof from parents, which should be an affidavit stating that the applicant’s parents acknowledge that he/she is single. It also needs their Voter IDs, or Aadhar cards.
· For a divorcee, a Decree Absolute is required.
· For a widower, Death Certificate of passed away spouse is required.
