US applicant proof of single status

[Helen Quail 28]

Hi all,

 

My fiance was divorced well over 30 years ago.

His ex wife died a few years later.

He does not have certificates for either as it was so long ago.

As it can take considerable time to get replacements, to prove he is free to marry he intends to use

a. tax accounts submitted as a single man and 

b. a notarized letter explaining the circumstances as proof of single status.

 

My question is will this proof suffice or do they insist it HAS to be divorce/death certificate?

 

We want to minimize delays or hiccups obviously 

Thank you!

[A'n'L 735]

They will insist on the latter.

[Helen Quail 28]

I suspected that....thank you.

We may send in with this and forward the certificate on. Any further advice anyone?

Edited April 1, 2017 by Helen Quail
missing word

[Wuozopo 4,293]

Further advice: get the proper divorce decree. You can probably order it online. Don't send anything until  you have a complete package or you can get delayed. They will just send it all back to you if submitted  without the proper initial evidence. Then you start over on the timeline when you complete the request for initial evidence. 

[A'n'L 735]

My two cents: Don't send an incomplete package. You won't be able to add files to your package until they send you a request for evidence (RFE), and you're looking at a delay of weeks-months in processing. It will overall be faster to get the decree before you send the initial package.

[Helen Quail 28]

Hmmmm. He was divorced in 1979 and it seems it can take several months to get a case number and certificate. That or a road trip to LA where the divorce took place.

The feeling seems to be there is no point sending it in without that - even though it was 1979?

[A'n'L 735]

38 minutes ago, Helen Quail said:

Hmmmm. He was divorced in 1979 and it seems it can take several months to get a case number and certificate. That or a road trip to LA where the divorce took place.

The feeling seems to be there is no point sending it in without that - even though it was 1979?

The date of the divorce has no significance.

[USC1961 251]

10 hours ago, Helen Quail said:

Hmmmm. He was divorced in 1979 and it seems it can take several months to get a case number and certificate. That or a road trip to LA where the divorce took place.

The feeling seems to be there is no point sending it in without that - even though it was 1979?

Several months??  This doesn't sound quite right.  I could see it taking a week or two because they would have to look it up on microfiche.  Me thinks the clerk he talked to is fibbing. 

[Helen Quail 28]

I managed to get through to someone in Archives.  8 - 10 weeks because it is pre 1980s.  

Or drive 1200 mile round trip and get it on the spot in person.

His wife subsequently died so we are exploring whether the death certificate may be a better option 😕