US Immigration from Philippines
The 2020 census showed 4.4 million Filipino Americans lived in the USA, with the highest populations on the West Coast. It is a popular destination due to the strong job market and prominent diaspora.
You’ll need to navigate the USA’s challenging visa landscape to migrate to the country. Get help from Total Law by visiting us online or calling us at +1 844 312 4979.
Immigration to the United States
The USA is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse countries.
With over 50 million foreign-born residents, 15.8 per cent of the US population are immigrants, with 17 per cent of international migrants worldwide living in the United States.
It is a popular destination for Filipinos, and they have been an important part of the fabric of US society. However, it can still be challenging to secure a pathway to relocating from the
History of Filipino Immigration to the US
The Filipino presence in the USA dates back to the 16th century with the arrival of Filipino mariners in Morro Bay, California, but it was not until the 1760s that Filipinos established a permanent presence. They started settlements in Louisiana and the Mississippi River Delta, as well as New Orleans, during the early 19th century.
Significant Filipino immigration to the US began in the early 1900s. This was when the Spanish-American War made the Philippines a US overseas territory. During this period, in which Filipinos were considered US nationals, many settled in Hawaii and California, primarily as agricultural laborers. Thousands of Filipinos also served in the US Navy.
After World War II, the Philippines gained independence from the US. However, Filipinos continued to serve in large numbers within the US Navy. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, Filipinos represented the largest source of Asian immigrants.
From the 1990s, these individuals were often highly educated and skilled, particularly in the healthcare sector. At the same time, the US Navy ended its Philippines Enlistment Program, through which around 35,000 Filipinos had enlisted, with most also migrating to the US.
Causes of US Migration
Economic opportunities are a key driver for Filipino immigration to the US. Filipino migration remains highly skilled, with a particular focus on relatively lucrative healthcare roles. In 2023, the median income for Filipino American households was $112,600, substantially higher than the $78,700 median income for all immigrant households. The Filipino Government actively supports and regulates overseas labor.
Many come to reunite with family members or to be met by a welcoming local community. Likewise, the shared history between the US and the Philippines makes immigration to the US an obvious choice for individuals exploring opportunities overseas.
The Filipino reasons for migration to the US are familiar across many migrant populations. The US offers opportunities for higher wages and a better standard of living. Filipinos can also use migration to the US to give their children access to a higher standard of education.
The Philippines also has pockets of danger, such as ongoing clashes between the government’s military and insurgent groups in the nation’s south, which could encourage some Filipinos to move abroad. This is consistent with common patterns of migrants coming to the USA in the hope of greater safety.
Current Demographic Trends
Filipino Americans are particularly prominent in the western United States. They remain the largest Asian immigrant population in 11 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, and New Mexico, and the second-largest in 15 states, such as California, Colorado, and Louisiana. In 2017, Filipino Americans were most prominent in California, with 1.6 million, followed by Hawaii, Texas, and Washington.
In 2023, the last year of detailed immigration data according to Pew Research, Filipinos were the fourth largest immigrant group.
The distribution of US immigration has followed a trend since 1965. Prior to the Immigration and Nationality Act, the vast majority of immigrants came from European nations such as Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Impact of Migration to the US
Given the scale of the combined migration to the USA, it has had an enormous economic impact. Migrants from the Philippines and elsewhere have helped the US economy to grow by boosting consumer demand and filling essential roles. Migrants have also helped to reverse the problems associated with an aging population by bringing more working-age individuals into the country.
Migration to the US is not an exclusively positive story. There are concerns that high concentrations of migration to specific locations strain public services. It can also impact local inflation, such as by driving up house prices. Illegal immigration can also lead some migrants to be vulnerable to labor exploitation.
Public Opinion of Migration
Despite President Trump’s incredibly anti-immigration policy program, the majority of Americans are still in favour of migration. According to Gallup reporting, the percentage of Americans who say migration is a good thing reached a record high in 2025 of 79%, while polling in June 2026 found that 21% of US adults say migration is a bad thing.
US workers say that they particularly support legal immigration that boosts the workforce and tax revenue. Given that Filipino migrants fill in-demand, essential, and lucrative positions, particularly in the healthcare sector, this would all suggest high support for Filipino migration among the majority of Americans.
Americans show particular support for immigration when it fills roles occupied by retired Americans, low-wage jobs, or roles in the science, technology, education and healthcare sectors.
However, opinion on US migration remains one of the most divisive areas in US politics. The negative perception of immigrants is driven by supporters of the Republican Party. Support for immigration among these Americans has fallen 14% to 50%
US Immigration Policy
Migration of all demographics, including Filipinos, has been impacted by policies enacted during the second Trump administration. President Trump has decided to end the refugee program and stop considering most asylum claims at the border, imposed travel bans, and disrupted regular immigration processes, such as Green Card applications.
