Get married in foreign country after K-1?

[DasBoot 7]

I suppose another option is to get married in the US and then return to the foreign country for a ceremonial wedding. How soon after the marriage can this be done?

[Pedro Thiago 2]

It depends on the country in question. Some countries do recognize ceremonial weddings as "legal" marriages. An e-mail to the embassy would likely resolve any questions. The recommendation is to not mess with it, or have it confused with an actual marriage, but one shoe does not fit all. Be safe and check with your embassy would be my recommendation.

Thanks for the advice. I did not even realize that a ceremonial marriage could automatically be recognized as a "legal" marriage in some countries, so I have written the embassy for clarification. I do hope it is possible, because I know my fiance will be disappointed otherwise, but I guess there would be no problem with a simple celebration with food and drink if the ceremonial marriage is not possible.

[George & Gina 29]

Thanks for the advice. I did not even realize that a ceremonial marriage could automatically be recognized as a "legal" marriage in some countries, so I have written the embassy for clarification. I do hope it is possible, because I know my fiance will be disappointed otherwise, but I guess there would be no problem with a simple celebration with food and drink if the ceremonial marriage is not possible.

If you want to get married before your fiancee comes to the US, then why don't you just forget about the K-1 visa, get married and file a petition for a CR1/IR1 spouse visa? I truly cannot understand you reasoning behind wanting to get married outside of the US with a K1 visa.

George

[Pedro Thiago 2]

My intention has always been to get married in the U.S., I just wanted to have a celebration with my fiance and her family in her country as well, not the actual marriage there. I simply wasn't aware that such a celebration could also constitute a 'marriage' per se.

[Maleman 5]

For the most part I agree with nearly everyone’s input. However, if you take the K-1 visa route, do not mention any wedding ceremony within your packet! As well, do not submit any photos of you in a tux let’s say or her in a wedding dress. It is far better to have an “Engagement Party” if you elect a K-1 process. Make certain you include photos of the “Engagement Party” and stay away from any verbiage or notion of a wedding if you decide to go with a K-1. Many have commented on the fact that USCIS picked up on a wedding impression within their paperwork and it caused havoc! Once you have completed the K-1 process, and then received a GC, then you can go back and have an official blessed ceremony. Just my input and experience brought to the discussion table. (Smile) May God Bless.

[Pedro Thiago 2]

Thanks for the advice. I guess I was thinking of more of an 'engagement' party to celebrate a coming marriage but now I see where anything appearing to be a wedding celebration would be discouraged. I am still awaiting a reply from the embassy but if anything, if it would be possible to have a completely informal celebration with no special clothing or ceremonial aspects, just a dinner with some close friends and family, then that would be nice, but if it's not possible I will simply have to bring it up with my fiance and we will have to leave that part out. The most important thing for both of us is simply that she comes to America so that we can have a married life here, so I obviously don't want to do anything to endanger that.

For the most part I agree with nearly everyone’s input. However, if you take the K-1 visa route, do not mention any wedding ceremony within your packet! As well, do not submit any photos of you in a tux let’s say or her in a wedding dress. It is far better to have an “Engagement Party” if you elect a K-1 process. Make certain you include photos of the “Engagement Party” and stay away from any verbiage or notion of a wedding if you decide to go with a K-1. Many have commented on the fact that USCIS picked up on a wedding impression within their paperwork and it caused havoc! Once you have completed the K-1 process, and then received a GC, then you can go back and have an official blessed ceremony. Just my input and experience brought to the discussion table. (Smile) May God Bless.

[Maleman 5]

Pedro, having an “Engagement Party” is a positive family aspect, and can be to your advantage when establishing evidence of the relationship and genuine intent to be married later in the states via the K-1 visa. Displaying any family united photos shows enthusiasm of the parents and family members regarding your engagement. Therefore, I would not be concerned in reveling party situations, just ensure you stay from any perception of getting married abroad. On another note, make certain that your K-1 visa packet is well organized and user friendly. Impressions and perception of the packet goes a long way in my opinion.

[DasBoot 7]

I suppose another option is to get married in the US and then return to the foreign country for a ceremonial wedding. How soon after the marriage can this be done?

Anyone have a clue to the answer for this question?

Getting officially married in the US first, and then having a "unofficial" ceremony in the foreign country later is probably the best option for K1 visa people if they want to have some sort of ceremony in the foreign country.

Someone must have tried this before no?

[Charles_Diana 0]

Anyone have a clue to the answer for this question?

Getting officially married in the US first, and then having a "unofficial" ceremony in the foreign country later is probably the best option for K1 visa people if they want to have some sort of ceremony in the foreign country.

Someone must have tried this before no?

I think most of the K1 people who like to have some kind of function, try this route.

My fiance came to States on April 16, we got married on May 29th here in States.

Completed our AOS package, with EAD and AP, on June 17th.

Received her AP on August 23rd.

Since we had only an estimate of how long it is going to take to get the AP, We made plans for a reception in India after receiving AP and went to India, for out reception on Oct 9th.

So, having a reception in your native country is possible after getting married in US. But remember you have to apply for AOS after getting married and that take three to four months. It is important to note that even after marriage here is US with a K1 visa you CANNOT just leave and come back -- you need a AP !!!

- Charles

[DasBoot 7]

I think most of the K1 people who like to have some kind of function, try this route.

My fiance came to States on April 16, we got married on May 29th here in States.

Completed our AOS package, with EAD and AP, on June 17th.

Received her AP on August 23rd.

Since we had only an estimate of how long it is going to take to get the AP, We made plans for a reception in India after receiving AP and went to India, for out reception on Oct 9th.

So, having a reception in your native country is possible after getting married in US. But remember you have to apply for AOS after getting married and that take three to four months. It is important to note that even after marriage here is US with a K1 visa you CANNOT just leave and come back -- you need a AP !!!

- Charles

Thanks a lot. That's very helpful.

[VinhBao MyTam 3]

I would say that having a 'goodbye' party... a get-together with a few close friends as family members would not be considered a wedding.

As far as asking the embassy, I sure would have waiting until after the K-1 was approved and attempted to ask anonymously :-)