Marry a Philippines Girl in the US: Your Guide

Are you dreaming of marrying a Filipina and starting a life together in the United States? The process might seem tough, but with the right help, you can get through it¹. Getting married to someone in the U.S. or a lawful permanent resident can lead to U.S. immigration for foreign-born people¹. But, they won’t get green cards or U.S. citizenship right away. They’ll have to go through a long application process.

Key Takeaways

• Marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident offers a direct path to U.S. immigration.
• The application process can take months and requires proving the validity and authenticity of the relationship.
• Couples can choose to get married in the U.S. using a K-1 visa or marry abroad and apply for an immigrant visa.
• Legal documentation of a valid marriage is necessary, with specific requirements for the Philippines and U.S.
• Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable to navigate the complex process.

Immigration Eligibility Based on Engagement or Marriage

Immigrating to the United States through marriage can be complex. If you’re a U.S. citizen, your spouse can get a green card quickly after applying². But, if you’re a U.S. permanent resident, your spouse must wait for a visa number, which can take years².

Marriage to US Citizen or Permanent Resident

It matters if the U.S. sponsor is a citizen or a permanent resident. Citizens can bring spouses to the U.S. with an Immigrant visa or a Nonimmigrant visa². Permanent residents, however, must wait for a visa number, leading to long waits².

Immediate Relative versus Preference Relative

Being an “immediate relative” or a “preference relative” affects the green card process. Immediate relatives, like spouses of citizens, get green cards faster without waiting². Preference relatives, like spouses of permanent residents, face long waits for a visa number².

U.S. immigration laws can be tough to understand. Knowing the difference between immediate and preference relatives is key to bringing your Philippine spouse to the U.S³²⁴..

Overview of Green Card Process for Philippine Spouse

Getting a U.S. green card through marriage to a Philippine spouse is a detailed process. It checks the relationship’s validity, the marriage’s truth, and if the immigrant can enter the U.S¹.. This process is complex and takes time, with fees and possible delays.

Proving Valid Marriage

One key step is proving the marriage is valid. You might need to show the marriage certificate from the Philippines or the U.S., depending on where you got married¹. It must meet the legal standards of the state or country.

Showing Marriage is Bona Fide

The U.S. immigration wants to know the marriage is real, not just for a green card. You might need to give more documents, like joint bank accounts, photos, and statements from friends and family¹.

Demonstrating Admissibility

You also need to show you can enter the U.S. legally. This means getting a medical check-up, police clearances, and dealing with any issues that could stop you from entering, like past immigration problems or crimes¹.

The green card process is long and has many steps with fees⁵. USCIS usually looks at applications in under 5 months, but COVID has caused delays, making it take longer⁶. Then, the case goes to the NVC in New Hampshire⁶. They review it for a few months after getting the documents⁶.

There’s a big backlog of cases at the US Embassy in Manila, taking about a year to get an interview⁶. But, the wait should get shorter as travel rules ease and more staff can do interviews⁶. The Manila Embassy does all spouse visa interviews for those in the Philippines⁶. The medical exam for the visa is done in two days at St. Luke’s Clinic in Manila⁶.

If you forget any documents at the visa interview, it could be cancelled or delayed⁶.

Knowing the green card process for a Philippine spouse and being ready for what comes can make your application smoother and more successful¹.

Procedures for K-1 Fiancé Visa

If you and your intended live outside the U.S., the U.S. citizen can apply for a 90-day K-1 visa for them to come to the U.S. and get married⁷. After marrying in the U.S., the new spouse can apply for a green card through adjusting their status with USCIS.

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is for those who want to marry a U.S. citizen in the U.S. and stay in the country⁷. When the U.S. Consulate is ready, the National Visa Center (NVC) sends a letter to the U.S. citizen sponsor⁷. K-2 visas are for the children of K-1 applicants who are under 21⁷.

Before the visa interview, you’ll get an email with a list of needed documents and how to set up the interview⁷. For the K-1 visa, both you and your partner must be free to marry. If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to provide original divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment orders⁷.

