Review Best Posts in Thread: SRRV PROCESS WITH HELP FROM MARIA ROSE BARANDA

Agree absolutely!!!

I have stated this previously but three and a half years ago when going through my SRRV process everything went well till the final hiccup. The legislation states that the deposit funds must be received from overseas. To send my $US here I used a remittance company who I have used extensively over the years. So I settled with them from my home country and they remitted the moneys here and into my term deposit with BDO for the purpose of satisfying requirements. Because that company I used are a major player here, they hold funds locally - both peso and $US. So they simply transferred $US from their account here to my BDO term account meaning that the funds came from here not overseas. My agent (who was a contractor to Maria Rose Baranda) was able, through some extra documentation and relationship with the officials at the PRA, to smooth the water and other than a short fright on my behalf, was able to get my visa quickly and efficiently.

Through my working life I completed forms, and read legislation daily and got pretty good at it - but because that aspect was out of my control, it could have derailed the whole process. I will forever be grateful to having the assistance and direction of the agent and recommend anyone considering this visa to get that form of assistance. They are not "fixers" as we know them here, they are knowledgable people who will guide you through everything as the above post describes and it costs nothing except some kindness and gratitude. Mine would not accept a tip - as I have said previously she allowed me to buy her a cup of coffee.

 

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!

 

Disclaimer - I have not yet applied for Courtesy SRRV because I ultimately delayed my decision to start social security until later this year, which is my only "pension" that, with US military service, makes me eligible.
But a few years ago I corresponded with Ms Baranda via email, and she always answered my questions quickly. So I can recommend her on that limited basis
One other note, I believe that reference to the "Red Ribbon" process may now be out of date. Last year the Philippines became a signatory to the "Apostille Convention", so I believe that once foreign documents are now "apostilled" (authenticated) by foreign governments who are also signatories, they are good for use in the Philippines, no more "Red Ribbon".

 

Good information. Also, it is possible to find SRRV eligibility information online. You can also apply online but beware, once you submit an online application, you are no longer allowed to use the the services of a free PRA SRRV consultant such as Maria. PRA has two application paths, one through them directly and one through a PRA consultant. The reason for this policy is that the consultants are independent contractors paid by PRA for the applicants they bring in; it is worthwhile for them to do this due to the money received in the application and the benefit to the economy from the required bank deposits. However, if you apply yourself, they apparently believe you can and will do the application yourself and need not pay the independent consultant for their referral. In my opinion, I would use the consultant because their advice is very valuable, they guide you through the system, meet with you at the various agencies and medical center, the bank and provide other services. They earn their commission by the hard work they perform for you. However, some people have said the self-application process (online) is pretty straightforward while others have said it is frustrating. We used a consultant in Manila and stayed 4 days where the consultant guided us every step of the way, every day. It was not a wasted trip. The PRA in Manila is friendly but without a consultant, and if you don’t ask the right questions, you may find yourself going back to the PRA time after time where they give you the tasks one step at a time. In that case, it may take much longer. Consultants also help you get through the lines at the agencies more quickly and give advice as to what you need to get from your country’s Embassy in Manila, fir example, where they know the working hours, best times to apply etc.. Other agencies include the DFA (and which DFA Office to go to for red-ribboning foreign documents like police reports and marriage licenses), NBI, which clearances BI requires (don’t worry, you do not visit BI, PRA does that for you), how to handle it if BI sees a speeding or other minor violation on your police report (BI clerks are not allowed to decide for themselves which crimes are “moral turpitude” so a speeding ticket delays everything unless you give an attorney/notarized affidavit as your consultant will explain) etc.. The consultant will set you up edit a fast physical at an approved medical center. Consultant services are 100% free but I suggest giving them a tip at the end. They will also help you schedule your agency visits using “grab” taxi in a reasonable way taking Manila traffic into account, ie, no more than 3 agency visits per day, where agency = bank, Embassy, pra at Citibank building, NBI, DFA etc.. In the evenings you and significant other can take grab and explore the restaurants, casinos, shopping centers and make a mini vacation out of it. I have no information or suggestions for doing this using the Cebu PRA. Perhaps somebody has insight on that. Hope this helps.


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