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An Introduction to Single Status Certificate

An Introduction to Single Status Certificate

As its name suggests, Single Status Certificate is a legitimate document, proving that the bearer is unmarried. The foreign affairs ministry of most of countries requires it to determine if the person is actually single. The substantial thing is that a divorcee and a widower are also recognised as a single by marital status. Simply put, there are three types of status that are considered “single”, which are bachelorhood, divorcee, and widower as per judiciary system of all nations.

Single Status Affidavit or Single Status Certificate

An affidavit is a sworn document, which is issued by a notary public or the district magistrate (DM) or sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in the local court. Both are recognised as A-Grade Gazette officers. Therefore, they have the authority to issue it. This is called a single status affidavit.

The need for this affidavit rises when there is no particular government agency or set up to issue it. In such a case, the court has the authority to issue it to the applicant. This certificate and affidavit have equal values.

Importance and Advantages of this Certificate

People often take a flight to temporarily shift to another country for a variety of reasons. Mostly, they migrate for seeking higher education, employment, business events, and tourism. Many instances are there, narrating how a migrant fell for a foreigner. Some relationships turn out serious and get translated into marriage. Here appears the certificate of single status in a vital role!

Actually, most governments have made it mandatory to show proof of being unmarried. It is called bachelorhood certificate, CENOMAR or Certificate of No Impediment, Nulla Osta, and many other names in different countries.

Basically, it’s a safety measure for any government to prevent a marital scam due to polygamy before happening. The apostilled or attested proof states that the competent authority has legally verified the status of that person and then, declared in a document with a signature and stamp of the verifying authority.

In all, this legitimate paper prevents marital fraud, preventing polygamy. It is obvious that discovering this information requires physical presence. For a foreigner, it’s a big challenge. So, this provision sorts it out.

Need this Proof Prior to Marriage

You may not submit it anytime. There are many legal practices like verification and paperwork involved in it, which are time-consuming. So, the migrant has to submit it a month prior to marriage.

How can you get a single status certificate?

Unlike a few years ago, the applicant has a privilege. They can apply it online. It means that there is an online application method to follow for seeking it.

However, some countries have authorities like PSA in Philippines that issue it as a certificate. But, the case of having no such authority can be addressed through A-Grade Gazette officer, which is available throughout the world.

Here is the common procedure to apply for this certificate of being unmarried.

  1. Find the website of the embassy of the country you hail from.
  2. Register with it and create a password to sign in.
  3. Once done, sign in and then, search for the certificate application.
  4. Download the form and fill up the requisite details while following the guidelines
  5. Upload it with supporting documents for verification.
  6. Pay out the requisite fee online using debit or credit card details.
  7. Apply for the certificate/affidavit of bachelorhood online through the available option.
  8. Save the receipt to track the status of your application.

This procedure may be limited to fixing an appointment also. In that case, you may have to follow these steps:

  1. Go to the embassy website of your own country.
  2. Find the online application to download and fill it up.
  3. Fix the appointment for physical verification by visiting the embassy on the scheduled date.
  4. Once done, visit the embassy while carrying all requested proofs of your identity, address, and witness’ proofs.
  5. Then only, your application would be processed and you’ll get it in a few days afterward.

Documents Required for Verification

  • Passport or visa
  • Photographs
  • An affidavit stating that you’re single with more requisite details of address, identity, and witnesses
  • An affidavit on behalf of your parents stating that your bachelorhood with more requisite details of address & identity
  • Parents’ proof, their nationality card or driving licence
  • Birth proof, like birth certificate, NABC, school certificate
  • Address proof, like Bank Passbook & rental agreement
  • Decree Absolute if you’re legally divorced
  • Death certificate if your spouse is no more

 Attestation of the Certificate

By attestation, we mean legalization. It is the process of verification and authentication of the document. The competent officer verifies the originality of the documents shown for the unmarried certificate. For this purpose, there are certain authorities that can legalise it. These are mainly the following:

  • The notary public

This is a legal officer incorporated with the local court. He verifies the originality of the documents shown as proof of marital intentions and identity. Once satisfied, he puts his signature and then, signs it up. However, this document may or may not be acceptable. It depends on the judicial rules pervasive there.