• You’ll need military records if you’ve served in any country’s military⁷.
• Police certificates are required for applicants over 18 living in Brazil or those arrested⁷.
• You’ll need to provide birth certificates, documents from previous marriages, military records, police certificates, and proof of financial support⁷.
• A medical exam by a Panel Physician in Brazil is needed for all visa applicants⁷.
• You’ll need one photo of 5×5 cm or 5×7 cm for all applicants⁷.
• Proof of your relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) like phone bills, photos, letters, and emails is necessary⁷.
• You’ll fill out and sign a sworn statement during the interview for fiancé(e) visas⁷.

You and your partner should have seen each other in person within the last 2 years before applying for a fiancé visa⁸. The 90-day rule applies to those on temporary visas who marry or apply for a green card in the U.S⁸.. USCIS accepts civil marriages for immigration but not polygamous, underage, civil unions, or proxy marriages⁸. Same-sex marriages are accepted if legal in the country where married⁸.

The K-1 fiancé visa processing time is 10-16 months, plus 4-6 weeks for an interview notice⁹. The cost can be $1,200 to $5,000, including fees, a medical exam, and legal help⁹. The USCIS fee is $535, and the embassy fee is $265⁹. Travel costs for your fiancé to the U.S. after getting the visa vary⁹.

USCIS takes marriage fraud seriously and may ask for proof of a real relationship during the application or interview⁸. Green card holders can marry foreign nationals but must go through the right immigration steps for their spouse to join them in the U.S⁸.. They can’t bring their fiancé to the U.S. through the K-1 visa; they must use other immigration paths⁸.

RapidVisa claims a 99.97% success rate in helping couples with the K-1 visa process⁹. Common delays are due to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which can be avoided with a well-prepared petition⁹. The main reason for denial is not meeting the income requirement⁹. Certain crimes or convictions can stop a petitioner from getting a K-1 visa⁹.

Procedures for Immigrant Visa for Already Married Couple

If you and your spouse got married in the Philippines, you need to file a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)¹⁰. This starts the process for your spouse to get a green card and join you in the U.S.

Spouse of US Citizen Process

As the spouse of a U.S. citizen, your partner can apply for an immigrant visa right away, known as the IR1 or CR1 visa². This visa lets them come to the U.S. and get their green card when they arrive. You’ll need to fill out forms like the I-864, I-864EZ, I-864A, and I-864W to show you can support your spouse financially¹⁰.

Spouse of Permanent Resident Process

If your spouse has a green card, the process takes longer because they have to wait for a visa to be available⁸. They’ll need to go through the right immigration steps to join you, including the I-130 petition and visa application².

USCIS will check your marriage to make sure it’s real and not just for immigration reasons⁸. They recognize same-sex marriages and take fraud very seriously. You’ll need to show your marriage is genuine.

“Spouses of U.S. citizens have visas immediately available, while spouses of green card holders may need to wait for a visa to become available before applying for a green card.”⁸

Bringing your spouse from the Philippines to the U.S. can be tough, but with the right steps and help, you can do it. Keep everything organized, collect all needed documents, and be ready to prove your marriage is real¹⁰⁸².

Adjustment of Status if Spouse is Already in US

If your spouse lives in the United States and you’re a U.S. citizen or your spouse has a valid visa, they might get a green card without leaving the country. They need to fill out the I-485 Application to Adjust Status¹¹.

But, adjusting status can be tough, especially if your spouse came to the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa like an F, J, or tourist visa. It might be hard to prove they have ties to their home country after marrying a U.S. citizen. The chance of getting denied is high¹¹.

If your spouse applied for a green card after marrying you, they might struggle to re-enter the U.S. on their student visa¹¹. Going to Canada might be easier, but they could still face questions about their plans to stay in the U.S¹¹.

After applying for a green card, your spouse can ask for advance parole. This lets them travel and come back without a new visa. But, it takes USCIS about 2-3 months to process¹¹. If your spouse has a green card but isn’t a U.S. citizen, they can’t get advance parole¹¹.

