How to Bring Your Family to the U.S.: Immigration Guide for Filipinos

If you’re a Filipino living in the United States, you may dream of having your family by your side. To share meals, celebrate milestones and build a new life together. Being far from loved ones is never easy. The good news is that bringing your family to live with you is possible. It may take time, paperwork and patience, but many have done it and so can you.

Photo credit: Overseas Filipinos

Here’s everything you need to know based on official U.S. government sources to help you start that journey.

1. Start With Form I-130

To bring a family member to the U.S., you must file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). This proves that you have a real family relationship with the person you want to sponsor.

Each family member needs a separate I-130 form. For example, if you want to bring your spouse and two children, you must submit three petitions.

2. Who You Can Sponsor

The rules depend on whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a green card holder (permanent resident).

U.S. citizens can sponsor:

• Spouse
  
• Unmarried children under 21
  
• Parents (if you are at least 21)
  
• Married children
  
• Brothers and sisters
  

Green card holders can sponsor:

• Spouse
  
• Unmarried children under 21
  

Relatives of U.S. citizens in the “immediate” category (like spouse or parents) do not need to wait for a visa. Other family members are under a “preference” category and must wait for a visa number to become available, which can take years.

3. Visa Availability

The U.S. gives only a certain number of family-based visas each year.

• Immediate relatives (spouse, parent, unmarried child under 21) can get visas quickly.
  
• Family preference visas (like siblings or married children) have longer wait times, especially for Filipinos. Check the Visa Bulletin monthly to see which dates are being processed.
  

4. Two Paths: In the U.S. or Abroad

Once your petition is approved, your relative will either:

• Apply inside the U.S. using Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), or
  
• Apply outside the U.S. through Consular Processing at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Most Filipino relatives apply through the embassy.

5. Affidavit of Support

You must prove that you can financially support your family member by submitting Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support). You must also include your recent U.S. tax return.

6. Medical Exam and Documents

Your relative must take a medical exam by a USCIS-approved doctor and submit Form I-693. Missing this form can lead to delays or denial.

Also prepare other documents like birth and marriage certificates, photos and proof of your relationship.

7. New USCIS Policy: Be Honest and Prepared

As of August 2025, USCIS is checking family-based applications more carefully to prevent fraud. Even if a petition is approved, it can be denied later if the information is false or incomplete.

Make sure everything you submit is honest and clearly shows your relationship. Be ready to explain your case during the interview.

Tips for Filipino Families in the U.S.

• Organize your documents early and include birth certificates, photos, and messages.
  
• Check the Visa Bulletin to know when your relative’s case is moving.
  
• Speak to a trusted immigration lawyer if your case is complicated.
  
• Make sure your job or savings meet the income requirement.
  
• Double-check everything before you submit to avoid delays or problems.
  

Photo credit: Eduvast

Bringing your loved ones to the U.S. takes time and effort, but many Filipinos have done it and so can you. Be patient, follow the correct steps, and always use official websites like USCIS.gov and USA.gov for the latest updates.

Building a life with your family in the U.S. is possible and worth it.

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