Form I-130 - Marriage Certificate

[eee 1]

Hi all,

 

I am an LPR, and getting married soon (religious marriage).

The marriage (religious) will be done outside the US. So my question, do I need to have a civil marriage before the religious one? so I can apply for the Form I-130 and include "A copy of your marriage certificate"

Or will the religious marriage certificate (translated) will be enough?

 

Thanks

[geowrian 22,337]

What country? The reciprocity schedule indicates what document(s) they want to see.

 

On what basis did you gain LPR status, and how long ago?

[eee 1]

Country: Lebanon

 

LPR Based on F2B, 2 years ago.

 

[geowrian 22,337]

1 minute ago, eee said:

Country: Lebanon

 

LPR Based on F2B, 2 years ago.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Lebanon.html

"Marriage Certificates

Available:  Marriage and divorce certificates may be obtained from the district office of the Vital Statistics Bureau in the district where the event was registered. Certified copies of records can be obtained for a minimal fee (currently less than one dollar).

• There is no civil marriage or divorce in Lebanon, though civil marriages conducted outside Lebanon are accepted as valid. The Lebanese civil law requires that all marriages, divorces, and deaths must be registered with the Vital Statistics Bureau. Any marriage conducted outside Lebanon must be registered with the nearest Lebanese embassy or consulate.
• Divorces and marriages before the last census date (1932) and early independence date (1943) are sometimes not registered. In this case, secondary evidence is acceptable along with the statement of non-existence from the Vital Statistics Bureau.
• In rare cases, religious marriage certificates can be accepted as secondary evidence. The same is true in divorce cases. Since each divorce is granted under religious law, the basis for divorce depends on the religious affiliation of the parties to the marriage. Christian church certificates can be authenticated by the bishops of each community. Fees for religious documents vary among the communities.
• In general, Lebanese Embassies can accept the request for the civil documents, and as in the case of police and prison records applicant may experience indeterminately long waiting periods before they receive the documents. However, it is possible that requests be submitted by applying in person or through a relative or friend living in Lebanon or Lebanese mayors. "

[eee 1]

Thanks geowrian