Proof of being free to marry

[duraaraa 203]

I didn't have to provide any proof of never having married.

My fiancee has kids out of wedlock, and was never married. They asked her to get a document proving she had never been married from the record office. The children's birth certificates show them as fatherless, as well. This was accepted without issue (in Mongolia).

[nj27 2]

In my case, Manila Embassy, a tax return showing your single status was said to be acceptable in the sub forums. I have not tried it but this is what I intend to provide.

Yes, I have too much time on my hands waiting for the interview. I find myself going over all the packet 3 forms, worrying I missed something.

Today I was thinking. My girlfriend provided a notarized document indicating she was never married. But I didn't provide anything. I don;t have anything available to provide. Did I miss something? How do they know I am free to marry?

[Phillary 45]

This country specific thing is, in my case, ridiculous.

I am an Australian citizen, but living/working in Cambodia, and thus petitioning/interviewing here.

A brand new requirement for Cambodia is this "proof of being free to marry" letter, something however that is not required for Australians. But it seems regardless, because I'm living & petitioning here, I must have this. The problem? The Australian Embassy can/will only issue a letter that states I am free to marry someone in Cambodia, and that nothing inhibits an Australian/Khmer marriage. They say their "stock" letter text cannot be changed...#######?!?!

And the Americans for their part, well, they just say I need this letter, regardless of my particular case.

Bureaucracy and stupidity at its very best...and now they're ignoring my emails.

[Boiler 44,858]

Have you asked the Cambodian Authorities for the letter?

[Phillary 45]

The Cambodian authorities cannot issue this letter for me, as I'm not Khmer.

You know, I just realised that form DS-156K, which everyone must sign & swear in front of the consulate, states, that "I hereby certify that I am legally free to marry and intend to marry .... blah blah blah".

Now you might think that this would be sufficient wouldn't you???

(There's a great meme I found, perhaps a bit too vulgar for this site, but it features Buzz Lightyear giving advice to Woody, if you google that you might find what I mean and have a giggle...)

[indiana_sweetie 120]

I drafted my own letter, brought the supporting documents and the letter to a notary, she looked at them, I signed my letter in front of her, and she stamped it and signed it. It was accepted. There is no official "free to marry" certificate in the US, you need to make your own. Would your own draft be accepted in your case?

[Phillary 45]

Great minds indiana_sweetie :-) That's my ace-in-the-hole!

[Boiler 44,858]

Why not just go through Australia?

[Phillary 45]

I thought about that too boiler, but I'd need 3 separate letters, as each state/territory issues their own letter, and my visa application has 3 interstate domiciles... I'd also need to get the applications notarised here which would turn this into an expensive & lengthy process. I'm gonna go with the self-written declaration, DS-156K and perhaps a buddhist blessing for good luck...

Thanks for your suggestions though :-)

[Boiler 44,858]

I doubt the Australian Consulate requires anything other than the self declaration.