NOA1 (woot!) Plus a few questions

[DavidLovesPheap 6]

Just got NOA1 today! So excited things are moving along! My petition got sent to the California processing center

Anyway, just have a few questions.

1) Engagement ceremony pics. I included them in my packet, and now I'm worried that since they look pretty extravagant someone might possibly think we're married. From what I understand our ceremony was pretty typical of Cambodian culture. I attached the pic I sent, look and you can tell me what you think. Do I need to be worried about my petition or is it only the consulate I need to fear? What can I provide that might help our case that we've never been married (besides being basically legally impossible for me to have married her in Cambodia, the laws are way too strict these days)

2) Receptions. We are planning to have 2 receptions, one in Cambodia before we come the the US and get married, then one here after we get married. Is this dangerous also? We are planning in holding our Cambodian reception after the visa is in hand, so I don't think they will be anyone who really questions if we are married after the consulate interview, right?

3) Honeymoon. We've talked and we really want to go on a cruise. Are there going to be restrictions on cruises with her status?

Anyway, wish me luck and fast processing times!

[baron555 934]

Just got NOA1 today! So excited things are moving along! My petition got sent to the California processing center

Anyway, just have a few questions.

1) Engagement ceremony pics. I included them in my packet, and now I'm worried that since they look pretty extravagant someone might possibly think we're married. From what I understand our ceremony was pretty typical of Cambodian culture. I attached the pic I sent, look and you can tell me what you think. Do I need to be worried about my petition or is it only the consulate I need to fear? What can I provide that might help our case that we've never been married (besides being basically legally impossible for me to have married her in Cambodia, the laws are way too strict these days)

2) Receptions. We are planning to have 2 receptions, one in Cambodia before we come the the US and get married, then one here after we get married. Is this dangerous also? We are planning in holding our Cambodian reception after the visa is in hand, so I don't think they will be anyone who really questions if we are married after the consulate interview, right?

If it follow local customs and you really don't get married and don't be silly and call each other husband and wife before the US marriage, then you're probably fine. Maybe?

I find it hard to believe that anyone would take such a chance a mucking everything up....but to each their own.

3) Honeymoon. We've talked and we really want to go on a cruise. Are there going to be restrictions on cruises with her status?

Yes, until she AOSs and recieve either her AP or GC, if she leaves the US, she won't be allowed back in and will have to return from wherever you are, back to her country.

Anyway, wish me luck and fast processing times!

[BaBamSam 239]

Be very careful about ceremonies/receptions before you get married. It is a red flag for sure and is very risky. Strongly advise waiting until the visa is in hand to do anything!

But congrats on the NOA1 and welcome to the waiting room!

[Loveherforever49 4]

Just got NOA1 today! So excited things are moving along! My petition got sent to the California processing center

Anyway, just have a few questions.

1) Engagement ceremony pics. I included them in my packet, and now I'm worried that since they look pretty extravagant someone might possibly think we're married. From what I understand our ceremony was pretty typical of Cambodian culture. I attached the pic I sent, look and you can tell me what you think. Do I need to be worried about my petition or is it only the consulate I need to fear? What can I provide that might help our case that we've never been married (besides being basically legally impossible for me to have married her in Cambodia, the laws are way too strict these days)

2) Receptions. We are planning to have 2 receptions, one in Cambodia before we come the the US and get married, then one here after we get married. Is this dangerous also? We are planning in holding our Cambodian reception after the visa is in hand, so I don't think they will be anyone who really questions if we are married after the consulate interview, right?

3) Honeymoon. We've talked and we really want to go on a cruise. Are there going to be restrictions on cruises with her status?

Anyway, wish me luck and fast processing times!

1. As long as the documents say engagement and all you did was the ceremony, you should be ok.

[romanticminds 11]

Hey congrats on your NOA1 we're in the same stats I got mine in Oct. 29, 2012 waiting on NOA2. Our timeline is probably the same. I did a I130 though. As far as the ceremony pics you're fine it seems to be the norm and traditions within their cultures. The receptions and honeymoon is up to you guys I don't see a problem with having 2 receptions. I'm uncleared about the cruise part are you planning on a cruise trip here in America after she gets the visa or over there? Good luck on your journey.

[Holman come down 10]

Just got NOA1 today! So excited things are moving along! My petition got sent to the California processing center

Anyway, just have a few questions.

1) Engagement ceremony pics. I included them in my packet, and now I'm worried that since they look pretty extravagant someone might possibly think we're married. From what I understand our ceremony was pretty typical of Cambodian culture. I attached the pic I sent, look and you can tell me what you think. Do I need to be worried about my petition or is it only the consulate I need to fear? What can I provide that might help our case that we've never been married (besides being basically legally impossible for me to have married her in Cambodia, the laws are way too strict these days)

2) Receptions. We are planning to have 2 receptions, one in Cambodia before we come the the US and get married, then one here after we get married. Is this dangerous also? We are planning in holding our Cambodian reception after the visa is in hand, so I don't think they will be anyone who really questions if we are married after the consulate interview, right?

3) Honeymoon. We've talked and we really want to go on a cruise. Are there going to be restrictions on cruises with her status?

Anyway, wish me luck and fast processing times!

Cool looking ceremony. You wrote on the pictures "Engagement ceremony," right??? I hope so. Hey, at least she's not in a white dress.

I don't think you need to do anything to prove you AREN'T married. You're not married, so just go in there assuming there's no reason anyone would think you are.

There's nothing dangerous about having a reception in Cambodia. The people at the embassy aren't going to be watching you from the bushes with bino's. The only way they know that sort of thing is if you step on your own toes and tell them.

As far as the Honeymoon, I'd avoid leaving the US with her for any reason until she has a green card in hand. Better safe than sorry.

Good luck! You and I got our NOA1 at about the same time.

[DavidLovesPheap 6]

Not sure about cruises. I OBVIOUSELY wouldnt go on an international cruise (unless i got an advance parole, which i'm very vague on how difficult it is, whats the burden of proof, etc) but the travel document guidelines for cruises that are purely domestic are fairly vague as well. They state you dont need a passport, but just any govt issued ID. But what if the traveler is not a citizen? These are probably questions i'll need to direct to an expert of some kind

[Hershey888 5]

Congrats on your NOA1. With my experience, if u hold a green card you can go abroad but u need to check the country ur going if u need a visa. Remember u r not a us citizen so u need to check..