99% Married with a pending K1 Visa: will they deny?

[jxn 86]

Best of luck, OP. I would suggest clearly laying out the current situation to the embassy, as you have a strict understanding of what forms you obtained and how the paperwork was never finalized.

For reference, here is the thread I referenced. Not directly applicable to you but good for consideration.

Edited February 16, 2015 by jxn

[mallafri76 1,012]

Like someone's already suggested, you should ask this question in your region specific forum as most people who have replied to this thread are not from Morocco and hence not familiar with what constitutes a marriage in Morocco, which I assume the American embassy in Morocco would be. We can only answer from the knowledge we have from our home countries, which might be very different from Morocco.

Hope it works out for you both!

[Jabl2rom 54]

This is horrible advice. If it is discovered later on, there could be a lifetime ban imposed.

Your advice is horrible. The interview isn't storytime or a reddit AMA "Ask me anything". You only answer what is asked of you. Where did I tell him to lie? It is common knowledge to disclose anything that is asked and never volunteer extra information. The OP says he believe he is not married, so why should he interrupt whatever the CO is asking him at the time and go on an impromptu spiel about how he almost got married but didn't? Edited February 16, 2015 by Jabl2rom

[Boiler 45,322]

Remeber US will recognise common law marriages. Quite possible to be married enough locally to be considered married under local custom.

[eastwoodclint 13]

My original intent was to get married in Albania but we ran out of time. I went to the American embassy to obtain a sworn notarized statement stating that I was legally able to marry. My fiancée at the time went to her city government to obtain paperwork to legally get married in Albania but city officials wanted my original birth certificate notarized with a particular apostile from my birth country. These documents would have had to been received and reviewed by city officials and approved before a license to get married is issued. There is also a waiting period before the license is issued. Hence, we ran out of time. We had a big engagement party at a hall. I returned to the states and applied for K1 visa. Nothing was ever mentioned about our attempt to marry in Albania. I even used the $50 receipt from the US Embassy for the notarized statement as proof of being in Albania. If you are not LEGALLY married I don't believe you have anything to worry about.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

My original intent was to get married in Albania but we ran out of time. I went to the American embassy to obtain a sworn notarized statement stating that I was legally able to marry. My fiancée at the time went to her city government to obtain paperwork to legally get married in Albania but city officials wanted my original birth certificate notarized with a particular apostile from my birth country. These documents would have had to been received and reviewed by city officials and approved before a license to get married is issued. There is also a waiting period before the license is issued. Hence, we ran out of time. We had a big engagement party at a hall. I returned to the states and applied for K1 visa. Nothing was ever mentioned about our attempt to marry in Albania. I even used the $50 receipt from the US Embassy for the notarized statement as proof of being in Albania. If you are not LEGALLY married I don't believe you have anything to worry about.

That is very country specific.

[Golden Gate 530]

If all he did was the same as what I did, which was get a letter from the American consulate to show he isn't married, then went to Rabat, got the police record and got a stamp and the papers processed, then he doesn't have to worry. They will ask her at the consulate why they didn't get married and she will just answer the truth. Shouldn't be a problem.

[Culino 0]

Everyone, I cannot thank you all enough. Your counsel and support means so much.

Our plan is to go forward with the K1 Fiance Visa process, truth being on our side. I will update you all to let you know how it goes (2-3 months from now).

Thank you! Blessings to all of you.

[Dualie 185]

Your advice is horrible. The interview isn't storytime or a reddit AMA "Ask me anything". You only answer what is asked of you. Where did I tell him to lie? It is common knowledge to disclose anything that is asked and never volunteer extra information. The OP says he believe he is not married, so why should he interrupt whatever the CO is asking him at the time and go on an impromptu spiel about how he almost got married but didn't?

If you read my post, I did not advise anything. I am merely alluding to the fact that if it were to come to light AFTER the fact, the consequences would be harsh. Sorry you took offense.

[robitamarina 2]

i think your fiance can go to Townhall and ask for Non impediment, if they dont give her it, then you are 100% married...so restart to apply for spouse visa!

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

It doesnt matter whether you have a marriage certificate or not, if Moroccan culture recognizes what you did as marriage, US will also enforce that. Remember that the people are the embassy are not the ordinary American living in a different world with American ideals. These Americans at the Americans at the embassy learn and immense themselves in the local culture so they know more than you think they would. Since you have an interview, go and be honest when it comes up..good luck!