This is not an easy question to answer. With today's laws and the threat of terrorism, it is not the same as it was when me and my then future Filipina Bride got married. If you are good at keeping records, reading regulations and following instructions, you may be able to do it on your own. If not, you may need help.

There are services that specialize in helping people with the INS process, however, if it is a legal issue that concerns you, you may be better off with an immigration lawyer. This may not be an easy decision, but one you may have to make. If you don't get a lawyer or help, do yourself a big favor by keeping good records in case you need help later.

Documentation and Patience

One thing you have to realize is that the government doesn't look at this process as being romantic. It is all business. You need to keep good records and documentation and if you send anything anywhere, make copies for your files.

Keep a diary with important dates and times. Unless you have a photographic memory, in about 8 months when you have to fill out all the forms, you may need that diary to look up important information or dates.

It's not the INS Anymore

For Americans, there is only one official INS, but there are many sites that would love to have you as a client. That's up to you. Like I said, I did all the leg work. I didn't want to spend the money on a lawyer or an expert in this area. To each their own....you may feel differently. There are tons of sites. Just go to www.google.com and type in INS as your search topic.

• The INS is now called the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• The INS website is http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm

IMBRA (International Marriage Broker Act)

There is a U.S.A. law on the books (as of this writing, we are IMBRA exempt since our site has FREE membership and no fees for both male and female members) that govern the criteria for meeting a foreign bride. If you need professional help, look for a good U.S. immigration lawyer. Recommend you google search for IMBRA.

K-1 Fiancee Visa Process

The K-1 process (not sure if it is still called K-1) is what we used to process the immigration paperwork for me to marry my Filipina bride. This was over 8 years ago so I'm sure the requirements have changed. However, I put together a slide show if you are interested in some of the requirements it took for me to marry my beautiful Filipina wife.

• K-1 Process Slide Show

We are not immigration experts. The experts are the immigration lawyers and those who offer such services for a fee. Any expereinces we post on the site is for your reading, not to be used as official immigration requirements for marrying a foreigner. Laws change, especially since 9-11. Please consult an expert if you have questions about processing any immigration paperwork for marrying a foreigner.