International marriages have been rather prevalent throughout the years. Undoubtedly, you have a friend or two who married a foreigner and are convinced that it was the best move they ever made. And it is correct. Hundreds of people meet their true love overseas and marry someone from another nation. As more men and women across the world become interested in learning more about the method, requirements, cost, and other details, we have gathered all of the pertinent information that will be valuable to you.
Let us begin by discussing the benefits and drawbacks of foreign weddings, followed by legal procedures around the world.
Everything You Need to Know Before Marrying Someone From Another Country
So, can you marry someone from a different country? Technically, the answer is “yes.” But are you willing to put in the necessary time and effort? It’s a lengthy and difficult procedure, so let’s dive into the specifics. International marriage is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States. As a result, here’s some important information about the first three, with the latter covered in a separate chapter below.
To begin, the process develops similarly in all three countries. The trip always begins on the websites of marriage agencies. These are usually not free; therefore, you’ll have to pay for a subscription or obtain some credits for messaging.
On these services, you may find hundreds of profiles of single men and women, both straight and gay, from various countries, with the majority of them being LGBTQ+ friendly. We recommend choosing someone whose mindset and outlook are similar to yours. In this situation, you’ll be able to get along with the potential spouse sooner and avoid misunderstandings.
Of course, because your cultural backgrounds are so different, those situations will still occur, but you will get along better from the start. Pay attention to their life values, ambitions, and beliefs, as these are crucial foundational elements for the future.
Later, if you feel the correct vibe, you can skip the initial round of chatting and move on to calls and video calls. Following that, you explore meeting in person with your potential life mate and eventually make the proposal. This is when things get serious, and you can invite your significant other to your nation; the stage is comparable in all four countries. So, if you decide to marry your partner after that, you will have to embark on a long and time-consuming trip, but the ultimate result will be well worth it.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the next steps for marrying someone from another country in each circumstance.
The United Kingdom
Type of visa: marriage visitor visa
Requirements:
- real relationship
- to be over 18
- be permitted to marry within half a year of entering the UK and leave when the visa expires.
- Have sufficient funds for the trip or a sponsor.
- Plan to explore further operations in the UK and provide proof.
Canada
There is no particular visa for spousal sponsorship; thus, it can only be obtained through that category.
- Sponsors must be over 18.
- Possess Canadian citizenship or residency.
- not receive social assistance (disability is an exception) and provide documentation.
- provide basic needs for your spouse and children and have proof.
Australia
Type of visa: prospective marriage visa
Requirements for spouse:
- to be over 18 (like in Western countries).
- Have a sponsor who holds Australian citizenship or residence.
- Get married before the visa expires.
- be in another nation at the time you apply.
Germany
Type of visa: German family reunion (spousal visa)
Requirements for spouse:
- Valid passport issued not earlier than 10 years
- Marriage certificate recognized by law
- Rightly and fully completed visa application form
- Recent biometric format passport sized photos
- Spouse proof of residence
- Unless for EU citizens or a highly skilled worker, proof of basic German language skills (A1 level) is required
- Health insurance cover
- Spouse in Germany must show adequate living space (accommodation) for both of you
Procedure for Marrying a Non-US Citizen
The rules and legislation about how to marry a foreigner differ based on where you and your significant other are living at the time of application. There are three categories for it.
● Both partners are present in the U.S.
Marrying a non-citizen in the United States is simpler in this circumstance than in others, but only at first. Because your significant other is already in America, they must have some type of visa, whether for school or a job. So, to obtain a green card or an immigrant visa for them, you must first file for adjustment status. There are two important actions to take: first, marry, and then register your marriage with local or state officials.
It is important to note that you will have 90 “trial days” during which USCIS agents will decide if the marriage is legitimate or fake. Meanwhile, your future spouse is prohibited from seeking work, applying to schools, or engaging in any other activity that will jeopardize their status.
If investigators believe your relationships are not genuine, an immigrant may be deported, while a US citizen or resident may face jail time.
● Both partners are not present in the USA.
There are two choices. First, you can apply for a K-1 visa, often known as a fiancé(e) visa, which allows you both to come to the United States to marry. Your spouse will receive a green card.
The second alternative is to complete forms DS-160 (nonimmigrant visa) and I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), but your spouse will still have to attend a green card interview. However, the entire process may take too long and provide no guarantee of outcomes.
● You’re in the United States, but Your Future Spouse Isn’t
Marriage in the United States to a non-citizen is only feasible after obtaining a visa, and there are two alternatives for doing so. First, you must marry abroad. Then, your spouse will schedule an appointment with the local American embassy to obtain a green card.
The second alternative is to obtain a K-1 visa. This will allow your prospective life partner to visit the United States and marry. Afterward, they can convert their visa to a Green Card.
List of Requirements You Have to Meet to Marry a Foreigner
Yes, there is a list of standards that do not only apply to foreigners. To marry an immigrant, U.S. citizens or residents must also meet certain criteria, which are quite straightforward.
- To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen living abroad, a green card holder, or a permanent resident.
- You must be eligible for marriage under the laws of your state. For example, in certain areas, persons can form a union when they are 18, but in others, they must be at least 21.
- You must not be married at the time you submit your application.