At the same time, enforcement activity against perceived illegal immigration has substantially stepped up, with a resultant increase in deportations and voluntary exits.
These factors have combined to result in fewer immigrants coming to the US and more people leaving the country. The result has been that demographic trackers, such as the Brookings Institution, identified 2025 as the first year in decades that the US experienced net negative migration.
This means that more migrants left the US than entered it. This net migration could drop to -900,000 by the end of 2026. While there is little data on how these trends have impacted Filipinos specifically, we can expect that this community will also be entering a state of net-negative migration.
"I'm very happy with the standard of training received on the OISC Level 1 course, i passed my exam. Thank you!"
Liam Calvert
Posted 6 years ago
"My application was approved and a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders this year "
Akeel Lakar
Posted 6 years ago
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 6 years ago
Types of US Immigration from Philippines
Family-Based immigration to the US
One of the primary types of immigration to the US for Filipinos is to be reunited with family members who are naturalized US citizens.
Filipinos can use immediate relative visas to join US citizens who are their spouses, unmarried children under 21, or their parents. There is a separate visa type for each of these relations. There are also an unlimited number of visas available across these categories, meaning that you’ll be able to get one if you match all of the requirements.
A limited number of visas are set aside for other relatives of US citizens, known as family preference visas. This includes unmarried children who are over 21 years old, married children of any age, and siblings.
Family preference visas are also available for the spouses of legal permanent residents and unmarried children under 21 years old. A different family preference visa type is available for the unmarried children of legal permanent residents who are over 21 years old.
To apply for permanent residency as the family member of a US citizen or Green Card holder, they’ll need to submit a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-130.
You will then need to conduct a number of application steps. This includes waiting for National Visa Center (NVC) processing, paying application fees, submitting your supporting documentation, and attending visa interviews.
Employment-Based immigration to the US
The US makes around 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas available to migrants from around the world. The number resets at the start of each fiscal year (1 October).
Obtaining an employment-based visa usually requires a job offer. Your prospective employer will then get labor certification approval from the Department of Labor before filing an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. You may then be able to apply for the relevant visa type.
There are five types of US employment visas available to Filipino workers, and you should apply for the one that fits your situation:
- EB-1: reserved for priority workers and persons of extraordinary ability. This visa type is for world-leading researchers, managers, and executives
- EB-2: reserved for professionals who have advanced degrees and exceptional ability. EB-2: requires a baccalaureate degree and a minimum of five years’ experience, or be considered to have scientific, arts, or business expertise well above the norm
- EB-3: suitable for skilled and unskilled workers, as well as professionals. Each of these types of workers has different requirements. For example, unskilled workers must be hired in roles that are not temporary and require less than two years of training. The US Government reserves 28.6% of its annual visas for this category plus any leftover EB-1 and EB-2 visa allowances
- EB-4: reserved for “certain special immigrants”, receiving 7.1% of the annual worker visa allowance. Labor certification is not required. Example roles include broadcasters, ministers of religion, and employees and former employees of the US Government abroad
- EB-5: a visa for immigrant investors. These individuals invest substantial sums in new commercial enterprises within the US that create jobs
Moving to the US through the Diversity Visa Program
Filipinos are not usually eligible for the Diversity Visa Program, which allocates 50,000 visas annually to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the US. Filipino nationals have been historically excluded because of the high rate of immigration between the Philippines and the USA.
The US Government releases a list of nations eligible and ineligible for the program each year.
However, you can use this visa program to move from the Philippines to the USA if you hold a different and eligible nationality.
You’ll also need to have a high school diploma (or your local equivalent) or at least 2 years of experience in an industry that requires at least 2 years of training. Candidates are selected for the application process through a lottery system.
Living in the US
Once you have successfully acquired the right visa for your needs and eligibility, you’ll need to adapt to your new life in the USA. There are three main areas to consider – cost of living, housing, education and healthcare – which are highly different from your current life in the Philippines.
Cost of Living
You’ll find that the cost of living is significantly higher than what you have experienced back in the Philippines. In the US, it is 137.4% higher when rent is excluded. There are several drivers of the higher cost of living. To take food as an example, a restaurant meal is around 275% more expensive in the US, while groceries are 113.3% more expensive. Likewise, transport, utilities, childcare, clothing, and more are far more costly in America.
It should be noted that the US is an enormous nation with huge differences in cost of living. If you move to a popular city like New York or San Francisco, you’ll find your everyday costs are incredibly high compared to anywhere in the Philippines. On the other hand, you’ll experience a more modest increase if you decide to live in a rural location.
Furthermore, Filipino workers can access an enormous wage increase by moving across the Pacific. The result is that local purchasing power is 360.9% higher in the USA. That means higher wages more than offset the higher cost of living.
