Dumaguete Info Search


Insights on legal documentaion

Discussion in '☋ Expat Section ☋' started by lakotamoon, Jun 2, 2011.

  1. lakotamoon

    lakotamoon DI Junior Member

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    I've read many different tales of frustration if not horror concerning the government process and documentation to remain in the RP long term.

    If a personal view on the subject is too lengthy to put here you can hit me at lakata_crazy_horse @ yahooo.com to reply.

    A great friend 'Chi Town' is a member here and has shared his experiences with me off site for over two years now.

    I'm looking to expand my knowledge though, as always, and find out the nuts and bolts of transition from the US to full time residency in the RP.

    The 10 year residency status seems the most attractive to me at present. So researching it on going.

    I won't be coming with a boat load of money. Just about double what I read it takes to live comfortable per month in Duma. So the deposit of :greedy: in a RP bank is a no go for me. Not sure I'd want much :greedy: in a RP bank anyway. I never leave any money in a US bank other than needed to pay the bills.

    Appreciate your consideration and time to respond.

    Lakotamoon
     
  2. Jack Peterson

    Jack Peterson DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Air Force

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    :confused: For me, I am not really sure what you are driving at my friend. The best way of staying long term without, a big bank balance, is to marry a Pinay. A Retirement visa, which is fairly secure, can be costly and needs proof of income and bank balances. If you can stay long enough legally and obtain naturalization, DON'T do it. Can you be a little more Specific about What, exactly You want to do? :wink:


    Jack P. :smile:
     
  3. OP
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    lakotamoon

    lakotamoon DI Junior Member

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    Thanks Jack = clarification

    I am married to a Filipina. Will be 2 years soon of heaven on earth!

    I am learning that there is a need to renew a visa every two months. Have to take a trip out of the Rp and return. Sounds like a huge pain in the ... just in the. ???

    Also, there's a Balikbayan Visa available only if you enter the Rp with your Filipina wife. Heard it's a one time deal now and cannot be renewed annually. ???

    Also, heard there's a 10 Residency Visa. ??? Some have paid an attorney to get this one done due to the mountains of documents needed to complete. ???

    So... looking for more info on what ya'll have experienced.

    Any best plan? That would be the plan with the least headache incurred. hahaha I've had enough experience with the Rp way/method of doing things to know it's nearly 180 out from western thought.

    But it is what it is and I am looking forward to living with it and all the great parts as well.

    Any help Jack? Thanks for you input!

    Lakotamoon
     
  4. Kenny

    Kenny DI Forum Adept

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    Lakotamoon,

    I just posted my experience processing a 13A visa (permanent residency based on marriage to a Filipina). My experience was that it was much harder to do in the States. Check Chicago consulate's web site and compare with Philippine Immigration site. You do not have to leave the country to renew your tourist visa. You can stay in country up to 2 years. It sounds like your best bet is to come in with your wife as a Balik Bayan, you get 1 year on entry which can be renewed as a tourist on a 2 month basis up to 2 years total. Just make sure your wife has her PI passport and your marriage license. I suggest you get here and settle down then you can take care of the rest of the stuff.
     
  5. Jack Peterson

    Jack Peterson DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Air Force

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    Now we are getting there!

    I think Kenny has just about Offered you, the Best Solution. His post is concise and clear.
    However, have a read of Tom2bad's Thread on BI Clearance.(EX-Pat Section) Kenny's post is there, Seems if you Enter on Balikbayan, it is a trip to Cebu as he said. Having never Entered this way, I have no better knowledge, than those that have.
    I am sure a PM to kenny will be worth the effort.

    @Kenny, hope It was ok, to suggest this?


    @ Tom2, seems your problem will be the same. (Sorry to learn they turned down your Clearance, I see why now)

    It surely is a Learning game.

    Hope all goes well for both of you.:wink:


    Jack P.:smile::smile:
     
  6. OP
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    lakotamoon

    lakotamoon DI Junior Member

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    Thanks guys! I'll dig into the old posts and see what I can gleen before asking any further questions.

    The trip to somewhere every 2 months sounds like a pain in the kazoo to me. Having been to the RP several times in the past I find it disconcerting to travel there.

    Yes travel in the states is not very good if flying now but I'm use to the western way of doing things. Easier to deal with. But, in time I will adjust to the swimming in molasses kind of travel I am certain.

    Thanks again!

    Lakotamoon
     
  7. bounty98

    bounty98 DI Member

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    renewing a visa every two months is a relatively easy process especially if your living in Dumaguete. It takes about fifteen minutes at the local immigration office
     
  8. Knowdafish

    Knowdafish DI Forum Luminary

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    ....and the requested :greedy:. :D
     
  9. Jack Peterson

    Jack Peterson DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Air Force

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    :rolleyes: There is always a catch to these things :p

    Jack P.:smile:
     
  10. bounty98

    bounty98 DI Member

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    true...it is simply about generating revenue, which I don't really have a problem with so long as its not squandered
     
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