help which one do i do? k1 or k3 visa

[edgarmanzo0916 3]

im a us citizen and she is a mexican citizen and lives in the state of michoacan. we married on june 19th 2010. i understand that when you have a religious wedding its not considered to be "legally married" and it doesnt count. so if thats the case i should be applying for a k1 visa. or am i wrong? i dont wanna make a mistake. we are married through our parish but they say that in civilization legally we're not. it shouldnt affect this kind of paperwork. we werent in front of a judge for a civil ceremony, but we married in church in front of a priest and received a marriage certificate from the parish so would this mean to apply for a k3 since she is my wife but through a religious weddinng NOT a civil cermony?? does it count as being legally married like the requirements for the visa say?? before we married we were together for 5 years with alot of proof. phone records, itineraries, letters, emails. but now we married and have wedding honeymoon pictures and video.

[Mike and Shamim 0]

If the marriage certificate from the Parish is a legal document for the state, I'd say you have to go K-3. If it is legally recognizeable, and could be looked up at some point, I would not risk doing a K-1.

Not to mention, don't put pics of your honeymoon on a K-1

Good luck,

Mike

[Filipinawife0210 15]

Are you speaking of a catholic ceremony? If so, it would be recognized here. Any ceremony considered legal by the foreign nation is recognized as legal in the States. Also, since the K-3 is administratively dead, go the CR-1 route. Look at the I-130 guides on this site for help.

[TLJohnson 1]

I am under the impression that in Mexico, even if you have been married in a religious ceremony, you would still have to have a separate civil marriage before the Mexican government would recognize you as "legally" married, and that they are two distinct processes there. If this is correct, then if you ONLY had a religious ceremony you are not "legally" married in Mexico, and can still apply for a K-1. Can anyone with more information shed any light on this? Obviously, as has been said before, if you do determine that they are separate processes, I would still not include or mention your religious ceremony anywhere, as it may be confused with a legal marriage.

[Filipinawife0210 15]

I am under the impression that in Mexico, even if you have been married in a religious ceremony, you would still have to have a separate civil marriage before the Mexican government would recognize you as "legally" married, and that they are two distinct processes there. If this is correct, then if you ONLY had a religious ceremony you are not "legally" married in Mexico, and can still apply for a K-1. Can anyone with more information shed any light on this? Obviously, as has been said before, if you do determine that they are separate processes, I would still not include or mention your religious ceremony anywhere, as it may be confused with a legal marriage.

Well said. I know that religious ceremonies in other countries such as India are not considered legal because of the 2 part process. Any evidence from the religious ceremony should be left out, and the OP should press on with the K-1 process. Looks like he would have plenty of proof of ongoing relationship, and proof of being together within the 2 year timeframe....

[Filipinawife0210 15]

In Mexico religious marriage does not replace in any way civil marriage. Therefore, a religious ceremony can be organized by the bride and groom after civil marriage has been performed.

You learn something new every day. Go with the K-1.