To make things easier, it’s good to have a valid visa for up to 2.5 years after applying for the green card⁸. USCIS is strict about marriage fraud and might ask for proof that your marriage is real⁸.

Getting a green card can take up to 2.5 years if your spouse is a green card holder. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens might get it faster¹². Going through consular processing takes longer, but your spouse will get their green card when they arrive in the U.S¹².

Remember the USCIS 90-day rule. Applying for a green card within 90 days of entering the U.S. might get your visa denied and cancel your current visa status¹².

In summary, getting a green card for spouses already in the U.S. is complex. You need to think about visa status, travel rules, and proving your marriage is real. It’s best to get help from an immigration lawyer who knows what they’re doing¹¹⁸¹².

How to Obtain Valid Marriage Certificate in Philippines

If you’ve married or plan to marry someone from the Philippines, you need to know the Philippines’s marriage laws. You must also ensure you get the right documents afterward. Getting a valid marriage certificate in the Philippines is key for marrying a Philippines girl in the US. This document is crucial for international marriage requirements.

To get a valid marriage certificate in the Philippines, follow these steps:¹³

1. The marriage banns must be posted for ten (10) consecutive days before the marriage license is given¹³.
2. The marriage license and Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (LCCM) are valid for 120 days from when they are issued¹³.
3. You need to work with the Consular staff to set a date and time for the marriage¹³.
4. You must submit four (4) photocopies of the valid Philippine Passport data page and proof of Filipino citizenship for each person¹³.
5. If you were a widow or widower, you need one (1) original and three (3) photocopies of the PSA Death Certificate¹³.
6. If you were previously married and it was annulled or dissolved, you need one (1) original and three (3) photocopies of the Amended PSA Marriage Certificate with Annotation of Annulment¹³.
7. If you’re 18-21 years old, you need an Affidavit of Parental Consent, which must be notarized and have an Apostille¹³.
8. If you’re 22-25 years old, your parents must sign an Affidavit of Parental Advice, which must be notarized and have an Apostille¹³.
9. The marriage license costs US$25.00, and the ceremony costs US$60.00¹³.

After the ceremony, you’ll need to get the official marriage certificate from the Philippines¹⁴. Here’s what you need to do:

1. You need four (4) original copies of the Report of Marriage Contracted Abroad form¹⁴.
2. You must submit three (3) photocopies of the Marriage Certificate¹⁴.
3. The processing fee is $25.00¹⁴.
4. You need a $9.85 Stamp and Tracking Number for the self-addressed USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate/Priority Express Return Envelope¹⁴.
5. If you file for marriage registration over a year after the marriage, you must provide a notarized affidavit explaining why¹⁴.
6. Personal checks are not accepted if you live in the U.S. territories or other countries within the Philippine Embassy’s jurisdiction¹⁴.
7. The Consular Officer can ask for more documents to prove your identity and citizenship, based on the Philippine Passport Law¹⁴.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York only registers marriages in specific U.S. states¹⁵. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont¹⁵. You must provide certain documents, like one original or Certified True Copy of the Marriage Contract or Certificate, and three photocopies¹⁵. You also need proof of Filipino citizenship at the time of marriage, such as a US Naturalization Certificate, US Permanent Resident Card, Valid Visa or Work Permit, or Dual Citizenship papers¹⁵.

By understanding and following the Philippines’ marriage laws and requirements, you can make sure your marriage is legally recognized. You’ll also get the necessary documents for your international marriage requirements¹³¹⁴¹⁵.

How to Obtain Valid Marriage Certificate in US

If you’re planning a wedding in the United States, you must follow the marriage laws of the state where you’ll get married. You’ll need an official marriage certificate from a local government office to make your marriage legal. This is different from a church certificate.

State Marriage Laws

Marriage certificate requirements vary across states in the US. Some states have a waiting period after applying for a license before the ceremony, while others don’t.¹⁶ It’s key to check the laws and procedures for the state where you’re getting married for a smooth process.

