Is There any way that my fiancee and I could get religiously married while waiting on K1 visa to process?

[Vizaguy123 9]

My fiancee and I are both Muslim and would be doing an Islamic marriage ceremony. It seems to me that since the religious ceremony isn't recognized officially in either the US or my fiancee's country, it would be fine and shouldn't impact the k1 visa since it's not officially on record. I've come across articles and forums where some people say it's fine, while others say bit's not. The wedding hasn't happened yet and the thing is that she has already done her visa interview and they approved her visa. However, they haven't sent her passport back yet because they're doing administrative processing, which could take 90 days or more. So we figured we'd just have a religious ceremony in her country, and then we'll get officially married once her visa is approved.

[Cathi 5,783]

It absolutely impacts the k-1. In Islam, signing the marriage contract and having an Islamic marriage "ceremony" makes you married in the eyes of U.S. immigration. My husband is Muslim and we were engaged and married in Jordan, been there, done that. It does not matter if anything was registered or not. You will be married after the ceremony. Period. Don't do it. 

Edited September 1, 2021 by Cathi

[Crazy Cat 42,062]

56 minutes ago, as1996 said:

My fiancee and I are both Muslim and would be doing an Islamic marriage ceremony. It seems to me that since the religious ceremony isn't recognized officially in either the US or my fiancee's country, it would be fine and shouldn't impact the k1 visa since it's not officially on record. I've come across articles and forums where some people say it's fine, while others say bit's not. The wedding hasn't happened yet and the thing is that she has already done her visa interview and they approved her visa. However, they haven't sent her passport back yet because they're doing administrative processing, which could take 90 days or more. So we figured we'd just have a religious ceremony in her country, and then we'll get officially married once her visa is approved.

I would NOT do this.  Once you are seen as married, the K-1 visa is void.....period.  Your marriage via a K-1 MUST take place in the US.  By the way, her visa isn't approved until all AP is finished and the status has changed to "Issued".  

[JeanneAdil 6,609]

you need to read the Kenya Marriage Act of 2014

page 51 under Marriage under islamic law

 

it states:

 

PART VII =MARRIAGE UNDER ISLAMIC LAW 48.This Part shall only apply to persons who profess the Islamic faith. 49.

( I ) A marriage under this Part shall be officiated by a kadhi, sheikh or imam as may be authorised by the Registrar and celebrated in accordance with Islamic law.

(2) A person authorised to officiate at a marriage under this Part shall record the details of a marriage under this part in the prescribed form and shall deliver the record to the Registrar for the registration of such a marriage.

(3) Any provision of this Act which is inconsistent with Islamic law and practices shall not apply to persons who profess the Islamic faith.

No. 4 Application of this Part. Persons authorised by Registrar to solemnize Hindu marriages. Application of Islamic law. Officiation of Islamic marriage

http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/TheMarriage_Act2014.pdf

 

So, your imam can record the marriage

[Just Paul 4,595]

married is married,

[JeanneAdil 6,609]

our Imam explained the last part #4 to me and yes,   i actually called him when i saw this post

 

he said it means those who profess the faith must follow the 5 rules of islam

he knows men who go to prison (and he works with them as volunteer)and profess to be Muslim as it means special priveleges like food and stopping work to pray but when they return to society,   they are inconsistent with Islamic law and do practice Islam

same as some who profess to find Jesus to impress Parole Board

 

OP if you profess to be muslim and are consistent with Islamic Laws then register the marriage

a  marriage registration in any country is valid and accepted by USA

 

and in eyes of immigration,  married is married 

many from countries like Nigeria show photos of what they say is engagement party but embassy says,   "too married for a K1"

Edited September 1, 2021 by JeanneAdil

[arken 4,197]

You are this close to going to the US. Don't test your luck by having sent back from POE and being forced to wait another 1-2 years through spousal visa process.

[SalishSea 18,079]

5 hours ago, as1996 said:

My fiancee and I are both Muslim and would be doing an Islamic marriage ceremony. It seems to me that since the religious ceremony isn't recognized officially in either the US or my fiancee's country, it would be fine and shouldn't impact the k1 visa since it's not officially on record. I've come across articles and forums where some people say it's fine, while others say bit's not. The wedding hasn't happened yet and the thing is that she has already done her visa interview and they approved her visa. However, they haven't sent her passport back yet because they're doing administrative processing, which could take 90 days or more. So we figured we'd just have a religious ceremony in her country, and then we'll get officially married once her visa is approved.

It's your call, but we have seen K-1 denials after people have done this.

[Vizaguy123 9]

5 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

It's your call, but we have seen K-1 denials after people have done this.

