Canadian man engaged to a Russian women, does the marriage have to take place in

[Sous02]

Just recently got engaged to a Russian women from the eastern part of Russia. Am I reading correctly in that both of us have to go to Moscow for paperwork and the marriage? Probably an old question so I apologise in advance but would appreciate any and all tips and advice.

[Faux Pas]

It's not mandatory that you go to Moscow to get married, if that is your question. Where did you get that information?

[Noch1]

For Canadians, you can do common law visa, very difficult and takes longer, with greater risk of refusal and more to prove. You can get married in Canada, if she can get visitor visa. She can then stay, while you apply for permanent resident visa, Also longer and greater risk. You can marry in Canada or Russia and apply for visa once she returns home. Where you get married does not matter.
Applying with her out of country is quickest and safest option.

[Sous02]

I seemed to get the impression that the marriage had to take place in Moscow from the Canadian gov site. They talked about having to go to the office in Moscow or Vladivostok to get papers. And then my impression was that you got married in Moscow. Nervous about getting it done correctly. Thanks for your help. If you know the process I would appreciate learning it.

[Noch1]

My wife is from Ukraine, not Russia, but the process is the same.
If you get married in Russia, yes I am sure specific documents you must
have to prove your marriage to the Canadian Government.
Of course this is true, of where ever you get married.

We married in Canada, my wife went back to Ukraine with all the documents required
for the process.

[Fashionista]

We married far away from Moscow, about 3000 km away. The marriage certificate was just as good as from everywhere else in Russia, except you'll need to translate it and perhaps notarize. That was long time ago though. Not every ZAGS will be able to deal with a foreigner. We had to do it in Дворец бракосочетания. Than we got another certificate in Quebec, just by sending them the translated copy of the Russian certificate. That last one we use now when there is a need.


Which government site says you have to do it in Moscow? Can you give a link? Sounds strange.

[BillyB]

I seemed to get the impression that the marriage had to take place in Moscow from the Canadian gov site. They talked about having to go to the office in Moscow or Vladivostok to get papers. And then my impression was that you got married in Moscow.

Can you link the website here? Is it possible you read the wording wrong and all your fiancée would have to do is check in with your embassy for the visa before joining you in Canada?

Nervous about getting it done correctly.

No need to be nervous. If you do things wrong, you get to marry that wonderful woman a second time.

[Sous02]

Www.canadainternational.gc.ca/Russia-Russie/emergency_services_urgences/marriage.aspx?lang=eng

Thanks for your help

[Faux Pas]

I seemed to get the impression that the marriage had to take place in Moscow from the Canadian gov site. They talked about having to go to the office in Moscow or Vladivostok to get papers. And then my impression was that you got married in Moscow. Nervous about getting it done correctly. Thanks for your help. If you know the process I would appreciate learning it.

It sounds like you either misunderstood or just got bad information. If you are planning or intending to get married in Russia you can do so at the ZAGS office in most Russian cities. Smaller cities or more remote offices might not be able to deal with a foreigner as Fashionista mentioned but, I've not heard of one.

That said, you will have to bring a number of translated documents with you. I don't happen to know what those are for Canucks but it's easy enough for you to find out what those are. Birth certificate, previous divorce degree or certification that you've never been married, citizenship documentation, etc. the original and translated, apostiled and no copies

[Faux Pas]

We married far away from Moscow, about 3000 km away. The marriage certificate was just as good as from everywhere else in Russia, except you'll need to translate it and perhaps notarize. That was long time ago though. Not every ZAGS will be able to deal with a foreigner. We had to do it in Дворец бракосочетания. Than we got another certificate in Quebec, just by sending them the translated copy of the Russian certificate. That last one we use now when there is a need.


Which government site says you have to do it in Moscow? Can you give a link? Sounds strange.

Good to see you posting Fashionista. Please come around more often 

[Faux Pas]

Www.canadainternational.gc.ca/Russia-Russie/emergency_services_urgences/marriage.aspx?lang=eng

Thanks for your help

From reading that link I think you just misunderstand. I didn't see where it states you have to get married in Moscow. It just says "In Moscow" the address is yadda yadda

[Sous02]

Ok thanks. But is Moscow and Vladivostok the only two places you can get the official papers signed and issued?

[Faux Pas]

Ok thanks. But is Moscow and Vladivostok the only two places you can get the official papers signed and issued?

The answer to that question as you asked it is no. However, your needed documents you'll have to obtain are in Canada

You will have your documents and your wife to be will have her documents. You'll take them together to the ZAGS and apply for marriage documents. Most ZAGS anywhere, will do

[Sous02]

Thanks. They sure word is strangely.

[BillyB]

Www.canadainternational.gc.ca/Russia-Russie/emergency_services_urgences/marriage.aspx?lang=eng

"Marriages can not be performed at the premises of the Canadian Embassy. Marriages are performed by the Russian Marriage Registry Office (hereinafter ZAGS). Russian authorities may modify requirements and costs at any time. The Embassy of Canada is not responsible for such changes."


