You may now Blow a Kiss to the Bride!!!
To begin, a “Proxy Marriage” has a “proxy” or middleman sign on behalf of one of the soon-to-be-spouses. Double Proxy is also a term where two proxies or two middlemen are present to marry the intended spouses.
The State of Utah DOES NOT perform or recognize Proxy Marriage. Instead, they have “CUT OUT THE MIDDLEMAN,” and allow spouses to marry virtually. The Spouses sign their marriage certificate electronically, and the marriage certificate is issued by the State of Utah, making it accepted throughout the United States and for US Immigration Purposes.
A Utah Virtual Marriage, aka Web Conference Ceremony or Video Conference Ceremony, is a valid, legal marriage. The only difference is that the spouses can be anywhere in the United States and the World, and can appear “virtually” before a representative of Utah.
A “Proxy Marriage” for immigration purposes has one MAJOR issue, the “consummation requirement” AFTER marrying by proxy. Meaning, the US Government will NOT recognize a proxy marriage certificate UNTIL/AFTER the spouses have been physically present, in the same city, at the same location, for a period of time. This requirement is to make sure the marriage is real and the Spouses are serious about the marriage. A “non-proxy marriage,” aka a regular marriage or virtual marriage, do not have consummation requirements, the marriage certificate in itself is sufficient to prove a marriage occurred and that is can be recognized by the US Government for immigration purposes.
Thus, the Utah Virtual marriage ceremony is a much better option than proxy marriages.
PLEASE NOTE: This post is only for informational purposes that some of our Prospective Clients have found very useful as an option to marry someone overseas. Our Law Firm DOES NOT assist in marrying people, nor do we coordinate with UTAH, nor do we answer questions regarding Virtual Utah Marriage. You should contact the appropriate Agency in Utah for further questions.
Yes, the Marriage Certificate is accepted in Utah and throughout the United States. Thus, it is accepted federally and accepted by US Immigration Agencies.
No, that is called polygamy and a crime. (This is a common question)
Maybe. You would have to contact the Foreign Embassy in Washington DC for possible information on “Legalizing or Registering” the marriage in the US with the abroad foreign government. But, if you are marrying to immigrate to the US, then this question is not really important.
Do I ever need to see my spouse before filing the I-130 Petition?
USCIS Policies Change, and virtual marriages are a COVID/POST-COVID creation. The "Consummation requirement" is not stated in the law, but USCIS can require the marriage to prove itself by having a honeymoon, having a reception with close friends and family, and to travel internationally to solidify the marriage validity.
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