Immigration Manila, 13a Residency

[Michael Parnham]

Well it's always been my intention to stay permanently, so I didn't want all that back and forth to Immigration

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!

[imagine]

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? A trick question?

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

[grahamw48]

That's brilliant news Stewart.

[Michael Parnham]

Well done Stewart!

[imagine]

Thanks guys

[Arthur Little]

... congratulations & well done, Stewart!

[imagine]

... congratulations & well done, Stewart!

Thank you Arthur

[stevewool]

Congrats Stewart

[imagine]

Congrats Stewart

Thanks Steve

[Terpe]

Many congratulations Stewart

You made it

Happy days.

[imagine]

Thanks Peter

[andy222]

Nice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.

[Terpe]

Nice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.

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.

[imagine]

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.

It's a big decision, I know. Well done Peter!

We only live once, better to do than spend life wishing you had

[imagine]

Nice one Stewart, well done mate. You're out of the rat race.

Thanks Andy

[fred]

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.

Thats very good to know.

[imagine]

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. Signed forms (got inky finger prints) filled in forms, then was instructed to go and get photo copies and come back. 3 copies of each of the forms I had filled in on the old card, bio page and entry-stamp pages of passport. Returned to immigration, with the copies, thought that was it. They send the forms plus my old card back to Manila. I was told they will text me to collect the card in another month.

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!

[Terpe]

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?

[fred]

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!!
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.

[Harry T]

I can just imagine pardon 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.

[imagine]

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,

[Arthur Little]

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!

[Terpe]

Tut tut..I did tell you to get it done in the UK!!
Oh well...It`ll all be good in the end...I guess.

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.

[Terpe]

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,

It was a good time to pay a visit to Chowking for a super large Hal Halo

Trying to somehow put together whatever I have or can get this weekend online and make yet another trip on Monday. Fingers crossed.

[Terpe]

... 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

[Terpe]

I can just imagine pardon 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.
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

[imagine]

It was a good time to pay a visit to Chowking for a super large Hal Halo

Trying to somehow put together whatever I have or can get this weekend online and make yet another trip on Monday. Fingers crossed.

We took advantage of our time after Immigration, with a trip to the Malls.

Looked for imported favorites, my Heinz tomato sauce, and Kelloggs Rice Krispies from Pure Gold. Then on to Centrino.

Whiterose: Weetabix, Cheddar cheese, liqurice sticks salad cream, brown sauce, and other odds 'n' sods, but Whiterose is expensive.

Picked up new headphones to drown out the sound on the TV while Lita is watching her movies, so I can hear my movies on line, and a new wireless mouse from CD King.

The Manageress at Mercury - where we live - she orders my Kellogg's Cornflakes for me, as I don't like Nestle.

Just ache for a decent bacon sandwich, and fried sausage sandwich with brown sauce.

[Michael Parnham]

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!

[Michael Parnham]

We took advantage of our time after Immigration, with a tri[to the Malls.

Looked for imported favorites, my Heinz tomato sauce, and Kellogg's Rice Krispies from Pure Gold. Then on to Centrino.

Whiterose: Weetabix , Cheddar cheese, liqurice sticks,
salad cream, brown sauce, and other odds 'n' sods, but Whiterose is expensive.

Picked up new headphones to drown out the TV sound while Lita is watching her movies, so I can hear my movies online, and a new wireless mouse from CD King.

The Manageress at Mercury - where we live - she orders my Kellogg's Cornflakes for me, as I don't like Nestle.

Just ache for a decent bacon sandwich, and fried sausage sandwich with brown sauce.

Well Stewart, you'll have no problem getting bacon and sausage sandwiches with brown sauce in the Philippines, yummy yummy!

[imagine]

Well Stewart, you have no problem with bacon and sausage sandwiches with brown sauce in Philippines, yummy yummy!

Well, I haven't found any good bacon here at all, and I have never seen a sausage here yet!