My name has appeared in the BOI listings!! No, sorry to some readers, not because I've been a bad boy and will be removed from Philippine soil, but because I am allowed to stay here permanently! Later this month we'll go to Manila to get my passport stamped and to get my new card. Looking back, the process of obtaining my permanent residence visa has been rather smooth: Upon arrival here in 2012 I was allowed to stay the first year on my Balikbayan visa. Only extended that about 3 times (2-months each time) to allow local institutions to correct the paperwork of my wife so she could request issuance of my permanent visa. When that was finally done, off we went to Manila BOI with the complete paperwork package. Delivered it on Monday morning, paid and got the receipt stating that we had our hearing scheduled for the Thursday the same week, followed by fingerprinting and picture taking. Hearing took about 10 minutes and we were dismissed and told to keep looking at the listings on the BOI website for the approval of my Temporary (1-year) visa. name never showed up, but we got a letter from the BOI stating all was fine and pls come and get your stamp/ACR card. That was last year. Earlier this year we compiled the package for my permanent application, delivered it on Monday morning at the Manila BOI, paid and got the receipt with the same info as the first one. Hearing on Thursday followed by biometrics. Same attorney! Took about 15 minutes (the man was interested in the type of foods we ate when still @ Home), and ended with: "Your application is granted. Just look at the website when you can collect your visa stamp and new ACR". One week earlier that scheduled my name appeared! Sometimes things DO work out properly!
Interesting. A friend who just got his 13A said that he had to remain temporary for 16 years. They had changed the 1 year probationary then permanent to. 1 year probationary, Extended by 5 years, Then extended by 10 years. After 16 years in total he will get permanent. Sounded crazy to me.
