Since August 2007 tourist can stay up to 24 month in the Philippines: This approval after 16 month was the last 4 years no problem at all. Since a few weeks is reported that the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division rejected multiple applications from tourists in Dumaguete (probably also other regions, but we have no info about that). That caused some troubles as the application process takes 1 week and if your application does not get approved, your Visa probably expires before you can leave the country. The updated Visa Extension Fees here
Tourist Visa Exteension Problems I had a problem the time before last on my tourist visa which was my 18 month appointment going to immagrations here in Dumaguete. I filled out my normal form put on it as I always have since I been here never had a problem until the 18 months visit when it was faxed to Manila for approval and came back asking for more justification why I was here in the Philippines. I go to the back room there in the office sit down to ask the main boss what was the problem was and why now are they asking for more justification.... He thought what I had written was suffient...and told me not to worry about it.....this time no questions asked. Whats the deal? Keep the faith :-) O-| Cute... Alan
the November change must be something different, one of the papers you need to send to Manila needs an attorney approval (300 Peso) and "luckily" there is one right next to the office in the second floor... and the applications still got rejected.
I had the same thing. In Nov I renewed at the 20 month mark and was required besides just sending to Manila as previous to also write a letter asking justification and get a public notary along with an additional 500p to immigration. I was approved however but the application took almost 3 weeks. Now I'm debating with the holidays should I leave before the visa expires at the start of Jan or try for one more extension to avoid extra holiday costs flying and staying.
could this be just another gambit to extort from those who require the service?? sounds all to familiar,especially when some fat greasy faced attorney has his hand in your pocket.
A friend of mine just gone through this and the attorney just edited a previous letter,date and name and nothing personal in it. Everyone circumstances are different but as in the previous post they don't care they just want the cash,just greedy b-----ds who couldn't give a sh*t! Grrr
