Getting Married in the Philippines

[djcabor]

Hello. I am a U.S. citizen and my fiancee lives in the Philippines. We have known each other for 10 months. I just came back from visiting her. I was there for 3 months. Can I go over to the Philippines and get married and file for a spousal visa at the consulate office in Manila and wait until it is approved and then bring my wife back here? Do I have to live there for a specific time period before filing? Is there any other papers I would need to file either here before I left or while I am over there? I would appreciate any help on this matter.

[rustan108]

Hello. Welcome to the club. Two of my friends who got married in the Philippines and whose spouses are US citizens, had to wait for almost two years before their spouses can go to the US. It's a long wait if you get married in the Phils so I suggest you file for a Fiance visa instead because that would only be around 6 months processing. Plus, you mentioned that you've only known each other for 10 months. If you read the fiance petition form, you have to prove that you have known each other for at least 2 years before you petition. I hope this helps

[djcabor]

I was inquiring about going through the Manila Consular Office after getting married in the Philippines. All the information I have, say this is the quickest way to receive a visa. Also, on the I-129F form, it says ,"Have MET in person within the last 2 years before your filing of this petition - not "you have to prove that you have known each other for at least 2 years", as you stated.

[rustan108]

I said "prove" because they have to evaluate the authencity of the relationship. That's what I meant. Please don't take it literally. If you want you can consult a lawyer that will cost you around $1500 (or less if you get lucky). My best friend's husband who happens to live in NY just told me 2 days ago that was the estimated cost he got from a lawyer, so he ended up doing the processing by himself. I have a co-worker who only met her American boyfriend a year ago. He has to file by end of this year so he can qualify for the 2 years "period." I guess it's how you interpret it. But basically that is up to you and how you interpret it. Goodluck.