My fiance will have her interview in Rio in a couple of days and I have a couple of last minute questions and or concerns. We had a non legal wedding ceremony in Brasil 2 weeks ago, should she mention it and take proof (photos etc.) or just keep quiet about it. Also I have a list of the order to present the documents for the interview but I am curios as to how they should be presented. (stapled, clipped, etc). I hole punched the I129F paperwork and used folders fasteners and tabs, just wondering if it would be advisable to do the same for the interview paperwork.

Thanks:

Mario

I think it depends on the laws in Brazil. I'm going to have a ceremony with my fiancee in her country but in our case, the guidelines are very strict about what is considered a marriage in Vietnam. Since we will NOT be getting a marriage certificate, our marriage won't be considered a Vietnamese legal marriage and won't be a problem for the K1 visa. However, I don't think that this is the same in every country. According to the Department of State website, a "legal" marriage in the beneficiaries country is considered a legal marriage for the United States consulate. You need to be familiar with the laws of Brazil. If you're not sure, it's probably best to be safe and don't mention it.

Per the Consulate website for Brasilia, religious ceremeonies are not legaly binding in Brasil so I am pretty sure I am in the clear on that one, but I will advise my fiance not to mention it unles aked about it. Thanks for the reply.