  • A-Grade Gazette Officer

This officer holds all rights to issue an affidavit of single status. It will be approved and acceptable worldwide. Like the notary public, he also examines the originality and validity of supporting documents. Therefore, the applicant may not require a notarized document prior to it.

  • The City or State government

Once issued, the affiant has to get it attested from the local government of his/ her own country. If physical presence is not possible, the person may appoint an attorney to carry out this process on his behalf. If you apply through the embassy, it gets the document attested from the competent department on its own.

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Immigration Authority

This is third phase of apostilling or attestation, wherein you have to appoint an agent because a layman does not reach and apply directly for attestation. A registered or authorized agent should be contacted for this purpose. Once done, he takes the pain and gets it legalized in a few working days.

  • The embassy of the foreign country

This is the last level of legalization. You have to visit the foreign embassy and receive the signature of the consul there. At this level, the supporting documents may not be examined thoroughly. But, you should keep them handy.

Samples of Single status certificate format PDF online

Single Status Affidavit

(Affiant)

 

“I (name of the applicant), s/o or d/o (parents’ name) born on (D.O.B) in (place of birth), am single and eligible to marry Indian or other national according to law. I am unmarried (for unmarried)/ have no dependent from the previous marriage (for divorcee/widowed). ”

 

 

Single Status Affidavit

(Parents)

 

“We (name of parents), of (age, like 50 years), married citizens of (country) with legal address after having been sworn to the law, hereby state that we are the legitimate parents of (the applicant’s name) born on (D.O.B) in (address). We are the witnesses of his/her unmarried status till today (for unmarried). Or, his/her divorce and now he/she has no dependent from the previous marriage (for divorcee).”

 

FAQs

 

Why do you need this certificate?

This proof is basically required for solemnizing marriage with a foreigner. However, the person who is seeking employment or education abroad may also need it to prove that he or she has any dependent from matrimony.

Where can you apply for it?

The embassy is the best-fit competent authority that can help you in its online application. It should be from your native country or where you come from. You may explore its website and file an online application to seek it. It allows you to schedule an appointment for physical verification. You must reach there on time with valid proofs.

What is a single status certificate attestation?

It means legalization of the certification, which is done upon thoroughly examining the validity and originality of the supporting papers like Nationality Card, Address proofs, pictures, birth certificate, etc. There are four main authorities that attest to it-the notary, the A-gazette officer, the foreign ministry, and the embassy.

What is the apostille of the unmarried certificate?

It is also a method of legalization, which is carried out by the embassy or foreign ministry of the native country. The apostilling is required when you’re likely to get married in the member country of the Hague Convention. Upon this attestation, you won’t need any further legalization of this document.

Is apostille different for different countries?

No, it is not valid for all countries. 101 countries are members of the Hague Convention, which needs apostille services for all documents.

For the rest of the countries, you have to visit or contact the outsourcing agency, if in India and the embassy, if abroad.

What is the checklist of supporting documents for it?

  • Photographs
  • Original Passport & its photocopy
  • Decree Absolute, if divorced
  • Affidavit (of spouses, parents, and witnesses)
  • Death certificate (of a deceased spouse, if widowed)
  • Affidavit of the affiant and his/ her parents (two separate docs)
  • Original and photocopy of Aadhaar Card/ Voter ID Card/Driving licence

How much does its attestation cost?

The cost of attestation varies in different countries. Check the embassy website of your country for these details.

How many days does its delivery take?

The postal orders service has been discontinued for normal attestation. So, its delivery can take more than a month.

What is the validity of this proof?

The validity of this document is up to six months or one year. The person has to re-apply for it if he/she fails to submit it in time.

Single Status Certificate Infographic

How NRIs Can Get Single Status Certificate from United States?

How NRIs Can Get Single Status Certificate from United States?

The single status certificate is known as with another name in the United States. It is called the Certificate of No Impediment. This is not a single name. There are some more ones to refer it.

