Can I get married abroad (ceremony only) and then still come on K1 visa?

[Unknown Guest 15]

Is it possible to get 'married' (just perform the marriage ceremony & have the reception) abroad, and not have any documentation signed abroad or anywhere, then enter the U.S. on the k1 visa and get married legally in the U.S. w/in the 90 day period? Is there any risk to doing this?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, quite a risk. Depends on the country. Denials happen for this often.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Is it possible to get 'married' (just perform the marriage ceremony & have the reception) abroad, and not have any documentation signed abroad or anywhere, then enter the U.S. on the k1 visa and get married legally in the U.S. w/in the 90 day period? Is there any risk to doing this?

Technically yes; but since you would be married already, then it is not legit to enter on a K-1; if found, anything past that point could be revoked.

USCiS/DOS might considered you were married even if no papers are signed. I've seen people being denied (India) for an engagement cermony that look too much like a wedding.

You sure you want to take the risk?

[Cori and Rob 55]

I would not take that risk. Even engagement celebrations have made IO's question if unmarried people are actually married. If you really want to get married now, it's best to file for the spousal visa rather than the fiance visa.

[Unknown Guest 15]

How would immigration know if it is not recorded anywhere?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

How would immigration know if it is not recorded anywhere?

Famous last words.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Is it worth the risk of a denial?

[Unknown Guest 15]

Is it worth the risk of a denial?

This would be in China. I looked up the China marriage act. they require the marriage to be registered to be binding. So am I safe then if I don't register?

Edited February 6, 2014 by yojoe

[dwheels76 5,468]

This would be in China. I looked up the China marriage act. they require the marriage to be registered to be binding. So am I safe then if I don't register?

See the issue is you really are married minus the paperwork. But you did the ceremony everything.

Like in Nigeria doing a traditional wedding you are considered actually more married than the formal "white wedding" at the church. It's all about customs and also what the CO thinks is up.

How is doing a ceremony walking down the isle having a reception accept you just didn't file the papers make you any less married.

And you ask "how will immigration know?" you would be surprised how many post on Facebook and send in their "wedding pics" or just in interview question say husband or wife when trying to get a K1. You aren't dealing with rookies here.

It's best to caution not to. Have a party a reception no ceremony. Just to be sure.

[baron555 934]

Is it possible to get 'married' (just perform the marriage ceremony & have the reception) abroad, and not have any documentation signed abroad or anywhere, then enter the U.S. on the k1 visa and get married legally in the U.S. w/in the 90 day period? Is there any risk to doing this?

Only if such ceremony is customary to that country or culture, is a normal occurance and is so recognized by the Embassy.

Anything else, then you're probably viewed as married and your visa will be denied......or....worse.....if you make it to the US and get "caught" during AOS, could risk permanent ban and deportation.

Don't do it.

[christeen 966]

There is a risk... The problem lies when you are "too married for a k1 it not married enough for the CR1" it has come up many times here on VJ. Do an advanced search and read some stories. Is there the likelihood they don't fine your? Yes... But there is also,the risk they do... Your asked if there is a risk, the answer is yes, there is a risk.

[Avery Cates 1,141]

Is it possible to get 'married' (just perform the marriage ceremony & have the reception) abroad, and not have any documentation signed abroad or anywhere, then enter the U.S. on the k1 visa and get married legally in the U.S. w/in the 90 day period? Is there any risk to doing this?

I wouldn't.

[aaron2020 11,651]

This would be in China. I looked up the China marriage act. they require the marriage to be registered to be binding. So am I safe then if I don't register?

No, you are not safe.

It doesn't matter if you register or not.

If the US Embassy gets information about a wedding, then that's all they needed to deny the K-1.

How does the CO know if you are simply hiding the registration?

How would you prove you didn't register?

How does the CO tell the difference between a couple who did not register with a couple hiding the registration?

It's not the CO job to verify that you did not register. That's why the CO will deny based on a ceremony.

Don't do it. You are taking a risk that provides no benefit but can result in the K-1 being denied.

[NikLR 13,227]

Even if you did it after a visa, you could be denied entry by the CBP.

[Brit Abroad 166]

How would immigration know if it is not recorded anywhere?

So, you think that nobody at the ceremony is going to take photos and plaster them all over Facebook and other social media? It has been proven many times over that USCIS have access to FB records and they DO check.

If you want to take the risk, go for it, but do you want to risk a denial and a permanent notation on your record? Actions can have consequences, and we've heard the horror stories of the model GC holder who applies for citizenship and is denied because they are found out in a lie (misrepresentation, which is a deportable offence) several years down the line.

Your choice.

Edited February 7, 2014 by Brit Abroad