Ask your fiancée where the local Russian Marriage Registry Office/ZAGS is in her city. You can marry there.


"Marriage letter
You must provide the ZAGS a Declaration of non-impediment to marriage. This declaration is done in front of the Canadian Consul/Consular Officer at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow and is issued within two working days. "


It seems you must get a Declaration of non-impediment to marriage from your Consulate to present it to ZAGS. You must spend time in Moscow before getting married at the local ZAGS in her city. Call your consulate to verify this must happen and their recommend time you must spend in Moscow before heading off to your fiancée's city. Contact info for them is at the site you gave us.


"ZAGS application for civil service wedding

Contact the local ZAGS to submit your marriage registration application and the aforementioned documents. The ZAGS will determine the date of the ceremony."


Besides having to get documents at your consulate, you have to let ZAGS determine the date of the ceremony. Ask your fiancée what she thinks the wait time is at her local ZAGS. Make sure you stay in Russia long enough to take care of everything and add a little time for the unexpected.

[Sous02]

I really appreciate your help. Does it sound to you like she has to be in Moscow with me?

[BillyB]

Does it sound to you like she has to be in Moscow with me?

99% sure it's a no but ask your Consulate to be 100% sure. Here is a link below of a Canadian guy previously in the same situation you are in. If one of our Canadian posters haven't done what you're doing and can help you, you might want to PM that guy since he's been there, done that.



More info about what you need in links below


http://www.housecallnotary.ca/1/post/2014/09/single-status-declaration-notarization-marriage-abroad-overseas-non-impediment-certificate-notary-in-toronto-ontario-canada.html


http://toronto.kdmid.ru/en.aspx?lst=en&it=/Marriage%20in%20Russia.aspx

[BillyB]

http://toronto.kdmid.ru/en.aspx?lst=en&it=/Marriage%20in%20Russia.aspx

The instructions from the Russian Consulate in Canada doesn't seem to show for me when I tested this link but it will show if the page is refreshed. Let me know if you can't get the instructions to pop up and I'll cut and paste it here.

[Donhollio]

 Sous why don't you phone the CIC and ask them yourself?  They will speak with you and let you know what they need.
  Even though my ZAGS took place in Uzbekistan, all I needed was that paper to say I am not currently married, again ask CIC on Monday and get that before you head over. Or you will need to visit the CDN consulate in Russia and get them to produce it for you.
 You should also print off all the documents for sponsorship, take them with you as she will need to sign a couple of them. Filling out the forms is not difficult, just use a black ink pen, if its in blue they'll send it back.
 Any questions you need answered can always be found by calling the CIC centre.

[Sous02]

Sorry but what does cic stand for?

[Donhollio]

Canadian Immigration & Citizenship. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp

You can go here and drown in the info www.canadavisa.com

 

[Fashionista]

Good to see you posting Fashionista. Please come around more often 

Thank you


As for choosing the "right" ZAGS, the one that we tried to apply to first, didn't want to deal with us. She told us that we MUST go to the Central Palace of Weddings (is it how it's called in English?), but I think she was just scared of the stack of paperwork that my then future husband brought with him. She didn't know what to do with us and I could see panic in her face. 
 
The old lady in the central office didn't even blink, she sorted us out for 5 minutes. She also spoke English. There was another English speaking groom there at the moment, who looked like he was just out of high school. He was dealt with even faster. So choosing the right ZAGS can save a lot of time and frustration.


If I remember it right waiting time before the ceremony was one month or something. I guess there is a minimum waiting time (in case someone gets cold feet  ) but it can also depend on the number of people getting married.

[Lily]

For Canadians, you can do common law visa, very difficult and takes longer, with greater risk of refusal and more to prove. You can get married in Canada, if she can get visitor visa. She can then stay, while you apply for permanent resident visa, Also longer and greater risk. You can marry in Canada or Russia and apply for visa once she returns home. Where you get married does not matter.
Applying with her out of country is quickest and safest option.

Since a number of Canadians are scared by an idea to get married upfront, just an idea. Why don't sign with the bride some kind of a cohabitation contract in both languages, outlining mutual rights and responsibilities, to get it notarized, and then to apply for a visa as a common law partner with it?

[Fashionista]

Since a number of Canadians are scared by an idea to get married upfront, just an idea. Why don't sign with the bride some kind of a cohabitation contract in both languages, outlining mutual rights and responsibilities, to get it notarized, and then to apply for a visa as a common law partner with it?

I think you need to prove that you have actually lived together for a year or something. I have friends who tried to do that, both Russians, but in the end it was easier for them to just get married. The government does not seem to like that because they think there is high risk of immigration fraud.

[ML]

It is sort of humorous that we are supposed to produce a document 'proving' we aren't married.

There cannot really be such a proof, as a person could be legally married in any state in USA and in many foreign countries.