How to Marry a Foreigner or Non-Citizen in International Love

Love has no boundaries. In the United States, you may marry a non-citizen. Find out about the marriage requirements for foreigners.

What you will discover:

How do I marry a foreign national?
What exactly is a marriage-based visa? What exactly is a fiancée visa?
How can I bring my non-citizen spouse to the United States?
Can two non-citizens marry in the United States?

If you are a non-citizen or want to marry a non-citizen, you may be interested in learning how to have a legally recognized wedding. You may also have concerns regarding immigration and how marriage may affect your spouse’s immigration status. While non-citizens may lawfully marry in the United States, marriage does not immediately affect either spouse’s immigration status. Similarly, the marriage is not guaranteed to be recognized in the home nation of the non-citizen spouse. With that in mind, here are a few things you should know about planning for marriage when both partners are not citizens of the United States.

How do I marry a foreign national?

To marry a non-citizen in the United States, you must first determine what kind of identification is necessary to apply for a marriage license in the county where you want to marry. A valid passport may be used to verify identification in numerous instances. A birth certificate may be needed to prove that the parties are of legal marriageable age. For particular information on local marriage requirements, visit your county clerk’s office.

If you want to alter your legal citizenship status (naturalization), you need consult with an immigration lawyer.

What exactly is a marriage-based visa? What exactly is a fiancée visa?

Marriage or fiancé(e) visas are used to provide a spouse or prospective spouse a temporary visa to enter the United States. To secure a fiancé or marriage visa, you must first demonstrate that you are a “real” pair who intends to make a life together in the United States. Before you marry, you may apply for and acquire a fiancé visa. After you marry, you may apply for and acquire a marriage-based visa. The marriage must be recognized as legitimate and lawful in the United States.

The procedure of obtaining a green card or becoming a citizen may be difficult. To sponsor someone in the United States, you must produce evidence of citizenship, pay costs, and provide proof of income. To learn more about the current criteria for a fiancée visa, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

How can I bring my non-citizen spouse to the United States?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may assist you in bringing your spouse to the United States. In general, you must file the paperwork specified below.

If you are a US citizen legally present in the US:

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status)

If you are a US citizen legally residing outside the US:

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

If you have a green card or are a lawful permanent resident in the United States:

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

If you are a green card holder or permanent resident living outside of the United States:

Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)

Can two non-citizens marry in the United States?

Yes, non-citizens may marry in the United States. Remember that marriage does not affect your immigration status, and it may not be recognized in your native country. To marry in the United States, you only need to apply for a marriage license in the county where you want to marry. In most circumstances, you will be required to provide a valid passport. You may also be required to demonstrate that you are of legal marriageable age and that you are not already married. Your nation may have extra procedures for validating your marriage in another country.

It is not difficult to get married in the United States with sufficient legitimate identity. If you need to alter your citizenship status, you should speak with an immigration lawyer. If you ever need a copy of your marriage certificate, you may always go to the county or state where you were married and obtain one.