Southeast Asia for US travelers. The Philippines gets the most detail. Every tip links to its source.
Manila interview day checklist
Every fact links to its official source. Fees and processing times change; confirm on the linked page before you file. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
Passport valid at least 60 days beyond the intended travel date
Original PSA civil documents (birth, marriage, CENOMAR, Advisory on Marriages, proof any marriage ended)
Original NBI clearance (age 16+); the Embassy says "This is not optional"
Foreign police certificates for any country lived or worked in 12+ months
Affidavit of Support (I-864) and financial/tax documents from the petitioner and any joint sponsor
DS-260 confirmation page
Interview appointment letter
Medical exam already done at St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) before the interview
NBI AKA if you have aliases or nicknames, including different spellings, on public documents
K-1 fiancé(e): State Department list
DS-160 confirmation page
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
Birth certificate
Divorce/death certificates of any prior spouses, for both of you
Police certificates (present country and anywhere lived 6+ months since age 16)
Medical examination
Evidence of financial support (Form I-134 may be requested)
Two 2x2 photos
Evidence of your relationship
Fee payment proof
Clear photocopies of civil documents and translations (originals are returned)
Read the Rights and Protections pamphlet beforehand; the officer summarizes it at the interview
After the interview
Approved visas are delivered by 2GO courier, or picked up at a 2GO branch
K-1 and IV: do not open the sealed packet; CBP opens it at entry
CFO Guidance and Counseling / PDOS before departure (Philippine requirement)
CR-1/IR-1: pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee online, ideally after getting the visa and before travel
Mabuhay & Beyond · mabuhayandbeyond.com · General information, not legal advice. Built from official checklists; the official page always wins. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
