I just had this very bizzarre thought, and wanted to know what the response would be to it. I was checking out the requirements for getting a marriage license in the state of Washington. I am currently in the US visiting my fiance for the holidays, then we are returning together to Canada for my interview January 3rd. Basically to get a marriage license the couple has to appear in person to sign the papers and have ID, etc. I was struck with the though of what if one was to jump the gun a bit and apply for a marriage license, then take it to the interview as proof of intention to marry? Of course we won't be doing this, we couldn't even get to the county auditor's office over the holidays of we wanted to, but I was wondering if someone were to try doing that if it were to look good or bad ... I can kind of see it going either way. So just a curiousity to me, but if it would fly with the consulates, it might be useful to anyone visiting in the US before their interview and wants or needs to go the extra mile in terms of proof. What do you think - a little too crazy?
-Eli-

I don't think it would be a bad thing, and maybe would go a little bit towards showing how serious you are. The only thing that came to my mind was that while I think it's different in each state, that usually the license is good for a limited time (like 30 days) so you would only be able to try it if you got it when you already knew when your interview was.

But I really can't see how it could work against you Enjoy your visit!

Yeah, they're only good for 30 days, right? Would you have your visa by then?

In Washington state they expire after 60 days. My interview is in 10 days, so in my situation it would be feasible. You are right that each state is different, some have no expiry, some have half a year, some 30 days, so it's pretty much hit-and-miss if it could work for anyone. The only thing I could think of is when you are travelling across the border to visit your fiance(e) you have to prove that your intention is not to get married, and then if you go apply for a marriage license, it could somehow wind you up in deep water. Not sure how unless you start telling people, but is that something that could show up in background checks etc if one was a little earlier on in the process?

-Eli-