Moving to the United States from the Philippines

Visa Pathways for Filipino Nationals

The Philippines is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so Filipino nationals need a visa for any travel to the United States ^[1]. Family-based immigration is the dominant pathway for Filipino nationals, and it carries some of the longest backlogs in the US immigration system.

Family-based immigration.

Filipino nationals face extreme wait times in family preference categories. According to the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, the F-1 (unmarried adult children of US citizens) priority date for the Philippines is May 2013, the F-3 (married adult children of US citizens) cutoff is July 2005, and the F-4 (siblings of US citizens) cutoff is February 2007 ^[2]. The F-4 sibling category is particularly significant for Filipino families, as it represents one of the most-used pathways, with waits of nearly two decades. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21) have no per-country limit and are not subject to these backlogs.

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa.

Requires employer sponsorship for a role that needs at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field ^[3]. The employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor attesting to prevailing wage compliance ^[3]. The annual cap triggers a lottery. Filipino professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, and accounting use this route.

Employment-based green cards.

The EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories are available ^[4]. Processing takes years but the per-country backlogs for the Philippines in employment-based categories are generally shorter than those for India or China.

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Filipino nationals are not eligible for the Diversity Visa program because the Philippines has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the preceding five years ^[5].

Healthcare worker visas.

Filipino nurses and other healthcare professionals are heavily recruited by US employers. The H-1B route applies, but many healthcare employers also sponsor EB-3 green cards directly ^[4]. Credential evaluation through CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is required for most nursing positions. NCLEX-RN examination passage is mandatory before practicing as a registered nurse.

Consular processing.

The US Embassy in Manila handles both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing for the Philippines. Manila is one of the busiest US consular posts in the world for immigrant visa processing.

Tax Obligations in the United States

Once you become a US tax resident through a green card or the substantial presence test, you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts days of physical presence using a weighted formula across three years, with a threshold of 183 days ^[1].

The US-Philippines Income Tax Treaty.

The treaty, originally signed in 1976, prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits ^[2]. It covers income tax and includes provisions on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. During any transitional period when you have income in both countries, you claim foreign tax credits on Form 1116 for Philippine taxes paid on income also taxable in the US ^[3].

Philippine tax exit.

The Philippines taxes residents on worldwide income. When you cease Philippine tax residency, only Philippine-source income remains taxable in the Philippines. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) determines residency based on intent and physical presence. Filing a final return and canceling your TIN status as a resident helps establish the change.

FBAR and FATCA.

US tax residents with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[4]. FATCA Form 8938 applies at higher thresholds ^[5]. Philippine bank accounts, time deposits, and insurance products with cash value all count toward these thresholds.

Remittance tax considerations.

Money sent from the US to the Philippines is not taxable as income to the recipient in the Philippines (it is a gift or family support). However, US gift tax rules apply if you send more than the annual exclusion amount to a non-US person. Gifts to a non-US spouse have a higher annual exclusion than gifts to other non-US persons. Consult a tax advisor for large transfers.

State income taxes.

California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York (states with large Filipino-American populations) all have state income taxes. Nevada and Texas have no state income tax.

Healthcare Transition

PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) coverage does not extend to medical expenses incurred in the US. You need US-based coverage from your first day.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most full-time employment in the US includes health insurance. H-1B workers and green card holders are typically covered from their start date or after a brief waiting period. Plans vary in coverage, deductibles, copays, and provider networks.

Marketplace plans (ACA).

If you are lawfully present and lack employer coverage, you can purchase insurance through healthcare.gov or state exchanges. Premium subsidies based on income are available. Open enrollment runs November through mid-January, with Special Enrollment Periods after qualifying life events.

Medicaid and CHIP.

Green card holders typically must wait five years before qualifying for Medicaid in most states, though some states cover lawful permanent residents immediately. Children may qualify for CHIP under different rules.

The cost shock.

US healthcare pricing is a significant adjustment from Philippine costs. A routine doctor visit costs $100 to $300 without insurance. Emergency room visits generate bills of thousands. Hospitalization costs are an order of magnitude higher than in the Philippines.

Prescription drugs.

Many medications available cheaply in the Philippines are expensive in the US. Bring documentation from your Philippine doctor listing generic names and dosages. Ask your US doctor about generic alternatives. Some Filipino-Americans purchase maintenance medications during return visits to the Philippines, though transporting prescription drugs across borders requires documentation.

Filipino healthcare workers.

Filipino nurses and healthcare professionals working in the US are familiar with the US healthcare system from the provider side. This professional familiarity helps navigate the system as a patient, though the cost exposure as a consumer is still a significant adjustment from Philippine pricing.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open an account with your Philippine passport, US visa or green card, I-94 record, and proof of US address. Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) accept visa holders and green card holders. Some require an SSN; others allow account opening while your application is processing.

Philippine bank accounts.

Maintaining accounts with Philippine banks (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, PNB) is common among Filipino immigrants. As a US tax resident, these accounts must be reported on FBAR if they contribute to the $10,000 aggregate threshold ^[1]. Interest income is reportable on your US return.

