Live in the Philippines

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13A Resident Visa – The Complete Guide

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13A Resident Visa might be perfect for you to live on or near an island like this!
13A Resident Visa might be perfect for you to live on or near an island like this!

Want to Live in the Philippines?

The 13A Resident Visa Might be right for you!

In my opinion, the 13A Resident Visa is the premier visa for anybody who wants to live in the Philippines. Why?

  1. There is no requirement to ever travel outside the country on a visa run.
  2. It is a permanent visa that is good for the rest of your life.
  3. Personal feeling that the permanency of the visa kind of makes my living here more “official”.
  4. Very little hassle involved.

No Need To Travel

As I said in point #1, if you are living here on a 13A resident visa you don’t ever have to make a visa run.  You never have to leave the country to re-start your visa.  Once you are here, this is where you live and you can come and go as you please, and only when you wish to.

On many other types of visas, you have to leave the country after a certain amount of time (the length of time depends on the visa) and then return to start your visa over again.  To me, this is a hassle.  If you are a person that travels outside the country frequently that may not be a concern at all.  For me, I enjoy traveling, but I travel the Philippines as this is my new home and I want to explore the place, particularly in Mindanao.

To date, I have lived in the Philippines since 2000 and I have never left the country during those years.  So, the 13A resident visa that I have just works great for me.

Permanent Visa

The 13A Resident Visa is a lifelong visa.  There is never a need to renew it, there is no expiration date.

Some people, in fact many, get confused about this and insist that a 13A resident visa must be renewed every 5 years.  This is incorrect.  The ACR-I Card must be renewed every 5 years, but not the visa.  The ACR-I Card is only an Identification card, it is not a visa.  It is also very simple to renew.

Personal Sense of Permanency

This is only a personal feeling, so take it for what it is worth.  I simply feel that having a 13A resident visa shows more permanency.  It shows that you are a resident here, you live here and this is your home.  Other visas require you to leave the country at set intervals.  I simply feel that you don’t have that sense of permanency.  Nothing wrong with that, but I feel a sense of pride in being permanent, having been accepted as an official resident of the Philippines.  Is that an important thing?  Probably not for most people, I just like the feeling that it gives me.

Just like my Irish Ancestors
Just like my Irish Ancestors

This may sound stupid to some people, and that is OK with me, but I often think of my ancestors who came from Ireland to the USA and compare myself with them.  We are on similar journeys.  They had permanent visas and then became US Citizens.  I feel that I am on the same path that they took, although (so far) I have not pursued Philippine Citizenship.  So, to reiterate, this is purely a personal feeling that makes me like having the 13A resident visa.

Very Little Hassle

I have heard others say that there are hoops to jump through and hassles in obtaining a 13A resident visa.  I respectfully disagree with that.  Yes, of course, there are things that you have to do to obtain it, but I did not find those things to be a hassle or difficult at all to obtain.  No matter what type of visa you have there are hoops and hassles to some degree.  There are no visas that require no hassle at all.

Is there really a hassle? Is it worth it?
Is there really a hassle? Is it worth it?

For me, I applied for my 13A resident visa through the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.  I called them on the telephone and requested an application, which they mailed to me.  I filled out the application, went and had some simple medical tests done and went to our local Sheriff’s Department to get a copy of my Police Record (or actually a paper to state that I had no record).  At that point, I mailed in my application and the supporting documentation.  Within a few days the Consulate called me and interviewed me over the telephone and I had my visa about 3 days later.  It was all very simple and painless.

Now, was it a hassle?  Well, there were things I had to do, so there was some “hassle” involved.  But, I did it once, back in 2000, and I have never had to do it again.  I have also never had to go in and extend or renew my visa.  I have never had to leave the country to keep my visa current.  I just live my life and enjoy myself.

The only other requirement for a 13A resident visa holder is that we must go into the Bureau of Immigration once each year to pay our head tax.  Generally, this takes about 15 to 30 minutes each year and must be done in either January or February.  The amount of tax that I am required to pay is P310 per year, about $6.  Certainly much cheaper than a once per year airline ticket to leave the country.  Some people may enjoy going out of the country yearly, and that’s great!  But, the fact is that if I want to leave the country for a pleasure trip, I am free to leave at any time I wish to do so.

How Often do I have to Renew?

How often do I need to Renew a 13A Resident Visa?
How often do I need to Renew a 13A Resident Visa?

As I noted above, there is a lot of confusion about this.  The only thing you have to renew is your ACR card, which is not the visa. Many people are confused about this.

You only need to renew the ACR every 5 years and make your annual police report… no other action necessary. You never have to renew a 13A resident visa once it is permanent.  There is a lot of confusion about this.  The only thing you have to renew is your ACR card, which is not the visa.

13A Resident Visa Experience

John Miele
John Miele

Some years back, John Miele wrote an article about his experience in obtaining a 13A resident visa in the Philippines. You should remember that John applied for his visa here in the Philippines. If you file for the 13A resident visa in the Philippines it is a one-year probationary visa and must be re-processed after one year before it becomes permanent.

On the other hand, if you apply for a 13A Resident Visa outside the Philippines, the visa is permanent immediately. No need to re-file after a one-year probationary period.

Here is an explanation of John’s 13A Resident Visa experience:

Living here on a tourist visa is entirely possible, though there are a few hiccups that you may encounter:

  1. An ACR is normally required for any type of loans, like a credit card, mortgage or a car loan. (NOT all banks, and some will accept an ACR issued after the second extension)
  2. Likewise, some utilities, like postpaid mobile accounts, normally require residency.
  3. A Philippine driver’s license requires residency.
  4. If you work here and require DOL clearance, residency is required.
  5. If you leave the Philippines and return frequently, without a residence visa, you need to show a ticket out of the country (My job travel occasionally made this a pain)
  6. You normally need residency to buy life or health insurance.
  7. A year of extensions can start getting expensive (Each visit I have made to immigration usually uses up the majority of a workday, with travel and traffic included).

That’s about it, and most of these issues can be circumvented in various ways. However, if you are staying here long-term, it is generally beneficial to obtain residency of some type, if you qualify for the visa. In my case, since Rebecca is Filipina, the 13A resident visa is possible.

Advantages and disadvantages of the 13A resident visa:

Advantages:

  1. Much easier to get loans and such. Even if in the spouse’s name, your income can be shown.
  2. Easier to buy insurance.
  3. No need for a ticket leaving the Philippines. You can come and go as you please.
  4. After the one-year probationary period, the visa is permanent (Though you need to renew your ACR I-card every five years).
  5. You are complying with the spirit of the law (This is a technicality, but if you come as a tourist, it is expected that you leave.)
  6. No need for visa runs.

Disadvantages:

  1. You are subject to an exit travel tax each time you leave. This is in addition to the terminal fee that everyone pays. (I checked with immigration. On a “permanent” ACR, the exit clearance and re-entry permits are part of the I-card, so no need to apply in advance of leaving the country. You do, however, still need to pay the tax.) This is an issue for me, since I travel frequently for work, probably adding 40,000 pesos per year to my expenses.
  2. It takes time and patience with the process. (Though it is not difficult, it could be a hassle if you are living far from an immigration office.)

In theory, you should obtain the 13A Resident Visa before leaving your home country. However, in reality, if your spouse applies after you are here (more on that further down), it is not a big deal as long as you have a minimum of 30 days of stay on your passport. You can extend before applying if you need more time than you have to remain. This was the major rub with me: At my last job, I didn’t sit still long enough to complete the process, due to work obligations. I was in and out so often that I didn’t have time.

