Immigrate without a marriage license

[jay c]

Has anyone investigated how you could bring a foreign-born spouse into the country without getting a marriage license?

This is from the USCIS instructions for form I-130:

1. A husband or wife, submit the following documentation:
A. A copy of your marriage certificate.
B. If either you or your spouse were previously married, submit copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were legally terminated.
C. A passport-style color photo...
D. A completed and signed Form G-325A, Biographic Information, for you and a Form G-325A for your husband or wife....

NOTE: In addition to the required documentation listed above, you should submit one or more of the following types of documentation that may evidence that bona fides of your marriage:

E. Documentation showing joint ownership or property; or
F. A lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence; or
G. Documentation showing co-mingling of financial resources; or
H. Birth certificate(s) of child(ren) born to you, the petitioner, and your spouse together; or
I. Affidavits sworn to or affirmed by third parties having personal knowledge of the bona fides of the marital relationship. (Each affidavit must contain the full name and address, date and place of birth of the person making the affidavit, his or her relationship to the petitioner of beneficiary, if any, and complete information and details explaining how the person acquired his or her knowledge of your marriage); or
J. Any other relevant documentation to establish that there is an ongoing marital union.

I think the marriage certificate (see red) would be the sticky point. Is there a country that is relatively easy to get to and where you can get any church or government office to give you a marriage certificate that doesn't involve asking their permission or putting yourself under their authority?

 

[Anonymous]

There are several LEGAL ways to get someone into the country. Student visas, work visas, tourist visas and medical exceptions (VERY HARD TO COME BY). Ok, it sounds crazy to attempt any of these, if the person is from a country known for legal entry and remaining ilegally after the visa expires. I'm from Brazil and getting a visa originated from Brazil is almost impossible, because of the large rate of Brazilians who make it here and don't leave at their pre-determined time by their visas. However, if the person has an European passport, a visa is not always required to come into the United States. And as far as that marriage certificate that the INS requires to grant a visa, there's A LOT more that will be required before that visa is granted. Proof of financial stability, so the person you are petitioning a visa for doesn't end up depending on the government for survival. And a slooth of other documentation. Bottom line, it's probably easier for her to attain a visa on her own, than the marriage visa! And every state has some variation on the requirements.. so check with your local INS office what exactly is expected of you to bring someone into the US.