⌛ Immigration fees and penalties.

DEPORTATION..... no money no home and no friends.... lucky loser travelled around all over Philippines. In his naivity he beleived he could go to california for Christmas..... the guy is a dumb @ss.

Cheers,

Ron

 

SRRV...great visa.

If you are married or not and have a little money, and you want to stay in Philippines this is one of many options....SRRV...great visa. Read Below.


The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) hereinafter referred to as
the "Retiree's Visa", is a special non-immigrant visa separate and
distinct from the existing visa categories defined by the Philippine
Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, and allied laws. (Sec. 1, Rule II
of LOI 1470)

LOI 1470, as a supplemental statute to E.O. 1037 was passed on July 4,
1985 aimed at:

1) Developing and promoting the Philippines as a preferred retirement
haven for former Filipinos and foreign nationals;

2) Attracting foreign exchange; and

3) Directing the issuance of the Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV).

The issuance of the SRRV to qualified PRA applicants, entitles the
holder to reside in the Philippines for an indefinite period with
multiple-entry privileges as long as the required minimum deposit
investment subsists. (Sec. 2, Rule II of LOI 1470)

Moreover, the SRRV offers benefits which includes the exemption from
the Exit Clearance, Re-Entry and Annual Registration requirements of
the Bureau of Immigration, Travel Tax (provided the retiree has not
stayed in the Philippines for more than a year from date of last
entry) Special Study Permit, importation of household goods/personal
effects worth US$7,000 for family use and other value added services.

The SRRV, characterized by its being indefinite with multiple-entry
privileges, partakes the nature of a permanent and/or "lifetime" visa.
Thus, guaranteeing the principal retiree and family members the
privilege to settle permanently in the Philippines and enjoy the best
quality of life in the most attractive package. This is the
Authority's international commitment and is the true meaning of
"Smiling at Life" in the Philippines.



WHO MAY APPLY?

All foreign nationals provided they are issued an entry visa by the
Philippine Embassy/Consulate and former Filipino citizens who are now
holders of foreign passports both of whom are at least 35 years old.

Register in the SSRV Program now!

HOW CAN ONE JOIN THE PRA PROGRAM?

1. If you are based in the Philippines, you may secure an application
form and file the same with the following:
Philippine Retirement Authority
29/F Citibank Tower
8741 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City 1227
Tel. No.: (632) 848-1412 to 16
Fax No.: (632) 848-1411
Direct Line: (632) 848-7104
Website: http//www.pra.gov.ph
E-mail: inquiry @pra.gov.ph

2. If you are based abroad: Through the Philippine Embassy/Consulate



WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR JOINING THE PRA PROGRAM/APPLYING FOR SRRV?

a. Processing Fee

A one-time payment of US$1,400.00 for the principal and US$300.00
for each dependent (spouse/children).
Note: These fees are inclusive of the Bureau of Immigration fees
and the fee for the issuance of the PRA I.D. Card.

b. Annual Renewal/replacement of PRA ID Card

US$10.00 per member/card/year



HOW LONG IS THE VISA VALID?

The SRRV is valid for so long as one remains a member of good standing
of the Program and provided his time deposit and/or investment exists
in the Philippines.



CAN A RESIDENT RETIREE BRING HIS/HER FAMILY MEMBERS WITH HIM/HER INTO
THE COUNTRY TO JOIN THE PROGRAM?

Yes. A resident retiree can bring with him/her, without additional
deposit, his spouse and a child who is unmarried and below 21 years
old or if the spouse is not joining, two (2) children (provided they
are unmarried and under 21 years of age). Additional children with the
same qualifications may also be allowed to join the principal retiree
provided there is an additional deposit of US$15,000.00 or equivalent
foreign currency per child. The deposit is subject to the same terms
and conditions with that of the principal deposit. This does not apply
to former Filipinos citizens.



WILL DEPENDENTS CONTINUE TO BE SRRV HOLDERS OR RETAIN THEIR SRRV EVEN
AFTER REACHING 21 YEARS OLD?

Yes. For so long as the principal retiree remains a member of the
Program, his dependents retain their SRRV even if they reach 21 years
of age and above.



WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PRINCIPAL RETIREE DIES?

The surviving spouse, provided he/she is a SRRV holder, has the option
to assume the status of a principal retiree using the original account
as his/her qualifying deposit. Should he/she not choose to become the
principal retiree, then the law on Succession prevails.

As far as the beneficiary is concerned, the withdrawal of the time
deposit should be made in accordance with the Philippine banking rules
and regulations. The beneficiary will have to pay estate tax as the
retiree is treated as a resident alien and therefore covered by the
National internal Revenue Code.


REQUIREMENTS

Retirement Option and their Required Time Deposit

1. With Pension – 50 years. Old and above – the required time deposit
is US$10, 000.00 plus a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single
applicant and US$1,000.00 for couple

2. Without Pension

* 35 to 49 years old – US$50, 000.00 time deposit
* 50 years old and above – US$20, 000.00 time deposit
* Former Filipino Citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of
the number of dependents – US$1,500.00
* Ambassadors of foreign countries who served and retired in the
Philippines- US$1,500.00

Note: The PRA Accredited banks agree to accept any acceptable foreign
currency for deposit in the accounts, provided that it shall be
credited to the account as the United States Dollars or Philippine
Pesos equivalent



WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FROM A RETIREE BEFORE HE CAN JOIN THE
PROGRAM?

A prospective retiree-participant shall submit to PRA the following:

1. PRA application form;
2. Original passport with valid entry status;
3. Medical Examination Clearance -can be secured abroad (with
English translation) duly authenticated by the Philippine
Embassy/Consular Office. If the applicant is in the Philippines, this
can aslo be secured at the PRA One-Stop Shop
4. Bank Certificate of Dollar Time Deposit inwardly remitted to any
PRA accredited banks;
5. Police Clearance issued abroad translated into English and duly
authenticated by the Philippine/Consulate or National Bureau of
Investigation (NBI) Clearance issued in the Philippines. This also
applies to spouse and dependents 18 years of age and above (Age
requirement of 18 is for purpose of NBI Clearance only);
6. Photographs, 6 pieces 1"x1" and 6 pieces 2"x2";
7. If the spouse is also applying for SRRV, Marriage Certificate or
Marriage Contract translated into English (if necessary) and duly
authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate nearest the
applicant's residence if the marriage was contracted abroad. If the
marriage was solemnized in the Philippines, original Marriage
Certificate; and
8. If dependent/s is/are also applying for the SRRV, original Birth
Certificate/s of dependent/s born in the Philippines or Birth
Certificate/s or Household Register translated into English (if
necessary) and duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate
nearest the applicant's residence abroad.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS UNDER THE PROGRAM?

1. Multiple/Indefinite entry privileges with the option to reside
permanently in the Philippines.
2. Exemption from exit Clearance & Re-Entry Permits.
3. Exemption from Customs Duties and Taxes for the Importation of
Personal Effects up to US$7,000.00.
4. Exemption from Travel Tax, if stay in the Philippines is less
than a year from the last entry date.
5. Exemption from the Bureau of Immigration's Annual registration
requirement.
6. Assistance in Obtaining an Alien Employment Permit.
7. Tax-free remittance of Annuities and Pensions.
8. Guaranteed repatriation of the deposit/investment.



WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF A SRRV HOLDER?

1. To give a written notice of any change of information supplied
in the Application Form (e.g. status, name or address) within (60)
days from such change;
2. To give a written sixty (60) day notice of termination of his
participation



DOES PRA ACCEPT CURRENCIES OTHER THAN US DOLLARS AS REQUIRED FOREIGN
CURRENCY DEPOSIT?

No. Nonetheless, the PRA Accredited Banks agree to accept any
acceptable foreign currency for deposit in the accounts, provided that
it shall be credited to the account as United States Dollars or
Philippine Peso equivalent.

after the issuance of SRRV the retiree may convert the Dollar time
deposit to Philippine Peso or Euro money.



CAN THE REQUIRED DEPOSIT BE DIVIDED INTO ANY OF PRA's ACCREDITED BANKS?