The process was simple, though it took four separate trips to immigration for the entire process. The biggest pain will be getting the authenticated copies of all of the documents that you will need. As a precaution, obtain extras of all documents for future use. NOTE: I DID NOT NEED, NOR DID I USE, A FIXER. Repeat that. Repeat it again. When you look online, you will read many, many horrible stories about how much hassle the visa is, how much it costs, or how much time it takes. All of that is pure, 100% bulls**t. The process is easy, and, through immigration can be crowded (and a bit confusing), the staff are generally helpful, respectful, and polite. In fact, it was the other foreigners there who were causing more problems.

What was needed (Direct from the BI web site):

Checklist of Requirements for Non-Quota Immigrant by Marriage Under Section 13A Resident Visa

  1. Duly notarized letter of application by the Filipino spouse; (Your spouse is actually requesting your admittance on your behalf. The BI website has the sample text to download and they have a notary inside the BI building. Just like anywhere else, notarized documents must be signed in the presence of the notary).
  2. General Application Form duly accomplished and notarized (BI Form No. MCL-07-01); (Notarize at BI. They have photographs available there for 4 for 100 pesos).
  3. NSO authenticated copy of Birth certificate of Filipino spouse; (This must be ordered in advance and can be a real hassle. Note that the certificate must be on security paper. Old certificates are not valid.)
  4. NSO authenticated copy of the Marriage Contract of alien and Filipino spouse or authenticated by the Philippine embassy/consulate nearest to or in the place where the marriage was solemnized; (We were married in the province. It took 8 months for the authenticated copy to be available at the NSO. Plan in advance and be prepared to wait.)
  5. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate; and (They give you this at immigration when you file the application).
  6. Plain photocopy of the passport of alien spouse showing dates of arrival and authorized stay.(You can make copies at the BI. Bring your spouse’s passport for ID also. If you need to extend, do this first and ask for at least two months extension to allow for any delays.)

First Visit Process

So, we headed to the BI in Intramuros, documents ready to go. I needed to extend, so that process took one hour (Remember to bring the extension fees in addition). We then queued for around 15 minutes for an officer to check our copies and documents (important!), and gathered the missing extra copies. Another queue for notarization, about 30 minutes. We filed the application, paid at the cashier, and were given a receipt for my passport, along with a hearing date five days later. This is a court hearing and is covered under the next section.

Second Visit Process

So, the hearing was scheduled five days later, at 14:00. Your spouse MUST accompany you in person. This hearing is the actual formal petitioning by your spouse for your continued residence in the Philippines. The hearing is not in front of a judge, but rather, a BI attorney who reviews the application verifies that your spouse exists, and “signs off” on the application. There is a 30-day waiting period for the application to be reviewed by BI officials. If you need to leave the Philippines during this period (I did), you need to advise the BI at this time. The hearing took approximately 10 minutes total time, though, be aware NOT to be late and miss the hearing, or the process begins again and the fees are charged again. You are given a telephone number after the hearing to call and check your application’s status after the 30 day period. Keep ALL receipts. Your passport is returned to you now (Not yet stamped).

Third Visit Process

So, I called on the 30th day and was notified that my application was approved. You can finalize the visa on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Intramuros. You have the option of paying an extra 500 pesos for “Double Express” for 2 – 4-hour service, or “Single Express” for 10-hour service. I chose double so that I could get the process finished.

Short queue, you give them your passport, and they obtain your file. Wait 30 minutes for processing. Pay the fees at the cashier. You then return, depending on the Double or Single express service chosen, at the appointed time. You are given your now-stamped passport and directed to the ACR application queue.

Fourth Visit Process

Very simple. Stand in a short queue to pick up your new ACR I-card after calling to verify that it is ready. Total time: 10 minutes, no additional cost.

The 13A Resident Visa you are issued is valid for one year, and probationary. In other words, don’t do anything stupid and break the law. After one year (90 days before it expires… IMPORTANT!), you can petition for the probationary visa to become permanent. You still have to appear at the BI during the first two months of the new year and pay the fee.

Overall Impression

This process was very simple, even though you feel like cattle a bit. I really don’t believe that a fixer would have made anything any quicker. Perhaps on the review after the hearing, but I can’t see why it would be worth the risk unless you needed to travel far to reach immigration and get things done in a more timely manner. Keep in mind that I am not an attorney, nor an expert. Complicated or unusual cases probably would go smoother with an attorney involved, or one may be necessary. In my case, it was straightforward, since I was married here, and my wife and I have both behaved ourselves with no legal snafus. The first step, should you have questions, is to simply call immigration and ASK. Please note: It can be tough to find answers on these topics that are reliable. The small canteen connected to immigration is where the employees all take their breaks (smoke and otherwise). Chit chatting with them informally is a great way to find out the real scoop. They are friendly and are acting like people there, rather than government officials. Just mind your manners and remember that they are taking a break! They were very helpful in answering questions with which I was unclear. You might as well, since you will have a good bit of wait time.

Keep in mind, though this seems like a real hassle, this is much easier than most other countries’ immigration procedures.

Amendment of a Probationary 13A Resident Visa to Permanent

In his next article, John explained how to amend the 13A resident visa to permanent, one year after the probationary visa was issued.

Here is the process that John went through:

The Conversion Process

I amended from probationary to permanent status, converting probationary to permanent in June.

It was simple but took three visits to Intramuros. Since there were several inquiries, here is the detailing of my procedure in Manila. Converting in the provinces may be different or take differing amounts of time. Unfortunately, the BI website is not really clear on the requirements, and the request letter text differs from the initial probationary letter… I’m the first to admit that the process is confusing. Stick with it, don’t forget your documents, and just be patient. The conversion process is much easier than the initial application.

First Visit

Rebecca needed to go with me. Conversion (Amendment, technically, since you really have the same visa, but the terms are changed) requires a letter similar to the letter required for the probationary application but differing slightly.

The text of the letter below:

Sir:
May I respectfully request for the amendment to permanent a non-quota immigrant visa under Section 13, Paragraph A of the Philippine Immigration Act as amended, in favor of my foreign spouse, John Francis Miele, a United States national.
I am Rebecca Carrao Miele, a Philippine citizen. We were married in Abulug, Cagayan on October 8, 2008.
I am enclosing here a copy of the necessary documents to prove my above-cited information and that all documents submitted were legally obtained from the corresponding government agencies.

The letter is signed and notarized onsite, at the public attorney desk in BI. (You can also use one of the notaries standing outside if you need a reprint or change to the letter… Most charge around P300 per document.)  You fill out a new application, bringing passport and your ACR. You are then directed to the immigration attorney section upstairs immediately, an interview with the attorney (Have you behaved? Are you intending to stay? Those sorts of questions. Your spouse MUST be present with you.)

The entire process, including the interview, took about three hours. When submitted, they return your passport and tell you to look up the status on the BI website for approval in two weeks (It took three actually… It appears that the website updates about 1 week behind… Note that you have to scroll through each page… Not searchable).

Second Visit

When your name appears on the BI website, you can come in and complete the process. They process the 13a resident visa at Intramuros on Tuesdays and Fridays. Pay “double express” again, and they stamp your passport with your new permanent resident visa. Then, you go apply for a new ACR. $50 for the new ACR card, but you don’t need new photos/fingerprints. They give you a receipt for your ACR (Don’t lose this, or face around an hour of running around trying to document your lost receipt… I’m speaking from my own stupid experience), with a phone number to call after 5 business days. When you call, they tell you if the ACR is ready. Total time for me: 3 hours.

Third Visit

Less than 5 minutes to pick up new ACR.

Again, though seemingly complicated, the process isn’t so bad, and you can take heart that you need not visit immigration again except for the annual 5-minute police report and renewal of your ACR after 5 years or changing addresses. I hope you find this information useful.

 Can you Lose your 13A Resident Visa?

