Are Mail Order Brides Legal in Your Country? A Look at Global Laws

As you explore online dating, you might wonder, “Are mail order brides legal?” Don’t worry, we’re here to clear things up. The answer is YES, mail order brides are legal!

Mail order brides are real women from various countries seeking marriage with men from abroad. So, why wouldn’t they be genuine? Online dating platforms help people, regardless of distance, connect and find love. Let’s take a closer look at what makes a legitimate mail order bride and how you can meet one on dating websites.

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Is it Legal to Buy a Bride?

A common question people ask about mail-order brides is whether it’s legal to “buy” a woman. This concern comes from the use of old-fashioned terms that don’t really apply anymore. The truth is, mail-order brides are not related to human trafficking or sex work. There is no situation where a woman is sold or exchanged for money. It’s important to understand that there is no buying or selling of people involved.

So, the real question isn’t whether you can buy a bride—because that’s not what happens. Instead, it’s about meeting someone through online dating, building a mutual connection, and getting married with both people’s full consent and understanding. In this process, both partners are making a choice to enter into a relationship freely.

As long as both people are involved willingly, there is nothing illegal about it. In fact, mail-order brides are completely legal in the United States and most Western countries. The process is based on respect, choice, and consent, making it a lawful way for individuals to find a partner for marriage.

Are Mail Order Brides Legal in Various Countries?

The legality and regulation of mail order brides depend on the country. In some places, the process is closely monitored with clear guidelines, while in others, it is either restricted or outright prohibited. Here’s a detailed look at the legal landscape in key regions:

USA: Legal with Regulations

In the United States, the process of obtaining a foreign spouse through mail order bride services is legal and regulated under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA).

Key Facts:

IMBRA Compliance: Protects individuals from exploitation and trafficking by ensuring transparency in matchmaking services.
Visa Process: Foreign fiancées must apply for a K-1 visa, which allows them to enter the U.S. for marriage. The process can take several months and includes background checks.
Safety Measures: IMBRA requires marriage brokers to inform foreign women about the criminal history of their U.S. partners. This law is designed to reduce the risk of abuse and trafficking.

Requirements:

Applicants must provide proof of a genuine relationship.
Participants must meet specific health and criminal background checks.
There is a waiting period of about 90 days before marriage can be finalized after the arrival of the foreign fiancé(e).

Philippines: Illegal

Mail order brides are illegal in the Philippines due to concerns over abuse and exploitation. The Anti-Mail-Order-Bride Law, enacted to protect Filipino women, restricts the use of marriage agencies for international matchmaking.

Key Facts:

Prohibited Agencies: Marriage agencies that match Filipino women with foreign men are strictly forbidden in the country.
Rise in Abuse Cases: The law was passed in response to many reports of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and exploitation involving Filipino women who were married to foreign men.
Online Dating: While matchmaking agencies are illegal, Filipino women can still participate in international online dating services to meet potential foreign partners.

Restrictions:

The Philippines remains protective of its citizens in response to the potential for trafficking and other forms of abuse that could result from international marriages.

United Kingdom: Legal with Strict Requirements

Mail order brides are legal in the UK, but there are strict rules in place for foreign spouses seeking to marry a British citizen or resident.

Key Facts:

Marriage Visa: To marry a foreign partner in the UK, couples must apply for a fiancée visa and meet certain criteria, including proving the genuineness of the relationship.
Immigration Regulations: Applicants must meet financial and relationship length criteria to qualify for a visa.
Processing Time: It can take 2-3 months to process a visa application.

Requirements:

Age Limit: The minimum age for a mail order bride is 21 years old.
Duration of Relationship: Couples must have been dating for at least 6 months before applying for a fiancé visa.
Financial Proof: The couple must prove they have a combined income of at least £18,000 per year.
Genuine Relationship: Couples must provide evidence of their relationship, such as communication records and visits.

Canada: Legal with Comprehensive Regulations

In Canada, mail order marriages are legal and regulated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Key Facts:

Criminal and Health Checks: Both the bride and groom must undergo background checks to ensure they are free of serious criminal history or health issues.
Rising Popularity: As international marriages become more common, the government has introduced measures to protect both foreign brides and their Canadian husbands.
Immigration Process: Canadian immigration services are stringent when processing the immigration of a foreign spouse.

Requirements:

Minimum Age: The legal age for a mail order bride is 16 years old. This is one of the lowest age restrictions among countries with mail order bride services.
Medical and Criminal Checks: Both partners must complete medical exams and criminal background checks, especially to prevent domestic violence and trafficking.
Visa Process: After marriage, a foreign bride may apply for permanent residency through a spousal sponsorship visa.

Australia: Legal with Two Visa Options

Mail order brides are legal in Australia, and there are two types of visas available to facilitate foreign marriages:

Key Facts:

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subcategory 300): This visa allows foreign brides to enter Australia for marriage within 9 months after applying.
Partner Visa (Subcategory 820): After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a Partner Visa, confirming their status as an official spouse.

Requirements:

Criminal-Free: The foreign bride must be free of any criminal charges.
Health Requirements: The bride must meet specific health standards to qualify for a visa.
Relationship Proof: Couples must prove their relationship through documentation such as photos, communication logs, and proof of time spent together.

Other Countries: Varying Legal Status

Belarus: Legal but Difficult

In Belarus, mail order brides are technically legal, but due to government concerns over women leaving the country, it is extremely difficult to match a Belarusian woman with a foreign man.

Key Facts:

The government is worried about young women emigrating and the country’s demographic balance.
However, it is still possible to use international dating services to meet Belarusian women.

Turkmenistan: Legal but Heavily Regulated

Mail order brides are legal in Turkmenistan but come with very stringent regulations.

Key Facts:

Foreign men seeking a bride from Turkmenistan must live in the country for 1 year and pay an estimated $50,000 to obtain a bride.
This makes it one of the most expensive and restrictive countries for international matchmaking.

Summary

Country	Legal Status	Key Regulations
USA	Legal	IMBRA Act, visa process, background checks
Philippines	Illegal	Anti-Mail-Order-Bride Law, matchmaking services prohibited
United Kingdom	Legal	Age 21+, 6-month dating, £18,000 combined income, 2-3 months visa processing
Canada	Legal	Minimum age 16, criminal and health checks, rising popularity
Australia	Legal	2 visa options (Prospective Marriage Visa and Partner Visa), criminal and health requirements
Belarus	Legal (but difficult)	Concerns over emigration, challenging for young women to match with foreign men
Turkmenistan	Legal (heavily regulated)	Must live in-country for 1 year and pay $50,000 for a bride

Conclusion

Mail order brides are legal in many countries, but each country has its own set of rules and regulations. It’s important to thoroughly research the legal landscape, requirements, and process for the country you’re interested in. Whether it’s strict immigration laws or age requirements, complying with local laws ensures a smoother, safer process for both the foreign bride and groom.