Filing for a GC ASAP

[fantonledzepp 159]

What the OP means is that the religious ceremony, before god and their family, is the real marriage. Completely understandable.

But it'll look real suspicious if you're not living together and are married in a courthouse. Before the federal government, that is a real marriage.

I understand your hurry for applying for the green card, but if you want to do things right before God and the government, I would advise until you are both ready to start your life, together in the same household.

Edited June 26, 2013 by fantonledzepp

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

What the OP means is that the religious ceremony, before god and their family, is the real marriage. Completely understandable.

Not understandable to me. Why wouldn't they do their preferred marriage ceremony now? In the US the legal and religious aspects are all done at the same time, integrated into one another. You get a marriage license, get married the way you want to, with a religious leader if you want, and the religious leader signs the marriage license that you got married, and you document that with the government. There is only one marriage ceremony: the one you want.

It is a huge red flag to do only the bare minimum and try to gain a benefit. It reeks of "paper, pretend" marriage. Some people only want a court marriage, and that's fine, but the OP doesn't even think of that as a "real" marriage...

So OP: Why aren't you getting "real" married now?

Edited June 26, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[The Mean Lady 604]

Not understandable to me. Why wouldn't they do their preferred marriage ceremony now? In the US the legal and religious aspects are all done at the same time, integrated into one another. You get a marriage license, get married the way you want to, with a religious leader if you want, and the religious leader signs the marriage license that you got married, and you document that with the government. There is only one marriage ceremony: the one you want.

It is a huge red flag to do only the bare minimum and try to gain a benefit. It reeks of "paper, pretend" marriage. Some people only want a court marriage, and that's fine, but the OP doesn't even think of that as a "real" marriage...

So OP: Why aren't you getting "real" married now?

Exactly, I agree.

It looks really bad since at the core, you're only getting married to get the GC.

[fantonledzepp 159]

I completely understand you Harpa.

He said said that he's not financially ready to set up a household with her. And would prefer to have the "real" marriage later on. But, unfortunately, we know that if you get married in a courthouse, that's legally binding. Hence my advice of waiting until they are ready to get "really" married.

[bigdog 376]

Good Luck.

[Paula&Anthony 3]

I guess that is the point that you and your fiancée have to discuss.

I understand you want to work, to be financially stable to be able to support your wife, but you can't apply for a work permit without being legally married. uYour only option would be to get a work visa through a company.

If you get legally married and apply for the adjustment of status, you should know that not living together while being legally married is unfortunatelly a red flag for the USCIS. I perfectly understand your religious reasons for not living together. But if you do decide to apply under these circumstances, you should also understand that you may be denied a green card due to this red flag. Marriage fraud is a big thing in this country and it makes it much harder for the real couples .

If you decide to wait and get married legally with a religious cerimony at the same time, it will of course take time. And depending on your visa situation you may have to go back to your country of origin.

Have you thought about getting a fiancé visa instead? You would have to go back, but while your visa is being approved, you would have time save money and plan your wedding so that it can be all you want it to be. Its a possibility, right?

Good luck to you too

Edited June 26, 2013 by Paula&Anthony

[chippo 2]

They are muslim and cannot live together until they are married. No need to be rude. If you don't understand someone's religion you shouldn't reply.

YOU SIR , are the one being RUDE, that person was trying to help.

Every day I read about muslins in the news paper that do not follow the teachings of YOUR holly book.

And if you think that the muslins I read about in the news paper are following the holy book, HOMELAND SECURITY SHOULD LOOK AND WATCH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY VERY VERY CAREFULLY.

THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON MUSLINS, THIS IS AN OBSERVATION OR your rudeness

Chip

[Theghost 0]

YOU SIR , are the one being RUDE, that person was trying to help.

Every day I read about muslins in the news paper that do not follow the teachings of YOUR holly book.

And if you think that the muslins I read about in the news paper are following the holy book, HOMELAND SECURITY SHOULD LOOK AND WATCH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY VERY VERY CAREFULLY.

THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON MUSLINS, THIS IS AN OBSERVATION OR your rudeness

Chip

Please guys don't overreact. I know both of them were trying to help. You are right, some muslims don't follow the holly book because they are humans like everybody in the world despite their religious differences. But I would like to add that not everything you read about muslims are right. Generally, media only shows the bad side not the bright side about muslims.

If you have anything else to add to the original post, please reply and stay away from religious and political topics.

Thank you.

[chippo 2]

I did not mean to offend, and I met a good muslin and kind person when I worked in Iraq. I dislike someone being attacked for helping others, especially when they were asked to be helped. Good luck, it appears to be complicated and to me, smells of fraud, which make things harder for real relationships, not saying yours is not real, just seems to me that the purpose of your relationshipis is that you are after a green card, I am not all knowing, but when the government looks at your case there will be and should be very many questions.

[Theghost 0]

Thank you guys . If anyone has more suggestions just reply.

[The Mean Lady 604]

There are no more suggestions.

You even haven't answered the questions are are being asked.

You cannot file until you are legally married and living together or you will most likely be denied.

[mymarriagejourney 112]

Do the "real marriage" now, live together as husband and wife, then file paperwork.

[Morningmist 76]

Or wait for the real marriage and then start the paperwork. If you are here on F1, then you can apply for OPT and get an EAD and get a job. That will give you enough cash to plan a "real" wedding. After that apply for paperwork once she moves to NC with you as per your religious beliefs.

[Theghost 0]

Thank you guys.

As for evidence of bona fide marriage, We will file the following , copy of marriage certificate, proof of joint bank account, two affidavit, photos for me, her and her family.

Is that Enough ?

Is the proof of joint tenancy important ? Can we skip it?

[mymarriagejourney 112]

Thank you guys.

As for evidence of bona fide marriage, We will file the following , copy of marriage certificate, proof of joint bank account, two affidavit, photos for me, her and her family.

Is that Enough ?

Is the proof of joint tenancy important ? Can we skip it?

No. Sounds like you are chasing a green card. Live with your wife. Otherwise, why get married? We've all already answered your question.