Do you ever worry about losing your 13A Resident Visa?  It can happen!

However, it probably can’t happen as easily as you may imagine.  I recently received a question from Martyn through my Expat Answer Man voicemail line (if you have a question you can leave me a message below) asking what would happen if his wife dies?

Well, our wife (or spouse I should say) has to sponsor us to receive a 13A resident visa, so what if she dies?  Do we lose our visa in that event?  Well, the answer may surprise you, so be sure to listen to the Podcast today.

Should you become divorced or even separated from your spouse you will lose your 13A Resident Visa.

[powerpress]

Is the 13G Visa better for you?

If your spouse is naturalized in your home country and no longer a Philippine Citizen you have a couple of options that will still get you a permanent resident visa in the Philippines. Check my article about 13G Visa, it will answer your questions about that!

Complete Guide

This post is meant as a comprehensive guide to obtaining and living in the Philippines in a 13A Resident Visa. The visa is easy to get, inexpensive and gives you a cheap and easy way to live permanently in the Philippines.

Good luck with your 13A Resident Visa!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hi Bob, I guess either I’m confused or the process changed since I applied for my 13A visa at the Philippine Consulate in Chicago in Sept 2016. I was told by the lady at the consulate that the visa was temporary (not permanent as your article says) and valid for only 6 months from the time of the medical exam (not issuance of said temporary visa) and that I had to travel to the Philippines within that six months and apply for the permanent visa. I did that, it went pretty smooth with only a couple hiccups and I got my ACR-I a couple months later. Nice article. For those coming in on an overseas issued 13A, you’ll have to go get a medical clearance (you should have those papers already with you given by the Consulate), but make sure you also bring 3 identical photos (passport type) or you’ll have to pay for them there. The instructions on filling out the paperwork for the medical exam says to bring one 13X17 X-Ray fill of your chest, but they accept a CD of the X-Ray. OB

      • Thanks Bob. I missed the podcast, can you let me know the answer to what happens if you spouse that sponsored you passes away? Do you lose your 13A status? Thanks again. OB

        • Hi OB. The podcast is right there, you can listen any time! But, if your spouse passes away, if you divorce or even no longer live together you will lose your 13A.

              • No, there are permanent visas for which you do not need to be married. if you are looking to get something like that, we would be happy to consult you on that. Just let us know.

              • Good afternoon, I am already for 7 years living in the Philippines with “hassle” I live all those years with my common law wife but we are not married because her Japanese divorce papers got lost her in Phil. My “wife” is tired of all the problems and money we spent and not want to enter this process again. You mentioned that there are permanent visa which do not require a marriage. Can you tell me something more about this.
                I went to immigration here in Batangas City, always very helpful, but they were not aware of that
                By the way I fully agree that being a citizen in the country you live is a comfortable feeling and almost a “must”

              • Sorry, I realise I was not complete, I entered here on a SRRV with a fixed deposit of $ 10,000. This amount only to be used for purchase of condo or share in a golf club.
                2 years ago I transferred this to an ACR-I card with 6 months visa. I regret now that decision

              • Sure, you can check on these types of visas:

                1. SRRV “Special Retiree’s Resident Visa”.
                2. 13A Quote Visa (hard to get, only few issued)

          • Hi Bob, in your podcast you mention that following a divorce/annulment, your spouse can revoke her sponsorship of the 13A? If you were to get divorced and she was not to do this (i.e. you have an amicable break-up), would the 13A still be revoked? I guess I’ll ask an immigration official about this but i’ve seen a lot of different opinions floating around the web and would like to know your thoughts on the matter.

            • Things change over time, Frank. At one time you would not lose your 13A after a divorce unless your spouse specifically withdrew her endorsement. However, now it will be revoked even if she does not withdraw if anybody at the BI finds out about the divorce.

          • Hi Bob,
            My husband passed away in April 2015 & I left Manila in January 2016 for my country,Singapore.
            I was back in MLN last Feb to fix some personal matters & I entered as a tourist without showing my ACR card.
            I’ve been living in Singapore all these years.

            I’m planning to live in MLN again in 2020,I understand that my 13a visa is no longer valid with the demise of my Filipino spouse.I would be based there on a long term tourist visa extendable until 36 months,I’ll be travelling around Philippines & other Asian countries.
            Do I have to report to BI that I’m widowed since April 2015 & show my ACR card which expired in June 2019, when I apply for a new I-card as a long term tourist?
            Since I’m no longer living in MLN,would I still have to pay the penalty for the annual report from 2017 to 2019?Do I also have to pay late penalty for not renewing my current ACR card when I go to BI next year?

            I went to do my annual report in 2016 before I left MLN but as I was still in grief & didn’t have a clear mind I didn’t think about having to report my widow status.

            I seek your advice,so that I can be mentally prepared when I go to BI to fix things.

            Thank you!
            Best regards
            Susan Q.

  2. Been meaning to apply for mine for a while as I’m currently just on a tourist visa, the main obstacle has been no-one seeming to be able to tell me what should go in the letter of application, so interested to read that there’s a sample text on the BI website, however searching through the menus there, I still can’t find it. Do you have a direct link?

    • Sorry, used to, but they change their permalinks from time to time. 🙂 I am sure if you write a letter and go in they will tell you of corrections that need to be made, though.

      • Also, there are notaries on the sidewalk right outside the BI main building who will fix you and your sponsoring spouse up with a BI approved application letter in 5 minutes flat. No need to worry about preparing any letter in advance. Costs, IIRC from my last trip to Intramuros, about p200.

        Also, something to consider when deciding on the apply in the USA or apply in the Philippines question.

        Depending upon the particular consulate you use, they may be very picky about the medical clearance. One American I know spent close to $1,000 before he was finished with all his processing.

        When applying for the 13A here in the Philippines, you do have the 1-year probationary hassle BUT there is no medical exam required. Weigh all your options.

        • Hi Dave – That may be the case at some (many?) BI offices. Here in Davao, there are no notaries on the sidewalk, but there is an attorney office right next door who can do it for you.

    • Hi Dave. I still have all my docs saved on he computer, but don’t know how to attach them to this comment section. If you go to the Chicago Philippine Consulate home page, there are links that will help you and are pretty easy to navigate. Hope this helps. OB

  3. Excellent information.
    However, the insult to Arabs & Indians for allegedly not quing at the BI is rascist & not necessary.

      • Thks very much.
        I very well know u’re always above board, decent, rexpectful, & fair human being.
        The unnrcessary racist notes is written by John Miele.

  4. Bob, I applied for my 13A through the Philippines Consulate in Washington DC. They still only have me a Probationary 13A. I went to Globe and they would not accept my 13A that was in my passport but insisted on seeing proof that I had an ACR -I card, even though I had a Philippines DL as identification.

    • Yeah, the ACR cared proves that it is not probationary. It was when you entered the country, but as soon as you finished processing (should be just a couple days) it instantly became permanent.

  5. Hi Bob. Nice Article, as usual. My only comment is that the 13a visa is not quite permanent. If your Filipina wife dies, my understanding is the visa is no longer valid and you’ll be asked to leave. You could file for another type of Visa if you wanted to stay, but your 13a would be invalid.

  6. How early can I apply here in the US before it has to be used going to the Philippines. Is there a time limit?

    • Hi John – Bring your old ACR Card and your passport (current passport and the passport that shows your entry stamp). They will give you a form to fill out. That’s it. It is quite easy. Good luck!

      • Bob , I cannot locate old passport with stamp . How can I obtain a copy of 13A approval letter ? Immigration in Manila took my money after stating that the receipts I had sent along with expired card was enough to renew the card . Now they say differently and will not refund !

