K1 Visa Guidelines: What Every Filipino and Filipina Should Know

Other than the wedding gown and paraphernalia, U.S. citizens who want to marry their Filipino or Filipina partners need to avail a K1 fiance(e) visa. Without this particular document, the latter cannot enter the United States.
However, it should be remembered that the K1 visa can only grant a temporary stay in the U.S. Once approved, this does not mean that the visa holder already has a green card. A separate process is followed in obtaining permanent residency.
Upon entry in the United States, the couple is expected to marry within ninety (90) days or three months and apply for a conditional permanent residence status. The reason behind the need to marry can be attributed to the fact that K1 is a single-entry visa. K1 cannot be used twice. The failure to do this translates to a whole new petitioning process.

What are the basic requirements?

1. The petitioner should be a U.S. citizen
2. Petitioner should meet the financial requirement. He or she should present evidences that his or her monthly income is above 125% of the United States’ poverty line.
3. The fiance(e) and the petitioner must have met each other personally. In this case, one should always remember that meeting through messaging tools, webcams and social networking sites are not enough. Evidences of this nature are not considered and could lead to an automatic denial
4. The couple must also show relationship proofs. Pictures taken together, recorded phone calls etc., should be presented
5. The fiance(e) should pass the medical requirement
6. Both should be free from any criminal record
7. Similarly, the couple should not be involved in any marital relationship. For divorcees, they need to show divorce papers in order to qualify

What are the documents needed?
For Filipino or Filipina applicants, prepare the following documents:

1. Valid passport
2. Copies of NSO (National Statistics Office) certified birth certificates
3. For those who have previous marriages, render documents that will prove the termination of the former marriage
4. NBI clearance
5. Police certificate from all areas where the applicant lived since he or she was 16
6. Evidences that he or she has personally met his or her U.S. fiance(e)
7. Proofs of sufficient financial means
8. Results of medical exam. The exam should be performed by health professionals from the St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension clinic
9. Two (2) photos

What are the grounds for inadmissibility?
There are several reasons that may prevent an applicant from acquiring a visa. Be wary of the following conditions:

1. Chronic diseases and health problems
2. Engaging into criminal activities
3. Being involved in prostitution
4. Traces of drug and substance abuse
5. Those who are believed to commit or be engaged in criminal acts upon entry to the United States
6. Failure to provide evidences of adequate financial means to sustain everyday expenses and has the tendency to rely on the US government for support