Housing and Property Rent
A central driver of the higher cost of living in the US is housing costs. Rent is 411.4% higher in the USA. The cost of living increase goes up to 184.3% when rent is factored into the equation.
As with the general cost of living, this depends greatly on where you want to live in the USA, but your rent will almost always be much higher. For example, renting an apartment in New York costs an average of $3,390 a month for a studio. This increases to $7,339 for a three-bed apartment.
Education
The US is known for having some of the world’s best universities and research institutions. For children, education is free, although the quality varies massively depending on the schools you have access to. Higher education is incredibly expensive.
Higher education in the Philippines will usually be significantly cheaper, although it won’t match the quality of US education. As with the US, basic education is free in public schools. It was significantly expanded in 2013. English is the most widely used language of instruction. There is an even higher level of regional disparity in quality of education.
Healthcare
US healthcare is famously advanced, offering access to advanced medical technology and specialist care. However, it is almost entirely insurance-based and is notoriously expensive.
Forbes estimates that 530,000 people file for bankruptcy in the US each year due to their healthcare costs. Some relief comes for low-income and older individuals through Medicare and Medicaid.
The Philippines combines public and private providers. You can expect costs to be far lower.
However, accessing specialists and advanced treatments can be difficult, particularly in rural areas. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), a government-run health insurance system, will substantially reduce your costs, but will not remove them entirely.
US Residency
This status is obtained by holding a non-immigrant visa or humanitarian protection.
You will have the right to live in the USA and may be able to work or study, depending on the visa type you have.
Temporary residency has a strict time limit specified on your visa, which can vary from a few months to several years.
You will need to return to the Philippines after this time has passed. You will also have to maintain a permanent address back in the Philippines.
For these reasons, lawful temporary residence is not appropriate if you want to move to the USA permanently.
However, it can be a way to visit the US or gain education or employment experience in the country.
The US Green Card
Green Card holders can live and work permanently in the USA. Filipinos meeting the following criteria can apply for a Green Card:
- Have a family member, such as a spouse, of a US citizen
- Hold an E-1 Treaty Trader or E-2 Treaty Investor visa, or are in the US under an eligible employment-based immigration category
- Have been admitted as a refugee or were granted asylum at least a year ago
- Are a special immigrant, such as by holding an EB-4 visa
- Are the victim of human trafficking or crime
- Are the abused spouse, child, or parent of a US citizen or legal permanent resident
- Have lived in the US continuously since 1 January 1972
There are several less-common pathways to a US Green Card. Examples include children of foreign diplomats born during their stay in the US and foreign diplomats in the US who are unable to return home.
Being eligible for a US Green Card does not mean that you will automatically receive one. You will need to adjust your status by:
- Filing an immigration petition. For example, Form I-130 is used for family-based Green Card applications.
- Waiting for the immigration petition to be processed before checking if the relevant visa is available. If there is none available, you’ll need to wait. Filipino applicants can be stuck in this queue for years.
- Filing Form I-485. This is your application to register for permanent residence or adjust your status.
- Submitting your biometric information at an application support centre.
- Attending an interview if required by USCIS.
- Waiting for a decision. Processing time depends on immigration category and USCIS workload. If approved, you’ll receive your Green Card within a few weeks.
Green Card Benefits for Filipinos
Green Card status is coveted in the US because the benefits it offers go beyond the rights your visa provides. Examples of such benefits include:
- The ability to work for most US employers without needing specific sponsorship
- Eligibility for select federal jobs without requiring additional security clearance
- The ability to sponsor your immediate relatives to come to the USA
- You will qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. These rates are substantially lower than those charged to international students
- Access to US social programs after meeting residency and contribution requirements
A Green Card is also a primary prerequisite to applying to become a naturalized US citizen.
Applying for US Citizenship
In 2024, over 800,000 US immigrants became US citizens by naturalization, including substantial quantities of Filipinos, with millions more considered eligible for naturalization but choosing not to go through the process.
You will need to submit a successful application rather than automatically receive this status after having achieved the required three to five years of residency while holding a Green Card.
Beyond the residency requirement, you must be at least 18 years old when you apply, be able to read, write, and speak basic English, be of good moral character, and be willing to take the oath of allegiance.
Other requirements include demonstrating knowledge and understanding of US history and government, being willing to perform civil or military service if asked, and showing loyalty to the Constitution.
Complete your citizenship by naturalization application by:
- Filing Form N-400 and pay the filing fee. You can do this up to 90 days before you complete the Green Card residency requirement.
- Attending a biometrics appointment at your local USCIS office.
- Attending a citizenship interview and exam. This will usually be scheduled around 14 months after USCIS receives your application.
- Waiting for your application to be processed.
- Attending a citizenship ceremony if your application is approved. This is where you will take the Oath of Allegiance.