  8. Bob;
    My first 13A was on a huge yellowish card (Back in the 90”s) and then the ACR-1 with I-card came about.
    Since the I-Card I’ve been required to make the trip to Manila to renew the I-Card every five years. But found out if infirmed the trip can be waived for a healthy fee. (I paid it.) People on other visa are fine unless health prevents you leaving the country to start again.
    No fee will cover that.
    I’ve had the 13A for over 20 years, albeit I had to have it added to my new US Passport when I renew that every 10 years six years left on that. Now BTW that was a hassle.
    One would think that presenting both the new and old passport should make it easy, but then it won’t. (LOL) But whatever way one picks, just pay the head tax the first of the year and enjoy life here.

    • Hi Paul. Yep, I had one of those yellow cards too! 🙂

      Luckily, I can renew my iCard right here in Davao. No extra fee. I’ve had my 13A for 18 years now.

      Totally agree with your last statement.. pay the P310/year and enjoy life! No doubt!

    • Paul, please do tell us about the “(if infirmed the trip can be waived for a healthy fee.”
      I can surely ask many doctors here who know me all too well to issue any needed certification to save me from the otherwise-need agent/attorney or multiple debilitating trips bank-and-forth to BI in Manila every 5 years.
      Way cheaper than the last 22k+ remove route, which would have been a bargain vrs doing it in person way up there!

  9. Hi, great information as always. In review of the checklist that was posted I didn’t see any mention of the criminal background check that is required. Maybe I missed it. Has anything changed with that requirement?

  10. Hi Bob, Is health ever an issue when applying for the 13A visa? I could be the poster child for pre existing conditions, so I was curious.
    Thanks

  11. Bob, this is a very comprehensive article. One question I have never seen a good answer for though is this.

    Is there a maximum time a 13A visa holder may remain outside the Philippines and still return to the Philippines, visa still in effect?

    TIA

  12. Hi. I read on the Philippines embassy website of Singapore that Indians can’t apply for 13A visa.
    I am staying in India and am an Indian. Is my nationality a problem for applying for 13A.

  14. Great website Bob…thank you so much. I wonder how you would address this problem if you were me. My mother had syphilis while she was pregnant with me (1944)…and consequently I carry antibodies in my blood. Also consequently when I am tested I come back as having syphilis. I have carried these antibodies all my life, and I am “false positive”. I have never “had” the disease.
    How would you approach the medical part of the 13A if you were in my situation? Thanks for your reply.

    • I would probably just ask the doctor to include a note with the test saying that I was a false positive. I don’t know of anything else you could do. Good luck.

      • Back in 2015, after a few years living here on tourist visas and jumping through the BI hoops and paying every couple of months (plus annually), I finally realized that it made more sense to spend then (at that time) PHP130k+ to properly get a Sec.13 (no suffix like “A”, all on my own) so that I could just continue to live here peacefully and support my family.

        One wrinkle: They sent me to the Manila port for an X-ray. Ok, but it showed false indication of Tuberculosis. What ???? I never had TB, nor has anyone in my family or anyone I’ve known ever had TB, it was totally long-ago eradicated where I come from. They sent me to Manila Doctors hospital, where on payment the doctor prescribe pills I didn’t need that would turn me “yellow”. Since I knew it was bogus, I went to another (provincial “doctors”) hospital, where the doctor examined the X-rays and what he had done and told me plain-and-simple “YOU have NO TB. Their machine is old and broken and we all know that – Here’s the true clearance certificate you need”.

        After that last step, the final Sec.13 immigration stamp was immediately done.

        • OOps, I should have properly written 2005 not 2015 !
          No way to edit to correct one’s posting here???

  15. Interesting on the Pod cast. Thank you for clearing it up. I was told that if my wife died I would lose my 13A. And that bothered me as she loves her motorcycle, and I worry about her all the time. This is my home and I do not want to leave.

  16. If you are having your 13a ACR card renewed after 5 years, the wait is 2 to 3 months. As part of the renewal process, the BI takes your ACR card. What happens if you have to leave the country furing this period?

    • I would recommend scheduling the renewal of your ACR based on your travel schedule. If there is an unscheduled trip, visit the BI first to make arrangements.

  17. I was told by BI Dumaguete that if I lost (as in could not find) my 13a ACR card, I would have to apply again. Correct? The BI advised me to carry a photocopy, color, back to back, laminated card. But someone told me this is against BI regulations. Is it? What to do?

    • I never heard of any prohibition of carrying a photocopy of any ID including ACR card; it’s a very normal thing to do in the Philippines. That begs the question – why any need to carry the ACR card other than to a BI office or immigration point (airport)? Easy enough to carry photocopies of passport plus any other normal Philippines government-issued picture ID such as drivers licence, PhilHealth, etc,or the originals thereof. I myself typically keep my ACR and current passport in a safe place and don’t truck it around without any need or good reason. Though I do take my actual physical docs to visit BI, they actually *demand* submission of photocopies rather than the actual original documents – yeah, ok fine that you have the originals on sight, but they want photocopies of those for normal purposes such as annual reporting, status changes, ACR renewal, not the actual physical documents; same for opening bank accounts, various financial transactions, anything and all such.. Even BI doesn’t want to see my originals, they want photocopies in duplicate (which they call “xerox” here irrespective of brand of photocopy machine that produces copies, like anyone could know or care which make of machine made the photocopies – my home printer produces just fine “xerox”s, though people do get confused if the copies are full color and not simple black’n’white).

      As for losing the actual ACR card, I doubt any need for the original when you have bona-fida photocopies other than for exiting and re-entering the Philippines (which I’ve not done in all the years I’ve had my Sec.13 visa and ACR) but that’s what they tell me, You could go an extra step of having photocopies notarized as being true copies. I vaguely remember a place on the current ACR renewal for applying for a replacement; same basic USD$50 fee as long as you have *zero* “status change” issues since original ACR issue (yes going way back to the full-page yellow one years ago). Go to the BI web site and download yourself a copy of that current form.

        • Bob, “illegal” by the laws of the Philippines? – since BI (Philippines Bureau of Immigration) routinely and always requires photocopies from one’s foreign passport for just about everything – ACR card renewal, annual reporting, “status change”, everything? Forgive my confusion, but how can it be illegal when 100% required to maintain proper legal immigration residency?

  18. Hoping you can offer some advice – I am an Australian, I have been on a work visa for three years. Feb 2018 I married my filipino spouse. my work visa expired september 2018. Now i will start the process of applying for the 13 A as i resigned from the position. is it difficult making the switch from work visa to 13A? I am no longer working

  19. Hi Bob.

    Moving there in March. A little confused. You are saying that I have to do the MCL form whereas other sites are saying the CGAF form. Do I need to do both? They both sorta look the same. And yes, I’ll probably have to extend once or twice before the marriage. THANKS!

  21. Hi I’m an American with Filipina wife. I’m in country and my 13A and ACR are in process for year one probationary. No concerns, just waiting. This blog was very helpful. My question is about working and paying BIR income taxes. I live in PH but work for a USA company with USA HQ, they do not have a PH corp entity or local office (I travel and work from home). Do they need to pay any company taxes to BIR and do I need to pay any BIR income taxes?? I’m paid USD into a US bank acct and of course my US employer deducts my USA SS and fed taxes for the good ole IRS. I want to ensure I can work this way legally in PH? Advice appreciated. THXS MJ

    • Firstly, I am not an attorney or tax accountant. However, under the law of the Philippines, you should owe nothing in my opinion. PH does not tax income of foreigners if earned outside the Philippines. Good luck.

  22. I’d appreciate input. I applied for the 13A in Iloilo at the beginning of September, 3 months ago. I check the immigration visa status page every week. To date nothing. Whenever I ring Manila nobody picks up, and Iloilo say they’re unable to help. I really need this visa so that I can get a driving licence. Any ideas? Thanks.

