Can I use a Church marriage certificate temporarily?

[Beefstick]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here but have been a lurker for a while. I am posting this after considerable use of the search engine not leading to much helpful info.

I and my wife got married under a Christian ceremony very recently, and as foolish as it may seem to many of you, we did not realize that a Church marriage is not considered legal.

It looks like I now have to fly back to India to register our marriage. The whole process will delay our application by at least a month or two (depending mainly on when I can fly out).

My question to you folks is this: Can I start the visa sponsorship process right now using the Church certificate, with a note in the application stating that I plan to send in the official government certificate once I get it?

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here but have been a lurker for a while. I am posting this after considerable use of the search engine not leading to much helpful info.

I and my wife got married under a Christian ceremony very recently, and as foolish as it may seem to many of you, we did not realize that a Church marriage is not considered legal.

It looks like I now have to fly back to India to register our marriage. The whole process will delay our application by at least a month or two (depending mainly on when I can fly out).

My question to you folks is this: Can I start the visa sponsorship process right now using the Church certificate, with a note in the application stating that I plan to send in the official government certificate once I get it?

No, as you aren't legally married right now. If you submit an app while not legally married, the app will be rejected or returned to you.

You need to wait until you register the marriage and become legally married, and only then can you submit any application for PR.

 

[Beefstick]

No, as you aren't legally married right now. If you submit an app while not legally married, the app will be rejected or returned to you.

You need to wait until you register the marriage and become legally married, and only then can you submit any application for PR.

Thank you Rob for your reply. I appreciate it a lot.

 

[Vijay_VVG]

Hi folks,

This is my first post here but have been a lurker for a while. I am posting this after considerable use of the search engine not leading to much helpful info.

I and my wife got married under a Christian ceremony very recently, and as foolish as it may seem to many of you, we did not realize that a Church marriage is not considered legal.

It looks like I now have to fly back to India to register our marriage. The whole process will delay our application by at least a month or two (depending mainly on when I can fly out).

My question to you folks is this: Can I start the visa sponsorship process right now using the Church certificate, with a note in the application stating that I plan to send in the official government certificate once I get it?

Mate did CIC accept the certificate issued by the Church, ive submitted the same for my Express Entry profile and there ppl who say that its not acceptable.

 

[scylla]

Mate did CIC accept the certificate issued by the Church, ive submitted the same for my Express Entry profile and there ppl who say that its not acceptable.

You need to ask that in the Express Entry section of the forum. This section is for spousal sponsorship and the requirements aren't always the same.