My Fiancee and myself plan to get married in Indonesia in about 6 months. Would getting a marriage by proxy now enable us to start the CR or K3 marriage visa before then?

Question

My Fiancee and myself plan to get married in Indonesia in about 6 months. Would getting a marriage by proxy now enable us to start the CR or K3 marriage visa before then?

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Answer

Ted, Unfortunately not.

A proxy marriage can be lawful. However, for U.S. immigration purposes you must consummate the marriage after the proxy. If you do not plan to meet in person over the next 6 months, then we cannot file a spousal visa petition until after you meet and are married. Once we file for a spousal visa, she must await the processing time.

Another option would be to file for a fiancee visa now. You could have a marriage blessing or a family wedding celebration in 6 months in Indonesia, just not a legal marriage. Technically, she remains a fiancee and can enter the U.S. on a fiancee visa. You would then register the marriage in California when she arrives in the U.S. Is this a possibility you would consider?

If interested in working together, you are welcome to call me and I will be glad to assist and answer any other questions you have. Thank you.