Southeast Asia for US travelers. The Philippines gets the most detail. Every tip links to its source.
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.
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.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
These are the government and medical fees we could confirm on official pages on Oct 18, 2026. USCIS published a new fee schedule edition (10/16/26) on Oct 16, 2026, so check the linked sources the day you file. Wrong fees get applications rejected.
| I-129F petition | $675 | G-1055 |
| K visa application fee (DS-160) | $265 | State Dept |
| Medical exam, SLEC (age 15+) | PHP 29,995 | SLEC fee schedule effective Mar 13, 2026* |
| CFO documentary stamp tax | PHP 30 | CFO Citizen's Charter |
| I-485 adjustment (age 14+) | $1,440 paper / $1,390 online | G-1055 |
| I-864 Affidavit of Support (USCIS) | $0 | G-1055 |
| Optional: I-765 work permit with pending I-485 | $260 | G-1055, App. C |
| Optional: I-131 advance parole with pending I-485 | $630 paper / $580 online | G-1055, App. B |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $0 (K nonimmigrants exempt) | USCIS |
US-dollar government fees: $2,380 (I-129F + K visa + paper I-485) or $3,270 with the optional paper I-765 and I-131, plus the medical and CFO fees in pesos.
| I-130 petition (with I-130A) | $675 paper / $625 online | G-1055 |
| Immigrant visa application fee (immediate relative, paid to NVC) | $325 | State Dept |
| Affidavit of Support review (NVC) | $120 | State Dept |
| Medical exam, SLEC (age 15+) | PHP 29,995 | SLEC* |
| CFO documentary stamp tax | PHP 30 | CFO |
| USCIS Immigrant Fee | $235 | G-1055 · USCIS |
US-dollar government fees: $1,355 filing the I-130 on paper, or $1,305 filing online, plus the peso fees.
For the I-864, most sponsors must show income of at least 125% of the HHS poverty guideline: $27,050 for a household of 2 and $34,150 for a household of 3 in the 48 contiguous states (guidelines effective Mar. 1, 2026; Alaska and Hawaii differ). USCIS I-864P At a K-1 interview, an I-134 needs 100% of the guideline. State Dept K-1
Use the USCIS fee calculator to double-check. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
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.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
Subscribe and use our free Philippines First-Timer Checklist (printable version): eTravel, passport validity, eSIMs, cash, typhoon season and more.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.