Civil Document · Updated May 2026
PSA Marriage Certificate (Marriage Contract) for U.S. Immigration: 2026 Guide
For adjustment of status, submit a certified English translation of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) marriage certificate with no apostille required. For consular processing at the Manila Embassy, bring the original security paper (SECPA) copy to your interview. A separate CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages is also required and expires after one year.
Quick answer
Order the PSA marriage certificate (also called the Marriage Contract) from PSAHelpline.ph, a PSA walk-in outlet, or an SM Business Center. The walk-in fee is PHP 155 per copy; PSAHelpline delivery is PHP 365. Order at least two copies: one to scan for the National Visa Center (NVC) and one to bring to the Manila Embassy interview. The Manila Embassy does not accept a photocopy at the interview window; bring the original SECPA copy. No apostille is needed for either the adjustment of status or consular processing path.
At a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| AOS (applicant inside the U.S.) | Submit a photocopy of the PSA-authenticated marriage certificate and a certified English translation with I-130 or I-485. No apostille required. USCIS does not accept local civil registry (LCRO) copies; PSA authentication is required. |
| Consular Processing (Manila) | Upload a scanned copy to NVC through the CEAC portal. Bring the original PSA copy on security paper (SECPA) to the Manila Embassy interview. The Embassy will not accept a plain photocopy or an LCRO copy at the window. |
| What is a PSA marriage certificate | A PSA-authenticated copy of the Certificate of Marriage (also called the Marriage Contract) registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) and transmitted to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It is printed on PSA security paper (SECPA) with a QR code for verification. |
| Where to order | PSAHelpline.ph (online, home delivery), PSA CRS walk-in outlets, SM Business Centers, or e-Census partner locations. Walk-in cost is PHP 155 per copy. PSAHelpline delivery is PHP 365 (Metro Manila next-day after release; provincial 3 to 5 days extra). |
| CENOMAR vs. marriage certificate | A CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) proves no marriage exists. A PSA marriage certificate proves the current marriage. The Embassy requires both: the PSA marriage certificate for the current marriage AND a CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages for prior marital status. Both have a one-year validity. |
| Translation requirement | Full certified English translation required for USCIS (AOS path). Manila Embassy does not separately require a translation for the PSA marriage certificate if it is in English, but all fields including registry stamps must be covered if translated. |
| Most common problem | Marriage not yet transmitted from the LCRO to PSA (certificate returns 'No Record Available'). Also common: spelling discrepancy between the marriage certificate and the passport. |
| Fee (as of May 2026) | PHP 155 per copy at PSA CRS walk-in outlets. PHP 365 per copy through PSAHelpline.ph (includes delivery). Verify directly before ordering; PSA adjusts fees periodically. |
Sources: U.S. Embassy Manila post supplement, U.S. Embassy Philippines document FAQ, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) (verified May 2026).
AOS vs. consular processing: what each path requires
The PSA marriage certificate is required for every Philippines marriage-based green card case. What you must submit with it depends on which path you are taking.
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
Applicant is inside the United States. Submit a photocopy of the PSA-authenticated marriage certificate on SECPA paper and a certified English translation to USCIS with your I-130 or I-485 package. No apostille required. USCIS does not accept certificates from the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) directly; the PSA authentication on security paper is required.
Consular Processing (Manila)
Applicant is outside the United States and will interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Upload a scanned copy to NVC through the CEAC portal. Bring the original PSA copy on SECPA paper to the interview. The Manila Embassy has stated that applicants who arrive without all required original documents will not be interviewed and must schedule a new appointment.
Four ways to order the PSA marriage certificate
All four options produce the same PSA-authenticated certificate on SECPA paper. The right choice depends on where you are and how quickly you need it.
