If you’re considering moving from the Philippines to the United States, you’ll need to understand the visa application process, choose the right type of visa, and know the necessary steps. Here’s everything you need to know about the immigration process, including visa types, embassy information, and additional requirements for a smooth transition to the U.S.
Find the Right Visa for You
There are several types of visas available for individuals from the Philippines who wish to move to the U.S. The right visa depends on your situation—whether you are planning to join a spouse, work, or study in the U.S. At Law and Visas, we help you navigate the process with personalized support to ensure your success. Over 1,000 Filipino families have trusted us in the last year, and we’ve assisted over 70,000 families over the last decade.
Here’s how you can apply for various visas, connect with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, and more:
K-1 Fiancé Visa: A Path to Marriage and Green Card
The K-1 Fiancé Visa is for foreign nationals who are engaged to U.S. citizens. The U.S. citizen must apply to bring their fiancé(e) to the U.S. so they can marry within 90 days. If you are applying for this visa from the Philippines, the process is similar to other countries. It’s important to understand the processing times, costs, and the documentation required.
K-1 Visa Timeline for Filipino Applicants:
- Processing time may vary depending on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Embassy in Manila’s workload.
- K-1 visa costs are generally made up of application fees and medical examination fees.
For more detailed information, Law and Visas offers a comprehensive guide to help you with every step of the K-1 visa process.
Marriage-Based Green Cards: Living Together in the U.S.
If you are already married or planning to marry soon, you might be eligible for a Marriage-Based Green Card. This visa allows you and your spouse to live and work in the U.S. There are two options:
- CR-1 Spouse Visa for couples who are married for less than 2 years
- IR-1 Spouse Visa for couples married for more than 2 years
Both processes are standard for Filipino applicants, but timelines and costs depend on your specific situation—whether you’re applying for a U.S. citizen spouse or a green card holder spouse. For more details on the application steps, check out our Marriage-Based Green Card Guide.
K-2 Visas for Children
If you’re applying for a K-1 visa and have children under 21, you may want to apply for a K-2 Visa for them. This visa allows the children of K-1 applicants to accompany their parent to the U.S. at the same time. There are no additional charges for including unmarried children under 21 in your K-1 visa application when you work with Law and Visas.
IR-2 Child Visas for U.S. Citizens
If you are a U.S. citizen and wish to bring your child from the Philippines to the U.S., you may be able to sponsor them for a green card through the IR-2 Child Visa. This visa is specifically for unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Law and Visas can assist with your IR-2 visa application and ensure your children are included on your green card application for a small fee.
U.S. Embassy in Manila: Key Information for Visa Applications
All immigrant visa applications from the Philippines are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Here’s the important contact information you’ll need:
U.S. Embassy in Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard,
Manila, Philippines 1000
Phone: (632) 5301-2000
Visa Inquiries: (+632) 8548-8223 / (+632) 7792-8988
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Manila Time)
Special Considerations for Filipino Applicants
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
Before immigrating to the U.S., Filipino applicants are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar. This session is mandatory and provides important information about living in the U.S. and the realities of inter-marriage. The seminar also discusses the social and cultural aspects of migration and available support networks.
Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
For Filipino applicants applying for K-1 or spousal visas, you’ll need to submit a CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage). This certificate proves that you are legally able to marry your U.S. sponsor. The CENOMAR must be obtained from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Work Visa Options for Filipino Applicants
If you plan to work in the U.S., there are several work visa options available, including H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas. Each visa type has specific requirements and processing times. Some work visas allow for a path to permanent residency, while others are for temporary work purposes. Law and Visas offers a detailed guide on work visas and how to determine the right one for you.
Financial Considerations for Immigrants
When you move to the U.S., understanding the financial system is crucial. Establishing a credit history, managing taxes, and securing health insurance are key components of life in the U.S. Law and Visas provides helpful guides on managing finances, including how to build your credit and file taxes in your new country.
Visa Assistance and Support
Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming, but with Law and Visas, you don’t have to do it alone. Our team provides personalized support to ensure you understand each step of the process, from choosing the right visa to getting your green card. Over the past decade, we’ve helped thousands of Filipino families successfully immigrate to the U.S. Let us help you take the first step toward your new life in the United States.
Ready to Apply for Your U.S. Visa?
Get started with Law and Visas today! We’ll guide you through every part of the process to ensure your immigration experience is as smooth as possible.
