Theersink

@Nathan Alden, Sr. As I stated, it is not required. They only need 1 signature, both is fine but only 1 is needed. Honestly it is up to you but as you say she may run into an issue with a notary there as when it comes to government forms they can be a bit restrictive. Not to mention the time and cost of a courier for everything from the Philippines. My wife never touched the ROM form or anything else. I had copies of everything needed for the 130 filing so I filled out the ROM and sent off the packet. Also you will have plenty of time for everything. I was in your overwhelmed place a short bit ago. Not everything has to be done at once, Give yourself a chance to breathe and contemplate everything and it won't seem so overwhelming.

@Nathan Alden, Sr. That other thread I referenced I have a screenshot of an email I received from the consulate where they say only 1 signatory is required. I submitted mine with just my notarized signature and they accepted it. I received the receipt and packet back about a month later with a note saying it is now processing. You do not need BOTH notarized signatures, only one or the other is sufficient. This eliminates having to worry about sending it back and forth to the Philippines to get your wife's notarized signature. Just have it notarized with your signature and send in the rest of the required forms. It'll save you some time.

Her notarized signature is not necessary. We just went through this process. I wouldn't have her bother with Philippine local bureaucracy. Your concern about not being there is justified depending on the local notary. They have a fillable form on their website, All I had to do was fill out the ROM form, print and have it notarized and sent in supplemental information. More in this thread: Only apostilled document you need is the marriage cert from utah.

Well, I got busy and put it off for a week or so and they ended up processing it without the additional statement so it seems to be a "at the moment" thing if it is required or not.

San Francisco Consulate (I would imagine this is all of them since it looks to be an official process) is now asking for a notarized Affidavit of Explanation stating that the marriage was held online and the Filipino spouse was not in the US at time of marriage. This was not listed on their website list of requirements. I received a call from them asking to send this additional statement. They emailed me a current checklist for ROMs which I am sharing here. ROM check list.pdf

I know this thread is a bit old but I wanted to post some updated information. I sent a message on their website contact form asking for clarification on IF both parties (husband and wife) need a notarized signature if we live in separate countries (me USA, her Philippines). This is the email response I received: So for couples that marry and are currently living in separate countries only 1 notarized signatory is required. Hopefully this will save others a bit of time.