  23. Hi bob. Just a question on probation period,you have to go in the first 60 days or is it only jan you go to bi.

  24. Hi,

    Thank you for the article. I wonder if a foreigner can work legally with this visa? Register an SME or even buy land?

  25. Hello! I have a probationary resident visa, going to apply for a permanent. How much will it cost? Approximately
    Thanks!

  26. I’m of filipino descent, and was born in the U.S. I lived in the Philippines for about 7 years during childhood up to adolescent period of my life and went back to the U.S. I am now 50 years old and plan on living in the Philippines. I just bought a one-way ticket, will be arriving there next week, and plan on staying there for good. After reading your article, it looks like this is the channel for me to follow. I’ve also read about the Special Resident Retiree Visa as well as the dual citizenship. With this, I’m confused as hell. Which one is applicable and rightful for me? Need guidance please. Thank you.

    • If you lived in the Philippines for so many years as a child, perhaps you are already a dual citizen? How did you stay in the Philippines for so many years without any Visa issues?

      • Thank you so much. I’m going to the Philippines this December to get married and want to stay without needing to come back here to the states.

      • Hello, I’m a filipina married to American citizen, but am a freelance artist here in Manila, so am technially not employed. My husband was a missionary here but is no longer, we’ve been married for 1 year and living in Manila for over 2 years now and want to finally petition him for a resident visa. We want to start a business & a non profit here. I have the same question as Darrel Hall. Given the nature of our work, we’re still in the process of saving money, and $10,000 isn’t a piece of cake for us. But the visa extensions and visa runs are starting to take a toll that’s why we’re opting to get a resident visa for my husband. We’ve been stumped by this supposed $10,000 requierement that’s listed in multiple sites. In your experience did the BIR ask for any financial income statements when you applied for the 13(A) visa? Would appreciate any help! thanks!

  29. I agree the process was simple. Immigration officer even gave me her mobile number if I had questions.
    I did mine in the province so seems you always pay for the fast lane. Also I had to go to Manila to get an NBI clearance on both occasions. In the province where the offices are quiet the total time spent in immigration was around 4 hours.

  30. Hello Bob, I am in process of applying for the 13A visa myself before leaving U.S. in April with my filipina wife but I have a younger brother who is disabled and I am the guardian and payee of his SSI benefits so how can I help him to become a permanent resident in Philippines? Or is it even possible since he is still single?

    Also, do you think it’s a good idea to start the application of my 13A before I leave for Philippines on April 4 of this year? We are selling our home here in U.S. so we will have to return once the home is sold by our real estate agent to sign over the deed to the home but I am wondering if I should just wait and do it in the Philippines. I already have my police clearance and medical forms done and all other documents ready for the visit to the Philippines Consulate in Houston, Tx. but I am wondering if the Consulate in Houson is going to ask us to return for continuous interviews.

    We reside 3 hours away from Houston Consulate making the trip 6 hours round trip but I assumed it would only be a one time visit. What do you think? Hope to hear back from you.

    • Hi John – Regarding your brother, you have not told me much about him, I don’t know his age, which is relevant. Basically, there are two ways that he can become a permanent resident

      1. Marry a Filipina and get a 13A.
      2. Get an SRRV Retirement Visa. He will need to put up a deposit ranging between $1500 to $50,000 (this depends largely on his age).

      In my opinion, it is FAR better to apply for the 13A in the US than the Philippines. There are multiple reasons, but the main reason is the amount of hassle. Everything in the Philippines is a hassle, and a visa application is among the worst.

      You should only have to go to Houston Consulate once. Don’t go there with the application, send that in by FedEx. When they are ready to interview you they will notify you of a date and time, that is when you should go.

      Good luck.

      • Bob, just curious. If I apply in the US for 13a, does my Filipina wife need to sign the forms? She is currently living in the Philippines with my children.

        When do I get my ACR card if I apply in the US?

  31. Hey! I was wondering if you get this visa doesn’t this mean you renounce your citizenship?

  33. Thanks Bob
    I have been living here in Dumaguete for 4 years now. I’m interested in getting the permanent resident visa without marriage. I here depositing $10,000 in an account is the way. I can’t easily find this online about the process. An also when i die what happens to the 10 grand? Can i leave that in a will for my son or anyone else i so chose?
    Thanks
    Mickey

    • Everybody thinks that $10k deposit is what is needed.. it is an old wives tale. No such regulation exists.

      There is a visa called an SRRV (Special Retiree’s Resident Visa) that does require a cash investment. But, the amount ranges between $1500 to $50,000 depending on your circumstances. If you want to get into that, we can talk about it in a consulting session, just let me know.

  34. Hello Bob, i was listening your podcast about if the wife dies. I hope it does not happen the next so say 30 to 40 years. My wife is 16 years older than me, yes; old carrabao eats young grass :-). I have a 13a since 2014.You said in the podcast that i (i mean the peraon who asked) as an alien will still have the permanent visa for lifetime. I know a fellow citizen which lost his 13a 2 months after his wife died. Do you have a source which proof your said? Cause just in case (my wife is very healthy) but you never know. Thank you a lot Bob

    • Hi Andi. The podcast you listened to is an older one. Now, they do take back your 13 Series visa if your spouse passes (and they find out). Unfortunately, enforcement policies change.

  35. Hello bob
    Thank you for that information
    I want to ask about trv (temporary resident visa) and the different between the 13a visa, and tge cost of that visa because i see it cost almost 8k+ peso is that I will pay every year for renewal??
    And about the batter way to send large amounts to there and cheapest way because i see the forex rates is different and I will lose almost about 100k peso if I transfer to bdo bank.
    Best regards

  36. Hi Bob,
    Unlike a number of posters on the subject of what would happen with one’s 13(a) visa if one’s sponsoring wife died, my wife did die last year. A visit to the BI in Intramuros led me, erroneously, to ask to be allowed to stay as I am assisting my wife’s daughter financially. I say erroneously because I discovered later there is a Memorandum on the subject from 2014 which says the dependent must be under 21. She is now 40! So, I don’t know where you got the idea in your podcast that there was no problem as the memorandum suggests there is.
    The interesting thing is that although I submitted a number of papers I heard nothing from them and after two visits there they seem to have been lost. Was that an accident or deliberate, I wonder?
    Have received contradictory advice on what visa to go on to..SSRV or SIRV.. or even on whether to bother to get a new one at all. The staff at Alien Rergistration said I don’t have to do anything until the expiry of my ACR card. Renew the ACR card,once if you need more time was one suggestion from a lawyer. When I asked if I could keep on doing that he gave no reason why I couldn’t .but advised against it. He also said I should make sure I do not submit the application personally.

    • Hi John, I have explained that in the comments a number of times, including 2 or 3 days ago. That info that you are referring to in the podcast is out of date. The podcast is from like 2012 or maybe earlier. I will be editing that. But, it has been explained over and over again.. I just can’t force people to read it.

    • Yes Bob, I had read them on a second visit..but at my first the podcast is all I clicked on. It is so prominent, but the discussion where the corrections are is not. The early marriages of foreign men and Filipinas are now reaching a duration where death of the wife is increasingly likely, given the lower life expectation figures here … and my experience seems to suggest that some BI staff at least are sympathetic to the difficulties some are in as a result of that sad event..
      Would be very interested to hear from anyone else in the same position.

  37. Hello Bob…I am an Indian national on 47a2 visa in Philippines since June 2014. I have contract with my company that my 47a2 and the employment permit will be renewed as and when needed unless I choose to resign. I am married to a Filipino since July 2017. Now I have few questions regarding 13A. Apologies if its bothering. I may have situation coming up where I might need to take a new job opportunity back in India by the end of August this year. So, given my current situation and a potential one upcoming by August end this year my queries are…

    Being an Indian national, married to a Filipino, am I eligible for a 13A?