Yes, for a minimum deposit of US$10,000.00



UNDER WHOSE NAME IS THE REQUIRED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSIT BE CREDITED?

The required foreign currency deposit maybe opened in the name of the
principal retiree or under an "and/or" account with the spouse
provided the latter is also a member of the PRA Program. This applies
also to an applicant/retiree who is legally married to a Filipino
Citizen even if not a PRA member.



WHEN CAN THE REQUIRED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSIT BE CONVERTED INTO
INVESTMENT?

After one (1) month from the time it was opened in any of the PRA
accredited banks as a retiree account.


INVESTMENTS

WHAT AREAS OF INVESTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO A RESIDENT RETIREE?

The areas of investment are the following:

1. Purchase of a condominium unit;
2. Lease of a parcel of land or house and lot;
3. Construction of a residential unit on a leased parcel of land;
4. Propriety shares in golf clubs;
5. For former Filipinos, purchase of a lot not exceeding 5,000
square meters in urban areas or three (3) hectares rural areas to be
used for business or other purposes.



CAN RESIDENT RETIREE APPLY FOR PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP?

Yes, in accordance with the Naturalization Law of the Philippines. One
of the basic requirements for naturalization is the continuous
residency in the Philippines for a period of ten (10) years.
The period may be reduced to five (5) years if the applicant has any
of the following qualifications:

1. Has honorably held office under the Government of the
Philippines or under that of any of the provinces, cities,
municipalities, or political subdivision thereof;
2. Has established a new industry or introduced a useful invention
in the Philippines;
3. Being married to a Filipino citizen;
4. Has been engaged as a teacher in the Philippines for a period of
at least two (2) years;
5. Has been born in the Philippines.

Note: For former Filipino citizens, the Citizenship Retention and
Reacquisition Act of 2003 applies.

 

13A Visa and Balikbyan

13A and Balikbyan visa are 2 other good options.


13 A visa

Checklist of Requirements for Non-Quota Immigrant by Marriage Under Section 13(a)

1.Duly notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse; (Your spouse is actually requesting your admittance on your behalf. The BI web site, The Bureau of Immigration, Philippines Official Website - MAIN, has the sample text to download and they have a notary inside the BI building. Just like anywhere else, notarized documents must be signed in the presence of the notary).
2.General Application Form duly accomplished and notarized (BI Form No. MCL-07-01); (Notarize at BI. They have photographs available there for 4 for 100 pesos).
3.NSO authenticated copy of Birth certificate of Filipino spouse; (This must be ordered in advance and can be a real hassle. Note that the certificate must be on security paper. Old certificates are not valid.)
4.NSO authenticated copy of the Marriage Contract of alien and Filipino spouse or authenticated by the Philippine embassy/consulate nearest to or in the place where the marriage was solemnized; (We were married in the province. It took 8 months for the authenticated copy to be available at the NSO. Plan in advance and be prepared to wait.)
5.Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate; and (They give you this at immigration when you file the application).
6.Plain photocopy of passport of alien spouse showing dates of arrival and authorized stay.(You can make copies at the BI. Bring your spouse’s passport for ID also. If you need to extend, do this first and ask for at least two months extension to allow for any delays.)
Process, first visit:

So, we headed to the BI in Intramuros, documents ready to go. I needed to extend, so that process took one hour (Remember to bring the extension fees in addition). We then queued for around 15 minutes for an officer to check our copies and documents (important!), and gathered the missing extra copies. Another queue for notarization, about 30 minutes. We filed the application, paid at the cashier, and were given a receipt for my passport, along with a hearing date five days later. This is a court hearing, and is covered under the next section. Total costs for the process on day 1:

13(A) VISA FEES
Fee for section 13(a) initial one year probationary period:
1.Upon filing

Application fee P1,010.00
*Express lane fee P 500.00 (Just pay it!)


Extension fees:

TOURIST (NON-RESTRICTED) ADMITTED INITIALLY FOR 21 DAYS MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 38 DAYS
Visa Waiver P 500.00
Visa Waiver Application Fee 1,000.00
Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P 10.00

Fees for obtaining documents ran about 3,000 pesos with the costs of couriers and so on.

