What if I get married in the Philippines?

[sweet cakes 326]

I am a U.S. citizen, and my fiance said it will be quicker for her to come to the U.S. if we marry in the Philippines.

How would I get married there? Don't I need a marriage certificate in order to marry?

Would that really shorten the process of her being able to come here?

Any advice would help greatly, thank you

Comparison between fiance and spousal visa: http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

Just take note that K-3 is practically obsolete and DCF doesn't apply to you. Lead times start from filing the petition to visa issuance. And of course, that is after you have met each other in person (and got to know each other ). As noted above, spousal visa means she will be a Lawful Permanent Resident / green card holder once the spouse arrives in USA.

For a civil wedding in Philippines between a foreign national & a Filipino, here's a link for the requirements: http://civilweddingphilippines.blogspot.com/2011/10/civil-wedding-requirements-for-locals.html?spref=bl

Needless to say, church weddings normally take more time for prep.

Edited April 3, 2014 by sweet cakes

[maklein 0]

thank you all for your comments

[JoBri 548]

"...if you cant afford make to multiple visits and spend extended time with her and her family I would suggest to look closer to home for a bride."

Unless you were lucky like me. I couldnt afford a trip to the Philippines either. My wife decided that if she were to see me any time soon she would just pay it all. She bought my airline ticket and she paid the hotel bill. I just couldnt afford it at the time... job situation and all. We got married there on that visit too... going on 7 years now.

I guess that ruled out any concerns of marrying for financial security on her part though, because I had nothing, and she had to give up a very good and well paying career.

Edited April 4, 2014 by Brijo

[Scott & Kaye 32]

Unless you were lucky like me. I couldnt afford a trip to the Philippines either. My wife decided that if she were to see me any time soon she would just pay it all. She bought my airline ticket and she paid the hotel bill. I just couldnt afford it at the time... job situation and all. We got married there on that visit too... going on 7 years now.

I guess that ruled out any concerns of marrying for financial security on her part though, because I had nothing, and she had to give up a very good and well paying career.

Your story is a nice one and I guess its one in a billion. I think the OP has other issues he or she needs to work out being that the original post stated "what is the quickest" way to get the Filipina to the States.

Btw I believe you are proud by the size of your PRINT and PHOTOS. Nice to hear of a successful relationship!

Edited April 4, 2014 by Scott & Kaye

[maklein 0]

Your story is a nice one and I guess its one in a billion. I think the OP has other issues he or she needs to work out being that the original post stated "what is the quickest" way to get the Filipina to the States.

Btw I believe you are proud by the size of your PRINT and PHOTOS. Nice to hear of a successful relationship!

If I do a fiance visa,

I know I have to make at least $15,700 annually to sponsor my fiance.

My question is,

do I have to be employed for a year before filing for the fiance visa,

or do I only have to currently have a job in order to be eligible?

thank you

[Hank_ 9,174]

If I do a fiance visa,

I know I have to make at least $15,700 annually to sponsor my fiance.

My question is,

do I have to be employed for a year before filing for the fiance visa,

or do I only have to currently have a job in order to be eligible?

thank you

You have to make a lot closer to $20,000 to meet the requirement for two.

I know of some that have not had their current job for a year before the visa application and had no issues, I would suggest having an employer letter and copies of your pay stubs for sure as you won't have a tax return that substantiates the required income. Still no guarantees.

[Myguita 3]

CR-1 took us 6 months and now my wife has her green card and can re-start her career immediately..

Edited April 5, 2014 by Myguita

[JoBri 548]

Your story is a nice one and I guess its one in a billion. I think the OP has other issues he or she needs to work out being that the original post stated "what is the quickest" way to get the Filipina to the States.

Btw I believe you are proud by the size of your PRINT and PHOTOS. Nice to hear of a successful relationship!

Oh, I was just responding to your little quip to the OP about looking "closer to home for a bride".

And yes, I am extremely proud of my wife and son. I am glad it shows. I thought about making the print and photos bigger, but I am glad it is clear enough as is.