How To Make A Philippine Family Petition?

4.0 rating based on 55 ratings

This article explains how U. S. citizens can petition for family members to receive Green Cards, fiancé(e) visas, or K-3/K-4 visas based on their status as a U. S. citizen. To sponsor a family member, one must submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. Each person sponsoring needs a separate Form I.

To bring a sibling to the U. S., follow these five steps: 1) File Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative; 2) Receive Form I-130 approval and proceed to the National Visa Center; 3) File an Affidavit of Support at the National Visa.

As a Green Card holder, you may petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents. Some pathways by which immigrants may be sponsored by family members in the US include the Petition for Alien Relative (I-130), Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust.

U. S. citizens can petition for their fiancé or spouse to join them in the U. S., and in some cases, the fiancé or spouse might have children who wish to accompany or “follow-to-join” them. If the children are unmarried and under 21, they can accompany or “follow-to-join” them.

The Philippine immigration system is known for its complex and lengthy process, especially when it comes to family petitions. To petition for a relative from the Philippines, one can file Form I-130 online or by mail with USCIS. To petition for parents to live in the U. S. as Green Card holders, one must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old.

To apply for an immigrant visa, follow these steps: 1) Filing an immigrant petition by mail with USCIS; 2) Applying for an immigrant visa through the National Visa Center (NVC); 3) Interviewing.

Useful Articles on the Topic
ArticleDescriptionSite
Immigrant Visa ProcessUS citizens and lawful permanent resident petitioners residing in the United States must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with the United States …travel.state.gov
Bringing Parents to Live in the United States as Permanent …To petition for your parents (mother or father) to live in the United States as Green Card holders, you must be a US citizen and at least 21 years old.uscis.gov
Family-based immigrant visas and sponsoring a relativeTo sponsor your family member, submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130. Each person you sponsor needs a …usa.gov

📹 WHY IT TAKES LONGER TO PETITION A FAMILY MEMBER TO THE US?

DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this channel are for general information purposes only. While I use my best efforts in …


Do I Need A Lawyer To File I-130
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Do I Need A Lawyer To File I-130?

Yes, you can complete the I-130 petition process without legal representation, but professional guidance is often crucial due to the intricacies of immigration law and family reunification. Currently, the I-130 filing fee is $535 but will increase to $625 for online filing and $675 for paper applications on April 1, 2024. While individuals proficient in English can navigate the forms independently using available online resources and USCIS instruction materials, USCIS also provides detailed guidance on completing and submitting the I-130, which is essential for helping eligible relatives immigrate to the United States.

Although hiring an attorney is not legally necessary, it can enhance your chances of success, particularly if previous legal or immigration issues are present. An attorney can assist with the preparation of documentation, ensuring all forms are correctly filled, thus streamlining the process. Each U. S. citizen or Green Card holder must file a separate I-130 for each eligible relative. If complications arise, USCIS is required to communicate reasons for any denials and offer guidance on possible appeals.

While many can successfully handle the application independently, the support of an experienced attorney may be beneficial in navigating potential challenges, especially regarding legal eligibility and immigration nuances.

What Documents Do I Need To Sponsor A Foreign-Citizen Family Member
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

What Documents Do I Need To Sponsor A Foreign-Citizen Family Member?

To sponsor a foreign family member for immigration to the U. S., you must prove your legal status as a U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR). Acceptable documents include a U. S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or a valid U. S. passport. To initiate the process, you must submit a USCIS Form I-130 for each family member you wish to sponsor, either online or via mail. This form is the first step for obtaining a family-based immigrant visa, which allows the person to potentially become a permanent resident.

If your friend has a family member in the U. S. who is a citizen or green card holder, they can serve as the primary sponsor. Sponsors generally need to complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to take on the financial responsibilities of their sponsored relatives. Additional steps include the sponsored person undergoing a medical examination and providing documents such as a passport and police certificates. To sponsor a non-family member, different eligibility requirements apply.

Importantly, some applications can be filed concurrently, like the I-130 with the I-485 for permanent residency. Overall, the sponsorship process encompasses several forms and legal responsibilities to support the immigrant's visa application.

