US citizen Getting Married to Moroccan

Great mate, would appreciate if you could shed some light on documents needed and the whole process in order in terms of what to do I first step is the consulate appointment, foreign affairs, police, court, police interview and adoul.

Please correct me if I am wrong on the order and roughly how long do you think the process normally would take, or if you do need a lawyer etc.

Your prompt response would be much appreciated.

@muzzichuzzi

I completed the process in 3 weeks but can be done in less if translation are done before.

Translate the copies you have in English to Arabic (ie, birth certificate payslips to show you are working and police certificate) can do this as soon as you arrive or can wait for the rest of documents that need translating and do them altogether.

1) Go to Embassy to get the marriage affadavit and certified copy of passport.

2) Go to the address they give you to get the copy of passport and the affadavit certified in rabat.

3) Go to the police station in arabat to collect a police trace (they will need a copy of your passport and you last entry exits in to morocco) will take them around 1 hour or 30 mins to complete then go back and collect the certificate. *thats all that needs to be done in rabat if you aren't marrying there*

4) Get all the papers that you have in English, translated, once translated go to the court with them, court will need 4 photocopies of each paper.

5) the court will do the rest from here and tell you next steps to do which is mostly waiting lol.

6)They will then get copies of all documents and put them in an envelope telling you to go to police with it, you go and do a little interview with police in the city you will marry they will ask questions and say come back in 2-3 days to collect your approval to marry.

7) You then take this back to the court they do some other things while having you wait and finally give you the approval to marry aswell. You will take that approval to an adoul along with copies of all your documents and then adoul will marry the both of you.

The process may ever so slightly vary depending on city and just depending on how busy they are really.

No lawyer is needed to be honest. But all the best in your marriage process

Hi Sara, thanks for the info and much appreciated

Assume that you did not have to have any documents apostilled?

I'm hearing different things from various people but have personally never seen this request listed anywhere.

@mcglen262

Nope I had my birth certificate way back from when I was born which was the legitimate one it had a signature in so it was clear that it was the actual certificate, the acro police certificate I had. They are known all around the world as already a certified type of police certificate so no need to get apostilled. The only thing I got apostilled was my marriage certificate after getting married and going through the process. So long as you have the specific legit documents no need for apostile

@mcglen262

However there was a section in the court I got approval to marry from where a lady did have to stamp some documents but we were just doing as we were told from the people of the court, it cost us money for these stamps so not too sure if that was the apostille.

Sarra

Really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I have my acro police report, certified copy of birth certificate, payslips and letter from employer on company headed paper but was told that the letter from my employer would have to be apostilled which is news to me and also my payslips.

This came from someone who knows my fiance who apparently had to have everything apostilled but it could be that there was a reason for that (who knows).

This is why I'm questioning the info because I've not seen any listed stating this is needed.

Thanks

@mcglen262 That's correct. In my case it was the German embassy and then again another office in the court in Morocco. But it always depends on which country you`re coming from. The German embassy was a great help to all my questions.

@ExpatServicesMarrakech

Many thanks.

I can't find anything on any official UK site stating documents have to be apostilled.

Consulate in Rabat approves my affidavit and will notarize my passport etc so as far as I'm concerned, I've have the required documents.

Appreciate your response. Got such a headache over this process.

@mcglen262

Oh I see. Well actually I had my payslips and they just stamped them at the courts along with other documents my spouse had and that we brought I didn't get them apostilled in uk or anything like that. It might be the same for you. But I'm not sure, there's no harm in getting them apostilled I guess but it is time and money spent thats the only thing.

@Sarra65

Agreed but as they are on company headed paper, I'm not going to get them apostilled.

As I said it's the first I've heard but I've told my fiance to check with the adoul he's also unaware of this being needed.

Thanks again Sarra.

R

@mcglen262

Thats good. Best not to waste your time on it.

Wishing you all the best in your marriage and the process.

Thank you so much Sarra.

Was really kind of you to take the time to explain and answer my questions.

All the best to you too.

@Sarra65

It depends on where the foreign person is from. Morocco does not expect the same documents from every foreigner. There are differences.

For example, Spain, America, and Germany have different regulations. Morocco also expects different paperwork from them. Sometimes more, sometimes less. So, if someone from the UK wants to marry in Morocco, it does not mean they need the same paperwork as an American, German, or Spanish person.

@ExpatServicesMarrakech

Yeh but I'm pretty sure I was talking to someone who is from England so what I was saying was subject to them...

@ExpatServicesMarrakech

Hi, to clarify I am English so Sarra was correct with the procedure followed here for paperwork etc.

Thanks

@Sarra65

Correct. I'm English.

I didn’t mean Sarra and you personally. I meant more in general, because it happens that foreigners believe the same rules apply to all foreigners, but that’s not the case. Sorry for the confusion. 🙏

Hi.

No need to apologise. All help and advice is helpful.

Thank you

Rhonda

Try fiancé visa k1

Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa):Faster Processing: The fiancé visa generally has a shorter processing time compared to marriage-based visas.Intention to Marry in the U.S.: If you plan to marry in the U.S. and your fiancé(e) is already a U.S. citizen, the fiancé visa may be a more suitable option.Allows Entry Before Marriage: The fiancé visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. before marriage, providing an opportunity to spend time together and plan the wedding.

@christianaxios

To obtain a fiancé visa (K-1 visa) from Morocco to the United States, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. **File a Petition**: The U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This establishes the relationship and intention to marry within 90 days of entry into the U.S.

2. **Approval**: Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing.

3. **NVC Processing**: The NVC forwards the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Morocco. They will provide instructions for the fiancé(e) to apply for the visa, including completing forms and undergoing a medical examination.

4. **Interview**: The fiancé(e) must attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They'll need to provide documents proving the relationship is genuine and that they meet the requirements for a K-1 visa.

5. **Visa Issuance**: If approved, the fiancé(e) will receive the K-1 visa, allowing them to travel to the U.S.

6. **Entry into the U.S.**: Once in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

It's essential to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to ensure a smooth process. Each step typically involves fees and processing times, so it's wise to plan ahead and stay organized throughout the process.

@christianaxios

first off thank you for your help. So can you explain your timeline of the process that you completed your marriage? I am considering utilizing a lawyer as I can only takeoff two weeks from work. I am in Morocco to try to get married so I’m assuming that’s probably the best option so that I can ensure I’m married before I head back to work. Also, what all did you get accomplished before going to Morocco and do you think it is possible to be able to have your consulate appointment?  (granted once they open early in the morning.) and be able to get your document certified in Rabat as well as pick up your police report from there on the same day?

@christianaxios

hi! thank you so much for volunteering your experience.

question: did your fiance have to bring any documents to the initial consulate appointment?

@christianaxios

hi! thank you for volunteering your experience and help!

question: did your Moroccan fiance have to bring any documents to your initial consulate appointment?

@dlhayasan1

I would suggest you to take at least 3 weeks of vacation.

Take your appointement online at the embassy before going.

Translate all your document before going to morocco at it takes around 3 weeks to get it

@Rockstarmaven

Yes, for me they asked for her national card.