Getting married in Philippines she stays but I come home

[MBSalvador 3]

I'm not sure I understand the CR-1 Visa. My fiance and I have decided to get married in the Philippines but I can't live there. If we do get married there (and we want to) I have to come home to the USA after the wedding and try to get her here later. Is that what the CR-1 is for? The rules seem to indicate that the Embassy interview will require proof of us living together with proof of joint rent, bills, bank accounts etc but I only visit there, I don't live there. Isn't a marriage certificate and affidavits from witnesses enough? Or, is it impossible to marry her there and get her here without living with her there for 2 years? I can't find clear explanation on how it works. 

[Unlockable 7,314]

Not sure where you are getting the suggestions of having lived together and joint accounts because it is not needed. Sure, if you have it then you can supply it as evidence but it is not needed for newlyweds. 
 

Below is a link to help you through the process. And feel free to ask questions. We are here to help.

 

 

Edited February 16, 2023 by Unlockable

[MBSalvador 3]

IR1 / CR1 Spouse Visa Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-130 for a US Spouse Visa - US Immigration & Visa Guides - VisaJourney

This is where I found it:

 

[pushbrk 12,882]

As you read instructions and guidelines, pay close attention to little words like or & and.  Also, the items you mention like joint rent etc. come after the words "In addition to the required...." meaning NOT required.  Time to do some homework using official sources like the I-130 form and it's instructions.  Become an A-Student of both.

[Chancy 6,241]

10 hours ago, MBSalvador said:

The rules seem to indicate that the Embassy interview will require proof of us living together with proof of joint rent, bills, bank accounts etc but I only visit there, I don't live there. Isn't a marriage certificate and affidavits from witnesses enough?

 

Proof of living together is not required.  It's just one of the examples of evidence you may (not must) submit.  In our case, we even explicitly stated on the I-130 that we "NEVER LIVED TOGETHER", yet I got my spouse visa from the US embassy in Manila just fine.

 

That said, a marriage certificate and affidavits from witnesses may not be enough.  3rd-party affidavits are weak evidence, as anyone can say anything on an affidavit.  Focus on providing documentary evidence of time spent together in person, like your passport stamps and boarding passes from your trips to the Philippines.  Add supporting evidence, like pictures together during those trips.

 

[Daphne . 1,853]

Me and my husband also didn't live together, we submitted evidence of having spent time together (pictures, boarding passes, etc.). USCIS understands that couples who live in different countries don't have joint leases or co-mingled finances.

[Sarge2155 4,587]

12 hours ago, MBSalvador said:

I'm not sure I understand the CR-1 Visa. My fiance and I have decided to get married in the Philippines but I can't live there. If we do get married there (and we want to) I have to come home to the USA after the wedding and try to get her here later. Is that what the CR-1 is for? The rules seem to indicate that the Embassy interview will require proof of us living together with proof of joint rent, bills, bank accounts etc but I only visit there, I don't live there. Isn't a marriage certificate and affidavits from witnesses enough? Or, is it impossible to marry her there and get her here without living with her there for 2 years? I can't find clear explanation on how it works. 

Make sure you read up on getting married in the Philippines, there are a few documents you will need to get married there. It is not quite so easy like getting married in the USA. Be sure to allow plenty of time as some places in the Philippines well most places the paperwork moves quite slow. You are looking at a minimum of 30 days to be safe so that you can pull it off. Google it and its all there what you will need.

[pushbrk 12,882]

4 hours ago, Sarge2155 said:

Make sure you read up on getting married in the Philippines, there are a few documents you will need to get married there. It is not quite so easy like getting married in the USA. Be sure to allow plenty of time as some places in the Philippines well most places the paperwork moves quite slow. You are looking at a minimum of 30 days to be safe so that you can pull it off. Google it and its all there what you will need.

Correct.  It's technically possible to pull off a marriage on the last couple days of a two-week visit but everything has to come together perfectly.  If you won't be there a month, maybe better to to Utah County Zoom marriage for the legalities and have any kind of celebration you want in the Philippines.