Remittances.

The Philippines is one of the largest recipients of remittances globally. Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and specialized Philippine remittance services (LBC, Cebuana Lhuillier, iRemit) offer various options for USD-to-PHP transfers. Compare fees and exchange rates, as differences add up over years of regular sending.

Building US credit.

Philippine credit history does not transfer to the US credit system. You start with no US credit history. A secured credit card is the fastest way to build credit. Some banks in areas with large Filipino communities may offer introductory products.

Social Security.

The US and the Philippines do not have a Totalization Agreement ^[2]. Philippine SSS (Social Security System) contributions do not count toward US Social Security eligibility. You must meet US work credit requirements independently through US employment. Many Filipino immigrants continue voluntary SSS contributions from abroad to maintain Philippine pension eligibility.

Balikbayan privilege.

Filipinos who have become US citizens or permanent residents can still enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year under the Balikbayan program. This is relevant for maintaining Philippine financial accounts and managing property during return visits.

Property in the Philippines.

Filipino-Americans can own land in the Philippines (unlike most foreign nationals) as long as they retain Filipino citizenship or use certain ownership structures. Rental income from Philippine property is reportable on your US return and subject to Philippine tax, with foreign tax credits available to prevent double taxation ^[3].

Moving Logistics

Balikbayan boxes and shipping.

The balikbayan box is an institution in Filipino migration culture. Door-to-door cargo services shipping standard-sized boxes from the US to the Philippines are widespread, but shipping in the other direction (Philippines to US) works through standard international movers. A 20-foot container from Manila to a US West Coast port takes 2 to 4 weeks by sea. East Coast destinations add transit time. Companies like Crown Relocations, LBC Cargo, and various Philippine-specialist movers handle this corridor.

Customs and duties.

Personal effects and household goods used for at least one year before your move enter the US duty-free under the personal effects exemption. File a detailed inventory with US Customs and Border Protection. New items and gifts may be subject to duty.

What to leave behind.

Voltage differences between the Philippines (220V/60Hz) and the US (120V/60Hz) mean most Philippine appliances will not work without transformers. Kitchen appliances, televisions, and large electronics are not worth shipping. Clothes, books, personal items, and electronics with universal power supplies are worth bringing.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs entering the US from the Philippines must meet CDC requirements. The Philippines is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies, which means additional documentation is required. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, have valid rabies vaccination, and may need a rabies titer test from an approved laboratory. A CDC Dog Import Form is required. Start the process well in advance.

Driver's license.

Philippine driving licenses are not valid for long-term use in the US. After establishing residency, you must obtain a state driver's license through written and road tests. Requirements vary by state. Most states allow temporary use of a foreign license or international driving permit for a limited period after arrival.

Time zones.

Philippine Standard Time (PST, UTC+8) is 13 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Real-time communication with family in the Philippines requires scheduling around this large gap. Many Filipino immigrants use Viber, Messenger, and other apps for asynchronous communication.

Cultural Adjustment

The Filipino diaspora.

The US has one of the largest Filipino-American populations in the world, concentrated in California (Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego), Hawaii, New York/New Jersey, Illinois, Texas, and Nevada. Filipino grocery stores, restaurants, churches, and community organizations are abundant in these areas. The strength of the Filipino community network significantly eases the transition.

Language.

English is an official language of the Philippines, and most Filipino immigrants arrive with strong English skills. American English pronunciation and idioms differ from Philippine English, but the adjustment is generally faster than for immigrants from non-English-speaking countries. Tagalog and regional languages (Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon) are spoken in Filipino communities across the US.

Work culture.

US workplaces are generally more individualistic and direct than Filipino workplaces. The concept of "pakikisama" (smooth interpersonal relationships and group harmony) is less emphasized in American corporate culture. Feedback is more direct. Self-advocacy and negotiation (for salary, promotions, assignments) are expected in ways that may feel uncomfortable initially.

Healthcare workers.

A significant portion of Filipino immigrants work in healthcare, particularly nursing. Filipino nurses are well-respected in the US healthcare system. However, career advancement sometimes requires additional US credentials, certifications, or graduate degrees beyond what was needed to practice in the Philippines.

Family obligations.

Filipino culture emphasizes extended family support, and many Filipino-Americans send regular remittances to family members in the Philippines. This financial obligation can affect budgeting, savings, and retirement planning in the US. Balancing US expenses (housing, healthcare, childcare) with remittances is a common challenge.

Food.

Filipino restaurants and grocery stores are available in areas with large Filipino populations. Ingredients for Filipino cooking (calamansi, bagoong, patis, pandesal) are stocked at Asian grocery stores. In areas without a large Filipino community, ingredient availability is more limited.

Social integration.

The Filipino community provides a strong initial social network. Churches (particularly Catholic parishes), cultural organizations, hometown associations, and professional groups (Philippine Nurses Association of America, Filipino-American chambers of commerce) are common gathering points. Building relationships outside the community happens naturally through workplaces, children's schools, and neighborhood activities.

Compare United States

Visa guides for United States