American citizens who plan to marry their Filipino fiance(e) in the United States must file an I-129F petition with the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over the petitioner's place of residence.

Once approved, the I-129F petition is sent to NVC which forwards it to the Embassy in Manila. The Embassy will send the Filipino fiance(e) information on how to apply for the K1 visa including the medical examination and visa interview dates.

Generally, it takes 8-12 months from the date the petition is approved for the K1 visa to be issued. If a field investigation is required and if the applicant does not satisfy all the application requirements, visa issuance may take even longer. The presence of the U.S. citizen is not required during the fiance(e)’s visa interview.

Because of the time involved in processing the application for a K-1 visa, it is recommended that the petitioner and beneficiary gather the required documentation for the visa application at the earliest possible time.

Children (unmarried and below 21 years of age) of a K1 applicant may derive immigration benefits from the same I-129 petition and are issued “K2” visas. Children identified in the approved I-129F petition are called “derivatives”. Derivatives may apply at the same time as the principal applicant parent or may apply later but must be issued K2 visas within one year from the date the K1 visa was issued to the principal applicant parent. Derivatives who are following to join the principal applicant parent must apply for their K2 visas in a timely manner to allow visa issuance within the required period.

The I-129F Fiance(e) petition is valid for four months from the date of its approval. If the petition expires, a consular officer may revalidate it for another four months provided that both parties remain legally free to marry.

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