The following information may be useful for U.S. citizens and their Filipino/Filipina fiance(e)s as they gather documents in the Philippines for the K-1 fiance or K-3 spouse visas.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) is the central repository for civil records.  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the central repository for criminal records.  Local civil records in many localities in the

Philippines have been destroyed due to war and natural calamities.  Church records, while useful as secondary evidence, are frequently unavailable for the same reasons.  When a specific civil document is unavailable, it is advisable to obtain a certificate of non-availability from the National Statistics Office (NSO).  Local parishes usually issue similar certificates of non-availability. In the absence of primary and secondary evidence, substantiated by replies from civil or church authorities, affidavits from two persons who have personal knowledge of the birth, death, or marriage which is in question are generally accepted.

Documents issued by the NSO and the NBI are preferred.  These agencies have branches and outlets throughout the

Philippines.  Documents issued by these agencies are printed on paper with security features.  Documents from these sources are centrally registered and are considered more reliable than documents issued by local registrars.  Applicants should request certificates that are issued with a “CDLI endorsement” (Court Documents and Legal Instruments).  This endorsement shows any amendments to the original document from marriages, annulments, name changes etc.  Unless a CDLI copy is requested, the requester will receive the unamended or original copy of the document. 

If you need legal assistance with your K-1 fiance(e) or K-3 spousal visa application, speak with an attorney 24/7 at 626-771-1078 or visit us at [1] www.myfianceevisa.com