    Can I convert 47a2 to a 13A?

    As I will apply for 13A here in Manila and will be sponsored by my Filipino wife, I believe it will be for 1year probationary (please advise if otherwise). Will it affect my current work permit? If yes, what will be the impact?

    If I have to leave Philippines and take a new job opportunity in India by the end of August this year, does it have any affect on my 13A application, on the probationary period and application for the permanent one after a year?

    Does 13A allows to have a job in Philippines? Any restrictions for that?

    • As I have said in this thread, I don’t know anything about visas for those from visa restricted countries like India. I am sorry I can’t help you.

  38. Greetings Bob,

    This site is a blessing and you lay out every step with ease. I have a few questions that maybe you or others here may be able to address.

    I’ve been to the Philippines a few times and love the country. I have a fiance that I plan to bring to the US on a fiance visa and get married. We plan to maybe stay in the US maybe a couple years or so, then start the process of moving to the Philippines permanently. From what I read, it looks like our marriage in the US should be valid in the Philippines, but wanted to confirm it.

    Also, from the URL below:

    http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/permanent-resident-visa

    The last part reports this:

    ===
    **Provided that the marriage took place before 24 April 2001 or the couple has been married for at least five years.
    ===

    This looks like it disqualifies anyone from applying that was married post 24 April 2001. I have a habit if misreading things, so I wanted to see if this really does apply or not.

    Thank you so much for your time,
    Michael Wettstein

    • Oh, I read it as the date and 5 years of marriage, not or, but then this would mean I would have to wait 5 years to apply. Hope this is not the case.

      • Read it again, it references “**” which when you check says that it applies to Malta. Since you are from the USA, what applies to Malta has no effect on you.

    • Hi Michael,

      Your US Marriage will be valid in the Philippines. However, to make it valid you need to report your marriage to the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, or to a Philippine Consulate nearest you in the USA.

      As for the 24 April 2001/5 years thing that you quoted from the Bureau of Immigration website, it specifically says (**) that is for Malta. You are from the US. Things in Malta don’t apply to you.

      Good luck.

  39. Hi, could you please list an estimated time span between 3rd and 4th visit ; ergo, the ACR card, in context of foreign driverslicence conversion. Do I really need the ACR card for that or is the passport stamp and application for the ACR maybe sufficient ?

  40. Hi Bob! I’m going to be applying for a 13(a) soon. Problem is, I have some old criminal activity. From what I can tell on the BI’s own checklist, (SOURCE: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS/DEC2015/BI%20FORM%20V-I-002-Rev%201.pdf) if I apply for the 13(a) while INSIDE the Philippines, they only require a NBI check, but if I apply from the US, they require a police certificate, as stated on the NY Consulate’s site (SOURCE: http://www.newyorkpcg.org/the-consulate/our-services/visa/visa-general-information/154-non-quota-immigrant-visa) Can you shed some light into whether this is truth and what you think my best options are. Thank you!

  41. Very nice article Bob. I was surfing along the web and came upon this one you wrote. My wife and I have been living here in the Philippines for a few years now, She is Filipino, but we travel a lot and just renewed my visa every year when we returned. We have decided that we won’t be traveling outside the country the next few years so It’s time I obtained a 13A Visa. Your article is really good and I will follow it the best I can.Thanks for all the advice and I pray it goes as smoothly for us as it seems to have gone for you. God Bless!

  43. Hi Bob. My question is does a charge bar you from getting the 13a if committed in the US.

    • If you were charged and not convicted there should be no bearing on your Visa. If the case has not yet been adjudicated, I think it would put a hold on your Visa. If you were convicted, it depends on what you were charged with.

  44. dearest sir BOB MARTIN,THANK you very much for sharing the guidelines an the experience through processing step by step regarding on how to apply a visa from PROBATIONARY TO PERMANENT RESIDENT VISA..may GOD BLESS YOU ALL THE TIME.HAVE A NICE JOURNEY IN LIFE

  45. Hi Bob how are you today I’m trying to find out about my police report from the Sheriff’s Department unfortunately I do not have a squeaky clean record I have a vehicle or homicide convection how would that affect me getting a 13A

    • Since I don’t really know the details, it is hard to say. For vehicular homicide I would expect that was an accident, right? If so, I don’t think it would really hinder you from getting the Visa, but the only way you will know is to try to apply and see what happens.

  46. Hi Bob can I ask you if you still remember the phone number or any email address how to truck my visa application. I’m married with Filipino and I applied for 13A visa . Thank you

  47. Hi bob,
    You said its so easy to pick up but from my experience it seems impossible coz the ACR-I CARD of my husband is ready ready to pick up april 5 but until now he still dont have it.I ask my sister to pick it up together with the power of attorney the passport and her ID’S but every visit in IMMIGRATION there is other requirements..until now she still working on it

  48. You said its so easy to pick up but from my experience it seems impossible coz the ACR-I CARD of my husband is ready ready to pick up april 5 but until now he still dont have it.I ask my sister to pick it up together with the power of attorney the passport and her ID’S but every visit in IMMIGRATION there is other requirements..until now she still working on it

  49. Hi Bob ,

    Me and my wife were married in the United States in July of 2016 and recently moved to the Philippines six months ago to open a bakery . We are getting ready to order our marriage certificate through PSA. Do you know how many copies do I need to order? I know one is needed for the 13A Visa Application but would just a copy of that one be good enough for the ACR 1 card application ?

    thanks ,

    Art

  50. Hi Bob, there is no any visa for permanent residence without getting merry with a Filipina?

  51. Hi Bob can you answer a question for me. I lived in the Philippines from 2002 to 2017 I have been out of the country for approximately 2 years I met my wife and married there and hold a 13a visa however the eye card is expired stop. But as you said the visa is permanent and only the ID card expires. If I’ve been out of the country as long as I have can I simply re-enter? Or is my visa status rescinded because I left the country for so long. Regards Mike

  52. Sounds good … going for the ACR original middle of July ‘19 and then work on 13a … your blog is very helpful …

  53. Just my comments: I submitted my papers for my 13a in January (Cebu office). I just got approved end of April (Manila only). By the time it got to Cebu it was mid June so my stamp says April even though the stamp on my passport was made almost 2 months later. This was a Balikbayan conversion so I finally applied for ACR card (optional for Balikbayan visa holders). As of July, I am still waiting on it because, even though the papers for both were submitted at the same time in January, the ACR process does not start until my visa is stamped with the 13a. 2-3 months they said at BI. Since I am planning on an overseas vacation before I get the ACR card, I must return to BI 2 weeks before travel to get an ACR card waiver.
    I have heard multiple stories from BI staff regarding ECC. I can get it in the airport and I can get it in BI office. Haven’t tested either one but the first will be at the office and then ask in the airport if I could have applied in the airport. Not that I will travel much overseas….

  54. “An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little
    homework on this. And he actually ordered me dinner simply because
    I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
    Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss
    this topic here on your blog.”

  55. Hi Bob, Do you have to become non-resident in your home country to have 13A resident visa in Philippines? My wife (Filipina) and I plan to be back and forth spending part of the year in Philippines and part here in Canada so would like to have a visa that I don’t have to keep renewing. Just not clear to me if a 13A means that Philippines becomes official residence or if it is a secondary residence to my home country. Any help you can provide is much appreciated.Thanks! Jim.

    • You can go back and forth, that is no problem. But, you cannot be out of the Philippines for more than 12 months or the 13A will be canceled.

