Review SRRV PROCESS WITH HELP FROM MARIA ROSE BARANDA

The websites here are not always up to date so I would like to ask the group if Maria BARANDA is still available to consult with for the SSRV courtesy VISA. There is a website indicating this service but these sites are not dated and could be way out of date from a year like 2007 or just plain irrelevant. They warn not to fill out the online application cuz if I do she cannot assist us. Does anyone know if Maria is still performing this service?


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Sorry, the website is Philippine Retirement Visa: my experience with the SRRV

Seems to be about 5 years old...I did send an email but no response yet as it is early.


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OK the website is valid and they came back to me. Seems to be a great option for those considering SRRV.


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There is one, maybe two, threads here that talk about the SRRV. Both are under the Expat Forum "Passport and Visas" section. One of them deals a lot with ex-military, and the other is more generic.

Even if you are not going under the "military" SRRV, the process is still the same except you don't provide the miliatry separation papers and non-military SRRV holders pay a boatload more money into the escrow account. If you happen to be an honorably discharged veteran (any country, I think) you likely qualify for the program and will save a lot. You DO NOT have to be retired from the military but only honorably discharged. (Right from the horse's mouth. Me being the horse.)

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) folks that I have had contact with in person (Manila) and by email (Cebu) have been without exception gracious, helpful, friendly and efficient. They answer emails! Really! Sometimes the same day! You can probably do the process yourself. It's easier than it appears.

Read the threads in the "Passports and Visas" section. Good luck!

 

I filled out the application online several months before my planned trip to Manila to carry my paperwork into the PRA office. When I arrived at the PRA office, it was like they were waiting for me! "Yes, sir, we have your completed application. If your paperwork is in order, we will begin to process today." Had I not left one document in my hotel room that day, I would have been done with the PRA office until my SRRV was ready for pickup.

 

Right, the non military SRRV seems to be called balikbayan SRRV for the citizens who have returned yet choose to stay American. I have no mil qualifications (unless you consider IBM to be a military stint haha). I think I now have what I need. Thanks!


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Hi, sorry I only found this today. The PRA website was down last year and they have another one. Yes, I am still doing SRRV application assistance.

 

I would like to add that the non-military SRRV also requires the same low bank deposit if US $1500.00. The non-military applies with the balikbayan was previously a citizen and who wishes not to go thru dual citizenship. The SRRV holder can act as principal applicant and bring in children and spouse. The big money bank deposit is then reduced to impacting non-veteran single people (or married to non-balikbayan).


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There is no "balikbayan SRRV", there are 5 versions of the SRRV

SRRV Smile - deposit of US$20,000
SRRV Classic - investment (like buying a condo) of US$ 50,000 (for 35 -49 year olds) or US$10,000 with pension or $20,000 without pension (for 50+)
SRRV Human Touch - For ailing retirees, 35 years old & above, who need/require medical/clinical care. A monthly pension of at least US$1,500.00, a health insurance policy accepted in the Philippines, and deposit of US$10,000
SRRV Courtesy - former Filipinos, 35+ years old OR foreign nationals 50+ who are retired officers of International Organizations (Diplomats) recognized by the DFA, deposit US$1,500
SRRV Expanded Courtesy - foreign nationals, 50+, Military Veterans, pension of US$1,000+/mo, deposit of US$1,500

PRA (Philippine Retirement Authority) is who you apply with and they provide Free and Thorough Assistance.

More info here - https://pra.gov.ph/srrv/

 

OK but we have said “balikbayan” SRRV and if you ever here somebody refer to it by that popular name, you should correct them saying that no such designation exists and tell em they probably mean “former Filipinos courtesy SRRV visa”.


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