USCIS is being very generous in allowing a wide range of documents to prove that you meet the requirements and in certain cases an affidavit might suffice but there are exceptions to that as well. For example, in the following cases, an affidavit will simply not cut it:
- You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
- You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- You were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012; and
- Your criminal history, if applicable.