Process, second visit:

So, the hearing was scheduled five days later, at 14:00. Your spouse MUST accompany you in person. This hearing is the actual formal petitioning by your spouse for your continued residence in the Philippines. The hearing is not in front of a judge, but rather, a BI attorney who reviews the application, verifies that your spouse exists, and “signs off” on the application. There is a 30-day waiting period for the application to be reviewed by BI officials. If you need to leave the Philippines during this period (I did), you need to advise the BI at this time. The hearing took approximately 10 minutes total time, though, be aware NOT to be late and miss the hearing, or the process begins again and the fees are charged again. You are given a telephone number after the hearing to call and check your application’s status after the 30 day period. Keep ALL receipts. Your passport is returned to you now (Not yet stamped).

Cost: No cost at this stage of the process.

Process, Third visit:

So, I called on the 30th day, and was notified that my application was approved. You can finalize the visa on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Intramuros. You have the option of paying an extra 500 pesos for “Double Express” for 2 – 4 hour service, or “Single Express” for 10-hour service. I chose double so that I could get the process finished.

Short queue, you give them your passport, and they obtain your file. Wait 30 minutes for processing. Pay the fees at the cashier. You then return , depending on the Double or Single express service chosen, at the appointed time. You are given your now-stamped passport, and directed to the ACR application queue.

Cost for visa implementation:

2.Upon implementation

ACR and form fee P1,050.00
Change of status fee P 600.00
Passport visa fee P 200.00
CRTV and form fee P1,450.00
Implementation fee P1,000.00
Legal research fee P 10.00 / item
Head tax P 250.00

At the ACR station, another application to fill out, along with copies of your new visa. You are then fingerprinted (Free, but bring wipes to clean your hands) and you pay the ACR fees at the cashier. Your fingerprints are taken one more time (electronically, this time) and the photo for your I-card is now taken. You are given a receipt and telephone number to call after seven days. Time required: one hour, including fingerprints.

Costs for ACR: US$50 (Charged in dollars for some reason, but roughly 2,500 pesos)

Process, Fourth visit:

Very simple. Stand in a short queue to pick up your new ACR I-card after calling to verify that it is ready. Total time: 10 minutes, no additional cost.

The 13 (a) you are issued is valid for one year, and probationary. In other words, don’t do anything stupid and break the law. After one year (90 days before it expires… IMPORTANT!), you can petition for the probationary visa to become permanent. You still have to appear at the BI during the first two months of the new year and pay the fee.

This process was very simple, even though you feel like cattle a bit. I really don’t believe that a fixer would have made anything any quicker. Perhaps on the review after the hearing, but I can’t see why it would be worth the risk unless you needed to travel far to reach immigration and get things done in a more timely manner. Keep in mind that I am not an attorney, nor an expert. Complicated or unusual cases probably would go smoother with an attorney involved, or one may be necessary. In my case, it was straightforward, since I was married here, and my wife and I have both behaved ourselves with no legal snafus. The first step, should you have questions, is to simply call immigration and ASK. Please note: It can be tough to find answers on these topics that are reliable. The small canteen connected to immigration is where the employees all take their breaks (smoke and otherwise). Chit chatting with them informally is a great way to find out the real scoop. They are friendly and are acting like people there, rather than government officials. Just mind your manners and remember that they are taking a break! They were very helpful in answering questions with which I was unclear. You might as well, since you will have a good bit of wait time.

Keep in mind, though this seems like a real hassle, this is much easier than most other countries’ immigration procedures. Nearly every country has very high fees (Filipinos pay over US$1,000 by the time they get a US green card. My current Korean residence visa cost around $3,000, and my UAE residence visa from four years ago cost around $4,000, so, really, no complaining about fees! The documents required by the UAE were onerous, at best, to obtain, and very expensive), and most countries require substantial time and documentation. Consider yourself lucky that the Philippines has many, many visa options that are relatively straightforward


Balikbyan visa.

No visa shall be required for a maximum stay of one (1) year [renewable for an additional 6 months for a total of 18 months] for the following Balikbayan, every time they enter the Philippines to visit, regardless of the frequency of their travel to the Philippines.

