Official: Utah “Zoom Marriages” Fully Recognized for Spouse Visa Procedures

Following the publication on our Facebook Page last week, about a recent legal development on the subject of Utah proxy marriages, we can now confirm that Utah “Zoom weddings” (conducted via video conferencing) have the same value as in-person weddings abroad, for the sake of the naturalization process of partners of Israelis.

A supreme court petition submitted by Adv. Vlad Finkelstein challenged PIBA’s recent decision to equalize the value of Utah proxy marriages to that of El Salvador proxy marriages. Their decision originally meant that Utah Zoom marriages would have “lesser” value in comparison to “normal” marriages abroad, and would result in a longer gradual process – 2 years on B1 as a minimum instead of up to 6 months, among other discriminatory procedural differences.

In response to the petition, PIBA decided to omit the new clause they added about Utah marriages from protocol 5.2.0008. This happened directly because of the petition, and the change went into effect on July 16th, 2023. The omission of the clause means that Utah proxy marriages are now treated exactly the same as any other valid marriage abroad in spouse visa applications in Israel.

Is it confirmed? Utah “Zoom” weddings count?

Yes! International couples in Israel who get married via Utah video conference will now have a gradual process equal in time and conditions to that of other couples who got married in a legal wedding abroad (Cyprus, Georgia, and anywhere else). This means that the couple can physically stay in Israel, but marry in a civil ceremony from afar.

Last week it was still unclear how PIBA would handle the applications of Utah-married couples after the petition and the change to the procedure. Yesterday, Adv. Finkelstein has shared a confirmation from the legal department of PIBA, and we also got a confirmation about the policy change directly from PIBA headquarters. Today, we can confirm that couples who got married in Utah via video conference and have had pending applications at PIBA were summoned to continue their proceedings under the married procedure (5.2.0008).

IMPORTANT! A marriage certificate alone is not enough for marriage-based immigration to Israel. Although registering the marriage in the foreign partner’s home country is no longer a prerequisite, complications may arise if Utah “Zoom” weddings are not legally recognized there. Proceed with caution.

How can I get married via Zoom in Utah?

Check out our full step-by-step guide for Utah Zoom weddings!

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We would like to congratulate Adv. Vlad Finkelstein for his success in challenging PIBA’s initial policy and thank him for sharing the information with AIC!