“Is the paperwork different between the spousal visa and fiance visa in the Philippines” Yes. The two processes are as different as day and night. The forms are different, the process is different, and actually, the CR-1 spousal visa is a lot more complicated. But the nice thing about a spousal visa is it also […]

On July 5th, 2019, USCIS will permanently close its field office in Manila, Philippines, as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce legal immigration. After this date, there will be no USCIS international field office located in the Philippines. The office began redirecting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the USCIS Lockbox on […]

Why would the Philippines not allow a joint sponsor for a K-1? Many US embassies accept joint sponsors for fiance visas. However, unfortunately, the most popular country for the K1 visa, the Philippines, doesn’t allow them. They do allow joint sponsors for married couples applying for CR1 visas, but not the fiance visa. It’s unfortunate, […]

How long is the PSA [Philippine Statistics Authority] taking for the official marriage certificate? I will need this before applying for the CR1 spousal visa. If you get married in the Philippines (civil), you will need to take the certificate of marriage to the local Philippine Civil Registrar where one the parties is a resident. […]

“Do you know how long it takes to get an appointment for the CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas) seminar? I don’t want a situation where my girlfriend gets her visa and then has to wait a few months to attend the seminar. It seems like the website doesn’t allow you to make an appointment without […]

Can I get married in the U.S. if I’m married here in the Philippines, but I’ve been separated for 12 years? You may be able to get married, but the USCIS and Department of State are not going to accept that as a legal marriage. In order to legally marry and receive an immigration benefit […]

So you are a Filipina with a fiance in the US and you want to visit him on a tourist visa. What are your chances for tourist visa approval? Honestly, they’re not good, unfortunately. Issues that face most people in this situation are regards to strong ties. If you are a young, single Filipina with […]

Sharlene asks: “Hi. I just want to ask about the CFO in the Philippines. I came across it when I was checking out your site. Do I need to do it now even before we start the visa process with you?” The CFO stands for “Commission on Filipinos Overseas”. In the Philippines, you have what […]

One thing to know since you mentioned she’s Filipino. In the Philippines they do not accept a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is your solution if your income is too low. A joint sponsor is like a cosponsor on a car, similar to use an analogy maybe people would get quickly. That’s where somebody else […]

So, question number two. Ejay is asking, “Hello, I have a fiancee in the Philippines. I want to file a fiancee visa for her. I’m serving in the U.S. Army. Is there any way to make it faster since I’m in the military? Similar to what we talked about expediting. You can apply, yes. You […]