The citizenship ceremony will also be where you hand in your US Green Card. It will be replaced with a Certificate of Naturalization.
Benefits of US Citizenship for Filipinos
The benefits of gaining US citizenship include:
- The ability to live permanently in the USA without being deported
- The right to vote in local, state and federal elections
- The highest priority when applying for family members to join you in the USA
- Eligibility for federal jobs with the highest level of security clearance
- The ability to run for federal, state and local elected office, although only natural-born citizens and people born in the US can run for president
- Access to applications for federal grants and scholarships that are reserved for US citizens
US citizens by naturalization can also apply for a US passport, which allows visa-free access to 111 countries, compared with the Filipino passport’s 38, according to Passport Index.
You’ll also have access to more nations with an electronic travel authorization or an e-visa.
Refugees and Asylees in the US
You can get refugee or asylum status in the US if you have been persecuted or have a legitimate reason to fear future persecution in the Philippines based on having one or a selection of certain protected characteristics.
These are race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and political opinion.
If such characteristics and persecution apply in your case, you can apply for refugee status while outside the USA. To be eligible, you must:
- Meet the US definition of a refugee
- Not be subject to a mandatory bar
- Be of “special humanitarian concern” to the USA
- Be admissible to the country
You can apply for asylum status if you are already in the USA and meet the following requirements:
- Meet the US definition of a refugee
- Not be subject to a mandatory bar
- Have filed Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, through USCIS or have requested asylum through the US judicial system
It is exceedingly rare for Filipinos to be granted asylum or refugee status in the US due to the relatively safe nature of the country. In 2025, 97% of Filipinos asylum applications were rejected.
Enforcement of US Immigration Laws
Along with a large population of foreign-born residents, the USA also has significant quantities of illegal immigrants.
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an anti-immigration think tank, estimated in March 2025 that over 18 million illegal immigrants resided in the US.
These immigrants either entered the US legally and overstayed their visa or residency, or crossed the US border illegally.
Recent activity by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been in an effort to reduce these numbers.
ICE is responsible for the removal of illegal immigrants already in the USA, and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for preventing illegal border crossings.
ICE has a sweeping range of powers to execute its duties, including:
- Stop, detain, and arrest people they suspect are illegal immigrants
- Conduct investigations into illegal immigration
- Enter homes and private spaces with a judicial warrant
- Arrest US citizens who are interfering with an arrest or assaulting ICE officers
- Use force against those posing a serious danger to ICE officers and other people
Overview of Immigration Detainers
Immigration detainer is the most commonly used term for Form I-247A, which can be used against Filipinos who are believed to be violating immigration rules. ICE uses this tool to ask state or local law enforcement to maintain custody of a suspected illegal immigrant.
Immigration detainers are limited in scope. They aren’t judicially signed warrants, so it is up to law enforcement’s discretion whether they want to help.
“Sanctuary” jurisdictions, areas with a policy of not cooperating with immigration enforcement, rarely help with immigration detainer requests.
The holding period is also capped at 48 hours. ICE must take custody of the individual within this time or release the individual.
How Can Total Law Help?
Deciding that migrating to the US is right for you is the first of many steps you’ll need to take if you want to move from the Philippines to the USA. You’ll need to discover which visas you are eligible for and properly complete the application process. You’ll then need to travel to the US and ensure you maintain your legal status there.
You can improve your chances of contributing to the positive story of Filipino immigration to the US by working with Total Law. Our expert lawyers and immigration advisors can guide you through the entire application and help you to prepare everything you need for migration to the US.
Once you are in the country, we can help you with a Green Card and US citizenship application to make your status in the country permanent.
Get started with Total Law today by contacting our team at +1 844 312 4979 or online, and get personalized advice on US immigration.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of temporary visas available to Filipinos, and you should choose the right one depending on your needs and the purpose of your travel.
The most common temporary visa classifications include:
- Tourism and business visits: B-1 and B-2
- Student and educational exchange visits: F, M, and J
- Temporary employment: H-1B, L-1 and O-1
Yes, you can still face deportation if the government decides to revoke your status. This has become more likely since the 2025 review of the legal status of 3.3 million Green Card holders, which will affect many Filipinos.
Reasons for a Green Card include:
- You have a serious criminal conviction
- You are considered a national security threat
- You committed fraud or made misrepresentations to obtain your Green Card status
- You have moved outside of the US for extended periods
- You violated the Green Card conditions, such as failing to inform the government of a change of address
A standard Green Card for Filipinos has a 10-year validity. This is reduced to two years if you received conditional permanent residence status.
A recent marriage is one way this can happen, and you’ll need to file a petition to have this condition removed before the two years have elapsed.
Although physical Green Cards usually expire after 10 years, lawful permanent residents’ underlying status remains in effect unless it is revoked.