Marriage Certificate Apostille for United States

Korean marriage certificates apostilled for the United States are required for spousal visa applications (IR-1, CR-1, K-3), USCIS green card applications, name change processes, insurance beneficiary updates, and estate matters. USCIS requires both an apostille and a certified English translation.

How to apostille a Korean marriage certificate for United States

1Obtain a certified copy of the Korean marriage certificate (혼인관계증명서) from a Korean municipal office
2MOFA apostille — standard 3–5 business days, express 1–2 business days
3Certified English translation with USCIS-compliant certification statement
4Submit to USCIS, the US consulate, or NVC as required

Requirements for United States

Korean marriage certificate (혼인관계증명서) from a Korean municipal office with official seal
MOFA apostille required
Certified English translation with translator certification statement
For spousal visas, USCIS may require translations of all names as they appear on the Korean document
NVC (National Visa Center) has specific document upload requirements

What to look for in a specialist

Experience with spousal visa (IR-1, CR-1) and K-3 visa document packages

USCIS-compliant certified English translation

Knowledge of NVC document submission format requirements

Combined apostille + translation workflow for USCIS deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Korean marriage document does USCIS require — 혼인관계증명서 or 가족관계증명서?

USCIS typically requires the 혼인관계증명서 (Marriage Relations Certificate) as the primary marriage document. The 가족관계증명서 (Family Relations Certificate) is often requested alongside it. Our experts confirm the exact documents required for your specific visa type.

How long does apostilling a Korean marriage certificate for a US spousal visa take?

MOFA processing: 3–5 business days (standard) or 1–2 business days (express). Certified English translation: 1–2 business days. Total: approximately 4–7 business days.

Does my Korean marriage certificate need to be apostilled if I was married in Korea but am now a US citizen?

Yes. For USCIS immigration purposes, foreign marriage certificates typically need to be authenticated. An apostilled Korean marriage certificate with certified English translation is the standard format USCIS accepts.

Can I apostille a Korean marriage certificate if one spouse is not Korean?

Yes. A Korean marriage certificate issued by a Korean municipal office can be apostilled regardless of the nationality of the spouses. The document records the marriage registration in Korea.