Vital Instructions to Get Single Status Cert. from Anywhere

The single status certificate is necessary to get married. In a few countries like Philippines, the government has made it mandatory for its own citizens to get it before solemnizing marriage. But, there are certain countries such as India that never make such requests from citizens.

But mostly, the immigration authority of many countries from different continents requests to submit it so that it can have the updates of all foreigners who are likely to settle there with their countrymen.

Here are some vital tips for those who want to get instructions to its application process. These instructions will make it easy to get this proof of singleness.

First, determine where you can get it from. Every country has different offices set up for serving unique purposes. In USA, it may be the County Office and Philippines has the PSA and an SDM office in India. So, the point is that you need to find the right office that is going to release it.

In case of any confusion, embassy can help. You may inquire with it.

The applicant should find out if it is a certificate or an affidavit. The countries where there is no provision to issue it as a certificate, there you need to apply for an affidavit.

For example, the PSA of Philippines allows people to apply for this single status certificate filling up the online application form. On the flip side, the USA government issues an affidavit.

The supporting documents will be similar, which include the proof of address, date of birth, an affidavit stating the relationship with parents, citizenship and photograph. All of these are required in original plus two photocopies. Notarised affidavit is valid in some countries. So, get it notarized from the notary public.

Do mention the purpose of getting it in the application form or affidavit. It is simply because this proof of bachelorhood may be requested for employment and admission in the foreign school. Clearly mention in it that you need it for what purpose from Marriage or Admission or Employment.

Here, you need to define your status also. Except for bachelors, widowed and divorced individuals may also apply for it. Their application will be verified given that they have a death certificate or absolute decree to prove their respective widowed or divorce status.

Every country has its own unique process to apply for this document. Mostly foreigners apply through their embassy, which sends the application to the local authority for verification.

But, if one is physically present in his own country, he can apply on his own. Let’s say you are an NRI who is in India. You may visit the SDM office and get an affidavit, which the competent magistrate will attest and sign. Then, move to the authorised agent who can get it apostilled or attested from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Likewise, there are certain offices in other countries that one can apply with and get it legalized.

This certificate reads the validity to be used for a purpose. For example, the PSA in Philippines issues it for one year. After that, it gets expired automatically. The applicant has to reapply for it. So, make sure that its validity is there given in the document.

Another important thing is its time to apply. Ensure that your application is submitted a month before marriage. Otherwise, the process may be lengthy and you may have to postpone your marriage.

The late application may end up in no permission for marriage, which would push you to reapply after a certain period of time before marriage.  

It is the process of making this document valid and legally acceptable all across the country where you want to settle down. The competent officer will examine the authenticity and validity of the supporting documents. In case of any discrepancies, the application may be rejected.

The legalization can be referred to the attestation of this document. It is necessary to have from the immigration department and foreign ministry of the country where you live. 

This is similar to attestation. A square-shape sticker is pasted on the back of your affidavit or certificate, which signifies that your document is legalized. It is applicable for the people who require it for settling in any of the signatories of the Hague Convention, like India, Belgium, Albania etc..

These instructions can help you to get off hassles in getting this important document.