How early can I extend visa?

Province, Cebu

LOL, looks like a stalker Larry, slowly and keep your big stick handy.

I try to go to immi 2 weeks before due but have done it 3 weeks prior and never a problem, they love the cash, my turn next week as my visa expires on the 16th October.

For your 4/5 week interval before renewal I doubt a problem. simply tell them you are going O/S if they bother to ask.

Cheers, Steve.

Definitely stalker. Sent me friend request on FB today. I did however look at profile and it appears she's involved with a Brit. I was thinking possibly someone I know from another organization. 

LOL, move on and focus on your extension Larry.

Probably involved with plenty of others also, I get msg's here/other sites and they are the ones you steer clear of Ignore or block.

Cheers, Steve,

@Larry Fisher

I hooked up with a fixer in Cebu for my first 6 months extension at the J Centre mall. I used the same guy for my 2nd 6 month extension but the BI had moved to a different mall, Robinsons Galleria I believe. For my 3rd 6 month extension I went to my local BI in Tacloban and it only took a few minutes to complete. I'm good until January 23rd now but I submitted my SRRV paperwork a couple weeks ago so I shouldn't need any more extensions.

Only an observation but I was advised by BI in Intramuros that I could only extend my visitor visa for 2 x 6 month extensions in a 3 year period, then every 2 months, maybe things have changed?

I don't want to know about fixers, legal here.

Cheers, Steve.

The fixer is a BI employee with a badge. He was sitting in a booth just outside the entrance to the BI office at the J Centre mall. He had everything completed in 15 minutes. I saw him again at Robinsons Galleria for my 2nd extension and he hooked me up. He basically just put me in front of the line for a small fee. It was a mad house at Robinsons that day and I was in and out with a 100% valid extension from the BI.

I told the guy at the BI in Tacloban that I needed at least a 2 month extension but a 6 month extension would be better because I was pursuing a SRRV visa and 2 months would be cutting it close. He thought about it for 5 seconds and said he would do the 6 months so three 6 month extensions in a row happened in my case.

Simply? A fixer? Why? Never been there though I did have offers from the scumbags sitting outside the immi dept and probably sanctioned by the employee's possibly Christmas funds, an extra beer Friday nights and brushed the aside. Though Manila can be painful, up and down stairs, window 38 then window 3 my only issue was the inefficiency, my local office 5 to 10 mins and not some scammer sitting at the front door, Ben has never in 5/6 years ventured into my local office, not allowed and seems no fixers. Security at the gate.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl He was talking about an IMMI officer/fixer standing in front. Give him a bribe and you're in/out with him doing the work inside in 15 mins. I know the guy he's talking about.

The good part is IMMI in Lapu Lapu is crazy fast and efficient with no need to bribe for speed. Three times I've been there didn't add up to 30 mins total. And that's where I'll go next time. It's 30 mins further but it's absolutely painless and that's worth it to me.

Fixers? Robbers or opportunists all have the same goal in mind, highly illegal and if caught where are you going to end up?

Larry my local office here is 5 to 10 minutes visa renewal in and out, no fixers and even My ECC last Feb was 15/20 mins max. As said the Christmas/slush fund for the unwary.

Feed the family.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

    LOL, looks like a stalker Larry, slowly and keep your big stick handy.
I try to go to immi 2 weeks before due but have done it 3 weeks prior and never a problem, they love the cash, my turn next week as my visa expires on the 16th October.
For your 4/5 week interval before renewal I doubt a problem. simply tell them you are going O/S if they bother to ask.
Cheers, Steve.
   

    -@bigpearl

Stalker/scammer, confirmed and eliminated via RAID rodent bait.

Not a fixer by the popular definition. He was a BI agent that was putting me first in line for a fee. That worked for me when there was a large crowd. When I went to the Tacloban office I was second in line, no need  to pay extra for the fast lane.

I should have used the Tacloban office each time but I needed to visit the US Embassy in Cebu so I extended the first time while there. The "fixer" also submitted my ACR application for me at that time so I had to go back to pick up the card and it was time for the 2nd extension so I did that while I was there.

@Larry Fisher

I will be in Cebu in a month and will need to extend my 30 visa free... are you saying the BI office for Cebu is in Lapu lapu.... or is there an office in Cebu city.

Thanks

Donald

    @Larry Fisher
I will be in Cebu in a month and will need to extend my 30 visa free... are you saying the BI office for Cebu is in Lapu lapu.... or is there an office in Cebu city.

Thanks

Donald
   

    -@AlbertaDonuts

Depends, are you bringing donuts?

The best office is in Lapu Lapu at Gaisano Mactan Island Mall. Not nearly as busy as in Cebu, nor corrupt. And super fast. You'll be in-out in 15 mins or less. And you won't pay anything more than the posted legal amounts.

Thanks

I am dreading this first BI experience.... wish me luck.  I was hoping to find the office close to Ayala mall but I do like the idea of no crowd or scams.