Here are a few more ones:

  • Eligibility to Marry
  • Affidavit of Civil Status
  • Affidavit of Single Status
  • Affidavit of Marriageability
  • Certificate of No Public Record
  • No Record of Marriage Apostille
  • Certificate of No Record – Marriage
  • Certificate of Freedom to Marry Apostille

Why do you need it?

Like birth proof, it is evidence of one’s bachelorhood. The foreign ministry of the United States requires it from a non-resident when he or she is likely to solemnize marriage with its native. This is to ensure that there is no wrong intention, like getting citizenship of this country, associated with the prospective marriage.

Besides, the employer here may also request it from the non-resident employee. It is simply to discover how many dependents he or she has.

But mostly, it is required for matrimony. So, the applicant has to apply for it three months prior to the marriage. This can help him/her to get verified before marriage. Else, it can be delayed. Without prior submitting this document, the marriage is not permitted.

How can you get it in the USA?

This document is basically issued as an oath or a sworn statement. It ensures that you are genuinely the person you claim to be and free to get married.

You may visit a notary public for drafting this single status certificate as an affidavit and get it notarized. Or, you have an alternative to meet a matter expert in this regard. He can guide you through the entire process of how to get a single status certificate in the United States.  His guidance can help you to include or exclude important details like information about your fiancé and his/her parents in the document. This can help you to get it attested in a go. You face no rejection or refilling for it.

What all you can do is to follow these steps:

  • For citizens, it is a must to submit the “no record of marriage” before “certificate of no impediment”. Or, you may talk to the County Clerk, or supervisor to guide you.
  • Once issued from the County Clerk’s office, you won’t need any notarization.
  • NRIs visit the US embassy website: “usembassy.gov” to get through a full list of addresses, phone numbers, and websites for each consulate. Find the nearby one from the list.
  • Schedule an appointment online at the website.
  • Go to the nearest American Consulate or Embassy in the country where you are located.
  • Get there for your appointment and show your passport & other documents.
  • The U.S. consular officer will ask you a number of questions, like for your passport and the names of your parents, about your birth certificate, and other details.
  • Once satisfied, the competent person will write the affidavit and have you sign it. Then, he himself signs & attests it to make it valid.
  • Then, get it apostilled or attested from the Washington DC embassy office.

Checklist of Documents to Enclose

Before visiting there, you should have all documents ready. Here is the list of all of those certificates and papers:

  • Passport
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security number
  • If divorced, Decree Absolute.
  • If widowed, Death Certificate of previous spouse (and Marriage Certificate).
  • I-94 (if came as a refugee in the united states)
About Fee

Once done, you have to pay out the relevant fee. This can be revised over time.

Obtaining an apostille service for this certificate can be complicated. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals. They do not fully understand the apostille process and the associated requirements/documents of certain countries. Consequently, your paperwork could be rejected. It may cost you time and money also. So, avoid this happening and hire a professional consultant or legal advisor to guide you through this process.

What is the Proof of Marital Status in India?

What is the Proof of Marital Status in India?

The proof of marital status in India is a document that proves an individual’s state with regard to a marriage. These documents can marriage certificate, divorce decree or legal separation paperwork. Sometimes, the spouses live at two different addresses. In that case, any government authority requires the proof of separate addresses of both, husband and wide. These proofs can be lease agreements/mortgage statements or utility bills-whatever the document of separation reads. NRIs need any of them if they have any requirement in their jobs or work or documentation to fulfill.

In the nutshell, India or any other foreign country accept the above mentioned proofs of the marital status. These are what the proof of marital status in India called.

However, this country follows the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954 to register this status.

The Registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is applicable in the case where both husband and wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs, or the converted ones of these religions.

Registration Procedure

  • Visit the SDM office or online search the form to apply to the sub-registrar under whose authority area the marriage is solemnized. It can be the area of either husband or wife where the marriage held.
  • Fill the application form. Sign it and attach two photographs of the marriage ceremony, invitation card, age and address proof of both.
  • An affidavit of notary/executive magistrate can also be the proof of wedding, healthy mental condition and non-relationship between the parties within the degree of prohibition.
  • Attest all documents by a gazetted Officer and the parties.
  • Submit the application form with a fee.
  • The cashier at the sub-registrar will provide a receipt once the documents are verified. The competent person will ask the couple to get the document on the said date after the registration.

