⚠️ Immigration data changes frequently. Processing times and visa availability vary. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Immigration Overview: Philippines to the United States
Filipino nationals have one of the largest and most established immigrant communities in the United States, with immigration historically driven by healthcare workers, military service members, and family reunification. The Philippines is particularly notable for its EB-3 Schedule A workforce shortage designation, which applies to registered nurses and physical therapists—these occupations can bypass the standard PERM labor certification process, making the green card pathway faster for qualifying healthcare professionals. The H-1B visa is widely used by Filipino technology and engineering professionals, though the lottery creates uncertainty. Immediate Relative (IR-1 and CR-1) spousal visas are generally the fastest family-based pathway and do not face per-country numerical limits. However, the F-2A (spouses and children of permanent residents) and preference family categories face significant backlogs for Filipino nationals. H-2B seasonal non-agricultural workers are also commonly from the Philippines, particularly in hospitality and tourism industries. Filipino professionals with nursing or physical therapy licenses should specifically explore the Schedule A designation, which represents a meaningful advantage compared to most other nationalities and occupations.
Most Common Visa Paths for Philippines Nationals
Backlog & Wait Times for Philippines
Priority Date Backlog
Significant
EB-3 and family categories face long waits. Strong in healthcare/nursing (EB-3 Schedule A). IR/CR immediate relative category is fastest.
Visa Bulletin Priority Dates — Philippines
| Category | Chargeability | Final Action Date | Filing Date | Bulletin |
|---|
| EB-1st |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-2nd |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-3rd |
PHILIPPINES |
01AUG23 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-4th |
PHILIPPINES |
15JUL22 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-5th Set Aside:
Infrastructure (2%, including RI) |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-5th Set Aside:
Rural (20%, including NR, RR) |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-5th Unreserved
(including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU) |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-Certain Religious Workers |
PHILIPPINES |
15JUL22 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-F1 |
PHILIPPINES |
22APR15 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-F2A |
PHILIPPINES |
C |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-F2B |
PHILIPPINES |
01OCT13 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-F3 |
PHILIPPINES |
08AUG06 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-F4 |
PHILIPPINES |
22MAR08 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-Other Workers |
PHILIPPINES |
01NOV21 |
Current |
May 2026 |
| EB-1 |
Philippines |
C |
C |
March 2026 |
| EB-2 |
Philippines |
01JAN2022 |
01MAR2022 |
March 2026 |
| EB-3 |
Philippines |
01JAN2019 |
01MAR2019 |
March 2026 |
| F-1 |
Philippines |
01JAN2018 |
01MAR2018 |
March 2026 |
| F-2A |
Philippines |
C |
C |
March 2026 |
| F-2B |
Philippines |
01MAY2013 |
01JUL2013 |
March 2026 |
Source: US Department of State Visa Bulletin. "Current" = no backlog.
H-1B Approval Rates (Most Popular)
| Year | Petitions Filed | Approval Rate |
|---|
| 2024 |
320,000 |
8500.0% |
| 2024 |
460,000 |
9300.0% |
| 2024 |
780,000 |
1090.0% |
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⚠️
Some data on this page may be outdated. We're working on refreshing it. For the latest official figures, check the
source links.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best US visa for Philippines nationals in 2026?
The most common and recommended US visa paths for Philippines nationals in 2026 are: H-1B, EB-3, F-1, H-2B, IR-1. The best choice depends on your specific situation — education level, employer sponsorship availability, and long-term immigration goals. Philippines nationals with a US employer can pursue H-1B sponsorship; those with advanced degrees and significant professional contributions may self-petition via EB-2 NIW; student visa holders typically enter on F-1 and transition to work authorization through OPT.
How long is the US green card wait for Philippines nationals in 2026?
Green card wait times for Philippines nationals as of 2026: Significant. EB-3 and family categories face long waits. Strong in healthcare/nursing (EB-3 Schedule A). IR/CR immediate relative category is fastest. Most Philippines nationals outside the India/China high-demand categories can expect employment-based green card processing in 2–5 years after I-140 approval, depending on category and annual visa bulletin movement.
Can Philippines nationals apply for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, Philippines nationals can apply for H-1B visas through US employer sponsorship. The annual H-1B cap (85,000 per fiscal year) and lottery registration process apply equally to all nationalities — there is no per-country limit for H-1B nonimmigrant status. The employer files an H-1B registration in early April; if selected, a full I-129 petition is filed with USCIS for an October 1 start date. H-1B filing fees range from $3,880–$6,880+ and are required by law to be paid by the employer.
Can Philippines nationals self-petition for a US green card without employer sponsorship?
Yes. Philippines nationals with advanced degrees and significant professional contributions to a national interest field may self-petition for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) — no employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification required. The EB-1A (extraordinary ability) category also allows self-petition for individuals at the top of their field. Both pathways require demonstrating sustained achievement through research publications, awards, media recognition, or other evidence of national/international impact. For most Philippines nationals outside India and China, EB-2 NIW priority dates are current, meaning green card processing can proceed quickly after I-140 approval.
What is the fastest US immigration pathway for Philippines nationals?
The fastest US immigration pathways for Philippines nationals in 2026 depend on qualifications: (1) Immediate Relative petitions (spouse/parent/child of US citizen) process without numerical caps, typically 12–18 months. (2) EB-1A/EB-2 NIW self-petitions for highly qualified nationals with current priority dates can result in green cards in 18–36 months. (3) H-1B to EB-2/EB-3 employer-sponsored green card typically takes 3–7 years for most nationalities (excluding India/China which face decade-long backlogs). (4) TN visa (for Canadian and Mexican nationals only) allows same-day approval at the border. Use our Visa Finder tool to see which pathway fits your profile.