6th gear, a 'faux' wedding in the Phils and upcoming EM interview

[waka1 28]

Hi all,

Last year I flew to the Philippines to to ask my fiancee's family for permission to marry and officially get engaged. I reasoned her extended family would not be able to travel to the US for our wedding so out of respect for her family and friends we threw a faux wedding. The ceremony was done in a church, pastor gowns etc, I was aware that a registered wedding in the Phils would complicate my K-1 petition. So it was understood by all parties, including the pastor, that this union was off the books. Three months after the 'Wedding' she requested and received her certificate indicating she was marital status was single.

Her upcoming EM interview is next month, I understood from the beginning that as a K-1 petitioner, no aspect of my life or hers was private, nothing to hide, no problem. She of course posted pictures of the 'wedding' to Facebook. Knowing Facebook was certainly 'on the radar' it is possible that this subject may pop-up during the interview. My belief is consular officers, knowing the Philippine culture, would understand if question popped up. However there is a remote possibility it could cause a admin processing delay. My workaround solution is to have her update certificate of marital status just prior to the interview.

Input welcome...

Thanks, Rob

[bob.sansmal 14]

My understanding is that this is a common thing, I don't think they'll even ask. The important thing is your legal marital status, which is still unmarried.

[Dualie 185]

I'm definitely not posting from experience but from what I have read here on VJ, this sort of thing is discouraged for exactly that reason. I am guessing that it would also depend on the person adjudicating your case whether they believe a wedding took place, but it is something they may well decide they need to look at closer, and that may cause a delay in your case. I don't think USCIS assumes anything.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Ugh, this is why 'faux' weddings are so dangerous. It is strictly up to the officer which is why it is never wise. If the officer thinks you are married, then they may decide you are not qualified for a K visa, regardless of what your fiancé said.

I've seen denials based on e-mail exchanges having 'husband' and 'wife' in them.

I hope that they do not believe you are married. did you submit pictures of this 'ceremony'? Was this a legal wedding in PI?

good luck

[020871 2]

Hi Rob,

You have to check:

1. Does the document (showing that your "wife" is still single) authenticated from NSO?

2. Does the one who does the ceremony is allowed to do so? Registering the wedding in PI will took like 2-3 months, but mine only took a week

You have to double check carefully because if the Mla embassy saw that she is married definitely it has an impact to you K1 visa - when I got married in PI, I was petitioned. My husband filed a CR1 petition since we are already married

If in the case that your "wife" document shows that she is single better get an authenticated CENOMAR from NSO.

Just my 5 cents.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi all,

Last year I flew to the Philippines to to ask my fiancee's family for permission to marry and officially get engaged. I reasoned her extended family would not be able to travel to the US for our wedding so out of respect for her family and friends we threw a faux wedding. The ceremony was done in a church, pastor gowns etc, I was aware that a registered wedding in the Phils would complicate my K-1 petition. So it was understood by all parties, including the pastor, that this union was off the books. Three months after the 'Wedding' she requested and received her certificate indicating she was marital status was single.

Her upcoming EM interview is next month, I understood from the beginning that as a K-1 petitioner, no aspect of my life or hers was private, nothing to hide, no problem. She of course posted pictures of the 'wedding' to Facebook. Knowing Facebook was certainly 'on the radar' it is possible that this subject may pop-up during the interview. My belief is consular officers, knowing the Philippine culture, would understand if question popped up. However there is a remote possibility it could cause a admin processing delay. My workaround solution is to have her update certificate of marital status just prior to the interview.

Input welcome...

Thanks, Rob

I don't think the embassy spends much time surfing facebook checking out applicants.

Just the same I think it is a good idea to have a newly issued CENOMAR for the interview, for sure won't hurt.

Some countries the embassy has issue with these "faux weddings", Philippines isn't one of them.

[waka1 28]

Hi Rob,

You have to check:

1. Does the document (showing that your "wife" is still single) authenticated from NSO?

2. Does the one who does the ceremony is allowed to do so? Registering the wedding in PI will took like 2-3 months, but mine only took a week

You have to double check carefully because if the Mla embassy saw that she is married definitely it has an impact to you K1 visa - when I got married in PI, I was petitioned. My husband filed a CR1 petition since we are already married

If in the case that your "wife" document shows that she is single better get an authenticated CENOMAR from NSO.

Just my 5 cents.

#1 Yes absolutely...for sure 100%

#2 it was understood by all parties, including the pastor that it was not a wedding, and in fact, it was not

The flock consisted of 30 souls all related, the pastor lost his life 3 months ago. Whats done is done...your the above posters thanks, your points are taken.

I have followed the law every step of the way, it's the CO's duty is to do the same...

The truth is the CO can do whatever he or she choses, to any applicant, for any reason

God has a plan for us... I'm not going second guess

I have a backup plan as well....right now it I'm going to throw my leg over my 'steed' and ride. His name is Magic

Cheers,

Rob

PS: How do I delete this thread....lol

I don't think the embassy spends much time surfing facebook checking out applicants.

Just the same I think it is a good idea to have a newly issued CENOMAR for the interview, for sure won't hurt.

Some countries the embassy has issue with these "faux weddings", Philippines isn't one of them.

Thanks Bro I needed that

Rob

[Hank_ 9,174]

#1 Yes absolutely...for sure 100%

#2 it was understood by all parties, including the pastor that it was not a wedding, and in fact, it was not

The flock consisted of 30 souls all related, the pastor lost his life 3 months ago. Whats done is done...your the above posters thanks, your points are taken.

I have followed the law every step of the way, it's the CO's duty is to do the same...

The truth is the CO can do whatever he or she choses, to any applicant, for any reason

God has a plan for us... I'm not going second guess

I have a backup plan as well....right now it I'm going to throw my leg over my 'steed' and ride. His name is Magic

Cheers,

Rob

PS: How do I delete this thread....lol

-psst! To delete the thread click on report in the lower right then request the topic be deleted (as the author I believe they will remove it )

[waka1 28]

-psst! To delete the thread click on report in the lower right then request the topic be deleted (as the author I believe they will remove it )

Later, I putting my spurs on

[Hank_ 9,174]

Later, I putting my spurs on

Understand that... we grabbed our helmets and got out early for a ride before the temps climb to 105+ ...

[Darnell 8,479]

PS: How do I delete this thread....lol

ON a PC - get back to post #1, click the report button,

then in the new text box that pops up

ask that this topic be deleted.

A Mod will get to it sometime soonish.

[waka1 28]

ON a PC - get back to post #1, click the report button,

then in the new text box that pops up

ask that this topic be deleted.

A Mod will get to it sometime soonish.

Thanks Rocken-rolla, The delete line was tongue-in-cheek. No pasaran !

Cheers,

Rob