Can I Bring My Filipino Girlfriend To The USA
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can I Bring My Filipino Girlfriend To The USA?

Bringing a Filipina girlfriend to the United States involves understanding the visa options and required steps. The most common routes are the K-1 Fiancé visa and the CR-1 Spousal visa, designed for partners intending to get married. To obtain a K-1 visa, the Filipino girlfriend must attend a visa interview and complete a medical examination. Once issued, she can travel to the U. S. and marry the U. S. citizen within 90 days.

If already married, one can file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) for a spousal visa. The K-1 visa process typically takes 10-12 months, while the CR-1 visa can take approximately 9 months to a year.

An alternative is the Utah Zoom marriage, allowing couples in the Philippines to marry online, generating a U. S. marriage certificate. To bring a Filipina wife to the U. S. as a spouse, one must apply for a spouse visa at the U. S. Embassy in Manila. Other options include getting a visitor visa for short stays and then transitioning to a spouse visa. Ultimately, it is crucial to be aware that these processes involve diverse timelines, costs, and legalities to successfully unite with a partner in the U. S.

Can I Sponsor A Friend From The Philippines To USA
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Can I Sponsor A Friend From The Philippines To USA?

To sponsor a foreign citizen immigrating to the U. S., you must be a U. S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (green card holder); visa holders cannot sponsor. A sponsor financially supports the immigrant during their stay in the U. S., which can include family, friends, or employers. However, immigration laws restrict sponsorship to specific relationships such as relatives, fiancés, or employers, meaning you cannot sponsor a non-relative friend directly for a visa or green card.

To assist in sponsorship, you must file Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) with USCIS. For anyone aiming to immigrate, each sponsored individual requires a separate Form I-130. While U. S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor immediate relatives, sponsorship for friends is limited to co-sponsorship where financial support is offered. Moreover, sponsors must reside in the U. S. and be at least 18 years old.

If the immigrant is from a visa-required country, they cannot be sponsored; they must apply independently. Ultimately, while direct sponsorship of friends is prohibited, financial assistance as a co-sponsor can still play a critical role in their immigration journey.

How Much Is It To Petition Someone From The Philippines
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Much Is It To Petition Someone From The Philippines?

Petitioning a relative living abroad involves several costs associated with various immigration forms. The fees currently are: Form I-130 costs $625 when filed online and $675 by mail; Form DS-260 is $325; Form I-864 costs $120; and a medical examination typically averages $200. While filing Form I-864 is free, sponsors generally cover application fees, which differ by visa type. Family-based immigrants are categorized as either immediate relatives (like spouses or children under 21 of U. S. citizens) or those under family preference categories.

For K visas, each applicant must pay a fee of $265. The filing fee for the Form I-130 is set to increase from $535 to $625 for online filing and $675 for paper applications as of April 1, 2024. Green Card holders can petition specific family members. The minimum estimated cost for petitioning a relative may span from $1, 505 to $2, 975. This overview highlights various fees relevant to sponsorship and immigration through family petitions in the U. S. Further details and updates on filing processes can be accessed through the USCIS website.

How Can I Bring My Family From Philippines To USA
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Can I Bring My Family From Philippines To USA?

To sponsor a family member for immigration to the U. S., you must submit Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Each family member requires a separate Form I-130. You can submit this form online or by mail. If your parent is in the U. S., they may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with your Form I-130. If your child is outside the U.

S., you must file Form I-130, after which the petition will proceed to consular processing once approved and a visa is available. U. S. citizens who are at least 21 years old can petition for parents, siblings, and children, while lawful permanent residents can sponsor certain family members as well. Immediate relatives have a different visa process, and the methods vary for parents or children to immigrate. It’s important to provide proof of your status, demonstrating that you are a U.

S. citizen or lawful resident. Different procedures exist for intercountry adoptions and family immigration visas. Comprehensive knowledge of the immigrant visa process is crucial, including requirements for filing petitions for family members living abroad.

How Long Does It Take To Petition Someone From The Philippines
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Long Does It Take To Petition Someone From The Philippines?

