Southeast Asia for US travelers. The Philippines gets the most detail. Every tip links to its source.
NVC and Philippine civil documents checklist (CR-1/IR-1)
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.
DS-260 completed in CEAC (civil documents can't be uploaded until it is submitted)
Birth certificate: PSA-issued, on PSA security paper (original or certified copy)
Marriage certificate(s) for every marriage: PSA-issued. For a marriage outside the Philippines, the foreign certificate (translated into English) plus the Philippine recording
Proof every prior marriage ended: final divorce decree, death certificate or annulment papers. For court changes, request PSA documents with the "CDLI" endorsement; an un-annotated copy isn't valid for visa purposes
CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages (CEMAR) from PSA, as listed by the Embassy
Police certificate: NBI clearance for Philippine-born applicants 16 and older (fees: clearance.nbi.gov.ph), plus police certificates from any other country lived in 12+ months at age 16+, and from anywhere you were arrested
Court and prison records for any conviction (certified copies)
Military record photocopy, if you served in any military
Photocopy of the passport biographic data page
If the US petitioner was married before: proof each of their prior marriages ended
Rules to remember
If a PSA document is unavailable, get a PSA certificate of non-availability; church records are not accepted in place of government documents
Police certificates expire after 2 years (with an exception for a former country of residence you haven't returned to)
Upload each document to CEAC; don't mail documents to NVC unless NVC asks, and never mail originals
"Submit Documents" only works once every required document for every person is uploaded
Bring every civil document you uploaded to the interview
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.
