US Immigration from Philippines

Mabuhay everyone! My turn again! BUT, before I get to my questions, I'd like to offer those who are still in this prolonged state of 'limbo" some hope: I am cooking a special dinner tonight because Joan and I are celebrating 10 years together this week! We met on Facebook 10 years ago and are happily married 8 1/2 years. I understand that our journey was pre-covid, but we (and everyone else here) had our moments of doubt and worry. We are here to say: "hang in there!" It is worth it in the end!

On to my early questions: Those who followed our money transfer issues understand that we are looking to move (retire, in my case) to the Phils in less than 3 years. Does anyone have any opinions on what kind of visa would be best for me? I still plan to work in some capacity. I know that I can use the Balikbayan visa to buy some time, but would a 13A spousal visa or a retirement visa be the way to go. The 13A seems to have less financial requirements and perhaps less hassles than the retirement visa, but as always, your opinions are valued!

Hi everyone! I have a few questions about my sort of unique situation. My fianc e and I have been together for almost 4 years, and are planning to get married this April. We would like to file for the I-130 and AOS concurrently immediately after. We are both in the US, and she is a US citizen.

The possible hang-ups are that I'm currently an international student with an expired F1 visa, within my expired passport, but still in status and with a new passport. My SEVIS record is still active and my I-20 has program end date on 2025, since I went on a PhD program after undergrad. I was told by my international student center that yes, I am still in legal status with all these, but I'm not sure if USCIS would treat this as a red flag?

Next, while we're getting married in April, I do want to end my academic program and will not be in it starting this August. I am already incredibly tired of being in university, and it has taken its toll on my health, so going back would be a last-resort. However, not going back will cause my SEVIS record to be terminated in August -- an authorized early withdrawal. I was wondering if this would affect my application even after I've submitted the I-130 and the I-485 in April?

Furthermore, my fianc e and I currently live in different states. We've lived together for two years previously, however, before I had to move to a different state for school. She currently lives with her parents because her workplace is near their house. She makes a bit above the wage requirements, so we're not worried about that. We do have proofs of our relationship, and lots of friends to back it up, but would it count against us if we have different US addresses? I am planning on moving in with her at her state around July, since I have to finish up with my lab work before leaving uni, so we are not *immediately* cohabitating after being married.

Finally, would any of you recommend simplecitizen for this? I'm a bit inept at filing forms, so I thought of availing their $400 package. But if this is indeed a complicated situation, I might avail of the $850 package instead.

Thank you so very much for all your help! I am so happy that this forum exists.

Hi guys, I don t know if I post on the right page but I just wanna ask some help or info. I have a brother, from the Philippines and he was on a working visa here in the US as a bartender in a cruise ship. I know it takes 20-30 years to petition your siblings but is there anyway I can petition him to live here permanently? Since he was in the US already? Thanks

Is this required when you travel to the Philippines?

Hello everyone,

Im just wondering if i can apply for citizenship after i stayed in Philippines for 2 months vacation. I have 10year greencard already and residence since 2018 i want to file under 3 year rule "married"