When should we file for the CRBA? And for the K1?

[Mike and Wendelyn 74]

Hi Everyone!

 

My question is: When should we file for the CRBA for our now 6 month old son? And when should we begin the process for the K1 Visa for her?

 

I am a USC currently living in the USA, and my fiancé still lives in the Philippines. The Philippine Birth Certificate for our son was amended to reflect me as the Father (as I was not able to be there at the time of our son's birth). And it is also a PSA certified copy. And yes  He actually looks just like me!

 

My fiancé' took our son to get both her and his Philippine Passports a couple of weeks ago, and we will have those passports by the end of this month (June 2017).

 

We have not yet begun the K1 filing for my fiancé as we waited until our son was born. We have been together exclusively for almost 2 years now.

 

Is it time to begin the K-1 visa process as well?

 

She lives in the Cebu area, and I thought there was a satellite consulate there in Cebu City that we might be able to appear at for our interview.

 

I am in the Philippines at least 6 times per year to see her (and now my son:) so traveling there is not a problem for the interview.

 

Any help you can give would be so appreciated!

 

Best Regards

[geowrian 22,338]

Congrats!

 

You can begin the K-1 process at any time. It's currently taking 6-8 months from filing to visa in hand on average. Some faster, some slower.

 

She can seek the CRBA and a US passport for the child at any time. Unless there's a compelling reason to wait, I would say the sooner, the better.

 

She will need to interview at the US Embassy in Manila (USEM). If you can be at the interview as well, it's suggested to do so. Given the duration of relationship and regular visits, I don't see a need for you to be there, but every little bit helps. Plus you can celebrate afterwards.

 

To get started, follow the guide: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

NOTE: The current I-129F no longer uses the 2 x G-325As...the fields have been incorporated into the I-129F directly. The US passport style photos are still needed.

Edited June 12, 2017 by geowrian

[Mike and Wendelyn 74]

That is great information! Thank you geowrain!

 

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

I agree do the CRBA asap, as they will likely ask at the K1 interview if it is finished yet, and it will be good for your son to have that passport and be able to travel even if you delay the K1 for some reason.