To get a valid marriage certificate in the US, you need to:

1. Apply for a marriage license at the county or city clerk’s office in the state where the wedding is happening.
2. Provide documents like birth certificates, IDs, and proof of ending any previous marriages.
3. Pay the fee for the marriage license.
4. Have the wedding ceremony within the license’s valid period, usually 30-90 days.
5. Return the completed marriage certificate to the office for official registration.

Remember, marriage requirements differ by state. Talking to a local marriage officiant or an immigration lawyer can help you follow the right steps.¹⁶

Knowing the state’s rules for getting a marriage certificate in the US helps make your wedding smooth and successful. This is true whether you’re a US citizen or a Philippine spouse moving to the US¹⁷.

Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Getting an experienced immigration lawyer is key when dealing with US immigration for spouses from the Philippines. They make the process smoother, check if your spouse is eligible, and fix any issues¹.

Immigration lawyers know all about the paperwork, documents, and interviews. They help you with forms like the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. They guide you through the K-1 fiancé visa or CR-1 spousal visa steps¹.

Working with an immigration lawyer helps avoid problems. They tackle issues like proving your marriage is real or making sure your spouse can enter the country. Their skills boost your chances of success a lot¹.

They also know how long visas take. The K-1 fiancé visa takes about 6-7 months, and the CR-1 spousal visa takes 12-14 months¹⁸. This info helps you plan better.

It’s not required to hire an immigration lawyer, but it’s very helpful. Their knowledge, focus on details, and support can greatly improve your immigration success¹.

How to Marry a Philippines Girl in the US

If you’re a US citizen wanting to marry a Philippines girl, you have two main options: the K-1 fiancé visa or the immigrant visa for a married couple¹. The choice depends on if you’ve already married or plan to marry in the US later. The immigration process can be tricky, but with the right help, you can make your relationship work¹.

The K-1 fiancé visa lets your partner come to the US to get married within 90 days¹. This is a good choice for those wanting to marry in America. After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process¹.

If you’ve already gotten married, your spouse can apply for an immigrant visa to join you in the US¹. This path includes filing a petition, going to an interview, and applying for a green card when you arrive. Wait times can vary, especially for spouses of permanent residents due to visa availability¹.

Understanding Philippines dating customs and building intercultural families can make your journey smoother¹⁷. Choosing a beautiful spot for your wedding among the¹⁷ over 7,000 islands in the Philippines is important. You’ll also need documents like a¹⁷ certificate of legal capacity to marry and an apostilled birth certificate. Planning is key to a successful marriage¹⁷.

The process might seem tough¹, but hiring an immigration lawyer can help. They can check if you’re eligible, handle any issues, and guide you through paperwork and interviews¹. With the right support and knowledge of how to marry a philippines girl in the us, you’re on your way to a happy, intercultural family¹.

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Philippines

To marry your dream Philippine girl in the United States, you must follow legal steps in both countries. First, get a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” from the US embassy or consulate¹⁹. This proves you can marry under US laws.

Then, apply for a marriage license in the Philippines. You’ll need to provide your birth certificate, passport, and proof you’re single¹⁷. Once you pay the fee, the license is good for 120 days¹⁷.

Next, register your marriage with the Philippine authorities. This depends on whether you have a civil or church wedding¹⁹. For civil ceremonies, you must take a pre-marriage counseling class. If you’re 18 to 25, you might need your parents’ consent or advice¹⁷. Church weddings also require a pre-nuptial seminar and a canonical interview¹⁷.

As a US citizen marrying in the Philippines, you must apostille your documents for authenticity¹⁷. The whole process can take time, especially with document or parental permission issues¹⁹.

Some couples choose to marry in a country like Georgia for easier laws. This can make the process quicker and the marriage recognized worldwide¹⁹.

Key Takeaways:

• Get a “Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage” from the US embassy or consulate.
• Apply for a marriage license in the Philippines, which is valid for 120 days.
• Register the marriage with the Philippine authorities, either through a civil or church ceremony.
• Apostille your original documents to ensure they are authenticated for use in the Philippines.
• Consider marrying in a country with more straightforward marriage laws, such as Georgia.

