RO_AH

Sounds like after the wedding it would take a bit of time to get the certificate to even file for the CR-1. It does sound like its been decided if we do marry, and I say if because of course we are still getting to know each other that we would do the CR-1. This is just thinking of things if things keep going great, but reality is yes we have to meet and wait and see, but a bit of thinking about future is ok, especially in this case where the government controls the timeline and being prepared is very important to save time or at least be the best prepared.

Because there is a 2 week wait just to get the marriage license while you wait in the Philippines, everything is slow at best.  Google how to get a married in the Philippines for more details.
 
 

Why a 3 week trip. I knew of someone who married there and they were there just less than 2 weeks. Of course they had all the paperwork, wedding was planned, etc. They had the wedding and a small vacation afterwards.

Most definitely this. I spent 2-3 hours every day (yes, every single day) with my wife talking in Skype, We did this for 6 years before we got married and then continued for 3 years while waiting for immigration. We knew each other better than most people  in a conventional relationship.

Do your medical. Don't reschedule interview! What if they get a shipment in the day before your medical. Even if they can't complete the medical, only after that you reschedule.

Most definitely this. I spent 2-3 hours every day (yes, every single day) with my wife talking in Skype, We did this for 6 years before we got married and then continued for 3 years while waiting for immigration. We knew each other better than most people  in a conventional relationship.

If you want the fastest, then when you go there to meet, schedule a Utah wedding while you are there. Not something I would recommend because if you are planning to spend a lifetime together, a week or two of in person time is not near enough "together" time.

Most definitely this. I spent 2-3 hours every day (yes, every single day) with my wife talking in Skype, We did this for 6 years before we got married and then continued for 3 years while waiting for immigration. We knew each other better than most people  in a conventional relationship.

I suggest you meet in person first.  I remember your previous posts and I think it's not your first virtual relationship.  As much as there can be virtual chemistry, some things, you will only know/see/observe/feel in person.  Try to spend as much time together as possible. 

This is not so comparable to a domestic relationship it is so much more than just getting to know her, don't forget you also have a new culture to get your head around.
 
The saying is you don't just marry a Filipina, you marry the entire family and do not underestimate that dynamic cuz if you don't it will likely have a negative impact on your relationship.

If you want the fastest, then when you go there to meet, schedule a Utah wedding while you are there. Not something I would recommend because if you are planning to spend a lifetime together, a week or two of in person time is not near enough "together" time.

Maybe, but in my opinion CR1 should be prioritized over K-1. CR1 you are petitioning an actual family member and K1 you are petitioning a possible family member.

If you want the fastest, then when you go there to meet, schedule a Utah wedding while you are there. Not something I would recommend because if you are planning to spend a lifetime together, a week or two of in person time is not near enough "together" time.

If you want the fastest, then when you go there to meet, schedule a Utah wedding while you are there. Not something I would recommend because if you are planning to spend a lifetime together, a week or two of in person time is not near enough "together" time.

Maybe, but in my opinion CR1 should be prioritized over K-1. CR1 you are petitioning an actual family member and K1 you are petitioning a possible family member.

Not really difficult. What @Crazy Cat posted are actual cases. These are not "he said, she said" results. If you trust the other sites, why ask here? If you trust here, why ask there? Are you looking for what you want to hear or are you looking for factual information. If it's factual information you are looking for, @Crazy Cat provided it above.

Agreed, i went to the Philippines 5 times before we went for the visa.  I can't imagine doing it on the first.

Not really difficult. What @Crazy Cat posted are actual cases. These are not "he said, she said" results. If you trust the other sites, why ask here? If you trust here, why ask there? Are you looking for what you want to hear or are you looking for factual information. If it's factual information you are looking for, @Crazy Cat provided it above.

K-1s used to be much faster...that has changed for many consulates.  There are many factors to consider besides speed to the US...imho.  Good luck.  

That is almost 2 months away. I would not start worrying yet.

That may be true for other consulates, but this is the Philippine regional forum.  I had hoped you would have remembered by now that Manila does NOT allow applicants to proceed with the visa interview before completing the medical.  In all my time here on VJ and from reading old posts in this sub-forum, I have not seen any exception to this rule in Manila.
 
 
You're right -- I forgot about tickets to fly in for the interview.  If that's the case, then OP may have to extend their trip to Manila to wait for when IGRA tests become available.
 

Still  attend the interview
during covid many could not do the medical and the embassy put case on hold while waiting for medical exam results
 
its faster than trying to reschedule 
 
nterferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are whole-blood tests that can aid in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

oh I've handled everything for the most part....but even though I am handling it, she constantly thinks there's a better way because of something "they said" haha

Hahaha, not just social media, it's all their neighbors and friends too. I have termed it "they said". My wife will tell me something ridiculous and I will ask her where she heard that. She will say "they said". I told her I would love to write a book of all of the "they saids" I have heard.

Hahaha, not just social media, it's all their neighbors and friends too. I have termed it "they said". My wife will tell me something ridiculous and I will ask her where she heard that. She will say "they said". I told her I would love to write a book of all of the "they saids" I have heard.