Marriage in USA while living abroad

[Michael2017 368]

Hi,

My wife (a LPR) and me got married in the USA. We filed the I-130 with the US marriage certificate. I read in this form, that at the interview stage, some embassies will ask for local marriage registers etc.

As we got married in the USA, we think that we don`t need to "register" or "announce" our marriage back in Europe where we live. Therefore, no local register would show any record of our marriage here in Europe. Do I miss something here or is this local register only applicable if your married outside the USA? We are currently both living in Europe.

Thanks!

[millefleur 5,047]

I personally would go ahead and get a registration of marriage done there just because it would just be more evidence you can show for you life together in Germany.

So, even if it not necessary, no harm in getting one.

[awaywego 28]

I have not heard of Frankfurt asking for evidence that a foreign marriage was registered in Germany.

Registration of a foreign marriage is possible, but no longer required by the government (see these FAQs on marriage outside of Germany, in German). This bit you read likely pertains to other countries with different systems. My guess is that this is one less thing to worry about in this pile of stress.

[JFH 12,190]

How can your wife be an LPR if she lives in Europe?

But to answer your question, we also got married in the USA in my husband's home town when I was visiting on the VWP. The UK used to offer the option of registering an overseas marriage with GRO (General Records Office) but not anymore as any marriage is considered legal here if it is legal in the place where it happened and there is no longer any need to register an overseas marriage here. I have not been asked to provide anything other than my WA state marriage certificate.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to US Embassy & Consulate Discussion; OP is inquiring about this stage of the process.

[Michael2017 368]

Thanks so much for every answer! Very helpful.

Regarding this question: How can your wife be an LPR if she lives in Europe?

She has a valid re-entry permit and we are spending still extended period of time (about 2 x 2 months a year)

in the USA. Thus the LPR status is currently protected. She will move back well in advance to the visa interview

and establish a household for both of us.