Married in Ethiopia, now what?

[Jacell 1]

I was married here in Addis Ababa, I had the marriage certificate stamped at foreign affairs and then I took it to the US embassy to ask if I needed anything else, they said “no”. Anybody know what the next step is before I head back to US?

Edited October 22, 2019 by Jacell

[SalishSea 18,227]

43 minutes ago, Jacell said:

I was married here in Addis Ababa, I had the marriage certificate stamped at foreign affairs and then I took it to the US embassy to ask if I needed anything else, they said “no”. Anybody know what the next step is before I head back to US?

Next step in terms of what?  Are you wondering about petitioning for your spouse?

[Jacell 1]

12 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Next step in terms of what?  Are you wondering about petitioning for your spouse?

Sorry I’m just wondering if I need to take my marriage certificate to a consulate or something here before I head back to the US, basically just trying to figure out how I get my marriage recognized in America 

[chefcurry88 11]

You'll need to file a I-130 form found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-130. You'll need these pieces of information:

 

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or U.S. national status:
  • A copy of your birth certificate, issued by a civil registrar, vital statistics office, or other civil authority showing you were born in the United States; 
  • A copy of your naturalization or citizenship certificate issued by USCIS or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS); 
  • A copy of Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), issued by a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate; 
  •  A copy of your unexpired U.S. passport; 
  • An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying you are a U.S. citizen with a valid passport; or
  • A copy of the front and back of your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card or a Form I-551).
• Evidence of family relationship with one of the following (see form instructions for more detailed guidance):
  • Spouse: A copy of your marriage certificate
    • Evidence you or your spouse terminated any prior marriages (if applicable)
  • Child: A copy of your child’s birth certificate(s).
  • Parent: A copy of your birth certificate.
  • Brother/Sister: A copy of the birth certificate for you and your sibling.
• Evidence of the bona fides of the marriage, if petitioning for a spouse:
  • Documentation showing joint ownership of property;
  • A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence, meaning you both live at the same address together;
  • Documentation showing that you and your spouse have combined your financial resources;
  • Birth certificates of children born to you and your spouse together;
  • Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. Each affidavit must contain the full name and address of the person making the affidavit; date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit; and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired their knowledge of your marriage; and
  •  Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.
• Proof of legal name change (if applicable); and 
• Two passport-style photographs (if applicable).

[payxibka 10,047]

16 minutes ago, Jacell said:

Sorry I’m just wondering if I need to take my marriage certificate to a consulate or something here before I head back to the US, basically just trying to figure out how I get my marriage recognized in America 

Its automagically recognized 

[Ryan H 3,834]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[Juli. 18]

On 10/22/2019 at 4:04 PM, Jacell said:

Sorry I’m just wondering if I need to take my marriage certificate to a consulate or something here before I head back to the US, basically just trying to figure out how I get my marriage recognized in America 

You need a official translation and in some countries they ask for some stamps for the local Government.

 

If you will file for the CR1 visa don't forget to leave the Marriage certificate with your spouse. It will be necessary for the interview. 

 

By the way, Congrats for the wedding!!