Donuts, always. . If I find a good donut shop.

Cheers

Donald

Don, 2 choices, extent @ the airport when you land, last time for me was P3,030. Bring PHP cash if extending as they won't give change nor accept foreign currency or dollars when you land otherwise extend at one of the local immi offices.

https://www.in-philippines.com/immigrat … ilippines/

Google will be your best friend.

Cheers, Steve.

    Don, 2 choices, extent @ the airport when you land, last time for me was P3,030. Bring PHP cash if extending as they won't give change nor accept foreign currency or dollars when you land otherwise extend at one of the local immi offices.
https://www.in-philippines.com/immigrat … ilippines/

Google will be your best friend.

Cheers, Steve.
   

    -@bigpearl

I was fortunate in Landing in Cebu to clear IMMI. I had my dog and we were going through the paperwork for him (which is before Immigration desk) and they wanted only PHP. But they let me walk out beyond the desk to the forex by the exit door to exchange. I think they trusted me to do so because of my cheery attitude and having been providing tons of official required paperwork for Buddy. And leaving my bags at the desk while doing so. It is kinda surprising though there's no forex prior to the Customs and Immigration desk(s).

Ha ha I just see what Larry said, very true but OMO Don I would suggest visiting the BI office in Cebu, make sure your doc's are in order and see how the real world is, quite an experience from memory in Manila but you need to try, don't get caught up with the fixers and scammers, just do your business there.

I remember many times being approached by unscrupulous operators and simply feigned ignorance in Intramuros. They never got a peso. Did my business  paid my extension and went home.

No need to be frightened just stay away from fixers. I'm sure you will enjoy the  Cebu immi office experience.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

You're supposed to be pushing for Donuts for guidance. I mean really, priorities.

Don, if you don't get your extension at Cebu international airport, do yourself a favor and look up the Mactan Island office. You could easily arrive at any time of day and be the only foreigner or one of three, and in/out in minutes. Vs Robinson's Mall office and a pain in the ass, hour.  Lapu Lapu/Mactan whatever it's called at Gaisano Mall. Snap-breeze.

I am helping Larry or trying to, Don like us needs to experience all levels of the Philippines. When we lived in Manila 12/3 years ago every 2 months I would front up at the Intramuros office, always ignored the fixers, did all the window up and downstairs but the 2 to 3 hour visit let me see/learn many things.

Don't worry I am more than happy with my 5/10 minute visits to my local satellite office for many years now but appreciated the Manila crowded immi office experience/learning curve.

As I always say Larry and no matter the country, taste the flavours/culture and also get your hands dirty. I appreciate the Philippines and being part of it rather than trying to isolate from the realities.

I'm glad to hear all went well with getting your companion and yourself through immi, interesting they let you out to get cash, 8/9 years ago they wouldn't let me out to get change as I only had P 1K notes and from memory the extension fee was around 2.4K,,,,, You guessed it no change sir just give us the 3K,,,,, No mate, sorry. A quick phone call to Ben I need change please bring it back to immi, he was waiting for me and got plenty of change, handed it to me over the gate and I paid the required amount, saved 5/600 pesos.

That's why I always suggest for newbies coming here you need to bring the local currency 5 or 10K in multiple denominations for immi, taxis, food etc. to get you through the first few days. I had the pesos but no change.

These days it's P3030.

Larry, Don and I have PM for over 12 months now, a great guy and prepared to take the Pinas plunge. Boots and all.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl But will he bring us Donuts?

Good stuff as always Steve.

I'm heading to the city today. I'll be going to Lapu Lapu Immi and running errands. Spend one night there. Then shopping for supplies and returning tomorrow. I foretell Black Smokehouse BBQ Brisket in my near future.

Not sure Larry but maybe Albert (Don) can advise?

Perhaps I'm lucky but my local office is only 40 minutes drive, San Fernando city La Union, some times I get there at 930 am and I'm the first to sign in, they open here at 8am and always a breeze.

Like you we do lots of other stuff when going to immi but home mid arvo.

Cheers, Steve.

Yep same again when I went to immi today for an extension, arrived at 930am, the guard seemed pleased to see me, they open @ 8am and I was the first to sign in, 8 minutes in and out, 3 of those minutes to fill out the extension application, now I'm a little concerned how they can justify 7 staff behind the glass, 1 guard and 2 cleaners constantly wiping and mopping. Hope they don't close that office. Don't want a 2 hour drive to the Baguio office.

Lots of shopping on the way home.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

I went to Lapu Lapu office today, the same one I mentioned for AlbertaDonuts. Arrived 11:30am, there were 4 others there and that's the most I've ever seen there. I asked the guard about ARC-1 card renewal because I wanted to be clear, and that would determine how long an extension I would ask for. He said they could renew it today! Seriously? Yes! Ok! Got a 6 month visa and ARC-1 renewal all done in less than 15 mins. They said I could pick up the card in 3-4 weeks. I go to the city about every 4-6 weeks, I may not even pick it up until next year! Current card doesn't expire until Jan anyways.

