DCF in Manila- Do we qualify?

[Doc12 0]

I have read many helpful posts, and I hope some of you can shed some light on what my options are.

I am a US citizen, studying medicine here in Manila. I have been here for 3 years. My ACR visa status is student (9f).

I met my girlfriend here 3 years ago (classmates). She has been here for 5 years. She is an international student as well, not Filipino, and with the same visa type of student visa.

We are planning on getting married, either here or back in the US.

We have been to the US embassy twice so far and the lady at window 25 of the USCIS section does not give us clear answers. She told me to bring evidence that I am a resident here. When I asked her if being here on a student visa would be ok, she did not give a clear answer. She just told me to bring all the proof I had.. Etc

Some other posts and forums mentioned that a 13a visa (permanent resident) was needed to file for DCF. I really need to find out if I qualify with a student visa. If we qualify, we will get married here and file the I-130.

We have been together since first year of medical school and I want to find the best way to complete the visa application and move back to the US.

Any help is appreciated since we are so confused right now. Thanks

[rawkus212 0]

If you are a born or naturalized Filipino-US Citizen, your passport should have been stamped as "BB" or balik bayan. ACR should do as well to file for DCF and what you will need to show them at window 25 are your proof of billings to show that you are a resident here. You might want to include school transcripts, tuition fee receipts, driver's license, local credit card statements, a copy of home lease if you are renting and that should do it.

[bendinlar 16]

A student visa should work. A tourist visa or balikbyan stamp has worked for many, so a student visa should work fine.

If you decide to get married here in the Philippines, you will bout need to follow the requirements for getting a marriage licence, which includes a certification from your respective embassies saying you are free to marry. The DCF path is quick, but you might be looking at several difficulties due to hr not being Filipino. But it can be done.

The other option is a k-1, for that you will need to file with USCIS in the us, can't do that one via DCF.

Best wishes in your journey.