US Immigration from Philippines

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing new guidance that limits the age of foreign nationals photos that can be used to create immigration documents to no more than three years. This update enhances national security and prevents identity fraud.

Effective immediately, the new guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual limits the use of photos to those that were taken within three years of the date a person files a USCIS form.

Additionally, self-submitted photos will no longer be accepted. Only photos taken by USCIS or other authorized entities will be used. This ensures every photo used in a secure document is recent, accurate, and reliable key requirements to preventing fraud and identity theft.

Robust screening and vetting processes are critical to protecting the security and integrity of the U.S. immigration system. COVID-19-era flexibilities, which allowed the reuse of photos for up to 10 years even if a person s appearance changed significantly, were kept in place longer than necessary. This compromised USCIS ability to verify, identify, and properly screen aliens.

This policy change aligns with Department of Homeland Security priorities to modernize screening and vetting processes and address the vulnerabilities in identity documents.

Certain forms will require a new photo, regardless of when an applicant s or petitioner s last photograph was taken. These include Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card; Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; Form N-400, Application for Naturalization; and Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.

Hi everyone, I m looking for guidance on my K-1 fiance visa timeline. I wanted to leave this post as a last resort because I have done research throughout reddit/youtube/facebook groups and I get all different answers. My Fiance is in the PH. I am the petitioner in US. I have used this youtube video as a guide for me but then apparently doing more research there are different ways to go about it.

One reddit user says for k1 users you will not get any welcome letter/email. you will get K1FTP letter before submission of DS 160, is this true? I am so confused.

USCIS/Petition Timeline:

• NOA1 (I-129F received by USCIS): Jan 21, 2025

• NOA2 (Approval notice): Sept 26, 2025 (expires Jan 26, 2026)

NVC/DOS Timeline:

• Case sent to DOS: Nov 18, 2025

• Current NVC processing update (as of 8-Dec-25): working on cases received Nov 24, 2025

• I have not received a case number or welcome letter yet

• CEAC portal (IV/NIV), no access because I do not have my case number

Current Situation/Concern:

• I ve submitted multiple public inquiry requests. Each response says my case has been received by NVC but has not been entered into their system yet.

• I m concerned because my NOA2 expires Jan 26, 2026, and there s a long wait time for NVC to create my case.

• I want to know if I m at risk of my NOA2 expiring before my case is created and what steps I can take to avoid any issues.

Questions for the community:

1. Has anyone experienced a similar delay with a K-1 where NOA2 was close to expiration?

2. Can NVC still create a case after NOA2 expiration if it was sent within the valid period?

3. Are there steps I can take to ensure my NOA2 remains valid while waiting for the case number?

I heard that NVC does not send welcome email/letter and that I would receive a K1FTP instead?? Maybe I can start filling out the DS160 for my partner, and then my fiance can submit it when the time comes? Also do I track CEAC using Non immigrant or an immigrant visa?

Hi!

Two questions:
1) For the CR1 Interview, my Retired Joint Sponsor only has Tax Transcripts from 2022-2024 for my beneficiary. Would that be sufficient? Or is she required to send the Interviewers W2s and 1099s as well?

My Joint Sponsor has been retired since 2007, and she has never seen a 1099 or 1099-R before. At least she doesn't recognize them. What can we do?

2) Also, since I'm an independent contractor, should I write a letter to the Interviewer saying I only receive 1099-NEC and I do not receive W2s?

Thanks!

My wife really wants her parents to come to the US on a B2 visa from the Philippines, so she found some local agencies there that claim to help people get their B2 visa with preparing them for the interview.

I already filled out all the paperwork and booked them OFC/Consulate appointments, but I'm skeptical if using an agency is even worth it at this point.

Few notes:

1. My father-in-law has one complication that in the 1980s, his employer filed his Taiwan immigration paperwork incorrectly and all of the workers got arrested sent back to the Philippines from Taiwan. Not sure if this is considered a deportation, since they never went in front of a judge and no further action was taken, but I noted/explained this situation in his DS-160 and I imagine he will get asked about it during the interview.
2. They don't have great financial means, which I know is always a challenge. I'm going to provide an invitation letter and confirmation of funding their trip, in case the interviewer wants evidence.
3. For ties to the Philippines, I was going to recommend them bring their land titles, picture of their house, motorcycle title, and evidence of taking care of our niece and my grandparents-in-law.
4. For visiting the US, I was going to tell them to talk about visiting my wife and I, but also suggest different touristy things we could do/