Lucky Lucky person Larry, my office only offer 30 and 60 day extensions, they do other stuff as well but gather not that often. If I want 6 months I have to drive up to Baguio, Angeles or Manila not really sure what all the staff do in my local office but seems only offering max 60 days keeps them a little busier? I rock up 6 times a year instead of twice. The security gaurd seems always happy to see me as I'm the first there but the drones in the office never smile and are I'm sure only there to feed the family. Mundane indeed and to them from me always a good morning and how are you today is always met with a grunt.

As for the ACR1 card though it's mandatory I don't see why and unavoidable. Revenue is the answer.Not ever in my 7 so far ACR cards has it been of any use even opening bank accounts with BDO they always want the ass out of your undies.

Cheers, Steve.

Thank you for the great comments Larry and Steve.  I hope to never experience the more difficult side of Philippines life but I know it is coming and I think i am ready for it... can I ever really be ready for it.  Maybe I have experienced it but I was in vacation mindset so I was chill about it.

I will extend my visa at the airport if the office is open and allows me to... I am arriving at 10:30pm so i am wondering if the Cebu airport office is even open then... or can the agents at immigration control do it when I pass into the country?  I will have lots of Philippines money in smaller denominations... thats for the warning gentlemen. 

Even if i am able to extend the visa at the airport, I will be visiting BI office fairly soon as I want to apply for the ACR1 card asap so i can open a bank account.

I look forward to meeting you both in person one day.  Larry it looks like we are not too far apart, well both on the same Island. 

I am going to read this thread again before I get on the plane to travel to the Phills.  Thanks Much!!!

Donald

Sounds good Don.

As for ACR card you will have to wait 60 days on your first visitor visa then it becomes mandatory on your next extension. I have heard mentioned by some that you can apply sooner for a voluntary card but not sure.

Not sure the office you choose but my office here they say 3 weeks to pick it up every year the same, I think Manila make the cards but I just pick mine up when I do the extension again 2 months later.

Think I mentioned Don to be prepared for a fight to open a bank account here though some succeed on the first attempt.

Good luck with your upcoming trip.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl

I appreciated all your comments on opening a bank account... I already tried once and failed but I was just on a tourist 30 day no visa stay.... I will keep trying till i succeed or they break me.  LOL

Thanks,

Donald

Just an observation Don but I gather you have HSBC banks in Canada? There is HSBC in Cebu, 2 branches it seems, so why not open or get the ball rolling for an international account with them or suffer and frustrations as I went through. Just a thought.

Cheers, Steve.

I had thought of that at one poont then did nothing about it, I will look into it.

Thanks

Donald

Before you travel Don.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said. . . .  Just an observation Don but I gather you have HSBC banks in Canada? There is HSBC in Cebu, 2 branches it seems, so why not open or get the ball rolling for an international account with them or suffer and frustrations as I went through. Just a thought.

*******************************************

AlbertaDonutsor or any future Expat, If you are opening a new account with an international  bank in your country, check with them first if the account can be linked to their bank in the Philippines.

I have been banking for years with Citibank USA who have several offices in Manila. I visited a Citibank in Manila with the idea of opening an account linked to my stateside account. They told me it was not possible, but I could open a new account with them separate from my US account (unlinked), which I declined.

Citibank has several mall ATM locations which allowed P15,000 withdrawals with my debit card. Later I learned I could use my Citibank USA debit card at any ATM in the Philippines (P10,000 limit) but with multiple withdrawals. Since opening an account at BDO it's been years since I used my Citibank debit card.

Trial and error Bob, also believe a local account/bank where you intend to be based will be the only way to shift funds with less headaches here and don't let them charge you for depositing money in their bank/ your account and your money. Slapped the manager at our bank a few/many years ago for charging us P200 any time we made a deposit, meeting with manager led to blaming many different levels withing the banking fraternity and I simply said "do it again and I will change banks" nada ever since aside from the "sir do you know xyz has been deposited to your account and what is that for? 

Off topic but led astray.

As to how early before you can extend your visa? My and other offices request that you apply at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date, I have gone in many time 3 weeks early and not a problem, I'm sure 4 weeks won't be either.

Cheers, Steve.

My 6 mo visa expires Nov 8th. I renewed Oct 4th and got another 6 mo. My ARC card expires Jan 18th. I also renewed for another year on same visit.

HSBC in Canada was not real helpful... basiclly said I can use the bank at any ATM... yes I can already do that with my bank when all the network and systems are working.  Does not seem like an advantage.  They were not positive about me being able to use the branch in Cebu the way i can access money at my home branch.

I have to remember how lucky I am to have these problems and how much easier it is today with modern banking that I can get funds with my ATM card... even if it is only 10,000 P at a time and with service charges.  As my son would say, First World Problem.

Cheers and thanks for all the great discussion on this topic... has given me much to think about and plan for.

Donald