Marriage in the Philippines has its challenges, but with careful planning, you can overcome them. With the right steps, you can make your dream of marrying a Philippine girl come true¹⁹¹⁷.

Philippines to US Immigration Process for Spouse

Bringing your Filipino spouse to the United States involves many steps. With the right guidance, you can make it through. Let’s look at the main stages of the Philippines to US immigration process for a spouse.

Step 1: I-130 Petition

You, as a US citizen or permanent resident, must file the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative. This form proves your relationship with your Filipino spouse. It starts the immigration process¹².

Step 2: NVC Processing

After the I-130 petition is approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC). Your spouse will need to send documents like financial info and police records²⁰.

Step 3: Consular Interview

At the NVC, your spouse will be set for a consular interview at a US embassy or consulate in the Philippines. This interview checks if the marriage is real and if the applicant is eligible for a visa²⁰.

Step 4: Entering US on Immigrant Visa

If the interview goes well, your spouse gets an immigrant visa. This visa lets them come to the United States. They can then apply for a green card and become a lawful permanent resident¹².

The process of bringing a spouse from the Philippines to the US is long and complex. But, with the right preparation and help, you can get through it. Each step is important. Make sure you and your spouse give accurate and full information at every stage.

Knowing the main steps in this process helps you plan and prepare. This way, you can make sure your Filipino spouse’s move to the United States is smooth and efficient.

Required Documents for Filipino Spouse

To marry a Filipino spouse in the US, you need to collect several important documents. These include the Philippine²¹ birth certificate, marriage certificate/advisory, and police clearance certificate²¹.

Philippine Birth Certificate

The Philippine birth certificate proves the Filipino spouse’s identity and citizenship. You must get it from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or the local civil registrar’s office in the Philippines²².

Marriage Certificate/Advisory

If you’re already married, you’ll need the marriage certificate or advisory. This shows the marriage is valid and legal. You can get it from the Philippine NSO (National Statistics Office) or the local civil registrar’s office²².

Police Clearance Certificate

A police clearance certificate, known as an NBI clearance, is needed. It proves the Filipino spouse has a good moral character and no criminal record. You can get it from the NBI office in the Philippines²¹.

It’s important to submit these documents on time and accurately for a smooth international marriage process between the Philippines and the US²¹²²²³.

Special Immigration Situations

US immigration for spouses has some special situations to think about. For example, there’s the case of children born abroad to US citizens. There’s also the option of a virtual marriage in Utah for immigration reasons.

Child Born Abroad to US Citizen

Children of US citizens born outside the US can get US citizenship through the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) process¹. This lets the child be seen as a US citizen from birth. It makes it easier for the family to immigrate.

Utah Virtual Marriage Option

There’s a special way to get married for immigration in the Philippines-US process, through Utah’s virtual marriage option⁸. This lets couples get married online, skipping the need for a face-to-face ceremony. It makes the immigration process quicker.

But remember, the US might review a virtual marriage for immigration⁸. It’s smart to talk to an immigration lawyer. They can help make sure you follow the law and deal with any issues.

Knowing about these special situations helps couples going through the Philippines-US marriage process. They can look at all their options to make their move to the US easier¹³⁸.

Conclusion

Marrying a Philippines girl in the US can be rewarding but complex. It involves a detailed immigration process²⁴. With the right help and legal advice, you can bring your Filipino spouse to the US. This can lead to a strong, cross-cultural marriage²⁴. The costs for this journey are high²⁵, but finding a loyal, respectful partner is priceless²⁴.

Choosing between a K-1 fiancé visa or the spousal visa is crucial. Being ready, patient, and active is key²⁶. Learn the legal steps, get valid marriage certificates, and work with an immigration lawyer for a better chance of success²⁶. The Philippines-US marriage process is a journey. With the right steps and support, you can build a lasting, fulfilling partnership²⁴.

Starting this journey, accept cultural differences and respect traditional values. Focus on building a strong, loving base for your marriage²⁴. With patience, understanding, and a commitment, you can create a rewarding union with your Philippines girl in the US²⁴.

Source Links

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