A Guide to the K-1 Visa Process for Your Filipina Fiancée

Bringing your Filipina fiancée to the United States to get married is a well-established legal path. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of the K-1 Fiancée Visa journey, from initial petition to her arrival in the U.S.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin, you and your fiancée must meet these core requirements:

  • ✔ **U.S. Citizenship:** The petitioner (you) must be a U.S. citizen.
  • ✔ **Intent to Marry:** You both must be legally free to marry and intend to do so within 90 days of her arrival in the U.S.
  • ✔ **In-Person Meeting:** You must prove you have met in person at least once in the last two years. This is a critical rule with very few exceptions.
  • ✔ **Financial Support:** You must meet specific income requirements to prove you can financially support your fiancée (using Form I-134, Affidavit of Support).

The K-1 Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Part 1: The U.S. Citizen’s Role (The Petition)

  1. File Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).

    The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing this petition with USCIS. You must include strong evidence of your relationship, such as photos together, flight itineraries from your visit, and communication records.

  2. Receive USCIS Approval.

    After several months of processing, USCIS will approve the petition and forward the case to the National Visa Center (NVC).

  3. Case is Sent to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

    The NVC processes the case and sends it to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, which will handle your fiancée’s visa application and interview.

Part 2: The Filipina Fiancée’s Role (The Application)

  1. Complete Forms and Gather Documents.

    Your fiancée will receive instructions from the embassy. She will need to complete the DS-160 online application and gather documents like her passport, birth certificate, and Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR).

  2. Complete the Medical Examination.

    She must attend a medical exam at the accredited St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic in Manila.

  3. Attend the Visa Interview.

    This is the final step in the Philippines. She will be interviewed by a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Manila to confirm the authenticity of your relationship.

Part 3: Arrival and Next Steps

  1. Marry Within 90 Days.

    After the visa is approved and she travels to the U.S., you **must** get married within 90 days. The K-1 visa cannot be extended.

  2. File for Adjustment of Status.

    After the wedding, your new wife will file Form I-485 to adjust her status and become a Lawful Permanent Resident (get her Green Card).

Estimated Timeline & Costs

Timeline

The entire K-1 visa process can take anywhere from **8 to 18 months**, depending on government processing times and backlogs.

Government Fees

Expect to pay approximately **$800 – $1,000** in required government filing and processing fees. This does not include the later, more expensive fees for Adjustment of Status after marriage.

Important Disclaimer

This article provides a general overview for informational purposes only. Immigration laws, forms, and fees are subject to change. For the most current and accurate information, please consult the official **U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website** or speak with a qualified immigration attorney.