If your future spouse applies for a green card, you must be able to support them financially, according to immigration legislation of 1996. To marry a non-US citizen, you must file a Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, which serves as a guarantee to the government that you will provide financial support for your spouse for approximately ten years, even if you divorce during that time.
The assistance you provide must exceed the U.S. Poverty Guidelines. It is the same for all 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and is determined by the sponsor’s household size.
For example, if you have a household of two, the guideline is approximately $20,000. Alaska costs around $25,000, whereas Hawaii costs $23,000.
The Easiest country to get married in South America
1. Georgia
Georgia is well-known for being one of the most economical countries in the region, as well as for its speedy marriage procedure. Furthermore, there are numerous wedding settings to pick from, all of which have breathtaking landscapes. This country’s hospitality and food services are also well-known, so you can be confident that any guests who travel to Georgia for your wedding will be impressed.
Compared to countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the prices for the full wedding package will be substantially cheaper in Georgia. Many couples who come from different countries and struggle with the bureaucracy or religious rituals of getting married in their home country choose to marry here because it is one of the easiest places for foreigners to get married. Once married here, this may help to expedite the process of obtaining citizenship or a visa for your home country.
What Documents Do Foreigners Need?
In terms of legal marriage requirements for foreigners in Georgia, marriages are possible for persons from all over the world. You do not have to be a resident to marry here, and most wedding ceremonies have no religious requirements. Another significant advantage and reason why this is a suitable alternative for a short wedding is that inhabitants of 94 different nations do not require a visa to enter the country. If you’re in a hurry to get married, you can even get all of the paperwork done in a matter of days here.
Before getting married, ensure you have a valid passport. If this is not your first marriage, you will also want a death or divorce certificate. Both documents must be translated and notarized.
Your Georgia wedding will be recognized as a lawful wedding across the world. You will need two witnesses for the wedding ceremony. If you prefer to marry without witnesses from home, or if your friends and family are unable to travel to join you, we will arrange witnesses for the ceremony. Another reason some couples prefer this country over others is that the bride’s father or guardian is not required to grant permission to marry her. The minimum age for marriage is 18 years old, but aside from that, it’s an excellent choice for a simple wedding.
2. Cyprus
Cyprus is a stunning island ideal for couples wishing to plan a destination wedding. Many couples choose to marry at nearby beaches, hotels, resorts, and churches. This is another affordable wedding destination that allows foreigners to marry at a significantly lower cost than other European countries. The hospitality here is exceptional, so couples discover that their guests have a memorable time throughout their stay in the country. Wedding venues and hotels in Cyprus cater to all budgets and needs.
As you investigate where to be married as a foreigner, you’ll see that Cyprus is an excellent year-round wedding destination. The island experiences an extraordinary 320 days of sunshine each year. If you are willing to visit outside of peak travel times, you can save even more money on the ceremony while also enjoying lower crowd levels at resorts and hotels, as well as when exploring the islands. Many couples choose to have a brief wedding here and then stay for a bit to enjoy their honeymoon and the island’s stunning beaches and scenery.
What Documents Do Foreigners Need?
Getting married in Cyprus is not too difficult for foreigners, but you must grasp the papers required for this simple operation. You’ll need a full passport with at least six months’ validity. Photocopies of the bride and groom’s picture pages, as well as those of the two witnesses, are required. A full birth certificate with the apostille stamp is necessary, as is a death or divorce certificate, if appropriate. Depending on where you are from, you may be subject to additional restrictions, such as UK citizens requiring a sworn oath.
In Cyprus, civil ceremonies are often held at the Town Hall or similar approved sites. You will need to learn about the three-day minimum residency term and the particular license required for the wedding. Couples will need to fill out an application when they arrive in Cyprus.
3. Mexico
With some of the world’s best beaches, it’s no surprise that couples from all over flock to Mexico for their weddings. No matter where in Mexico you go for marriage for foreigners, you’ll discover beautiful weather and friendly people. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City are all popular wedding destinations in Mexico. These sites are well-connected to the United States and the rest of the world, making them ideal for a short wedding.
Mexico attracts many couples from the United States who want to cut the overall cost of their wedding. It’s also an excellent choice for large groups who value the country’s all-inclusive resorts and delectable food and beverage offerings.
What Documents Do Foreigners Need?
When scheduling a wedding in Mexico, keep in mind that all of your documents must be apostilled and translated beforehand. Couples will require a valid passport, valid admission into the country, and birth certificates. Anyone who has previously married or been widowed must additionally provide a prenuptial agreement and a medical certificate. You should also verify the additional requirements for the Mexican state where you plan to marry. These vary by area, and while the procedure is usually straightforward, you may discover that certain states require more witnesses.
Conclusion
After you’ve successfully navigated the dating stage, it’s natural to want to get married. Even if the distance between you makes the beginning of your relationship difficult, getting your spouse to your native nation is also a task. It requires a significant amount of time and money, but the result is well worth the effort. The most essential thing is to locate the perfect individual who has good intentions and genuinely cares about you. There is a lot to know before beginning the application procedure for any spouse visa discussed in this post. Whether you live in the United States, Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom, remember that the hardest part, searching for your partner, is over.