You finally found a good girl who isn’t just after your money and now you want to give the love of your life a better future in America. The process can seem daunting but not to worry thousands of petitions are granted each year to bring Filipinas to America. I’ve been in the visa business for almost a decade now and this article will give over the various options and help you decide which is best for you.
How Do I Get My Filipino Girlfriend From The Philippines to The United States?
There are various ways to bring a Filipina to America. Most guys use either the K-1 Fiancée visa or the CR-1 spousal visa to bring their loved one from the Philippines to the US.
Spouse Visa vs Fiancé Visa, Which is Better?
Which of the visas is better will depend on a number of factors. If speed is the only thing you care about then the k-1 fiancé visa is your best shot at getting your Filipina girlfriend to America as quickly as possible. This is also the only visa available to same-sex couples as The Philippines does not recognize same-sex marriages at this time.
However, you shouldn’t dismiss the CR-1 spousal visa as it has certain benefits as well. Namely that she can begin working and contributing financially to your household right away and they give more consideration if you have a checkered past. In addition you won’t have to do an expensive adjustment of status ($1,550) once she gets to the US. I’ve created a chart below to help you visualize the differences more easily.
Visa Comparison Chat
| K-1 Finacé Visa | CR-1 Spousal Visa | ||
| Cost | $2,275 | $1,545 | |
| Speed | 4-8 months | 12-24 months | |
| Affidavit of Support Required | Yes | Yes | |
| Wife Can Work Right Away in the USÂ | No | Yes | |
| Income Requirement | 125% Above Federal Poverty Line | 125% Above Federal Poverty Line | |
| Allows Multiple Entires to US | No | No |
How Do I Get a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
This is how you would go about getting a k-1 fiancé visa.
The First Step: Filing the Petition
- Form I-129F Process for Fiancé(e) Visa: A Brief Overview
- As the U.S. citizen sponsor, you must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with the USCIS office in your area.
- Refer to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129F to determine where to submit the petition. Note that Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad.
- Once USCIS approves the petition, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- The NVC assigns a case number and sends your petition to the U.S. Embassy in Manila
The Second Step: Applying for a Visa
The NVC will mail you a letter or send you an email when it sends your fiancé(e) case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive this letter, inform your fiancé(e) to take the below-listed actions to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview.
Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants may apply for K-2 visas. Separate applications must be submitted for each K visa applicant, and each K visa applicant must pay the visa application fee – currently $265.
Required Documentation
You, the foreign citizen fiancé(e), (and eligible children applying for K-2 visas) will be required to bring the following forms and documents to the visa interview:
- Completed Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. You (and any eligible children applying for K-2 visas) must: (1) complete Form DS-160 and (2) print the DS-160 confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
- Divorce or death certificate(s) of any previous spouse(s) for both you and the U.S. citizen sponsor
- Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16 (Police certificates are also required for accompanying children age 16 or older)
- Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)
- Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be requested)
- Two (2) 2×2 photographs.
- Evidence of relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e)
- Payment of fees, as explained below
Note: The consular officer may request additional information, such as photographs and other evidence, to verify the authenticity of your relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e). Documents in foreign languages, other than the language of the country where the application is being processed, should be translated. You should bring clear, legible photocopies of civil documents and their translations, like birth and divorce certificates, to the visa interview. Original documents and translations will be returned to you.
Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirements
In preparing for the interview, applicants will need to schedule and complete a medical examination. Before the issuance of an immigrant or K visa, every applicant, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination which must be performed at St Luke’s Extension Clinic in Manila.Â
K visa applicants are encouraged to get the vaccinations required under U.S. immigration law for immigrant visa applicants. Although such vaccinations are not required for K visa issuance, they will be required when adjusting status to that of legal permanent resident following your marriage. Applicants are therefore encouraged to fulfill these vaccination requirements at the time of the medical examination.
Proof of Financial Support and Affidavit of Support Forms
During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the consular officer that they will not become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is able to provide support. The Consular Officer may request that a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support be submitted by the U.S. citizen fiancé(e).
