If you want to immigrate to the USA from the Philippines, this article can be a guide on relocation. However, from a practical point of view, it is best to consult one of our immigration lawyers in the US to ensure the success of your application.
What are the visa options for people moving to the USA from the Philippines?
Filipinos can apply for one of two types of visas to relocate to the USA:
- non-immigrant visas, which can be used if you are visiting the US for short-term business or tourism;
- immigrant visas if you intend to stay in the USA permanently.
You must ensure that you are applying for a suitable visa based on the purpose of your relocation in order to check all US immigration requirements.
When immigrating to the USA from the Philippines, you must apply for an immigrant visa if you intend to move permanently to the USA. You must also have sponsorship from a US citizen, a family member who is a lawful permanent resident, or an employer (if you have found a job here).
What types of US immigrant visas can Filipino citizens apply for?
There are several types of US immigrant visas you can apply for permanent relocation to the US from the Philippines, as you can read below:
- family-based immigration visas;
- marriage or US spouse visas;
- employment-based and investor visas;
- returning resident visas.
The process of requesting an immigrant visa begins with the sponsor submitting a petition to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the applicant’s behalf. Our US immigration attorneys can handle this process. Please note that entry visas may also be required based on your status.
Is it possible to relocate to the USA from the Philippines based on family reunion?
At the level of 2019, Filipinos represented the third-largest Asian community in the United States, which is why family reunion is one of the main pathways for them to move here.
Among the options you have if you choose this pathway to move to the USA from the Philippines are:
- the Petition for Alien Relative for being sponsored by a family member who is a resident of the USA (I-130);
- the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485);
- the Petition for Alien Fiancé (I-129F) for obtaining a K-1 fiancé visa.
To find out more about the eligibility conditions, you can talk to one of our professionals in the field of US immigration.
In order to qualify for a Green Card for the USA, you must live here for 3 or 5 years, depending on the means of immigration.
Can I immigrate to the USA from the Philippines based on employment?
Yes, you can do that by applying for several types of visas. According to recent data, one-third of Filipino immigrants have moved here based on the following types of employment-based visas:
- the H-1B visa for specialist workers, which is a temporary labor visa;
- the EB-3 visa for skilled workers and professionals in sectors like nursing, technology, and engineering.
There are also other types of visas you can apply for based on your knowledge, experience, or expertise.
What are the main aspects to consider when moving to the USA from the Philippines?
Based on the latest developments, here is what you need to know:
- if you plan to apply for a non-immigrant visa, you must set up an appointment with the US Embassy for a visa interview;
- when attending the interview, make sure to have all original documents requested by the US Embassy in the Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila;
- you are also advised to switch your Social Media accounts on “Public” or “Open” to enable verifications prior to your interview.
What are the documents I should have withme when I relocate to the US from the Philippines?
There are several documents you must not forget to bring with you from the Philippines, others than the valid passport. Here is what is important not to leave back home:
- your birth certificate;
- your marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable;
- custody papers, if you move with a minor child;
- the child’s birth certificate;
- diplomas and other credentials that attest to your work preparation;
- your foreign-issued driver’s license, if you have one;
- bank statement certificates;
- medical records and proof of vaccinations, if applicable.
Also, note that they must be translated into English and certified.
These documents will be very useful when applying for the Green Card, when renting a place to stay, and even when opening a bank account.
How long does it take for a Green Card to be issued?
The timeframe depends on the means of acquisition; however, here is what to expect:
- if you apply for it based on marriage to a US citizen, it may take 1 to 3 years to obtain it, depending on whether your spouse is an American citizen or not;
- if you apply for it based on employment, it can take 1 to 2 years to obtain it; however, longer periods may apply depending on the type of work visa you moved to the US under.
How many Filipinos live in the USA?
As stated above, Filipinos are the third largest community of Asians, after the Chinese and the Indian ones. Also, according to news:
- at the level of 2019, there were more than 4.2 million Filipinos living in America;
- they represented about 18% of the Asian population in the country;
- a little over 500,000 of them lived in the area of Los Angeles, however, San Francisco and New York are also cities where many of them live.
If you need support in relocating to the US from the Philippines, do not hesitate to contact our immigration lawyers in the United States.