Visa Choices for Philippine Couples

Your visa choices depend on whether you are engaged or already married, where you plan to marry, and your family circumstances. For U.S. citizens bringing a Filipino partner to America, the main options are the K-1 fiancée visa and the CR-1 or IR-1 spouse visa.

Below is a straightforward comparison to help you understand these options before beginning your visa package.

K-1 Visa: Marry in the United States

The K-1 visa is for an eligible foreign fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen. It allows your partner to travel to America so you can marry there.

• You must both be legally free to marry.
• Generally, you must have met in person within the two years before filing.
• You must intend to marry each other within 90 days after your partner enters the United States.
• After marriage, adjustment of status is the next step toward permanent residence.

If you are engaged and plan to marry in America, explore our K-1 visa service.

CR-1 Visa: Bring Your Spouse to America

The spouse visa route is for couples who are already legally married. Marriage alone does not automatically grant U.S. immigration status.

If your marriage is less than two years old when your spouse enters the United States on an immigrant visa, your spouse becomes a conditional permanent resident.

• Your spouse enters as a permanent resident.
• A separate adjustment of status application is not required after arrival.
• Conditional residence requires a later application to remove conditions.

Our CR-1 Visa Philippines Guide explains this process in more detail.

IR-1 Visa: Marriage of Two Years or More

If you have been married for at least two years when your spouse enters the United States on an immigrant visa, your spouse generally enters as a permanent resident without marriage-based conditions.

CR-1 and IR-1 use the spouse petition route. The distinction concerns the length of your marriage when permanent residence begins.

Visa Choices When Children Are Coming Too

Tell us early if your partner has children who will also immigrate. Their ages and your marriage date can affect the available route.

Eligible children may apply for K-2 visas with a K-1 parent. For the spouse route through a U.S. citizen, children generally need separate petitions. Children’s eligibility should be considered before making marriage and travel plans.

Personal Help With Your Visa Package

We prepare professional visa packages, fill out the paperwork, and review your supporting documents. We help identify missing information and guide you through the next stages, including embassy interview preparation.

We are with you every step of the way from start to finish. Call 702-426-4503 to discuss your plans and our services.

For official information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s spouse visa overview.