The U.S. citizen fiancé(e) will need to submit Form I-864 to USCIS with the application for adjustment of status to that of legal permanent resident following the marriage.
What are the Total Fees for a K-1 Visa
Fees are charged for the following services:
- Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F ($675)
- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 (required for each K visa applicant) ($265)
- Medical examination (required for each K visa applicant; costs vary from post to post) (roughly $500)
- Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.), and travel expenses to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.
- Filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status ($1,440)
For current fees for the Department of State click here.
Income Requirement
Your income must be at least 125% of the federal poverty line for your state. This is to prevent your bride from becoming a public charge and the taxpayers having to support you two. The income requirement changes every two years. As of 2024 the income requirement to be issued a k-1 visa is per the USCIS:
For the 48 Contiguous States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands:
| Sponsor’s Household Size | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
|---|---|---|
| For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child | For all other sponsors | |
| 2 | $16,910 | $21,137 |
| 3 | $21,330 | $26,662 |
| 4 | $25,750 | $32,187 |
| 5 | $30,170 | $37,712 |
| 6 | $34,590 | $43,237 |
| 7 | $39,010 | $48,762 |
| 8 | $43,430 | $54,287 |
| Add $4,420 for each additional person | Add $5,525 for each additional person |
For Alaska:
| Sponsor’s Household Size | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
|---|---|---|
| For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child | For all other sponsors | |
| 2 | $21,130 | $26,412 |
| 3 | $26,660 | $33,325 |
| 4 | $32,190 | $40,237 |
| 5 | $37,720 | $47,150 |
| 6 | $43,250 | $54,062 |
| 7 | $48,780 | $60,975 |
| 8 | $54,310 | $67,887 |
| Add $5,530 for each additional person | Add $6,912 for each additional person |
For Hawaii:
| Sponsor’s Household Size | 100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* | 125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines* |
|---|---|---|
| For sponsors on active duty in the U.S. armed forces who are petitioning for their spouse or child | For all other sponsors | |
| 2 | $19,460 | $24,325 |
| 3 | $24,540 | $30,675 |
| 4 | $29,620 | $37,025 |
| 5 | $34,700 | $43,375 |
| 6 | $39,780 | $49,725 |
| 7 | $44,860 | $56,075 |
| 8 | $49,940 | $62,425 |
| Add $5,080 for each additional person | Add $6,350 for each additional person |
What if I Don’t Meet the Income Requirements for a k-1 visa?
Unfortunately, you’re out of luck for a k-1 visa. The US government is very strict about the income requirement. There are some possible ways around it though. If you are a same-sex couple you may use a co-sponsor. Otherwise, you’ll have to go for a cr-1 (spousal visa) and get a co-sponsor
How to Get a CR-1 Visa
CR-1 Spousal Visa Process:
- Petition Filing: The U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 with USCIS. If the marriage is less than 2 years old, a CR-1 visa is issued, leading to conditional permanent residency.
- USCIS Decision: USCIS reviews the petition, conducts background checks, and, if approved, forwards it to the National Visa Center.
- Nation Visa Center Processing: The NVC processes the case, assigns a case number, and instructs the applicant on the next steps.
- Visa Application: The foreign spouse completes the visa application, attends an interview, and submits required documents.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, the visa is issued, allowing the foreign spouse to enter the U.S. and become a permanent resident immediately (if the marriage is more than 2 years old)
How Long Does the Visa Process Take?
I just want to say that the visa processing times are estimates based on averages for all applicants. Your visa may take longer or shorter than these times and no visa agency can guarantee your visa will be approved quicker.
- The CR-1 Spousal visa takes 12-24 months
- The k-1 Fiancé visa takes 6-18 months
Is it Better to Get Married in The US or The Philippines?
- If your goal is to get your Filipino girlfriend to the US as quickly as possible, your best bet is to hold off on the wedding until your spouse gets to America. That way you can apply for the K-1 fiancé visa.
- If you need a co-sponsor to meet the income requirements, then you should get married in the Philippines since co-sponsors are not allowed for K-1 visas (except for same-sex couples).
- If you have a checkered past, it’s better to get married in the Philippines since spousal visas are given more consideration than K-1 visas.