  56. Hi sir does 13A resident visa need a show money if it did how much is the amount sir?

  57. Hey Bob, if I’m married to a Filipina and my tourist visa is just for a 7 days stay? Would I be still eligible to file for 13A resident visa? Can I file for an extension of my 7 days visa to a 2 months or so?

  58. Bob, maybe an odd question. If you have a 13A permanent&I-card, for the last 20 yrs, and are sponsored with no problems, how long can you stay out of the Philippines without confusing immigration officers on a return visit.

  59. HELP!!!!!!!!!

    I have tried to follow your process – but the Qatar Embassy is telling me that it is now only a 1 year Visa and I have to apply year on year? CONFUSED

    Have they changed the process?

    Please also anyone applying make sure of the following

    Medical – they only accept film X-rays – not CD’s this can be challenging

    Passport Photographs – make sure that they can see your ears – this was a challenge for me as my ears are small

    Proof of finances – make sure that you can show your savings, but also any account where your salary is currently deposited to

    Proof of ownership of property – make sure you have something that clearly shows your names as well as you Filipino spouse

    Proof of marriage – needs to be translated in the local language from which you are applying in my case Arabic and then notarized by the local government offices in that country before the embassy process.

    Number of copies – have 1 full original set and 2 extra copies – 1 for embassy and 1 for yourself

    Hope that this helps – please can you help me with the above?

  60. Just to clarify is the philippine spouse dies your visa isn’t revoked. Did I hear that right?

  61. Since the 13a visa is permanent what would happen If you moved back to your own country for a while as the visa wouldn’t expire but the acr card will.
    So my acr card will expire before I’m going back to the philippines so would we just go to manila immigration and renew acr card when we are there? Would we be hit with any fees other than the 50usd for the card?
    Hope this makes sense

  62. HI Bob, as you mentioned you applied for 13A in San Francisco and sounds much simpler than applying in Philippines. Do you still suggest applying by mail in USA? There is a Philippine Embassy in Honolulu. Hawaii where I lived previous 10 years. Just to be clear, are you saying I could apply there and make process faster than going BI method in Philippines?

    I’ve been living in Negros Occidental in Visayas since February 2018 on a Tourist Visa. Currently been just over 6 months since last arrival in Philippines. I planned on applying at Iloilo district office as is a Ferry boat away instead of flight to Manila.

    Do you know what the financial requirement for income is for foreigner on 13A Visa?
    Does a 13A Visa allow me to legally work in the Philippines?
    If there a Bank deposit required for 13A Visa much like other visas?

    Thanks for help.

    • Firstly, just to be clear, I never applied for or had a 13A Visa. I applied for a 13g Visa in San Francisco, and it was issued to me.

      I do believe that applying at a Philippine consulate in the United States is quicker and easier than doing it in the Philippines. That’s what I would advise.

      There is no requirement of any bank deposit to get a 13 series Visa. That is a fallacy, urban legend, did you see all over the internet but it simply is not true.

  63. Hello Bob and everyone, I have had my 13A Visa for several years now. My wife and I are currently in the US in effort to get her US Citizenship. I know of friends whom have gone through this venture quite successfully. My concerns are: 1. As a 13A resident do I have to spend some or anytime back home or just show up for my annual report over the duration of my wife becoming a citizen? 2. Once she becomes a US citizen do I loose my 13A Visa before she establish a dual Citizenship? Thank you, Austin

    • firstly, when you say back home, I don’t know where you’re talkin about. Do you consider the Philippines or the United States is home? With a 13A Visa you must spend some time at least once per year in the Philippines, or the Visa will be revoked. Technically, if your wife becomes a US citizen you will need to convert to a 13g Visa. However, your wife should just apply for dual citizenship after she becomes a u.s. citizen, then she will be a citizen of both countries in your 13A will be perfectly fine.

  64. Hi Bob

    What is the initial cost of the Residence Visa? I was told 10,000 pesos and some people said that it should be less than that. I am an American married to a Filipino, have two Filipino/American (Fil-Ams LOL) children and have been living here for right at five years.

    Thank you ahead of time and I hope to hear from you soon.

    God bless you and your family!

    Sincerely,
    Cpt. Michael R. Metzler Sr.
    U.S. Army Helicopter Test Pilot (retired/veteran)

  66. Hi Bob! Am going to apply in February for Permanent Resident, because am getting married. When I will get the probationary my question is: Can I travel outside of Philippines in this years, or I need to wait after get the Permanent Visa? Thanks!

  67. Hi. Interesting article. One question: Can you travel overseas during the 12 months probationary period? Thanks.

  68. Hello Bob, Thank you for putting up this very informative page. It is really something many people should read. This helped me a lot. I am a Retired American married to a Filipino Citizen and have recently received a provisional 13A Visa. I understand after one year my provisional visa becomes a permanent visa. My question is, I had a Filipino Immigration stamp placed into my US passport indicating the validity of my 13A visa. After one year of probation will another stamp be placed into my passport indicating a permanent 13A visa status? Then, after my passport expires and I renew it, will I need to have the Filipino Immigration restamp the 13A visa stamps into my new passport?
    Thanks for any info you can provide.

    • for a fee they will place the stamp in your new passport. However, you can also just keep your old passport and new passport, and that would also be acceptable. That won’t cost you anything.

  70. Hi Bob just a few questions, I am applying for the 13a non qoata by marriage Visa but am getting a bit stressed, (1) can the character references be my wie’s family, (2) on my ACR card is the crs the 9 figures, and crn the number started by a letter,sorry to ask so much.
    Regards Bill

  71. HI BOB I AM A PERMANENT RESIDENT SECTION 13A OF THE PHILIPPINES AND MARRIED TO MY WIFE WHO IS A PHILIPPINE CITIZEN WHOM REQUESTED ME FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND I RECEIVED MY PERMANENT VISA IN THE YEAR OF NOV. 2010 WE LEFT PHILIPPINES AND ARRIVED U,S,A, MARCH 25,2018 IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR BEING OUT OF THE COUNTRY( PHILIPPINES ) FOR THAT LENGTH OF TIME ? AS WE WHERE HERE LONGER THAN WE EXPECTED TO BE! AND WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO UPON OUR RETURN TO PHILIPPINES.I WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD IN FORM ME ON THIS MATTER ALSO I WOULD LIKE YOUR CONTACT PHONE NUMBER FOR WHEN I RETURN
    SINCERILY

  72. HI BOB CHARLES HOEY HERE AGAIN I FORGOT TO INFORM YOU I HAVE RENEWED MY ACR-I ON TIME AND EXPIRY DATE IS IS OCTOBER 2020

  73. Hello,

    I’m U.S citizen married to a Filipino and I’m on a balikbayan visa right now that expires in May

    I heard some rumors that if I get a 13a permanent visa here in the Philippines then my wife will be able to get a Tourist visa to the U.S so she can go with me next time I visit?

    I’m perfectly fine with staying in the Philippines but my wife really just wants to visit the U.S and see my side of the family and tour

    also, will getting a 13a visa hurt our chances if we ever decided to get my wife an IR1 visa to stay in the U.S with me?

    and you mentioned you had to pay taxes each time you leave the country is that the same tax my wife pays? are is there an insane U.S tax rate to pay?

    also honestly we both love to travel would this hurt us if we wanted to go out of the country every 2 or 3 years?

    the only thing making me want to change from a balikbayan is not to feel pressure to get 3 tickets before a date each year (my ticket her ticket and my exit ticket)

    Sorry for the loaded questions but looking forward to your reply

    Thanks

    • Hi Tim,

      I lived for 20 years in the Philippines on a permanent resident visa. In that time, I never heard that a permanent resident visa (13a or 13g) would help your wife gain entry to the USA, get any type of US visa or anything of that nature. If it is true, that would surprise me.

