marriage while waiting for k1?

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Hi all, I'm new here...just got engaged to my man in Argentina. I'm planning on visiting him there for three months this summer but would like to begin the K1 application process ASAP. But here's the question. We were originally going to get married in his country and go the k3 route but would now rather start the process immediately via the k1 while i'm still in the states. But we still want to have an 'unofficial' wedding ceremony so his family can celebrate the occasion when I visit (and so we can live together as 'married' while i visit for a few months - our religious convictions don't agree with non-married living together). The only hang-up we have with this idea is that on his application that he brings to the embassy he has to state his civil status, married or single....so we've realized that in Argentina you are not legally married if you don't have the 'civil' marriage at their equivalent of our courthouse so we might just have a 'religious' ceremony with his family and pastor, giving us the commitment before God and his family but NOT being legally married in his country....make sense? Then he wouldn't be lying when asked his civil status and he says single, he would then come here, and we'd be legally married in the states like the usual k1 process requires....I don't see any problem with this, but I'm wondering if anyone sees anywhere where this might come up as an issue in a later interview or paperwork.....Thanks for any input....you'll be hearing from me for sure!

Ah! the other question...is it standard that the Petitioner for a fiance (me) to be called to an interview at a CIS office? or is it just totally random and based on how much evidence is submitted, or if they find something suspicious?

Thanks!

mich

Hi Mich,

Keep in mind that when an argentine citizen (legally) marries in Argentina, the marriage is recorded on the DNI (documento nacional de identidad-Argentina's national ID...the one that's a little green book). Most churches will request that you are legally married before they conduct the religious ceremony.

I've never heard of the petitioner being called for an interview.

Good Luck!

Saludos,

Caro

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

But the only legal wedding in Argentina is performed at the Registro Civil. And take it from me, It is not an easy process. So a religious ceremony is not legal, and they know that in the Embassy in Buenos Aires. Also they are pretty good people in the Embassy in Buenos Aires, I have dealt with them a few times.

Good luck!!!