Conditions to Fulfill

  • Neither party has a spouse living at the time of the marriage (in the case of remarriage)
  • Neither party should be incapable of giving a valid consent to it (in the case of unhealthy mental condition)
  • Neither of them should be suffering from any mental illness to such an extent that it would lead to an unfit marriage.
  • Neither of them has been suffering from insanity or epilepsy (seizure).
  • The bride should be of 18 years and the bridegroom is of 21 years at the time of marriage.
  • The relationship by half or uterine blood as well as by full blood or by adoption is not allowed.

Exception: Although customers are important. But, people may marry even if they do not fit to the given conditions.

Punishment: The marriage which is recognised between the parties if it falls under the prohibited relationship.

Such people are penalized with a simple imprisonment for one month or a fine of Rs. 10000/- or with both.

Special Marriage Act, 1954

This Act applies to all citizens of India who register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

Those who want to register marriage under this Act have to give a notice in writing prior in the area (jurisdiction) where the bride or the bridegroom has been living for not less than 30 days when the notice was given.

A copy of notice is put on the notice board of the registration office and another copy is sent to the marriage officer of the area. After a month, the marriage can be held if no objections are made. But, if the inquiry points to something objectionable, the marriage cannot happen.

Documentation Requirements

This Act deals with the registration and the marriage.

  • Passport size photographs
  • The age and address proofs of both parties are must.
  • At least three witnesses with their voter id, aadhar card or any other identification document are required.
  • An affidavit concerning with the marital status, fit mental condition, non-relationship between the parties within the degree of prohibition is required.

Marriage Registration Online

You may register it online. Unfortunately, this facility is restricted to a few metropolitan cities in India, as for Delhiites who may visit: http://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/ to complete the registration procedure online.

  • Select the district where the applicant lives.
  • Fill in the details of the husband/wife.
  • Select the ‘Registration of Marriage Certificate’ option.
  • Fill in the necessary details required in the form.
  • Choose the desired date of appointment.
  • Select the ‘Submit Application’ option.

Once done, an acknowledgement page will appear. It shows all the relevant details of your appointment and instructions that need to be followed. There is a number on the slip. The applicant must print and save a copy of the application form and acknowledgement slip.

Accompany witnesses of the either party with their PAN card or residence proof on the date of appointment at the sub-registrar office.

How NRIs Apply for Single Status Letter for Marriage?

How NRIs Apply for Single Status Letter for Marriage?

Single status letter for marriage is known as single status affidavit in India. Non-residents require it when they are likely solemnize marriage with a foreigner. It is an oath attested by the court, which reveals that the affiant is single.

In general, the foreign authorities like PSA or Philippines Statistics Authority are set up in the European and some Asian countries that administer such requests. But since India has no provision to check for the bachelorhood status of even the foreigner, we don’t have any authority, but the court to look into this matter.

Three Single Status Letters Required

Yes, you read it right. You need three single status letters for marriage. But, these all should be drawn by the applicants (both spouses) and their parents from the court.

An affidavit is a sworn statement, affirming that the boy or girl who is going to marry is single. In short, you declare the details related to your matrimonial status, date of birth and address.  These all details are shared in front of the deponent, who creates this statement on your behalf.

The deponent monitors your approach and every expression to analyse the genuine interest. Since it shows facts that are true to his knowledge through the statement of the witnesses, it can be used as the evidence in any court later at any point of time.

  • Letter Formats of Applicant

“I, (name of the applicant), s/o or d/o (parents’ name) born on (D.O.B) in (place of birth), am eligible to solemnize marriage according to the jurisdiction of India and foreign.  I am single (for unmarried)/ & have no dependent from the last marriage (for divorcee/widowed). ”

  • Letter Formats of Applicant’s Parent

“I (name of parents), of (age, like 50 years), married citizens of India or foreign with legal address…sworn by the law, hereby states that I’m the guardian/ parent of (the applicant’s name) born on (D.O.B) in (address). We are the evidences of the fact that he/she has never been married with any man/woman till today (for unmarried).