      The taxes you pay when leaving the Philippines are Philippine taxes (travel tax), not US taxes. The amount you have to pay (and whether you pay any at all) depends on how long you have been in the Philippines, and would apply to foreigners or Filipinos.

      If you go out of the country every 2 or 3 years you will pay the travel tax each time. It is not an “insane” amount, figure $50 to $75 per person once a year on the years you travel.

      Good luck to you.

      • Thanks for the information appreciate it! I guess my biggest worry is how me having a 13a would affect my wife getting an IR1 later to get to the states as work is my fear right now if I ever need to go back to work as of right now I’m running my own company remotely consulting for U.S companies online that brings me to my other worry do you have any info you can point me to doing U.S taxes online? also about to lose my apartment in the states so not sure what to do about my driver’s license address to file online next year, I guess I might need to fly back to change my U.S license to my family address? I can not seem to find any information about that online also bottom of the BI website if you total all the costs for 13a it is almost 34k PHP is that about right?
        Thanks!

        • A 13A and an IR1 have nothing to do with each other. The 13A will give NO impact on any visa for your wife to go to the USA.

          For filing taxes you can use TurboTax or one of those online services, it should be no problem. There are also US expat tax preparers who live in the Philippines who would be happy to help you. Or check Taxes for Expats (https://taxesforexpats.com).

          I did not keep my US driver’s license in the Philippines, I got a Philippine driver’s license. I can’t help you on that.

          Good luck.

            • Hello Tim, that is only if you are from Malta. The two ** are on Malta country only. I got married on January 3rd 2020 in Las Vegas and processed my 13a between the 14th and the 20th of January 2020 (just finished today).
              If Bob agrees I will describe my process because it was interesting and I couldn’t find any info online (even reading all the comments in this post).
              Cheers

  74. Hi everyone, if Bob is ok with it, I would like to share my 13A visa process done during this January 2020th.

    I GOT MY 13A VISA IN ONE WEEK.

    – I am Spanish citizen, my wife is Philippine (and also American, but it doesn’t affect the 13a).
    – We got married in Las Vegas this January 3rd 2020.
    – Applied for my 13a visa at the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California on January 14th 2020.

    IMPORTANT –> They processed my 13a visa in ONE DAY, started the application at 11.am and had the visa in my passport at 4.30pm. Check the requirements here: shorturl.at/frNP1 . I entered the Philippines with my 13a visa on January 16th 2020 and then the process continues.

    YOU HAVE ONLY 1 WEEK since your last arrival in PH to apply for your Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card

    SIMPLE EXPLANATION:
    1. Get your 13a visa in the Philippine Consulate of the country you are
    2. Present your visa at the port of entry
    3. Go to the Bureau of Quarantine in Manila to get medical clearance
    4. Go to the Bureau of Immigration Head Office to register as permanent resident and apply for your ACR card (withing a week of your last entry).
    5. Get your ACR Card (2to3 weeks).
    Total cost 400usd aprox

    DETAILED EXPLANATION: I recommend to read this version since includes very important information:

    >Jan 14th 2020: Got my visa at the PH consulate in LA, they also gave me a sealed envelope to be given to the immigration officer at the port of entry (in my case Manila airport). The visa they put in my passport says SINGLE ENTRY. It means If I leave the Philippines I lost it.

    >Jan 16th 2020: I arrived at Manila (NAIA) at 11pm and give the envelope to the immigration office. He opens it, and stamp on my passport that the visa is valid and I can stay as long as I want on the Philippines, then told me to go to the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) Head Office in Manila and present the envelope and my passport there. They didn’t tell me WHEN do I have to go, I thought it wasn’t urgent.. I was WRONG, it is MANDATORY going within a week of arrival.

    >January 17th 2020 Friday morning: I got to the BoI at 8am, presented my papers at window 5. The officer explained I need a stamp from the Bureau of Quarantine approving my medical condition by checking my medical exam (the one I did in LA). He said if I go at that time (9am) it could be done in a moment. WRONG. I went to the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) at 9.30am and the line was huge. In order to get your passport stamp, you need to get a number.

    IMPORTANT: To get a number you have to go REALLY EARLY (I explain more above). They also informed me my medical exam wasn’t complete and recommended to get a new one. So I did.

    > January 17th 2020 Friday afternoon: I went to a clinic and got my medical exam done for 2500php (totally worth it) They will do:
    – Chest X Ray (they give you a CD or film with the result).
    – Stool examination (yeah you need to poop in a jar, that wasn’t easy).
    – Microscopic Urinalysis
    – Blood Serology for Syphilis – RPR

    All of that cost 2500php and it’s done in one day. You can get your results next day in the morning. I went to CLEMEN’S MEDICAL CLINIC. Totally recommend this guys.

    All Bureaus closed on Saturday and Sunday so had to wait till:

    > January 20th 2020 Monday 3am: I went to the Bureau of Quarantine this “morning” at 3am to get in line. Yeah… 3 fu**** am. And if I didn’t do that I wouldn’t been able to process everything today. Whatever you need to do at the BoQ, you need a number. To get a number you need to get there early. The BoQ opens at 9am, and this is more or less what number you can expect according to the time you get there.

    – 3am to 4am: first 20 numbers
    – 4am to 5am: numbers between 20 and 80 (it goes crazy fast).
    – 5am to 6am: numbers 80 to 100
    – 7am: NO MORE NUMBERS

    I saw many people getting there at 7.00 and going home empty handed. They will give you a BLACK number, and with that you have to wait to be called. You don’t need a RED number (for releasing).

    I got number 1, but there is 10 spots reserved for special people so they gave me the 11…
    Once they call your number:

    Step 1: present your medical exam, original + 2 copies. + 3 photos and 3 application forms (you get them there) to the nurse.
    Step 2: pay 500php at the cashier
    Step 3: they call you for medical review. Present your exam to the doctor and they take your passport.
    Step 4: after waiting 15mins the doctor calls you, perform a quick physical exam and stamp your passport.
    Step 5: wait to be called on Release window (you don’t need a release number).
    Step 6: get your passport stamp by the BoQ and RUN to the BoI.

    > January 20th 2020 Monday 9.30am: back to BoI window 5 (ACR Card applications)

    + Present all the papers:

    – Application form for Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card. (ACR Card)
    – Photocopy of your passport bio page + page with the visa and the BoQ stamp
    – Photocopy of your marriage certificate (mine was issued by the County of Clerk, in Nevada, and they were ok with it. I read somewhere they might ask you to have it validated in a Philippine entity. Not my case, I was lucky.
    – Photocopy of your wife passport.
    – Copy of the medical exam approved by the BoQ

    + Once all presented they give you a payment slip for the ACR card, some other stuff and express lane. Total 6200php.

    + Go to the Cashier (window 14) and pay. It took me 1 hour to go through the line.

    + After payment go back to window 5. They give you more papers and

    + Go to window 43. Present papers.

    + Go to window 44. They take biodata (pictures and finger prints)

    All done, they give you a receipt to collect your ACR card in 2 to 3 weeks.

    Worst part is the waiting time at BoQ and BoI, but considering it might take up to 3 years processing a 13a visa in The Philippines… I feel extremely lucky to have it processed in 2 days.

    TIPS:

    – Dress properly: I could see how wearing long pants, long sleeves shirt and suit jacket had a very good impact on the officers. By dressing properly you are showing respect to the institutions you go, and that is key in the process.
    – Bring supplies: coffe and a good book will help a lot. Food!!
    – Bring copies of everything: any document you have, make 4 copies to be sure. Extra copies of marriage certificate, passports, etc.

    Hope someone finds this helpful. I would’ve love to read this before starting.

    Have a good one