Certificate of Marriage USEM

[maxxann 12]

Hi All

 

I have a question regarding the certificate of marriage.  I am filipina residing and working in Singapore. We got married here in 2016 but our lawyer told us we should file our petition in the Philippines.

Now I have received an email from the USEM that I need  PSA marriage certificate but unfortunately, the PSA has not converted the marriages from 2016 into their system and would require a manual search which would take half a month and my interview is scheduled this Tuesday.

 

Now in the USEM checklist, the marriage certificate asked was "For Philippine marriages" should be PSA issued. My MC is Singapore registered but I do have the report of marriage receipt from the Philippine Embassy SG on hand, all original copies. I also asked for a verification search in the SG Registry to prove that a marriage between us did happen in 2016 and that our names appear in the SG civil registry. It is a bit conflicting that the email asked for a PSA issued, but in the checklist, it says it is only for Philippine marriages.

 

Is there anyone here with the same situation?

 

Our lawyer in NYC said that the email may be automated and listed the documents without taking in consideration that I am not residing in the Philippines or married in the Philippines. I am just still worried about this.

 

Edited May 10, 2018 by maxxann

[Hank_ 9,174]

10 hours ago, maxxann said:

Hi All

 

I have a question regarding the certificate of marriage.  I am filipina residing and working in Singapore. We got married here in 2016 but our lawyer told us we should file our petition in the Philippines.

Now I have received an email from the USEM that I need  PSA marriage certificate but unfortunately, the PSA has not converted the marriages from 2016 into their system and would require a manual search which would take half a month and my interview is scheduled this Tuesday.

 

Now in the USEM checklist, the marriage certificate asked was "For Philippine marriages" should be PSA issued. My MC is Singapore registered but I do have the report of marriage receipt from the Philippine Embassy SG on hand, all original copies. I also asked for a verification search in the SG Registry to prove that a marriage between us did happen in 2016 and that our names appear in the SG civil registry. It is a bit conflicting that the email asked for a PSA issued, but in the checklist, it says it is only for Philippine marriages.

 

Is there anyone here with the same situation?

 

Our lawyer in NYC said that the email may be automated and listed the documents without taking in consideration that I am not residing in the Philippines or married in the Philippines. I am just still worried about this.

 

You  are completing the interview in Singapore?

 

For the embassy in Manila the requirement is for a CENOMAR (and I believe SG will want the same), you need to submit a request to PSA for a CENOMAR, if your marriage was recorded at PSA they would issue a CEMAR (Certificate of Marriage).  In your case you will get the CENOMAR,  so you will, also, need to provide a copy of you marriage certificate (In English) from Singapore.

 

To get your marriage recorded in the Philippines you must complete ROM through the Philippine consulate representing the location where you were married.   This is not required, but you can't get your passport in your married name without completing this.

Edited May 10, 2018 by Hank_

[maxxann 12]

32 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

You  are completing the interview in Singapore?

 

For the embassy in Manila the requirement is for a CENOMAR (and I believe SG will want the same), you need to submit a request to PSA for a CENOMAR, if your marriage was recorded at PSA they would issue a CEMAR (Certificate of Marriage).  In your case you will get the CENOMAR,  so you will, also, need to provide a copy of you marriage certificate (In English) from Singapore.

 

To get your marriage recorded in the Philippines you must complete ROM through the Philippine consulate representing the location where you were married.   This is not required, but you can't get your passport in your married name without completing this.

Hi Hank

 

Thank you for the reply. Yes I am interviewing in Manila. I did lodge a report of marriage in our embassy here in SG. I have the original copy of the receipt received by the Phil Embassy. I am still trying to get a PSA issued authentication of the report just to make sure if the USEM asks for it (although in the checklist, it says for Phil marriages only), I will have the document.

 

But it's reassuring to know that my SG MC is sufficient.

[Hank_ 9,174]

55 minutes ago, maxxann said:

Hi Hank

 

Thank you for the reply. Yes I am interviewing in Manila. I did lodge a report of marriage in our embassy here in SG. I have the original copy of the receipt received by the Phil Embassy. I am still trying to get a PSA issued authentication of the report just to make sure if the USEM asks for it (although in the checklist, it says for Phil marriages only), I will have the document.

 

But it's reassuring to know that my SG MC is sufficient.

 

There are no real issues.  Request the PSA CENOMAR - it is required.  If your marriage has been recorded by PSA they will issue the CEMAR instead.  Do bring a copy of your SG marriage certificate (in English) .. you will be fine.

 

Complete all 5 sections here :  https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/      

 

There is some helpful info here also:  http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/k-1-visa-application.html

[maxxann 12]

3 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

 

There are no real issues.  Request the PSA CENOMAR - it is required.  If your marriage has been recorded by PSA they will issue the CEMAR instead.  Do bring a copy of your SG marriage certificate (in English) .. you will be fine.

 

Complete all 5 sections here :  https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/      

 

There is some helpful info here also:  http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/k-1-visa-application.html

thank you Hank! Yes I have the cenomar updated. It does say I am still single though since the report is still not in their system.

 

You really helped me a lot. Thanks again

[deafguy72 99]

43 minutes ago, maxxann said:

thank you Hank! Yes I have the cenomar updated. It does say I am still single though since the report is still not in their system.

 

You really helped me a lot. Thanks again

Hopefully it gets into the system sooner. I waited for my marriage contract from LCR into PSA system around in 3 weeks I think. Things would have happen much easier if you report way back in 2016 instead of waiting until now. Fingers crossed for the best! Good luck