Proxy Marriage and U.S. Immigration: What You Need to Know
How proxy marriage can help with green card applications and immigration challenges in 2025
What is a Proxy Marriage?
A proxy marriage is a legally recognized marriage in which one or both partners are not physically present at the ceremony. Instead, a stand-in (proxy) may be appointed to represent one party, or both individuals may attend the ceremony virtually while the officiant is physically present.
However, it’s important to distinguish between traditional proxy marriage and virtual marriage. While “proxy marriage” typically involves a third-party stand-in, the state of Utah offers a fully virtual wedding — with both partners present online — and no proxies involved. For the purposes of this guide, we refer broadly to remote or non-in-person weddings, but Utah’s option is technically a virtual marriage.
As of 2025, Utah is the only U.S. state that allows a fully virtual wedding, with both partners appearing remotely. You do not need to be a Utah resident to use this process, but the officiant must be physically located in Utah at the time of the ceremony.
In other states or countries, one-party proxy marriage may be allowed in special circumstances, such as military deployment or if the couple resides in different jurisdictions. Be sure to consult local laws before proceeding.
Is a Proxy Marriage Valid for U.S. Immigration?
Yes — but only under specific conditions. For a proxy marriage to be recognized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the following must be true:
Legal Recognition
The marriage must be legally valid in the jurisdiction where it was performed. This means:
- The officiant must be authorized under local law
- Any required documents (for example, a marriage license) must be properly issued and filed
- The couple must follow all applicable procedures
Consummation Requirement
The couple must meet in person and consummate the marriage (have sexual relations) after the wedding for the marriage to be valid under U.S. immigration law.
Important:
You cannot file Form I-130 until after consummation has taken place. USCIS evaluates eligibility at the time of filing — not afterward.
USCIS will not consider prior intimacy or shared children as proof of consummation if it occurred before the wedding.
Evidence of a Real Relationship
Applicants should provide strong documentation to demonstrate that the marriage is authentic and not entered into solely for immigration purposes.
Recommended evidence includes:
- Travel records showing that the couple met in person after the wedding (e.g. flight itineraries, passport stamps)
- Photos together after the marriage took place
- Hotel bookings or receipts for the time spent together post-marriage
- Affidavits from both partners describing their relationship and time spent together
- Joint plans or communication records, such as shared financial accounts, call logs, or messaging history
How to Get Married via Proxy
Here’s how to legally complete a proxy or virtual marriage and use it for immigration purposes:
- Research Local Laws
- Confirm that proxy marriage is legally permitted in your or your partner’s location.
- For fully remote ceremonies, Utah allows both partners to be online — but does not use third-party proxies.
- Obtain a Marriage License
- If marrying in Utah, apply online through the Utah County Clerk’s website.
- You’ll need valid ID, and in some cases, notarized documents.
- Hold the Ceremony
- Hire a registered officiant located in Utah.
- Both partners can attend via video call while the officiant performs the ceremony in Utah.
- Receive the Marriage Certificate
- After the ceremony, the officiant will submit the required paperwork to the county clerk.
- You’ll receive a certified marriage certificate by mail or digitally — this is the legal proof needed for immigration.
- Make Plans to Meet in Person
- You must meet after the wedding and be able to prove you consummated the marriage.
- Plan a trip, save receipts, and document your time together.
Can Proxy Marriage Help if You’re Affected by the 2025 Travel Ban?
Yes, in some cases. Proxy marriage may be especially helpful for couples affected by President Donald Trump’s 2025 travel ban, which restricts visa issuance for certain countries.
If your partner is unable to enter the U.S. to marry you on a K-1 fiancé visa, a legally valid marriage — even by proxy — may allow you to apply for a CR1 (marriage-based green card) instead.
Here’s how it may work:
- Get legally married, either:
- Under the laws of the country where one or both of you reside, or
- Via Utah’s virtual marriage process if both partners are abroad
- File Form I-130 to petition for your spouse
- Once approved, your spouse can apply for a CR1 immigrant visa
The travel ban generally does not restrict immigrant visas for spouses of U.S. citizens, although enforcement can vary by country and consulate. Proxy marriage gives couples another path forward when K-1 options are blocked or delayed.
Important:
While marriage-based green card applications may still be allowed under the travel ban, visa issuance is never guaranteed. Boundless recommends speaking with an immigration attorney if you’re affected by current travel restrictions.
Alternatives to Proxy Marriage
If your partner is able to travel to the U.S., you may be eligible for a K-1 fiancé visa instead. This option allows your partner to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married, but the marriage must occur within 90 days of arrival.
Keep in mind:
- Your partner must apply for work authorization after marriage
- The K-1 visa requires proof of having met in person within the past 2 years
Proxy Marriage FAQs
No — Utah offers virtual marriage ceremonies where both partners are present online. No stand-in or proxy is used. This is different from traditional proxy marriages.
If you don’t meet in person and consummate the marriage after the wedding, USCIS will not recognize the marriage for immigration purposes. You must meet and submit proof.
Only after the marriage is consummated. USCIS requires eligibility to be met at the time of filing, not afterward.
Yes, but the existence of children born before the marriage does not count as consummation. You must still meet after the marriage and provide evidence of that meeting.