Do I Need An Apostilled Marriage Certificate? (Utah Online Wedding / I-130)

[NMinLasVegas 0]

Hello. I got married via Utah online weddings and we are waiting on the I-130. Will I have need of an apostilled copy of my US marriage certificate? What would be the situation where this would be needed? Thanks very much in advance. 

[Edward and Jaycel 792]

You would need one if you plan to do a Report of Marriage with the Philippine Consulate. Otherwise, I am not aware of USCIS, NVC or the Embassy requiring an apostille copy of the marriage certificate. Just an official copy should do.

[NMinLasVegas 0]

Thank you. I am unfamiliar with the Report of Marriage with the Philippine Consulate, what would be the reason someone might want or need to do that? 

[J.M. 268]

9 minutes ago, NMinLasVegas said:

Thank you. I am unfamiliar with the Report of Marriage with the Philippine Consulate, what would be the reason someone might want or need to do that? 

Primarily to change Philippine passport to married name.  ROM is not mandatory, but if you want to change her PI passport name, you will need it.  There are other reasons for ROM if you plan to live in the Philippines as well.

[Edward and Jaycel 792]

9 minutes ago, NMinLasVegas said:

Thank you. I am unfamiliar with the Report of Marriage with the Philippine Consulate, what would be the reason someone might want or need to do that? 

 

Yes it officially registers your marriage overseas with the Philippine Statistics Authority. If your wife wants to change her Philippine passport to her married name it will be required. Also if you ever want a spousal visa to the Philippines it will make that process easier.

 

A "Report of Marriage" with the Philippine consulate is necessary if you are a Filipino citizen who got married abroad, as it officially registers your marriage with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ensuring your marriage is recognized and recorded in the Philippines, even if the wedding took place overseas; essentially, it serves as a legal declaration that your marriage occurred and allows for proper documentation in your home country. 

Key points about the Report of Marriage:

Legal requirement:

Under Philippine law, Filipinos who marry abroad are required to report their marriage to the nearest Philippine consulate to have it officially registered. 

Proof of marriage:

The Report of Marriage acts as a document proving your marital status in the Philippines, even if you have a marriage certificate from the country where you were married. 

Access to benefits:

Registering your marriage through a Report of Marriage can be crucial for accessing certain benefits or services in the Philippines that require proof of marital status.