Online wedding then I-130

[top_secret 2,411]

6 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Totally makes sense given that COVID travel issues has not been an accepted reason to waive the K-1 two year meeting requirement.

I should also be more specific.  They were not denied at the interview.  Rather, they were refused with a 221g requesting proof of a meeting they could not possibly answer.  No way to resolve it but to start over.

[SalishSea 17,803]

1 minute ago, top_secret said:

I should also be more specific.  They were not denied at the interview.  Rather, they were refused with a 221g requesting proof of a meeting they could not possibly answer.  No way to resolve it but to start over.

Right, I got that.  I was commenting more on the visa eligibility.  The petition was approved in error, because they were not eligible.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,432]

11 hours ago, jatutt said:

We did meet but that was before the wedding. We found a lawyer online saying that we could file and meet before we had a hearing so that is what we did.

 

If I withdraw and refile will I get a pause on my i-130 and or any money back?

 

Joe

 

Who was this "online lawyer"?

 

[jatutt 2]

43 minutes ago, SteveInBostonI130 said:

 

Who was this "online lawyer"?

 

It was on youtube.

[Dashinka 24,481]

24 minutes ago, jatutt said:

It was on youtube.

Hacking?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

2 hours ago, jatutt said:

It was on youtube.

Curiosity is killing me, do you have the link?

 

Good luck

[JeanneAdil 6,489]

13 hours ago, SalishSea said:

It’s legal in all states.   The OP’s issue is that proxy marriages are not legal (until consummated). for immigration purposes.

USCIS does not recognize the following relationships as marriages, even if valid in the place of celebration:

 

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-g-chapter-2

• Polygamous marriages;^[3] 

• Certain marriages that violate the strong public policy of the state of residence of the couple;^[4]

There are states that do not recognize it /Utah  zoom is acceted by immirgration  but other many states after the pandemic temporary stopped the facebook,  whatsapp ,  etc online mar

 

https://theamm.org/articles/317-these-states-are-where-you-can-and-can-t-get-married-online

 

 

In recent years, a handful of states issued temporary legal orders to allow couples to apply for their marriage licenses and conduct their marriage ceremonies online using video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype.

Many of these temporary provisions have now ended – but a few states still offer virtual wedding services. 

 

and many states do not allow it

Hawaii

Officiants CANNOT perform marriage via video conference ✗

 

New Jersey

Officiants CANNOT perform marriage via video conference ✗

New York

Couples can apply for marriage licenses via video conference ✓

Officiants CANNOT perform marriage via video conference ✗

 

 

Tennessee

Officiants CANNOT perform marriage via video conference ✗

 

Other States

Many states are offering a two-step approach allowing couples to begin the application process online before completing the paperwork in person, by appointment at their local office (such as in Delaware and Michigan). In Oregon, couples can apply for a license online and receive their document by mail.

[Chancy 6,241]

5 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

There are states that do not recognize it /Utah  zoom is acceted by immirgration  but other many states after the pandemic temporary stopped the facebook,  whatsapp ,  etc online mar

 

Let's not derail the thread.  OP clearly stated that they married via Utah zoom wedding.  Marriage procedures in other states are not relevant to the OP's issue.

 

[jatutt 2]

I want to thank everyone who responded to me.  I'm disappointed of course but dwelling on it won't make it better.

 

You have all been unanimous that all I can do is withdraw and refile.  Can anyone tell me what I should expect when withdrawing and refiling.  I recall there were a few questions about if I had ever filed a i-130 before.  

 

Any help with what to expect is appreciated.

[Chancy 6,241]

49 minutes ago, jatutt said:

Can anyone tell me what I should expect when withdrawing and refiling.  I recall there were a few questions about if I had ever filed a i-130 before.

 

On part 5 of the I-130, item #1 is "Have you EVER previously filed a petition for this beneficiary or any other alien?"  Select "Yes" and provide details about the previous I-130 petition.  Not required, but I recommend you also put a short explanation about the petition withdrawal under part 9 for Additional Information.  Just a sentence or two about withdrawing the petition because it was submitted before the marriage was consummated.