What if I cancelled the Islamic wedding and just had the party? Since it's going to be difficult to cancel the venue  and some family has already purchased plane tickets, maybe it would be fine with the embassy if we simply had a party and the party would just be to celebrate the eventual marriage in the US. The Islamic ceremony is a different event and can just be cancelled altogether since there were no deposits made for that event. Do you think that would be fine?

[Crazy Cat 42,062]

3 minutes ago, as1996 said:

What if I cancelled the Islamic wedding and just had the party? Since it's going to be difficult to cancel the venue  and some family has already purchased plane tickets, maybe it would be fine with the embassy if we simply had a party and the party would just be to celebrate the eventual marriage in the US. The Islamic ceremony is a different event and can just be cancelled altogether since there were no deposits made for that event. Do you think that would be fine?

You even call it  "the Islamic WEDDING"........I would certainly cancel it.  A party is a much better idea as long as it can't be seen as a wedding.

[SalishSea 18,079]

5 minutes ago, as1996 said:

What if I cancelled the Islamic wedding and just had the party? Since it's going to be difficult to cancel the venue  and some family has already purchased plane tickets, maybe it would be fine with the embassy if we simply had a party and the party would just be to celebrate the eventual marriage in the US. The Islamic ceremony is a different event and can just be cancelled altogether since there were no deposits made for that event. Do you think that would be fine?

I have no idea, but in the 5 years I've been reading Visa Journey, I've seen K-1 denials when the couple has had something that even appears to be a wedding:  engagement ceremonies, religious ceremonies,  traditional village weddings, parties etc.

 

Again, it's your call.

 

In general, if having an event like that in the beneficiary's country is important, a CR-1 is the better visa.

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

You even call it  "the Islamic WEDDING".

CR-1 would have been a much better choice than K-1.

[Ed&Midori1031 330]

6 hours ago, as1996 said:

My fiancee and I are both Muslim and would be doing an Islamic marriage ceremony. It seems to me that since the religious ceremony isn't recognized officially in either the US or my fiancee's country, it would be fine and shouldn't impact the k1 visa since it's not officially on record. I've come across articles and forums where some people say it's fine, while others say bit's not. The wedding hasn't happened yet and the thing is that she has already done her visa interview and they approved her visa. However, they haven't sent her passport back yet because they're doing administrative processing, which could take 90 days or more. So we figured we'd just have a religious ceremony in her country, and then we'll get officially married once her visa is approved.

Please dont jeopardize your K1 application.  

[Adventine 3,201]

1 hour ago, as1996 said:

What if I cancelled the Islamic wedding and just had the party? Since it's going to be difficult to cancel the venue  and some family has already purchased plane tickets, maybe it would be fine with the embassy if we simply had a party and the party would just be to celebrate the eventual marriage in the US. The Islamic ceremony is a different event and can just be cancelled altogether since there were no deposits made for that event. Do you think that would be fine?

 

Are you going to be able to control what all of your family members post online about the ceremony, or what they will say in case someone does a background check on your fiance? Are they going to be careful enough with the nuance between what you have called an Islamic wedding and a ceremony?

[JeanneAdil 6,609]

1 hour ago, as1996 said:

What if I cancelled the Islamic wedding and just had the party? Since it's going to be difficult to cancel the venue  and some family has already purchased plane tickets, maybe it would be fine with the embassy if we simply had a party and the party would just be to celebrate the eventual marriage in the US. The Islamic ceremony is a different event and can just be cancelled altogether since there were no deposits made for that event. Do you think that would be fine?

its going to look like u are celebrating the marriage although a  Nikah marriage is done with IMAM, all that is required for a marriage certificate is the signing of the contract

if u satisfy family traditions by signing the contract , it is a marriage even if u  think not registering it

Muslims celebrate after the marriage 

If you push this celebration,   u r tempting fate

and by definition of a Nikah,  it is formal marriage

 

Nowadays, it’s also common to have the Nikah ceremony either at a venue or at the bride’s house, and depending on the family, the event can become quite glamorous as people tend to mix Islamic and Western traditions.   

 

[LOVEOVERANYTHING 7]

9 hours ago, as1996 said:

My fiancee and I are both Muslim and would be doing an Islamic marriage ceremony. It seems to me that since the religious ceremony isn't recognized officially in either the US or my fiancee's country, it would be fine and shouldn't impact the k1 visa since it's not officially on record. I've come across articles and forums where some people say it's fine, while others say bit's not. The wedding hasn't happened yet and the thing is that she has already done her visa interview and they approved her visa. However, they haven't sent her passport back yet because they're doing administrative processing, which could take 90 days or more. So we figured we'd just have a religious ceremony in her country, and then we'll get officially married once her visa is approved.

May I ask why they place you in AP? 

I would not get married nor have a party. Don't risk your Visa. I was in AP for 18 months for God knows why, so don't risk anything.