More 13a info req

[bigtilly]

I am moving to Dipolog, Mindanao permanently at Easter and have been in 2 minds about the 13a visa for months.

The idea of renewing every 59 days is an expensive option and doesn't appeal at all so, I had planned on going down the Balikbayan route which of course has the added bonus of a short break every year. Some guys I know tell me the 13a is the way to go long term and I'm sure they are right, However, the more I search the ins and outs of applying for a 13a, the more confused I get. People saying you need this, others saying you need that. So, I thought I would obtain the police clearance which will give me 6 months grace before it expires to make up my mind.

I have the added problem of my local BOI in Dipolog only being manned on a part time basis (Tuesday and Friday) nowadays and I don't know if they will be able to process a 13a. Failing that, we would have to go to Cebu.

My local BOI is my first stop to get from the "horses mouth"" exactly what I need and take it from there.

Bill

[jake]

I am moving to Dipolog, Mindanao permanently at Easter and have been in 2 minds about the 13a visa for months.

The idea of renewing every 59 days is an expensive option and doesn't appeal at all so, I had planned on going down the Balikbayan route which of course has the added bonus of a short break every year. Some guys I know tell me the 13a is the way to go long term and I'm sure they are right, However, the more I search the ins and outs of applying for a 13a, the more confused I get. People saying you need this, others saying you need that. So, I thought I would obtain the police clearance which will give me 6 months grace before it expires to make up my mind.

I have the added problem of my local BOI in Dipolog only being manned on a part time basis (Tuesday and Friday) nowadays and I don't know if they will be able to process a 13a. Failing that, we would have to go to Cebu.

My local BOI is my first stop to get from the "horses mouth"" exactly what I need and take it from there.

Bill

Bill,
The reason you are getting confused about what people are telling you is some things can be written in law in the Philippines but not followed. Gets easier with time to understand the in's and out's.
The balikbayan route is not intended to be for people staying here on a permanent basis. The original purpose was for former citizens to return home without having to have a visa.
It is classed as temporary visitors visa and you would be required to have a return ticket prior to admission into the Philippines. It doesn't have to be dated as all they want to see is the person intends to leave the country. In theory all you need is a short trip to another asian country every year but they 'may' refuse your request one day.

The local BOI in Dipolog wont be able to process a 13a application. If you check the link below it will tell you where it can be done.
http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?...=115&Itemid=61

If you apply in the Philippines it will involve 2 stages. First a years probationary period then you have to convert it to permanent. From what i have heard recently each stage would involve about 3 trips to immigration. Was at least 6 when i did mine in the 90's

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?...=115&Itemid=61

Good luck with which ever route you decide to take..

[bigtilly]

Bill,
The reason you are getting confused about what people are telling you is some things can be written in law in the Philippines but not followed. Gets easier with time to understand the in's and out's.
The balikbayan route is not intended to be for people staying here on a permanent basis. The original purpose was for former citizens to return home without having to have a visa.
It is classed as temporary visitors visa and you would be required to have a return ticket prior to admission into the Philippines. It doesn't have to be dated as all they want to see is the person intends to leave the country. In theory all you need is a short trip to another asian country every year but they 'may' refuse your request one day.

The local BOI in Dipolog wont be able to process a 13a application. If you check the link below it will tell you where it can be done.
http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?...=115&Itemid=61

If you apply in the Philippines it will involve 2 stages. First a years probationary period then you have to convert it to permanent. From what i have heard recently each stage would involve about 3 trips to immigration. Was at least 6 when i did mine in the 90's

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?...=115&Itemid=61

Good luck with which ever route you decide to take..

Hi Jake,

Thanks for the info and the links. I'll get there eventually!

Bill