Luckily Immigration was only a ten-minute walk from where we lived and I enjoyed the visits because I always had Aussie's Brits and Americans to chat with whilst waiting!Originally Posted by imagine
Luckily Immigration was only a ten-minute walk from where we lived and I enjoyed the visits because I always had Aussie's Brits and Americans to chat with whilst waiting!
Had the interview today at Cagayan Immigration. The interview took about one and a half hours, because the attorney was very chatty. At the end he asked me, what I would like him to do with my application.I thought what's this?
Yes, he actually had me verbally ask him to please approve my application and give reasons that I love my wife and Philippines and want to live the rest of my life here.
He was actually a very nice guy - entertaining - and we had a good laugh.
Anyway, he signed and approved. Now, he forwards this to Manilla and they will call me within 1 to 2 months to collect my I-card etc
Yes nice guy, but think about the questions, all very carefully engineered to try and trap you.Had the interview today at Cagayan Immigration. The interview took about one and a half hours, because the attorney was very chatty. At the end he asked me, what I would like him to do with my application.
Yes, he actually had me verbally ask him to please approve my application and give reasons that I love my wife and Philippines and want to live the rest of my life here.
He was actually a very nice guy - entertaining - and we had a good laugh.
Anyway, he signed and approved. Now, he forwards this to Manilla and they will call me within 1 to 2 months to collect my I-card etc
That's brilliant news Stewart.
Well done Stewart!
Thanks guys
... congratulations & well done, Stewart!
Thank you Arthur
Congrats Stewart
Thanks Steve
Many congratulations Stewart
You made it
Happy days.
Thanks Peter
Nice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.
Me too AndyNice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.
Despite some initial pre-move jitters, I can say that at this time it has turned out to be one of my best decisions.
It's a big decision, I know. Well done Peter!Me too Andy
Despite some initial pre-move jitters, I can say that at this time it has turned out to be one of my best decisions.
We only live once, better to do than spend life wishing you had
Thats very good to know.Me too Andy
Despite some initial pre-move jitters, I can say that at this time it has turned out to be one of my best decisions.
Thanks AndyNice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.
Well it was the 4th December that was my interview for the 13a Permanent Residence. Finally, after this long wait, I had the text message from Immigration 2 weeks ago giving me an appointment time to go back. This appointment was for today. It requested that both myself and my wife attend with my passport.
I was expecting my 13a ID Card, but no.
Then I asked about the Annual Report. They said I was late. They processed this for me - 310 peso - plus 200 peso for being late.
During my previous visit, I had asked and understood that I could do it in February when returning to pick up my card.
Oh well,I didnt argue. At least it is all being processed!
I'm still in process as after numerous visits the immigration officer still finds thing wrong with my application.
This time she tells me I must produce a copy of the report of marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy in London. This was year 2002
Also I'm to produce a certificate of being 'free to marry' before we got married.
I'm convinced this officer is trying to find a way to force us into engage one of her immigration advisor friends for a highly inflated fee.
I'm not having any of it and told her so.
None of the things she keeps asking for is indicated in immigration rules.
She claims they are new requirements.
I said I would go home to consider what she has instructed and would return on Monday with a new submission.
I told her I would be contacting a higher authority and escalating a complaint.
But in reality what can I do to get her off my case?
Tut tut..I did tell you to get it done in the UK!!I'm still in process as after numerous visits the immigration officer still finds thing wrong with my application.
This time she tells me I must produce a copy of the report of marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy in London. This was year 2002
Also I'm to produce a certificate of being 'free to marry' before we got married.
I'm convinced this officer is trying to find a way to force us into engage one of her immigration advisor friends for a highly inflated fee.
I'm not having any of it and told her so.
None of the things she keeps asking for is indicated in immigration rules.
She claims they are new requirements.
I said I would go home to consider what she has instructed and would return on Monday with a new submission.
I told her I would be contacting a higher authority and escalating a complaint.
But in reality what can I do to get her off my case?
Oh well...It`ll all be good in the end...I guess.
We are now embroiled in the business permit process... OMG...You think you have problems!
Its more bloody fun in the bloody Philippines!! Grrr.
It just wasn't possible for all sorts of reasons.
The worst case scenario is that I just quit the 13 a process and live here under an annual Balikbayan Privilege.
Fred any idea how long I could continue that before raising immigration eyebrows ??
I seem to have read a blg somewhere indicating 6 years. If that were so what could they (immigration) do?
Of course the downside is that's only good for as long as:-
A) You're still married
B) You're still fit enough to travel
Food for thought.
Balikbayan would be the best way to go Peter; at least it will give you a break each year to get away from the chaos. If it's only for six years it will give you time to make sure every single requirement is in place - and the money of course!
Peter..Sounds like a lot of hearsay to me..I have never read anything about a 6 year limit or anything like it. Immigration officers sometimes like to puff out their chests a bit and try to validate a reason for them to be there.
My advice is continue to be your calm and your polite self and continue to produce the requirements that they ask for..Eventually you will get your permanent residency and enjoy paying your 300 Pesos per year for every year you stay..
Do 50 hail Mary`s and 10 yoga sessions whilst repeating..."Its more fun in the Philippines"!!
Go and talk to the Mayor, he has said he will personally arrest any immigration officer trying to scam people.I'm still in process as after numerous visits the immigration officer still finds thing wrong with my application.
This time she tells me I must produce a copy of the report of marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy in London. This was year 2002
Also I'm to produce a certificate of being 'free to marry' before we got married.
I'm convinced this officer is trying to find a way to force us into engage one of her immigration advisor friends for a highly inflated fee.
I'm not having any of it and told her so.
None of the things she keeps asking for is indicated in immigration rules.
She claims they are new requirements.
I said I would go home to consider what she has instructed and would return on Monday with a new submission.
I told her I would be contacting a higher authority and escalating a complaint.
But in reality what can I do to get her off my case?
Let's hope he abides by that undertaking ...Go and talk to the Mayor, he has said he will personally arrest any immigration officer trying to scam people.
I can just imaginepardon the pun, the frustrations you are having Terpe, but you guys are there and know better than most about the red tape requirements. All you can do is bite your tongue and force a smile until you get out of the office, you have all the time you need to provide them with the various documents, and you will get there in the end.
The thing is Harry, it's always a surprise reason. Just like the paper sizes etc.I can just imagine
Now she's asking for documents that are not listed anywhere.
We're an honest genuine couple so we can always find a way to provide whatever they want.
I'm now expecting they'll want any new documents certified, notarised and legalised blah blah blah
Buildings, Authorites - they're all full of racketeers. The paperwork, the running around, it's just crazy. But as long as you can laugh, it's ok,
... and all the while those
"con artists" are laughing all the way to their nearest bank!
As it happens Arthur there's a so-called Official Immigration Advisors office right next door to the BI building.
Makes me wonder anyway
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