Does K-1 visa accept religious marriage?

[AliaAlia 9]

Hi All,

We're in the midst of petitioning for a K-1 Visa and I'm just wondering, since K-1 Visa allows me to enter the United States for up to 90 days during which time we must get married, do I have to proceed with a civil marriage or is religious marriage acceptable?

I've read somewhere that for a religious marriage to commence, they require a government issued ID and there will be application forms for us to fill; which means they will register our marriage I think? - but whether the marriage is valid for all US Government's usage is unknown.

It's not really an issue for me, though it'd be good to know that I have the options to register my marriage religiously.

Oh and btw, I'm a Muslim.

Thanks guys! Appreciate your help!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

If you do some more research into what marriage in the US is, you will find that a religious marriage will be just fine. You will get a license with the civil authority, and the person who performs your religious marriage will sign your license because most religious leaders are an appropriate authority to confer marriage, and you will turn it in for a civil marriage certificate. Therefore your marriage ceremony is religious and your marriage paperwork is also legal and it is all wrapped up nicely. Check the laws in your future state for the specifics.

[DaveE 178]

In the United States, marriage is a state issue. Therefore there are 50 sets of rules depending upon which state you reside in.

The most important thing to remember is that USCIS recognizes any legal marriage, whether religous or civil.

For example, here in Georgia everyone goes the the county courthouse and gets a marriage license. The only document my wife had to show was her Passport from the Philippines and a valid US entry document, (the I94 stapled to her passport). We paid the $60 and left with the marriage license.

Next you have two options, go to any person authorized to administer marriage vows; for civil ceremonies that can be the local judge or magistrate, or go the the church/mosque of your choice.

After administering the vows, the goverment official or clergy signs the marriage license and sends it to the local county registrar for recording. The registrar then mails you a copy of the marriage certificate.

We had our formal marriage certificate about five days after the ceremony.

Remember, every state may do this a little differently.

[SBB 74]

The most important thing to remember is that USCIS recognizes any legal marriage, whether religous or civil.

Not quite; though not applicable to the OP, USCIS won't recognize legally valid same-sex marriages.

[DaveE 178]

Not quite; though not applicable to the OP, USCIS won't recognize legally valid same-sex marriages.

You're correct, over generalization.

Edited October 9, 2012 by DaveE