The approval process for Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, can generally take 10 to 14 months for immediate relatives, while family preference categories may require several years. The USCIS processing time ranges from 5 months to 10 years as of 2024, depending on factors such as the petitioner's immigration status, the petition type, and the service center handling the case. For a U. S. citizen filing for a parent living in the Philippines, the process begins with the Form I-130 petition.

After the petition is approved, the applicant must continue through the National Visa Center. Processing times vary significantly, with waits of several years common, particularly for unmarried children over 21, who may expect an average wait of 3 to 4 years. For applicants from the Philippines, green card processing can take around 5 to 6 months for the initial approval and is subject to per-country visa caps, potentially extending the timeline to 10-12 years.

The fiancé(e) visa generally takes 6 to 9 months to process. Ultimately, overseas family sponsorship may result in wait times of 10 to 15 years or more, particularly for siblings seeking an immigrant visa. Understanding your receipt notice is crucial for tracking your petition's progress.

How Do I Petition A Family Member In The US
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Petition A Family Member In The US?

To petition for family members to receive a Green Card, fiancé(e) visa, or K-3/K-4 visa, a U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative, unless they qualify as derivative beneficiaries. If petitioning for a spouse, Form I-130A must also be submitted. A U. S. citizen must be at least 21 years old to sponsor their siblings or parents. The primary requirement to initiate this process is that the petitioner must be a U.

S. citizen or permanent resident. Filing Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step to help a family member obtain immigration benefits. Thousands of petitions are rejected annually due to errors or incomplete applications, which can delay the process.

Petitioners can file Form I-130 online, though the relative may file Form I-485 by mail. After filing, the petitioner will receive a receipt notice, which should be shared with the relative to include in their application packet. U. S. citizens can petition for various family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The petition must include supporting documents demonstrating the valid relationship between the petitioner and the beneficiary. This process is critical for U. S. citizens and permanent residents with family members abroad wishing to join them in the United States.

How Do I Request A Civil Registry Document In Philippines
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Request A Civil Registry Document In Philippines?

To request Civil Registry Documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), complete the required information and select "Yes" regarding the Embassy Details to submit documents directly to the U. S. Embassy in Manila. Payment instructions will follow, and the PSA will handle the submission. Civil registry documents available include birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as the Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR). To request these, choose the document type and fill in information about the owner, including the relationship if you're requesting for someone else.

Email submissions are necessary for pre-assessment, and processing for reports of births, marriages, and deaths is handled by mail only. For corrections or changes, appointments are mandatory. Include a covering letter addressed to the Civil Registry Unit with the service requested, along with the applicant's contact details. For assistance, contact the Civil Registration office via phone or email.

Online requests can be made for document delivery within the Philippines or internationally. Ensure all necessary documents, such as a certified copy of foreign judgments if applicable, are prepared for successful submission.

How Do I Sponsor A Family Member On An Immigrant Visa
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How Do I Sponsor A Family Member On An Immigrant Visa?

To sponsor a family member for U. S. immigration, first review the U. S. Department of State's chart of immigrant visa categories, focusing on immediate relative and family-sponsored visas. You must submit USCIS Form I-130 for each individual you wish to sponsor. This application initiates the immigration process for the family member to become a permanent resident. Immediate relative visas are designated for close relatives of U. S. citizens, including spouses and unmarried children. Upon approval of the I-130, you, as the sponsor, must complete Form I-864 to establish financial support for your relative.

Sponsoring an immigrant involves a commitment and entails benefits and risks. The procedural steps include submitting a relative petition and ensuring eligibility requirements are met, such as being a U. S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and having financial capacity. Family members following the principal applicant's immigration must also comply. It's crucial to consult the USCIS website for guidance on each step to ensure a successful immigration experience for your loved ones.


📹 US IMMIGRATION IS BROKEN! WHY IT TAKES LONGER TO PETITION FAMILY MEMBERS TO BRING TO THE US?

DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this channel are for general information purposes only. While I use my best efforts in …


Freya Gardon

Hi, I’m Freya Gardon, a Collaborative Family Lawyer with nearly a decade of experience at the Brisbane Family Law Centre. Over the years, I’ve embraced diverse roles—from lawyer and content writer to automation bot builder and legal product developer—all while maintaining a fresh and empathetic approach to family law. Currently in my final year of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, I’m excited to blend these skills to assist clients in innovative ways. I’m passionate about working with a team that thinks differently, and I bring that same creativity and sincerity to my blog about family law.

About me

9 comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Hi, I am a Nigerian and have been married to a US citizen for 4 years. My husband filled an I 1-30 for me and my children since February 2022. I received my 10-year green card in July of this year 2024. My 2 children live in Nigeria and their green cards have not yet been approved by uscis till now. We have called several times and made inquiries and are always told it is processing normally but we know it is past normal processing time. My children are below 21 years old. Please what can we do as my children are not living in the best conditions back home and I am torn between remaining in the US and going back home to live with my kids! 😢😢. Thanks

  • Hi mam, I was a permanent resident along with my 3 children adopted by my military husband in 1985. My youngest son got deported (juvenile drug related) in 2002 after my husband passed and before I became a US citizen in 2014. How can I get him back to live with me in the US since it’s been a while. He is single never been married. Thank you so much for your help!

  • Thank you for the very informative article. I US citizen and petitioned my spouse (CR1 Visa) in May of 2023. In May of 2024 we received an email from USCIS that our case would be forwarded to the NVC with a priority date of 12 May 2023. We were notified in early June by the NVC to complete all the necessary paperwork and upload our documents and pay the required fees. This was completed immediately. On 3 July 2024 my spouse and I were notified by the NVC that she was documentarily qualified, and our case would be forwarded US Embassy in Manila, and an interview date would be forthcoming. It has been almost 3 months, and we haven’t heard or been notified of an appointment date as of September 20, 2024. I did reach out to the embassy and received a generic response, and they pointed the finger at the NVC and said reach out them which I did with no response. Any suggestions besides prayers and patience?

  • Hello! I petitioned my unmarried son in December 2016 when I was still a Legal Permanent Resident . On February 2024 I became a US citizen, and updated my Status with NVC ( Public inquiry) and changed my petition category to F1. How long will it take my son to wait for his visa. Will it start from zero. I appreciate if you could enlighten me on this. Thank you

  • I am a US citizen sponsoring my wife to the US. All paperwork has been accepted by the NVC and we’re waiting interview appointment. Our priority date is 28 December 2023. Can you tell me how I can find out how much we will be waiting for an medical exam and interview date What visa are they currently working on, so I can get an idea how much longer we have to wait.

  • Madam tanong ko lng po 8yrs na ako dito sa US, citizen na po ako renipetisyun ko na po ang anak ko sya ay 42 yrs.old na single bakit po hanggang ngayun ay wala pa akong natatang na notice sa embassy sa atin. Ano po ang magandang gawin ko para madali syang makarating dito sa US . Hes my Only Son naiwan sa Pinas

  • magandang araw…ask ko lang what form should be used when you petition your un married daughter when the petitioner is a greencard holder before now a US ciitizen? tulad ng adjustment of status ng petitioner from GC to US citizen? or need pa bang mag file the adjustment from GC to US citizen? Salamat.

  • Thank you for always posting relevant information. I’m a green card holder (permanent resident), petitioned my unmarried adult son about 12 years ago and still waiting. Would it be better if I become a US citizen and reapply, is there any avenue to get it expedited? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you.

  • Mam ung asawa ko po ay nag file cya ng spousal visa sa akin last april 2023.then lahat po ng documents na kailngan nila ay napasa na po namin.tanong ko lng po mtagal po ba ung spousal visa kc Hanggang ngaun po hndi pa po tumawag ung tga NVC kung kailn schedule ko po sa interview at medical.bkit po matagal.

Divorce Readiness Calculator

How emotionally prepared are you for a divorce?
Divorce is an emotional journey. Assess your readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Latest Publications

Pin It on Pinterest

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Privacy Policy