Or, he/she is divorced now and has no dependent relation from the last marriage (for divorcee).”

Once you draft it, the court verifies your oath with the original documents of your address and date of birth. You need to enclose them with the sworn document.

Documents needed

In short, the verification requires these documents to be verified:

  • You need to submit the aforesaid Affidavits.
  • Enclose  either AADHAR CARD or PASSPORT as an address proof of the applicant.
  • Provide documents such as Birth certificate/schooling certificate as a proof of birth.
  • Attach a letter from his/her parents stating that “the applicant is single” and enclosing their Aadhar cards.
  • For Divorcee applicant, submission of Decree Absolute is necessary
  • Likewise, the deceased spouse’ death certificate is required if the would-be spouse is widowed.

Process to Follow

Every court has notary public, who drafts it. Once it is drafted, the affiant needs to get it attested from the State Home Department or Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM). So, the NRIs can select either of these two ways to get it attested. Later, it is sent to the MEA for apostille stamp or its attestation.

MEA apostille (stamp) on the ‘SINGLE STATUS CERTIFICATE’ is enough if one is going to marry in the country, which is listed in The Hague Convention list. Otherwise, your single status certificate needs to be verified with the MEA prior to getting EMBASSY ATTESTATION.

In all, your document is verified thrice by different authorities in India. The state verification takes relatively long time in processing because the state authentication has to cross check every detail’s authenticity. Once it’s done, it is forwarded to the MEA for counter-attestation.

The MEA verifies it quickly, but through registered agents or NRI services providers. It is completed in less time because the authority only puts stamp, but no background verification.

Validity Expires in 6 Months

You should remember that the validity of this document lapses in six months. So, make sure that your marriage will be solemnized within that time period. Otherwise, you need to start the application procedure from the scratch.

How Do NRIs Apply for Single Status Affidavit?

How Do NRIs Apply for Single Status Affidavit?

Single status affidavit is the legal evidence issued by the district magistrate (DM) or sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in India. It is also called the Single Status Certificate, Certificate of No Record, Certificate of No Impediment, Certificate of Nulla Osta, Single Statutory Declaration and Certificate of Legal Capacity of Contract Marriage.

This proof is necessary to submit with the embassy and immigration authority when you are likely to solemnize marriage with a foreigner abroad.

How to Apply?

To know about how to apply for the single status affidavit, let’s get through the entire procedure that you, being an NRI, need to follow:

  • Visit the court where you are from in India. Or, you can ask in embassy for the affidavit.
  • Provide all necessary details to the attorney or your relative/friends if you are getting it from your native place. Else, you need to fill the form providing all details like passport number, address, date of birth and other details.
  • Get it notarized from the court.
  • At the background, the authority will get the stamp from Sub district magistrate or District magistrate or Court.
  • Then, one needs to contact the outsourcing agencies, which are just four in the entire India. You can get their details from the official website and Services 2NRI.
  • The outsourcing agent will get it attested from the home department of the Ministry of External Affairs or Apostille.
  • Enclose a demand draft worth INR 50 for the postal order.
  • Submit it to the Indian embassy or to other foreign embassy where you want to solemnize marriage.

Attestation of this affidavit is the most tedious task. And, the substantial thing is that you cannot get it done by yourself. The Ministry of External Affairs does not accept any request for attestation of this affidavit in person. You need to raise a request with the authorized outsourcing agent.

The foreign authority may require parent’s affidavit also. The procedure for it would be similar.

Documents Required

  • Aadhaar Card
  • National identity card or Passport
  • Address proof
  • If divorced, Decree Absolute
  • If widowed, Death Certificate of previous spouse (and Marriage Certificate)
  • Deed Poll if you have changed your name
  • Affidavit of parents

Fee Structure

  • SDM stamp- INR 2000 to INR 3000 (depending on the location)
  • Fee for Notary – INR 350 (if there is any)
  • Fee for Attestation – INR 105
  • Fee for Apostille – INR 50

Processing Time

The apostilling or attestation takes maximum to maximum ten days. In short, you need to apply for this document a month ago for coming across any kind of hassles.

What does it read?

