Is the Utah Online Marriage a safe route for a same-sex marriage (Brazil and US)?

[CinderSoul 1]

My fiancee and I are trying to go through the CR1 route, and we wanted to make it happen as soon as possible. The Utah Online Marriage seemed to be the quickest way for us to officially marry while he is in Brazil and Im in the US, and then we would physically meet to consummate it, so we can start the CR1 application afterwards. After checking for advice with an attorney however, they didn't recommend using the Utah service saying it's too risky, though they also say they don't have a lot of knowledge about it. That got us a bit worried, we already got the marriage licence and we were just waiting to schedule the ceremony now, but would it be better to not move forward with that route with the risk of being denied in the long wrong? Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

For context, we are in a same-sex relationship (M22 and M32), have been together for 3 years, and we've met in person 3 times before during trips. 

[SalishSea 18,219]

4 minutes ago, CinderSoul said:

My fiancee and I are trying to go through the CR1 route, and we wanted to make it happen as soon as possible. The Utah Online Marriage seemed to be the quickest way for us to officially marry while he is in Brazil and Im in the US, and then we would physically meet to consummate it, so we can start the CR1 application afterwards. After checking for advice with an attorney however, they didn't recommend using the Utah service saying it's too risky, though they also say they don't have a lot of knowledge about it. That got us a bit worried, we already got the marriage licence and we were just waiting to schedule the ceremony now, but would it be better to not move forward with that route with the risk of being denied in the long wrong? Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

For context, we are in a same-sex relationship (M22 and M32), have been together for 3 years, and we've met in person 3 times before during trips. 

Sounds like the attorney lacks experience with this.  In the years since the Utah online marriage became an option, I have not seen anyone post that it was problematic for US immigration, if done correctly, as you are planning.   I think the only situation in which someone could run into trouble is if they file prior to the required visit.

[CinderSoul 1]

Hi @SalishSea

Thank you for sharing this, yes that's what I thought as well, we both did a lot of research to plan things right and we also saw many people recommending the utah online marriage and saying it was legit. We thought about asking for an attorney just in case we missed anything or any details we should be aware of, but it only made us more anxious lol. We are trying to go with all of this very carefully, but we would also want to speed it up as much as we can, so if we can make it work through route it would be great for us.

[JeanneAdil 6,697]

same sex marriage is legal  in the US since 2014 and legal for immigration

meeting for several visits like u state makes your case stronger

 

the best to you both

[pushbrk 13,176]

1 hour ago, CinderSoul said:

My fiancee and I are trying to go through the CR1 route, and we wanted to make it happen as soon as possible. The Utah Online Marriage seemed to be the quickest way for us to officially marry while he is in Brazil and Im in the US, and then we would physically meet to consummate it, so we can start the CR1 application afterwards. After checking for advice with an attorney however, they didn't recommend using the Utah service saying it's too risky, though they also say they don't have a lot of knowledge about it. That got us a bit worried, we already got the marriage licence and we were just waiting to schedule the ceremony now, but would it be better to not move forward with that route with the risk of being denied in the long wrong? Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

For context, we are in a same-sex relationship (M22 and M32), have been together for 3 years, and we've met in person 3 times before during trips. 

You asked somebody who advised you without doing the proper research first.  No, it's not "risky".

[S2N 17]

Even ignoring the gay or the immigration component, getting legally married in the US is significantly easier than in Latin America. If you’re fine with not doing in person Utah is a good way to go.

[SalishSea 18,219]

3 hours ago, CinderSoul said:

Hi @SalishSea

Thank you for sharing this, yes that's what I thought as well, we both did a lot of research to plan things right and we also saw many people recommending the utah online marriage and saying it was legit. We thought about asking for an attorney just in case we missed anything or any details we should be aware of, but it only made us more anxious lol. We are trying to go with all of this very carefully, but we would also want to speed it up as much as we can, so if we can make it work through route it would be great for us.

The VJ search function is hit or miss, but if you are able to try it out, there are many examples and stories of couples who have successfully obtained spousal visas this way.  Wish I could remember someone to tag here.  Maybe another VJ member will tag someone.

[garebear397 84]

12 hours ago, SalishSea said:

The VJ search function is hit or miss, but if you are able to try it out, there are many examples and stories of couples who have successfully obtained spousal visas this way.  Wish I could remember someone to tag here.  Maybe another VJ member will tag someone.

This thread (utah-online-marriage) has @Simplytex 's experience quite detailed.