Yes, court marriage certificates obtained under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 in India can indeed be used for obtaining visas or immigration purposes. Here’s how they are typically used and recognized: Legal Recognition Validity and Legal Recognition: Court marriage certificates issued under the Special Marriage Act are legally valid and recognized throughout India. They serve as proof of a legally solemnized marriage under civil law, regardless of the religious or cultural backgrounds of the spouses. Visa and Immigration Applications: Many countries and immigration authorities accept court marriage certificates as valid proof of marriage for visa and immigration purposes. The certificate demonstrates that the marriage has been legally registered and recognized by the Indian government. Documentation for Visa Applications Requirements: When applying for visas or immigration to foreign countries, spouses may need to submit their court marriage certificate as part of the documentation. The certificate helps establish the marital status of the applicant and their eligibility for dependent visas, family reunification visas, or other immigration-related benefits. Legalization or Apostille: Depending on the specific requirements of the country where the visa application is being processed, the court marriage certificate may need to be legalized or apostilled. Legalization involves authentication by the relevant Indian authorities, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, and possibly by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Apostille is a simplified certification of public documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Consular Requirements Country-Specific Requirements: It is advisable to check with the consulate or embassy of the destination country regarding their specific requirements for accepting court marriage certificates. Some countries may have additional requirements or procedures for validating marriage certificates obtained from foreign jurisdictions. Conclusion In conclusion, court marriage certificates issued under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 in India are generally accepted as valid proof of marriage for visa and immigration purposes. They demonstrate that the marriage has been legally recognized by the Indian government and can support applications for dependent visas, family reunification, or other immigration-related benefits. Applicants should verify the specific requirements of the country where they intend to apply for a visa to ensure compliance with their regulations regarding marriage documentation.