PSAHelpline.ph: online with delivery
Visit PSAHelpline.ph, select 'Marriage Certificate,' fill out the online form with both spouses' names, the date of marriage, and the municipality where the marriage was registered. Pay via credit card, debit card, e-wallet (GCash, Maya), or over-the-counter at partner outlets. Delivery is next-day in Metro Manila after PSA releases the document; provincial delivery typically takes 3 to 5 additional business days. PSAHelpline is the PSA's authorized online channel.
PSA CRS outlet: walk-in with appointment
Book a slot through the PSA online appointment system (appointment.psa.gov.ph) or directly at a PSA Civil Registration System (CRS) outlet. Bring one government-issued photo ID. Fill out the request form at the counter, pay PHP 155 per copy, and receive the certificate during the scheduled release window. Same-day release is typical.
SM Business Centers and e-Census partner locations
Available at SM Supermalls Business Centers and select partner malls nationwide. The process is the same as the PSA walk-in, but no separate PSA appointment is required. A convenience fee of approximately PHP 20 to 50 is added on top of the PHP 155 official PSA fee.
Philippine Consulate or Embassy abroad
If both spouses are outside the Philippines, you can request a PSA certificate through a Philippine consulate or embassy. Processing time varies widely: typically 4 to 10 weeks. Contact the consulate by email first to confirm the current request process, fees, and what ID is required. Some consulates only process requests for Filipinos registered in their jurisdiction.
Fee as of May 2026: PHP 155 at PSA walk-in outlets, PHP 365 via PSAHelpline.ph (includes delivery). Verify directly at psahelpline.ph before ordering. PSA adjusts fees periodically.
What the PSA marriage certificate contains
The PSA marriage certificate (formally called the Certificate of Marriage or Marriage Contract) contains these fields. Every field that is not in English must be included in the certified translation for USCIS.
Names and personal information of both parties
Full names as registered, ages at time of marriage, citizenship, occupation, and residence. Philippine marriage certificates record the full birth name of both spouses. Names of parents and witnesses are also included.
Date and place of marriage
The date the ceremony was solemnized, and the municipality and province where it took place. This is the legally recognized marriage date for immigration purposes, regardless of whether a separate church ceremony occurred on a different date.
Solemnizing officer
Name and authority of the person who solemnized the marriage: a judge, mayor, priest, minister, rabbi, or other officer registered with the PSA. Both civil and religious ceremonies are recorded here. The certificate does not distinguish 'civil' from 'church' as separate categories; the solemnizing officer's title indicates the type.
Witnesses
At least two witnesses of legal age, with their names and signatures. All witness names must be included in the certified English translation.
Registry information
Registry number, book and page number, and the date the marriage was registered with the LCRO. If registration was delayed beyond the standard window, this date will be significantly later than the marriage date. This situation is called late registration.
PSA security paper and authentication stamp
The PSA copy is printed on SECPA (Security Paper) with a PSA dry seal or stamp and a QR code for verification. This is what distinguishes a PSA-authenticated copy from a plain LCRO copy.
Translation for AOS filers
Because PSA marriage certificates are printed primarily in English, the translation burden is lower than for Spanish-language documents. However, any field that contains entries in Filipino, Tagalog, or another language must be translated. The translator must certify competence and accuracy. Petitioners and beneficiaries cannot translate their own documents under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3).
Source: USCIS translation guidance (verified May 2026).
CENOMAR vs. Advisory on Marriages vs. PSA marriage certificate
The U.S. Embassy in Manila requires a CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages for every visa applicant 18 or older, in addition to the PSA marriage certificate. These are two separate documents with different purposes.
CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record)
Issued by PSA when its database shows no marriage on record for the applicant. Confirms the applicant has never been married. Required for first-time marriages. Valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Advisory on Marriages
Issued by PSA when a prior marriage or marriages are found in its database. Contains information about each recorded marriage: names, dates, and places. When you apply for a CENOMAR and PSA finds a prior marriage on record, it issues an Advisory on Marriages instead. Required when the beneficiary was previously married (even if widowed or annulled). Valid for one year.
