How to Get Fiancée Visa in the Philippines?
The Philippines is a beautiful country known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and warm-hearted people. It’s no wonder that many foreigners fall in love with Filipinos and decide to spend the rest of their lives together. If you are engaged to a Filipino citizen and planning to get married in the Philippines, you will need to apply for a fiancée visa. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a fiancée visa in the Philippines.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
To apply for a fiancée visa, you will need to gather several documents, including:
1. Valid passport
2. Birth certificate (authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority)
3. Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority
4. Police clearance from your home country
5. Medical certificate issued by an authorized medical facility in the Philippines
6. Proof of your relationship, such as photos, chat logs, call records, and other evidence of your engagement
Step 2: File a Petition
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you need to file a petition with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. You can do this by submitting the required documents to the nearest Bureau of Immigration office or through their online platform. Make sure to pay the necessary fees and keep the receipt for future reference.
Step 3: Attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling Program
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) requires all fiancées of Filipino citizens to attend a guidance and counseling program. This program aims to provide information about living abroad, intercultural relationships, and rights and responsibilities as a spouse of a Filipino citizen. After completing the program, CFO will issue a certificate of attendance, which is a requirement for the visa application.
Step 4: Wait for the Visa Approval
Once you have submitted all the required documents and completed the necessary steps, you will need to wait for the visa approval. The processing time may vary, but it usually takes around 2-3 months. During this time, it’s recommended to stay in touch with the Bureau of Immigration for any updates or additional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How long is the fiancée visa valid?
A1: The fiancée visa is valid for six months. This means that you and your fiancé must get married within six months of your arrival in the Philippines.
Q2: Can I work in the Philippines with a fiancée visa?
A2: No, the fiancée visa does not grant you the right to work in the Philippines. If you plan to work, you will need to apply for a separate work visa.
Q3: What if my fiancé is still legally married?
A3: If your fiancé is still legally married, you will not be able to apply for a fiancée visa. The Philippines does not recognize divorce, so your fiancé will need to obtain an annulment or declaration of nullity of marriage before you can proceed with the visa application.
Q4: Can I extend my stay in the Philippines after the visa expires?
A4: If you need to extend your stay in the Philippines after the visa expires, you will need to apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration. It’s important to do this before your visa expires to avoid any penalties or complications.
Q5: Can I apply for a fiancée visa if we are not planning to get married in the Philippines?
A5: Yes, you can still apply for a fiancée visa even if you are not planning to get married in the Philippines. However, you will need to provide additional documents, such as a marriage certificate or proof of your marriage plans in another country.
Q6: Can we get married before applying for a fiancée visa?
A6: Yes, it is possible to get married before applying for a fiancée visa. However, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a spouse visa, to legally stay in the Philippines after the marriage.
Q7: Can I bring my children with me on a fiancée visa?
A7: No, the fiancée visa only covers the foreign fiancé. If you plan to bring your children with you, you will need to apply for a separate visa for them.
In conclusion, obtaining a fiancée visa in the Philippines requires careful preparation and adherence to the necessary requirements. By following the steps outlined in this article and ensuring that you have all the required documents, you can successfully obtain a fiancée visa and begin your life together in the beautiful Philippines.