Being a sworn statement, it should read like this:

SINGLE STATUS AFFIDAVIT

I, (applicant’s name), s/o or d/o (name of parents) born on (D.O.B) in (place of birth), am eligible to marry with an Indian or other national according to law. I am single (for unmarried) or, have no dependent from the previous marriage (for divorcee/widowed).

The foresaid information of mine is true and correct.

Solemnly Declared at (City/District, State, India) on (Date) DD/MM/YYYY

 

Likewise, the applicant may also require submission of the parent’s affidavit. It should read as:

AFFIDAVIT

“We (parents’ name), of (age), married citizens of (country) with legal address after having been sworn to the law, hereby state that we are the legal parents of (the applicant’s name) born on (D.O.B) in (address). We are the evidences of the fact that he/she has never been married with any man/woman till today (for unmarried).

 Or, he/she is divorced now and has no dependent from the previous marriage (for divorcee).”

Solemnly Declared at (City/District, State, India) on (Date) DD/MM/YYYY

 

What is Single Status Certificate?

What is Single Status Certificate?

A Single Status Certificate specifies marital status corresponding to the judiciary legislation of the country. However, Indian court or embassy accepts a self sworn statement or an affidavit to attest, which states that the affiant is single or, has no dependents from the previous marriage. If you ask what the single status certificate is, it refers to a legal document that discloses the matrimonial background, if there is any, revealing one’s eligibility for wedding in the foreign country.

This is basically a precautionary measure for governments to save their citizens from being victimized with polygamy. More than one marriage is not legally valid in many countries. So, it is a judicial law to have just one spouse.

Attestation Is Essential

A sworn statement would be considered just a plain statement, stating your marital status. The foreign authority does not accept it unless it is approved or verified by the competent authorities. So, you have to get validated at the state and central government level before moving to the embassy for a final attestation.

Here is a blueprint of which authority is going to attest on that affidavit step by step:

  • Notary

A notary public is an officer who notarises the bachelorhood affidavit. He works at the ground level, attesting it in the court. Before putting a stamp, he verifies all documents with his analytical eyes while deeply figuring out your gestures. He signs when he gets satisfied with all documents & your intentions.

  • SDM

A short for Sub-Divisional Magistrate, the SDM is competent to authorize the single status certificate in India at district level. He verifies the affidavit before counter-attesting it to prove that it is valid from all aspects.

  • MEA

Also called the Ministry of External Affairs, the MEA is the topmost authority working in the center that you cannot skip for attestation. It has appointed a few agencies to collect and come for NRIs or emigrants’ attestation services in all states of India.

  • Embassy

This is the last authority in a sequence to get certificate of non impediment for marriage attested for the non-residents of India who are temporarily living in the foreign country. Upon getting this certificate apostilled from the MEA, this particular document is sent for the counter-attestation of the Embassy.

POA for Getting CENOMAR from India

Power of Attorney or POA empowers the stated person to represent the attorney giver. This is a common case of NRIs who cannot come down here more often. So, they appoint someone who is near or dear for handing over POA. This power defines that the attorney is approved or permitted to perform legal proceedings on their behalf.

He or she drafts an affidavit at first. Once it’s all done, the applicant visits the nearest DM or SDM office to get his/ her signature on that document. Later, he gets the MEA stamp or apostille sticker for legalizing the document. Lastly, the attorney visits the Indian Embassy to get its stamp on that affidavit.

Apply Via A Consultant

This is easier to carry out, visiting a professional in an agency and submit the requisite documents. The agent makes sure that the document is being attested and apostilled from the state and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

It is recommended to approach a highly experienced agency for getting professional assistance. It is simply because only a professional knows how to sail across all glitches coming your way. It can save many hours and money, promising that the document will be verified and delivered within a stipulated time without any error or discrepancies.

Documents To Be Enclosed With Affidavit

  • 3 sworn statements of the applicant and two witnesses (that can be parents or relatives)
  • Birth proof
  • Visa Number
  • Passport number
  • Complete address

In addition, the document should have properly attested and validated by the requisite state and central government administration. Although it can be time-taking procedure, yet you can get it, certainly.

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