PSA marriage certificate
Documents the specific current marriage. Separate from the CENOMAR or Advisory. Contains ceremony details, names, and registry information. This is the document that proves your marriage exists.
Source: U.S. Embassy Philippines: Immigrant Visa Document FAQ and PSA CENOMAR page (verified May 2026).
Civil wedding, church wedding, and the date immigration uses
The Philippines allows both civil and religious (church) weddings, and both produce a legally valid marriage under Philippine law. For U.S. immigration, the distinction matters in two ways.
What the PSA certificate records
The PSA certificate records the marriage that was solemnized and registered first. If a couple had a civil wedding first and a church wedding second, the PSA certificate will reflect the civil wedding date. If only a church wedding occurred, the certificate reflects that date, because in the Philippines, a priest or minister with a valid Certificate of Registration of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) is an authorized solemnizing officer, and the ceremony is registered with the LCRO.
Two ceremonies on different dates
Some couples hold a civil wedding (to complete the legal requirements) and a church ceremony on a different date. For U.S. immigration, the date that matters is the date on the PSA marriage certificate: the date the marriage was legally solemnized and registered. NVC and the Embassy do not recognize the church ceremony date separately unless it is the only registered marriage date. If both ceremonies are registered, only the first registered marriage appears on the PSA certificate.
Church record vs. civil registration
A church marriage registry record is not a substitute for the PSA certificate. USCIS and the Manila Embassy require the PSA-authenticated certificate on security paper. A church-issued certificate of marriage is not accepted as a standalone document, though it may be submitted as supporting evidence in unusual cases (for example, when explaining a registration delay).
Common problems and how to handle them
Most PSA marriage certificate problems fall into a small number of patterns. Each one can add weeks to months to your case timeline.
Marriage not in PSA database ('No Record Available')
When the LCRO fails to transmit the marriage record to PSA (or when transmission occurred but was not yet encoded), the PSA will return a 'No Record Available' result. This does not mean the marriage is invalid. Go to the LCRO where the marriage was registered and request an endorsement letter to PSA. Processing time after endorsement is typically 4 to 8 weeks. In urgent cases, you may request expedited endorsement from the local civil registrar.
Frequently reported in VisaJourney Philippines threads, 2022–2025
Late registration and missing records for older marriages
Marriages that were not registered within the legally prescribed period (15 to 30 days of solemnization under the Family Code) require a separate late registration process at the LCRO, including affidavits and additional supporting documents. If the marriage was registered late, the PSA will note this on the certificate. The document is still valid for immigration, but the late registration may prompt a consular officer to ask about the delay.
Common for marriages from the 1980s–1990s reported in immigration forum posts
Spelling discrepancy between the marriage certificate and the passport
Philippine documents sometimes record names differently than the passport: a middle initial instead of full middle name, an alternate transliteration of a Chinese-Filipino surname, or a maiden name used on older certificates that the spouse no longer uses. USCIS and the Manila Embassy check that the name on the marriage certificate matches the DS-260 and the beneficiary's passport. A mismatch requires a written explanation and supporting documents. In cases where the name difference is significant, the beneficiary may need to file a correction at the LCRO before the certificate can be used for immigration.
Reported consistently in VisaJourney and r/immigration Philippines threads, 2023–2025
Marriage contracted abroad, certificate not registered with Philippine authorities
If a Filipino citizen married abroad and did not file a Report of Marriage (ROM) with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, the marriage may not appear in PSA records. To remedy this, file the ROM at the nearest Philippine diplomatic post. After approval, the Embassy forwards it to Manila, and the PSA will issue a certificate approximately 6 months later. For active immigration cases, contact NVC to explain the delay and submit the LCRO copy and the ROM acknowledgment as interim evidence.
