Can I use the photocopied unfiled Marriage certificate / license to file for AOS

[bonzaigirl 13]

Hi, anybody who can give clarification would be truly appreciated.

We got married last 20th of June, 2015. We were given the UNFILED photocopy of our notarized marriage license/ marriage certificate (it is just one paper combined) that had already been signed by our officiating reverend thus stating that we had been married.

My question is, can we use this to file for my Adjustment of status even if it is just an unfiled photocopy? Because I was told that it will take 6-8 before we receive our Marriage certificate. And when I have been reviewing timelines of people who are adjusting from K1 visa same as me, they filed a few days after getting married.

I have already gathered the documents needed to file, but am a little bit concerned about using the unfiled photocopy of our marriage certificate.

I would really be grateful for anyone who can shed light on this matter.

Thank you

[Darnell 8,478]

1. there is no deadline to file the AOS, as long as the marriage was actually done prior to the 90th day past the POE and

2. no, you need the thing from the courthouse records department. you don't get the thing until and unless you file the unfiled marriage certificate.

Edited July 3, 2015 by Darnell

[bonzaigirl 13]

1. there is no deadline to file the AOS, as long as the marriage was actually done prior to the 90th day past the POE and

2. no, you need the thing from the courthouse records department. you don't get the thing until and unless you file the unfiled marriage certificate.

It was filed when we got married. So we have to go and wait for 6-8 weeks, is that it? Thanks

[Darnell 8,478]

please go back in person and ask the supervisor there about paying an expedite fee. ya never know till ya ask.

[bonzaigirl 13]

please go back in person and ask the supervisor there about paying an expedite fee. ya never know till ya ask.

thank you

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You need to include a copy of the marriage certificate you receive from the court after your marriage has been registered with them. It will have a seal/stamp and/or signature of the clerk on it. That is what shows the marriage is legal, registered and on file with the court.

The 6-8 weeks is how long it will take by mail? Try going in person to get a copy directly from the courthouse. It is probably faster that way.

[bonzaigirl 13]

You need to include a copy of the marriage certificate you receive from the court after your marriage has been registered with them. It will have a seal/stamp and/or signature of the clerk on it. That is what shows the marriage is legal, registered and on file with the court.

The 6-8 weeks is how long it will take by mail? Try going in person to get a copy directly from the courthouse. It is probably faster that way.

Thank you, you have just given me hope.

[CowBoE 429]

That copy you mentioned is more of a souvenir and it's NOT considered official.

Right after we got married by Justice of Peace,

the admin walked over the documents to the county office next door,

and I purchase 3 official marriage certificates on the spot...basically

within 1 hour of getting married.

And we receive the original marriage certificate about 3 weeks later.

[jordan85 8]

I filed for AOS back in 2013. We used the unfiled/non-official copy we got on the day with our I-485 application. It was not a problem, no RFEs, no nothing. Though YMMV. We were told it would be a 6-8 week wait to get the official copy in Los Angeles county. We didn't want to wait that long, so we just sent off the non-official copy. We went through an attorney, and asked her the same question. She confirmed that we could use the non-official copy.

Edited July 3, 2015 by jordan85

[Dashinka 24,499]

Six to eight weeks seems like a long time. When we got married, we took our documents to the county clerk the next week and walked out with ten official copies. However, the office was fairly close to our house, so it may have been easier.

Regardless, I would get the official copy (copies) as you never know who will be reviewing your package and how closely they will scrutinize any of the supporting documents.

Good Luck!

[Pinkrlion 2,719]

It only took us one week and that included a holiday. You need a copy of the certified marriage licence. Waiting forfthe correct document is safer than getting a RFE or it being denied after waiting a year.

[bonzaigirl 13]

Hi, I've just spoken and called the county clerk office, apparently in the Los Angeles County, we can submit the photocopy they've given us, as it was notarized and signed by the clerk. And had already been signed by the officiating officer who married us. I was told that for the Los Angeles County, in California, it takes 6-8 weeks before you can get the certified true copy of your marriage certificate. It has been the practice for a long time for the county of Los Angeles, regardless if you got married in a wedding chapel or in the courthouse. Just like what Jordan88 mentioned. I may have to consult somebody regarding this one. But so far that was what I was told when I called.

[Darnell 8,478]

did you ask about expedite fee?

not go in person, see what can be done on the spot?

ok.