- If you’re already living with her in the Philippines, then it’s probably better to get married in the Philippines. She will be happier to have a wedding in her locality that is attended by her friends and family.
Additional Considerations:
- If you want to avoid extended separation: The K-1 visa process generally allows for a quicker entry into the US, but it requires marriage within 90 days of entry, followed by Adjustment of Status to become a permanent resident.
- Cultural and Family Preferences: A wedding in the Philippines might be more culturally significant for your fiancée and her family, providing them the opportunity to be part of the celebration.
- Financial Costs: Consider the overall costs involved, including travel, wedding expenses, and filing fees. Sometimes, holding the wedding in the Philippines can be more cost-effective.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of the different legal requirements for marriage in both countries and ensure that all necessary documentation is in place.
- Processing Times: While K-1 visas might have a quicker entry process, CR-1 visas can sometimes lead to permanent residency more quickly after arrival in the US, as there’s no need for an additional Adjustment of Status.
Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your specific circumstances and priorities.
If I Get Married in The Philippines is it Legal in The US?
Yes, as long as the marriage is legally recognized in the Philippines, it will also be valid in the United States. However, you must go through the immigration process to have your marriage recognized in the US. Getting married to an American citizen does not guarantee a green card. Your spouse will need to apply for the appropriate visa, such as a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, and go through the necessary steps, including an interview and providing evidence of a bona fide marriage.
What if She is Not Yet Annuled?
If your girlfriend is legally married to someone else she is not eligible for a marriage visa to the US. This is because she can’t be legally married to two people at the same time. You can try to get her a tourist visa to the US. If she has assets her chances of being approved are good.
What if I Have a Criminal History?
It depends on the nature of your criminal history:
- Minor Offenses: If you have minor offenses like a speeding ticket or a shoplifting incident from 20 years ago, it generally shouldn’t be a problem.
- Recent Domestic Violence Priors: If you have recent domestic violence convictions, there’s a 30-40% chance of being approved. Each case is evaluated individually, and factors such as the severity of the offense and time elapsed since the conviction are considered.
- Serious Offenses: If you have convictions for serious crimes, especially sex crimes involving minors, it’s not going to happen for you, and nor should it.
Should You Use a Visa Processing Service?
It is possible to go through the 1,000 pages of documents it takes to get a k-1 visa yourself. However, under the Trump administration denials have increased dramatically, processing times have increased, and the government isn’t as lenient as it once was. That means you need to make sure all your t’s are crossed and your i’s are dotted.
That is why I strongly recommend using a good visa service. BusyBodyVisa has a 98% success rate and takes care of everything for you from her transportation to the medical exam to filling out all of the paperwork. I know several guys who have used them and are very happy with them.
When can I visit Daraga or how can I bring my fiancee here?
Have you met in person yet? You can contact busybodyvisa.com for your US visa questions.
I don’t know any girls available in the Philippines , but I would like to have a pretty one to come to Pennsylvania USA is there a way to do this without the red tape or are there ones here in the USA that I could get involved with.
What a silly question man.
Make sure you get an immigration lawyer because US laws are changing for immigration.
You can check out busybodyvisa.com They handle visas to the US.
FYI, if someone does have a sex offense USGIC will require some proof of treatment or even a letter of rehabilitation. It is not illegal to get married with a sex offender and also use the visa visitor process visa instead and get married online or then in the United States and apply for finance visa because once she is here there is no laws that state she can’t marry anyone with a felony. Even so, USGIC can’t no dent based of felony status, this is only based if there are minor children traveling with her to be here in… Read more »
I was engaged to get married. I visited the Philippines 3 occasion. I came home, I won’t get into it online. But I picked up an RSO. Ive completed my probation. Attended classes related to my charges. Can you help. My research says no. I am not a rich man. Ive already spent money with Immigration services and got nothing. My savings are almost gone.
Hi there,
It’s unlikely but possible depending on the particulars of your case. If you’d like you can book a consultation so we can review all the particulars. https://tidycal.com/1renpvm/k-1-cr-1-consultation20240925032355