The answer depends on where you are REALLY resident. If you are a resident in the USA, and spending a few months in the Phil on a tourist visa, then you should submit your petition to USCIS, in the USA.

If you have taken up PERMANENT residence in the Phil. (you will need to prove it). Then you can apply directly to the US Embassy. This is called a direct consular filing.

The process for Philippines Fiancee or Spousal visas, recently is moving along nicely and I have seen couples get their visas in as fast as 5 to 8 months.

The preparation of the petition is more complicated than just completing forms at DMV for a drivers licence. In addition to filling in the forms correctly, you must also submit a lot of supporting documents, like birth certificates, divorce decrees, etc. Plus convincing proof that the relationship you have is “bone fide”. It is pretty unlikely that you would have carried all of that with you on your trip to the Phil, so probably you will have to return to the USA in order to complete the petition package.

As a matchmaker, I believe that “what is meant to be, will be”. So it is not a big deal that you will have to wait a few extra months before you submit the petition. Important is that you do a proper job the first time. This is how to bring her to the USA the fastest.

Tags: bone fide relationship, CR-1, Philippines, spousal visa, Spousal Visas