Documented in Philippine Embassy DC report-of-marriage instructions
CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages expires before the interview
The CENOMAR and Advisory on Marriages are valid for only one year from the date issued. If your Manila Embassy interview is scheduled more than a year after you obtained the document, you must order a fresh copy. Order no earlier than 60 to 90 days before the expected interview date, or wait until the interview is confirmed and then rush the order.
Highlighted in U.S. Embassy Manila FAQ documentation, 2025–2026
What applicants report
Aggregated from VisaJourney and r/immigration posts about PSA marriage certificates in Philippines CR-1, IR-1, and AOS cases. Experiences vary. Use as context, not as instructions.
Tips from the community
Order at least two PSA copies before NVC stage
NVC accepts a scanned upload through the CEAC portal, but the Manila Embassy requires the original SECPA copy at the interview window. Applicants who send or scan their only PSA copy and do not order a second one have had interviews paused when they could not produce the original. Order two copies at the start of the process.
Source: VisaJourney Philippines forum, 2023–2025
Check for 'No Record Available' early. Do not wait until NVC asks
If the LCRO never transmitted your marriage record to PSA, you will get a 'No Record Available' response. Fixing this takes 4 to 8 weeks on average: the LCRO must endorse the record and PSA must encode it. If you discover this problem at the NVC document submission stage, it can delay your case significantly. Order the PSA certificate as soon as I-130 is approved to identify any database issue early.
Source: VisaJourney Philippines threads, multiple posts 2022–2025
The CENOMAR expires in one year. Time the order carefully
Order the CENOMAR or Advisory on Marriages no earlier than 60 to 90 days before your expected interview date. Ordering it too early means it will be expired by the time you reach the Embassy window. The one-year clock starts from the date PSA prints the document, not from when you pick it up.
Source: U.S. Embassy Manila FAQ and VisaJourney CR1/IR1 threads, 2024–2025
Bring the original SECPA copy to the interview, not a photocopy or phone photo
The Manila Embassy has stated clearly that missing original documents result in no interview and a new appointment. The SECPA paper has embedded security features that consular officers verify. A color photocopy is not equivalent. Bring the original plus one photocopy of each document.
Source: U.S. Embassy Philippines, ph.usembassy.gov, 2025–2026
In their own words
“We found out at the NVC stage that the PSA had no record of our marriage. Turns out the LCRO never transmitted it. We had to go back to the province, get the endorsement letter, and wait another 6 weeks for PSA to process it. Luckily we caught it then and not the week before the interview.”
“I ordered the CENOMAR and PSA marriage certificate together in February. By the time our interview came in March the following year, the CENOMAR was expired. Had to rush-order a new one. Time the order within 90 days of the interview, not at the beginning of the process.”
Sources
- U.S. Department of State: U.S. Embassy Manila (MNL) Post Supplement (verified May 2026)
- U.S. Embassy in the Philippines: Immigrant Visa Application Requirements FAQ (verified May 2026)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA): Marriage Certificate (verified May 2026)
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA): CENOMAR (verified May 2026)
- PSAHelpline.ph: PSA Marriage Certificate ordering (verified May 2026)
- USCIS: Translation of Foreign Language Documents (verified May 2026)
- U.S. Department of State: Philippines Civil Documents and Reciprocity (verified May 2026)
- VisaJourney: Philippines NVC and Manila Embassy community forums (community data)
Frequently asked questions
Does the PSA marriage certificate need an apostille for USCIS adjustment of status?
No. For adjustment of status (Form I-485), USCIS does not require an apostille on a Philippine PSA marriage certificate. A certified English translation of the PSA-authenticated copy is sufficient under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(3). Apostilles apply to foreign documents used in other Hague Convention signatory countries; USCIS operates under its own translation certification standard.
Does the Manila Embassy require a certified translation of the PSA marriage certificate?
The PSA marriage certificate is printed primarily in English, so a separate certified translation is generally not required by the Manila Embassy. However, if any field on the certificate contains entries in Filipino (Tagalog) or another language, those portions should be translated. When in doubt, include a certified translation; it is never penalized and it removes ambiguity.
