Visa Woes: 13A and SRRV Denied – Our Next Steps in the Philippines Adventure 🇵🇭🚧

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the challenges of obtaining long-term visas for expats in the Philippines, specifically the SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa) and the 13A Spousal Visa. After being denied the SRRV due to non-qualifying funds, the creator shares their experience of applying for a 13A Visa. Issues arose with mismatched names on documents due to a surname change, causing delays. The video provides useful advice for expats navigating visa options, especially those seeking to stay in the Philippines long-term, while also shedding light on the bureaucratic challenges faced during the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Most single people visiting the Philippines get a standard tourist visa for 30 days, which can be extended if desired.
• 😀 To stay long-term in the Philippines, you can apply for a retirement visa (SRRV), which typically requires you to be 50 or older.
• 😀 The SRRV requires you to deposit a certain amount in a Philippine bank (e.g., $20,000 if not receiving a pension), refundable when you leave the country.
• 😀 If you are a military veteran, the SRRV requires only $1,000 in the bank and a yearly fee of $10 to update your retirement card.
• 😀 Brokerage accounts do not qualify as a valid income source for the SRRV; the funds must come from a regular pension or income plan.
• 😀 You can prepare for the SRRV application by completing required medical examinations, including chest x-rays and blood tests, within six months of applying.
• 😀 To apply for the SRRV, you will need to submit documents like a police clearance and medical reports, with all documents no older than six months.
• 😀 The 13A Visa is the spousal visa for foreigners married to a Filipino citizen, allowing long-term residency in the Philippines.
• 😀 It's advisable to apply for the 13A Visa in the U.S. before moving to the Philippines, as it requires documentation like a valid marriage certificate and police background checks.
• 😀 If your name on your passport does not match the name on your marriage certificate, this could delay or prevent the processing of your 13A Visa.
• 😀 If denied for the 13A Visa or SRRV, you may choose to remain in the Philippines on a tourist visa, though it requires extensions every few years.

Q & A

What is the typical visa for single people visiting the Philippines?

The typical visa for single people visiting the Philippines is the tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days. This can be extended if the visitor wishes to stay longer.

What is the SRRV and who qualifies for it?

The SRRV (Special Retiree Resident Visa) is designed for retirees who want to stay in the Philippines long-term. To qualify, you typically need to be 50 years or older, although there are different requirements based on factors like pension status or military service.

What are the financial requirements for the SRRV if you do not receive a pension?

If you do not receive a pension, you are required to deposit $20,000 into a Philippine bank account. This deposit is refundable if you leave the Philippines.

What changes if you are receiving a pension and applying for the SRRV?

If you are receiving a pension, the required deposit is higher, typically $110,000. However, you would not need to provide the same proof of income that someone without a pension would.

What is the financial requirement for military veterans applying for the SRRV?

Military veterans who are retired only need to deposit $1,000 in the bank to qualify for the SRRV, and there is an annual charge of $10 for the maintenance of their visa status.

Why was the speaker denied the SRRV?

The speaker was denied the SRRV because the Philippine Retirement Authority does not accept funds from brokerage accounts as a reliable income source. They require a consistent, monthly income from sources like pensions.

What documents are needed to apply for the SRRV?

To apply for the SRRV, you need to complete a medical examination, provide a police report, and submit lab work and blood tests done within six months of the application. You also need to ensure that all documentation is up-to-date.

What is the 13A visa and who can apply for it?

The 13A visa is a spousal visa for foreigners married to a Filipino citizen. It allows them to live in the Philippines on a long-term basis.

What documents are needed to apply for the 13A visa in the United States?

To apply for the 13A visa in the United States, you need to submit a valid marriage certificate (registered with the Philippine Embassy), medical documents, police clearance, and ensure all documents are valid for up to six months from the date of application.

What issues did the speaker face with the 13A visa application?

The speaker was denied the 13A visa because the name on their passport did not match the name on their marriage certificate. This discrepancy arose due to a name change that occurred years after their marriage. The embassy required additional documentation to resolve this issue.

What is the process for obtaining a 13A visa once approved?

Once approved, the 13A visa application is sent to the Philippine Embassy in the United States. After review, the embassy will return the approved visa with a stamp on the passport. The applicant must also ensure that medical records remain valid upon arrival in the Philippines.

What happens if someone applies for the 13A visa in the Philippines instead of the United States?

If the 13A visa is applied for in the Philippines, the applicant receives a temporary visa first, which is valid for one year. After this, the applicant would need to re-submit documentation, including medical exams, to finalize the permanent visa, which could take longer and involve additional steps.