Marrying in a different state , then filing IR1/CR1 in home state

[Flatbedlife 0]

my question is, can i marry my canadian citizen fiance, in a different state in the USA or in her province in canada, then file for the paperwork in my home state?  Currently she is 5 months pregnant, and we are getting scared that any flights may effect the baby's health and welfare

[JFH 12,195]

Yes. For a CR-1 the marriage must be legal in the place where it happened. That's all. No requirements regarding location. You can get married anywhere. 

[NikLR 13,234]

Of course you can.  My husband and I married in BC where I grew up vs marrying in Colorado.  It doesn't matter WHERE you marry as long as it is a legal marriage. 

[Flatbedlife 0]

okay, thank you guys so much.  we're trailing on the tail end of the 5 month mark, and after that i don't want her flying

[GreatDane 366]

You can do the legal ceremony now and follow up with a wedding at your convenience, where and whenever it suits you. I130's out of Chicago are running about 7 months right now - the sooner you file, the sooner she and the baby can join you. If you do decide to marry in the US or Canada - it's fine either way. The only caveat is it can be tricky to enter the US for a wedding - there is the risk of being turned away because there's more likely to be an overstay/AOS filed. 

[jakelake 223]

3 hours ago, outdoormind said:

 and we are getting scared that any flights may effect the baby's health and welfare

There are no scientific proofs that flying affects pregnancy.

[NikLR 13,234]

10 hours ago, jakelake said:

There are no scientific proofs that flying affects pregnancy.

After a certain point your chances of going into labour is high and airlines do not want someone giving birth on a plane away from possible medical care. 

Also the pregnancy may be high risk.  But in general, beyond becoming ill, or going into labour there is little risk. 

Edited October 10, 2017 by NikLR

[jakelake 223]

1 minute ago, NikLR said:

After a certain point your chances of going into labour is high and airlines do not want someone giving birth on a plane away from possible medical care. 

Yes, maybe at 8 or 9 months.

However, that precaution applies to being anywhere that potentially can keep a pregnant woman or anyone with a health issue, away from medical care.

The point is that flying does not affect pregnancy.