What is the difference between the CENOMAR and the PSA marriage certificate for immigration?
These are two separate documents. The PSA marriage certificate proves your current marriage exists: it contains names, ceremony date, place, and solemnizing officer. The CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) proves you were not previously married, or the Advisory on Marriages documents your prior marriage history. The Manila Embassy requires both. Order them together from PSA.
What if the PSA returns 'No Record Available' for our marriage?
A 'No Record Available' result means the record either was not transmitted from the LCRO to PSA, or has not yet been encoded. The marriage itself is still valid. Go to the LCRO where the marriage was registered and request an endorsement letter asking PSA to encode the record. Once the LCRO submits the endorsement, PSA processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Request an LCRO-certified copy in the meantime; while USCIS now requires PSA authentication, you can notify NVC of the delay with documentation of the endorsement request.
We had a church wedding and a separate civil wedding on different dates. Which date does immigration use?
U.S. immigration uses the date on the PSA marriage certificate, which reflects whichever ceremony was solemnized and registered with the LCRO first. If the civil wedding was first, that date appears. If only a church ceremony occurred and it was registered, that date appears. The ceremony date on the PSA certificate is the legally recognized marriage date for immigration purposes.
Can we use the LCRO copy instead of the PSA copy if our marriage is not in the PSA database?
USCIS and the Manila Embassy now require the PSA-authenticated copy on security paper (SECPA). An LCRO copy alone is not accepted as the primary document. In documented cases where the PSA database does not yet contain the record, you may submit the LCRO-certified copy with a written explanation and proof of the endorsement request, but contact NVC or the Embassy to confirm what they will accept in that situation, as requirements can vary.
How long does it take to get the PSA marriage certificate?
At a PSA walk-in outlet with an appointment, same-day or next-day release is typical. Through PSAHelpline.ph, delivery is next-day in Metro Manila after PSA releases the document, with provincial delivery taking 3 to 5 additional business days. Allow extra time if PSA returns 'No Record Available': resolving a missing record adds 4 to 8 weeks.
What name should appear on the PSA marriage certificate for immigration?
The PSA certificate will reflect the names as registered at the time of the marriage. For immigration, the beneficiary's name on the PSA certificate must match the name on their Philippine passport and the DS-260. If there is a discrepancy (for example, a nickname used in the registry versus the legal name on the passport), submit a written explanation to NVC. A significant name difference may require filing a petition for correction at the LCRO before the certificate can be used.
Key takeaways
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For AOS filers, no apostille is required. Submit a certified English translation of the PSA marriage certificate on SECPA with your I-130 or I-485 package.
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For Manila consular processing, upload a scan to NVC through the CEAC portal and bring the original SECPA copy to the Embassy interview. Missing the original means no interview.
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Order at least two PSA copies: one to scan for NVC and one to bring to the Embassy interview window.
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The CENOMAR (or Advisory on Marriages) is a separate document from the PSA marriage certificate and is also required by the Manila Embassy. It expires after one year; order it within 90 days of your expected interview date.
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If PSA returns 'No Record Available,' go to the LCRO for an endorsement letter immediately. Resolving a missing record takes 4 to 8 weeks.
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The date on the PSA certificate is the legally recognized marriage date for immigration, regardless of whether a church ceremony occurred on a different date.
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Name spellings on the PSA certificate must match the beneficiary's Philippine passport and the DS-260. A discrepancy requires a written explanation or, in serious cases, an LCRO correction.
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- 01PSA Birth Certificate for U.S. Immigration: How to Order and What to Submit (2026)
- 02PSA CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) for U.S. Immigration: 2026 Guide
- 03Annotated PSA Documents for U.S. Immigration: What They Are and What to Submit (2026)
- 04Consular Processing Guide (2026): Marriage Green Card
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