Vietnam “proof of bona fide marriage”

[BlueTornado 1]

Hello guys,

 I am looking for some advice about the cr-1 visa. I will hopefully be completing the governmental half of the paperwork for a marriage in Vietnam. I had heard i can start the i-130 paperwork as soon as i have the marriage certificate in hand. The wedding at the Church will happen at my next visit in February. I am worried about the “bona fide” proof to submit. We do not live together, or share a bank account. Even pictures or religious certificate will be hard because the wedding is not for a few months. We had wedding photos taken(her uncle is a photographer and offered to do them this trip) but none of a service. I could get affidavits from people we have consulted during the preparation of this process, but that and daily emails is all. Their may be an excess of proof after February because i am considering staying in VN until the visa clears, but for the next few months it will be slim. This is my third visit to VN.

i really wanted to get a 6month jump on immigration and some people on this forum made it sond possible, but the extra proof is making me nervous. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

[EandH0904 1,184]

So are you married or not? I didnt understand it based on what you wrote. 

 

You had wedding photos taken before you got married? 

 

You can begin a 130 application after you are legally married - you will need your marriage certificate and a certified translation - but I cant tell based on what you posted whether or not you are - and if I cant - make sure it's clear so that USCIS can tell. 

[BlueTornado 1]

We will be legally married in a few days. Yes the wedding photos are often taken well before the wedding so albums can be printed to be seen at the wedding party. It seems a bit contrived but that the tradition here. So i will be legally married soon. The Church ceremony comes in a few months.

[kris&me 572]

marriage certificate and transltion 

photos of actual marriage

proof of trips 

don't forget to file tax returns if u stay /  immigration will want IRS transcripts at NVC stage

[Ryan H 3,813]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[pushbrk 12,979]

Staged wedding photos are not really relationship evidence but including a few is good.  Did you have an "engagement ceremony"?  Legally and lawfully married is the minimum requirement.  I would suggest adding an "evolution of relationship" letter.  Newlyweds are not expected to have joint bank accounts etc.  Evidence of time spent together is key and for Vietnam, following the traditions is important.

[vibgyor1111 2]

Once married legally, take your WEDDING CERT to be translated.  If in HCMC, you can does this right across from Diamond plaza.  A few other spots as well, but this is the main branch.

 

If you are currently in Vietnam, it's easy to open a joint account with TechcomBank also, just a passport and her ID.

[VNN 147]

On 8/26/2018 at 8:23 PM, BlueTornado said:

Hello guys,

 I am looking for some advice about the cr-1 visa. I will hopefully be completing the governmental half of the paperwork for a marriage in Vietnam. I had heard i can start the i-130 paperwork as soon as i have the marriage certificate in hand. The wedding at the Church will happen at my next visit in February. I am worried about the “bona fide” proof to submit. We do not live together, or share a bank account. Even pictures or religious certificate will be hard because the wedding is not for a few months. We had wedding photos taken(her uncle is a photographer and offered to do them this trip) but none of a service. I could get affidavits from people we have consulted during the preparation of this process, but that and daily emails is all. Their may be an excess of proof after February because i am considering staying in VN until the visa clears, but for the next few months it will be slim. This is my third visit to VN.

i really wanted to get a 6month jump on immigration and some people on this forum made it sond possible, but the extra proof is making me nervous. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

 

Yes, you can start I-130 as soon as you are legally married.  According to Vietnam Marriage and Family Act 2014, you are only legally married if and only if you registered for marriage at People’s Committee Office*. The reception and wedding photos are additional proofs  (tradition is the key for interview but not required by law). *As you are not Vietnamese citizen, there are additional paperwork you need to do before you can register for your marriage, this includes verifying that you do not have any mental issue, getting Affidavit of Single Status from Embassy of Vietnam (Washington, DC)/ Sworn Statement from US Embassy (not all cities/provinces accept  Sworn Statement from US Embassy).

 

Translation of marriage certificate can be done by anyone who can read and write English and Vietnamese, just need to include a statement (with signature and date)

I ____Translator's Name___, certify that I am fluent in English and __ Vietnamese___, and that the attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled     Marriage Certificate .  

 

Vietnamese Marriage Certificate issued by People’s Committee Office has very special colors and style so even it is in Vietnamese, non-Vietnamese speaker can detect some fundamental information there.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 7, 2018 by RLE