K1 Visa Filipina Guide: Full Process | FilipinaMeet

K1 Visa Filipina Guide: Complete Step-by-Step Process

K-1 visa guide for a Filipina partner: eligibility, costs, processing times, documents, interview steps, and the path from petition to green card.

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FAQ: How long does the K-1 visa process take for a Filipina fiancée? The entire K-1 visa process typically takes 10 to 16 months from filing the I-129F petition to visa issuance. USCIS processing of the petition accounts for most of the wait, usually 6 to 10 months. Embassy processing in Manila adds another 2 to 4 months after that.

FAQ: How much does the K-1 visa cost in total? Budget roughly $2,000 to $3,500 for government filing fees, medical exam, document gathering, and translations. The I-129F filing fee is $535, the visa application fee is $265, the medical exam runs $200 to $300, and Adjustment of Status (I-485) after arrival costs $1,225. Additional costs may include document shipping, translations, and attorney fees if you use one.

FAQ: Do I have to meet my Filipina fiancée in person before filing the K-1 visa? Yes. USCIS requires that you and your fiancée have met in person at least once within the two years before filing the I-129F petition. You must provide evidence of that meeting, such as photos, boarding passes, passport stamps, or hotel receipts. Limited exceptions exist for cultural or extreme hardship reasons, but they are rarely granted.

FAQ: Can my Filipina fiancée work in the US on a K-1 visa? Not immediately. K-1 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 alongside or after the I-485 Adjustment of Status application. The EAD typically takes 3 to 6 months to arrive. Your fiancée cannot legally work until she receives the EAD.

FAQ: What happens if we do not marry within 90 days of arrival? If the 90-day period expires without a marriage, the K-1 visa holder must leave the United States. There is no extension. Overstaying creates serious immigration consequences, including bars on future visa applications. If you have doubts about the timeline, consult an immigration attorney before the deadline passes.

FAQ: Should I choose the K-1 fiancé visa or the CR-1 spousal visa? The K-1 visa is faster to get your partner to the US but requires marrying within 90 days of arrival and then filing for Adjustment of Status separately. The CR-1 visa requires marrying first, takes longer overall, but your spouse arrives as a permanent resident with a green card. Choose K-1 if speed matters most. Choose CR-1 if you prefer your partner to arrive with full residency status and work authorization.

Official sources:
- USCIS — Visas for Fiancé(e)s of US Citizens: https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/visas-for-fiancees-of-us-citizens
- US Embassy Manila — Immigrant Visas: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/
- Travel.state.gov — The Immigrant Visa Process: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process.html