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Retirement Visa COURTESY SRRV FOR VETERANS (US VETS AND OTHERS)

Discussion in 'Passports and Visas' started by nwlivewire, May 25, 2015.

  1. AlwaysRt

    AlwaysRt DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster Blood Donor Veteran Air Force Marines

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  2. DaveD

    DaveD DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Veteran Navy

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    Yes, you can do all of that. Yes, the all-in fee should be approx. $3500USD only due to the transportation costs back and forth to Cebu or Manila to process the paperwork. Representatives of the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) will assist you in Cebu or Manila just email them and set up an appointment so they can maybe meet you at the airport and drive you around! Make them earn that $1500USD they get paid. Definitely get the 3 year visa unless you want to go back to Cebu or Manila every year to do the extension. Also they have an FPO in Cebu where you can get your mail sent if you become a member. Look up RAO (retired activities office) Cebu for details or maybe someone else here can explain. I used one in Angeles city for years but cancelled it when coming to Dumaguete because I didn't want the hassle of going to Cebu to get my US Mail so do everything online now instead.
     
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    nwlivewire

    nwlivewire DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Army Navy

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    Dear DaveD:

    Yes. I will connect with RAO in Cebu within 30 days after I hit the ground in Dumaguete. So far, they are the closest location to Duma to get mail from the States, though they limit the weight to UNDER 16 ounces per package.

    Were you ever able to find a work-around on the weight restriction?

    Just wondering as I might need to ship a pair of shoes or a pair of light-weight pants or something like that.

    Thanks!

    V/R,
    nwlivewire
     
  4. DaveD

    DaveD DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Veteran Navy

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    Not directly. Can't get anything larger than replacement checks and regular mail and magazines through the APO/FPO anymore unless on active duty stationed overseas but several retailers will ship to the Philippines and you can order online. They send it registered mail (so you have to sign for it in person at the post office with ID) and I have received a few things through the Dumaguete post office already with no problems other than an obligatory P100 fee paid to the post office supposedly for customs. I suspect it goes into a pocket. But as long as I get the package with all contents undamaged as I have so far I don't mind ~ $2 dollar service fee IMPO. But only send mail or packages via US registered mail or they will disappear into never-never land. (someone will requisition it for you)

    If you want to ship things here from the states for use in the PI duty free look into using balikbayan boxes. They are shipping boxes that come in set sizes and you pay by size not weight and they come by boat. Very reasonable prices. Cheapest way to ship things here and if you get an SRRV you get a one time import duty free for household goods, Forget how much because it didn't apply to me but it is available for you if that is something you are interested in. I know lots of people that do this to send favorite food stuffs and books etc... Whatever you think you may need.
     
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    Last edited: Jan 28, 2016
  5. NYC

    NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force

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    Thanks for all the great information on this thread. Although I have been planning a retirement in Dumaguete for quite awhile, it will finally come to pass later this year. Until today I had no idea there was a veteran's SRRV, and that will be the perfect solution for me.

    Although not a US military retiree, I do have an Honorable Discharge after 10 years of service. And I am PLENTY old enough!

    Now, I have to go back and CAREFULLY reread all this information to get things done in proper order and in the proper country.

    When I show up in the Philippines unannounced this coming September, I will be issued a 30-day visitor visa at the airport. Is that enough time to get everything done in country to get the SRRV? If not, should I pay for a 90-day visitor visa just to be sure I can get things done without overstaying? How soon after arriving in country do I receive the SRRV? Will I need that to get everything else (bank account, apartment rental, driver license, etc.)? Should I plan on staying in Manila, or (preferably) Cebu, any length of time to "babysit" this process?
     
  6. NYC

    NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force

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    I am a bit confused over where the US State Department comes into the picture. I don't see that anywhere in the requirements from the Philippines. (Honestly, I have yet to see anywhere in the Philippine documentation that mentions this program for veterans, either, but that's another story.) Why the USDOS?
     
  7. NYC

    NYC DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Blood Donor Veteran Air Force

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    Just to clarify: This FPO service is for US military retirees, right, and not for veterans?
     
  8. AlwaysRt

    AlwaysRt DI Forum Patron Highly Rated Poster Blood Donor Veteran Air Force Marines

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    I would suggest two things. Go back and read through nwlivewire posts as she is the only one I know currently going through the process and contact the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) who's mission is to assist people with retiring in the Phils. Their website is: PRA: Philippine Retirement Authority

    You want to read up on the Expanded Courtesy SRRV.
     
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  9. DaveD

    DaveD DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Veteran Navy

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    It is for Retired Military and Veterans with 100% service connected VA disability.
     
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  10. DaveD

    DaveD DI Senior Member Showcase Reviewer Veteran Navy

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    It would be easier if all your paperwork is in order before you come here especially the Police Clearance (done by FBI). you also need your DD-214, proof of your pension etc. you can open a bank account here with letter from the PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) and deposit the required amount etc. check the website, blog and online application then ask specific questions please if you need more info. It is all pretty well spelled out.
    You can fill out the paperwork online at: Website: http://www.pra.gov.ph/ and Online application: http://www.pra.gov.ph/main/srrv_form.

    Also this blog has some decent info: A Precise Guide to the Philippines SRRV Retirement Visa (2015-2016) - Philippines Lifestyle

    I hope this helps!
     
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