1. Former Philippine citizens (including Filipinos who have become naturalized U.S. citizens, and citizens of the Bahamas, Bermuda and other countries within the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Washington, D.C.); Also eligible are Filipino citizens living overseas. A typical situation is that the Filipino visitor to the Philippines is not yet a foreign citizen, but he or she has an immigration card from a foreign nation [such as a "green card" in the USA].

2. Foreign spouses and minor foreign unmarried children of Filipinos and former Filipino citizens.

The balikbayan free visa privilege is extended to former Philippine citizens, the foreign spouse and the foreign minor unmarried children of Philippine citizens, provided that:

1. they are nationals of Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, or Vietnam; and
2. they are traveling together to the Philippines with the balikbayan spouse.

The former Philippine citizen shall declare before a Philippine Immigration Officer at the port of entry that he/she is availing of the balikbayan privilege and shall present his/her valid passport in addition to any of the following documents:

1. cancelled Philippine passport;
2. birth certificate; 3. naturalization papers to show former Philippine citizenship; or
4. certification from the adopted country.

The accompanying foreign spouse and foreign minor unmarried children of Filipinos and former Filipino citizens shall declare before a Philippine Immigration Officer at the port of entry that he/she is accompanied by a Filipino or former Filipino spouse or parent and that he/she is availing of the balikbayan privilege, and shall present his/her valid passport in addition to the following:

1. Foreign spouse: Valid passport and Marriage certificate
2. Foreign Minor unmarried children: Birth certificate
3. Adopted children: Adoption papers

For further verification please call the Philippine Embassy at 202-467-9300 or 202-467-9324 for more information

There you have it...save this info!

PS. My personal choice being married to a Filipina was 13A visa.

CHEERS and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ron

 

Different visa...

SRRV, Balikbyan and 13 A visa..... Here is another good one...maybe the best for a single guy.

TOURIST VISA


Be a good guy and pay your dues every 2 months up to 24 months. Leave the country and come back after a 2 days vacation in Hongkong or Singapore.
Start over and pay your dues every 2 months, and so it goes on and on. Be a good guy and stay away from trouble and remarks about you in the BI office or any other authority...Just be good!
You can this way stay forever in the Philippines.....
ENJOY YOUR LIFETIME STAY!

If you stay using a Tourist visa in Philippines never miss your due date every 2 months in the Immigration office. It can be costly because the overstay penalty now is 1,010 pesos per month. Always pay your extention dues before or no later than the due date. No excuses!

Again CHEERS and Merry X-mas!

Ron

 

Excellent info Ron! Great write up! I am sure it will be helpful info for many!:D

 

My simple story, I did the tourist program for 10 years, enjoying the vacation every year in Hong Kong and Singapore, at that time every year was the rule. Then I decided to go for the 13A visa because I was married to a wonderful lady (That puts up with all my BS Haa Haa). It cost me a lot of money, but considering my trip expenses, after 3 years I have broke even. And I'm legal with the BI. Now it cost's me a whopping P310 per year. Honestly I never put myself in the situation that other idiots do. And for the life of me I can't figure why they know so much and wind up in jail, making all the law respecting guys look so bad.

Ron

 

13a Permanent!

I got it! I like it! No need for bank statements, just stay married, I will, and it is as permanent as you can find. I can work, I can rent, I can do all sorts of things. I married a Filipino, It's great and I have no worries. Anyone that will try to fool the Authorities is just a fool. in 3 years I can even have a new nationality, HEY! How cool is that, I am 62 and a new world has opened up. ME! I am happy.


Jack P.:p

 

Being from Texas, I'm going to stay away from comments about "illegals" and staying for free, and reaping all of the benefits of being illegal.

 

Permanent Visa Renewal
Fyi, I went to the immigration office in Dgte today to ask what I have to do for the annual renewal of my permanent visa. In my case, I am from the US and my visa has an expiration date of 2015 for the I card. They told me each year until 2015 I just have to appear at the I office between Jan and and Mar 1 and bring an updated 2X2 picture, they did not mention if there is a fee. In 2015 I will then go through the I card renewal process.

 

PatO, you need to pay the Annual Report fee, I think it is 300 PHP only