Beneficiary has minor children residing abroad. Inconsistent or nonexistent petitioner identifica-tion. Many people try to navigate the federal bureaucracies, including the Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Department of State and its overseas consulates, on their own. Just prepare the required documents and provide the letters, photographs, insurance and financial documents, etc., that verify the length and sincerity of the relationship. Common law marriage is recognized in Alabama, as well as by some other states.
Marriage laws are under the exclusive jurisdiction of our state legislatures.
The federal government has no business telling you whom you can and cannot marry. You can rely on your immigration lawyer should be able to help the couple provide the proof necessary to prove a common-law marriage exists. Even if you obtained a visa or immigration benefits in or prior to 1996, you should consult a qualified immigration lawyer about any new visa application process. If the spouse is in the United States, the alien spouse should file an INS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Lease showing joint tenancy of a common residence.