I-130 Filing Question (Proxy Wedding)

[Just Kelley 4]

Hi all,

My husband and I have been a couple for just under four years (married just two months!), living in separate countries (he's in Brazil and I'm in Chicago). He's never been to the USA but I've been to Brazil several times and we've traveled to Europe together. In 2014, we decided to get married and, since we hope to live together in the USA, he asked if we could marry in Brazil. It seemed like a reasonable request so I agreed.

Neither of us had any idea what a long process it is to marry in Brazil. We ultimately had to have the official paper signing done with a proxy (his mom graciously did the honor). I was in Brazil for the initial filing and met with the cartorio. From start to finish, though, one would have to be in Brazil for about three months solid for a standard Brazilian wedding and, because of my work, I simply don't have that kind of free time. So we went the proxy route, which involved a lot of leg work getting everything certified THEN notarized THEN legalized, and THEN translated - all requirements in Brazil before a judge grants you permission to marry. But we got it done, the judge approved our application and I waited here on pins and needles while my husband, his mom, and the witnesses (all wonderful people whom I've had the pleasure of getting to know in person during my visits with my husband's family) walked over to the judge's chamber to sign the papers. I've just returned to Chicago after our visit to consummate our marriage (not sure how to verify that but there's a stamp in my passport that says I was there after our wedding date and I have photos of myself with him and with his family, plus my flight boarding pass of course).

I've read some other posts on the subject of filing after a proxy marriage so I get the "it's going to take you longer" gist. No worries - we've been LDR this long; a while longer is no problem for us. Is there anything specific I can include in the packet that will help confirm the authenticity of our marriage? I've got tickets, passport stamps, wedding certificate, birth certificates, photos, letters from friends who know both of us, including family and non-family. Also, we have cards, letters, etc. All spanning back to 2011.

I'd love to hear advice from couples who've had successful interviews post proxy wedding. Thanks in advance!

Edited September 20, 2015 by Just Kelley

[Hypnos 6,579]

Provided the marriage has been consummated (defined by USCIS as both people being in the same place at the same time at some point after the wedding) then there shouldn't be an issue.

I would suggest enclosing a copy of your Brazilian entry stamp as well as a short statement or affidavit giving details of the consummation (date, place, etc.) so that it's easy for them to join the dots; USCIS officers, like many federal employees, aren't known for being big thinkers, so the simpler you can make it for them the better.

Edited September 20, 2015 by Hypnos

[Just Kelley 4]

That's exactly what I was wondering - thanks so much!

[pushbrk 13,616]

I agree with Hypnos. Perhaps a one page explanation of the logic behind, and reasons for your decision including a statement as simple as you traveled to Brazil from date to date and that you "honeymooned" wherever and for how long. Of course, include the passport stamps for all visits and time spent together in person, highlighting the ones related to the honeymoon trip. If you stayed at a "honeymoon destination" like a hotel or resort of some sort, include the receipt for that.