Getting married is an exciting and joyous occasion. But before you can officially tie the knot, there are legal processes that must be followed. If you are a Pakistani living in the USA, you might be wondering how to register your marriage with NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) from abroad. This article will guide you through the steps of registering your marriage with NADRA while living in the USA.
What is NADRA?
NADRA is a government agency in Pakistan responsible for the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and national identity cards. All marriages in Pakistan must be registered with NADRA for legal purposes.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
The first step in registering your marriage with NADRA from the USA is to gather all the necessary documents. These include:
- Original Nikah Nama (marriage certificate)
- Copies of both spouses’ Pakistani passports
- Copies of both spouses’ CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Copies of both spouses’ Pakistani B-forms (if applicable)
- Copies of both spouses’ USA green cards or visas
- Copies of both spouses’ USA marriage certificate
Step 2: Attestation of Documents
Once you have all the necessary documents, they need to be attested by the relevant authorities. The Nikah Nama must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan, while the USA marriage certificate must be attested by the State Department or Secretary of State in your state of residence. The rest of the documents must be attested by the Pakistani embassy or consulate in the USA.
Step 3: Translation of Documents
Any documents that are not in English or Urdu must be translated into either of the two languages. The translation must be done by a certified translator and must be attested by the Pakistani embassy or consulate in the USA.
Step 4: Submit Documents to NADRA
Once all your documents are attested and translated, you can send them to NADRA for registration. You can either submit the documents through a courier service or drop them off at the NADRA office in Pakistan. You can also authorize a family member or friend to submit the documents on your behalf.
Step 5: Tracking Your Application
The processing time for registration with NADRA can vary, but you can track the status of your application online. NADRA has an online tracking system that allows you to check the status of your application by entering your tracking ID.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take for NADRA to register a marriage from the USA?
A: The processing time can vary, but on average, it takes 4-6 weeks for NADRA to register a marriage from the USA.
Q: Do both spouses need to be present when submitting the documents to NADRA?
A: No, only one spouse needs to submit the documents, but both spouses must sign the application form.
Q: Can I register my marriage with NADRA if I am not a Pakistani citizen?
A: Yes, you can register your marriage with NADRA if you are a foreigner marrying a Pakistani national.
Q: How much does it cost to register a marriage with NADRA from the USA?
A: The cost of registration varies depending on the type of marriage and other factors. It is best to contact NADRA for the exact cost.
Q: Can I register my marriage with NADRA if it was performed abroad?
A: No, all marriages performed abroad must be registered with the concerned authorities in that country.
By following these steps and providing all the necessary documents, you can successfully register your marriage with NADRA while living in the USA. It is important to note that all marriages in Pakistan must be registered with NADRA within six months of the marriage ceremony.
Do not delay in registering your marriage as it is a legal requirement and can save you from any legal complications in the future. We hope this article has helped you understand the process of registering a marriage with NADRA from the USA. Congratulations on your marriage!