Visa application approved - after 6 months!

[PeterB]

At long last, I received a call from the Bureau of Immigration in Davao, on Monday (Oct 6), to say that my visa application has been approved. Tomorrow I will go to collect my probationary spouse visa, which will have to be renewed in 12 months time (to become permanent). My application was submitted on April 5.

I am told that most applications are currently being returned within 4 to 5 weeks. Why did mine take so long? Probably because I collected the application forms and guidance notes on Feb 20, and then worked on all the requirements ready to submit the application. Unfortunately, the procedures were revised in March 1, so the process I used was out of date by the time my application went in.

Anyway, it's all sorted now and I can progress my plans with less doubts about my future status.

I honestly don't know what I would have done had my visa been refused - I have no property of any kind in the UK - all my belongings are here, together with the houses and farmlands Ruby and I have purchased.

[Piamed]

Fantastic news Peter. How i envy you!

[kimmi]

well done mate.. That's a great news..

[PAT]

Great news peterB!!!...hope mine will be as great as yours...congrats!

[menchkin]

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!!

[DianaKevy]

congratulations to you! so when are you planning to fly over?

[alicat]

great news..congratulations

[marylen]

congrats

[aug06_2006]

thas a brilliant news!

[PeterB]

Thanks for all the replies.

In reply to DianaKevy:
I've been here for 10 months already - I don't need to 'fly over'. Perhaps I didn't make it quite clear that I'm a guy from the UK, married to Ruby, and living here in Tagum. My visa is one granting me the status of permanent resident in the Philippines.

I did go to collect my visa today, just to be told that the Atty who was expected to visit, and who will be the one to sign my visa, didn't actually make it to Davao today. I guess that I'll be driving to Davao again tomorrow! :(

Unlike UK visas, where you just sit back and wait for your passport to be returned with the visa affixed, the approval of my application is just that - approval. I find that I have to pay another 9000 pesos, complete several more forms and an(other) affidavit, submit them in triplicate (some need five copies), supply 18 id photos, etc. Then I can get my visa, and my i-card (yes, Phils has already implemented an identity card to be carried by foreign nationals with resident status).

[lunaloves7]

congrats!!!! you made it... My name is Luna from Cebu. I'm not an active member here but my fiancee wants me to be online here. Now i realized that i can get inspiration from you... I know how happy you are now!

where is your hubby from of you dont mind? :-)

[DianaKevy]

Thanks for all the replies.

In reply to DianaKevy:
I've been here for 10 months already - I don't need to 'fly over'. Perhaps I didn't make it quite clear that I'm a guy from the UK, married to Ruby, and living here in Tagum. My visa is one granting me the status of permanent resident in the Philippines.

I did go to collect my visa today, just to be told that the Atty who was expected to visit, and who will be the one to sign my visa, didn't actually make it to Davao today. I guess that I'll be driving to Davao again tomorrow! :(

Unlike UK visas, where you just sit back and wait for your passport to be returned with the visa affixed, the approval of my application is just that - approval. I find that I have to pay another 9000 pesos, complete several more forms and an(other) affidavit, submit them in triplicate (some need five copies), supply 18 id photos, etc. Then I can get my visa, and my i-card (yes, Phils has already implemented an identity card to be carried by foreign nationals with resident status).

oh im sorry about that peter. i didnt know but now i know :P anyway best of luck to you both.

[jbt]

Congratulations !!! Great News...

[PeterB]

where is your hubby from of you dont mind? :-)

I AM the hubby - I came from Reading, not far from London.

Ruby (my wife) is from Asuncion, near Tagum.

[PeterB]

Okay, I did get the visa stamp in my passport on Friday, so my one year temporary period has started. In nine months I have to begin the process of converting it to a permanent visa.

In the meantime, I'm now waiting for my i-card to be processed - this has involved the submission of more application forms (in triplicate), an affidavit, lots of photocopies of various pages of my passport etc. Apparently it will take three to five months for the i-card to be produced.

[andypaul]

Okay, I did get the visa stamp in my passport on Friday, so my one year temporary period has started. In nine months I have to begin the process of converting it to a permanent visa.

In the meantime, I'm now waiting for my i-card to be processed - this has involved the submission of more application forms (in triplicate), an affidavit, lots of photocopies of various pages of my passport etc. Apparently it will take three to five months for the i-card to be produced.

Congrats and wow that I card must be a labour of love 3 to 5 months.

The British goverment better see if they can headhunt the phill id card people

[joebloggs]

supply 18 id photos, etc.

18 photos , looks like there will be an extra 17 pinoy looking peteb's in the phils soon



i take it you not missing the Uk pete? it's a sunny day up north

[sneaker23]

sounds great there peter!

18 photos! whoah! never had given that much

[PeterB]

Sunny. but cold? It's been in the 30s today, as it is most days, but we did have very heavy rain for about 30 mins. Ruby decided that she would take the shampoo and soap outside, rather than using the shower!

No, I'm not missing the UK at all!

[LEAHnew]

Mabuhay Kabayan
Congratulation