Life in Ilocos Norte: Challenges with Immigration

Hi again Joe, glad you are enjoying living here.

Steve here from Australia. We have been knocking around here for 15 years and 7 of those years living here in Bacnotan La Union, home now.

It's nice up in your neck of the woods, the furthest we travelled was Pagudpud and enjoyed the sights.

Yeah the express lane fees and I could offer up the reasons why but try to stay out of politics, overall though it's increased the visitor visa by around P6K per year so all up now around P30K including the silly ACR1. Living here I have over the years asked my satellite office for a 6 month extension and have always been told I need to go to Manila to secure and have since heard that even Manila are back to 2 month extensions,,,,,,, I'm sure you can see the reasoning in that with more express lane fees.

There are alternatives like the 13a if you are married to a PH. lady, which I'm not and then there is the SRRV with all its options and ridiculous fees.

I'll simply stay on the visitor visor and consider it inexpensive compared to many other countries.

Take care.

Cheers, Steve.

I quit paying the express lane fees over two years ago. I let them have my passport for three working days, and pick it up. Sure, it’s a second trip, but picking it up has only taken at most, 15 minutes, and treat myself to coffee. I do it at a satellite office. Like seven or eight times so far without any issues. Maybe I’m just lucky, but I it’s saved me money and time, since I’ve don’t have to wait around for them to “express “ lane it. I’ve been using the dasmarinas branch. I’ve found them to be trustworthy and competent. Not everyone in immigration is bad or corrupt. If something ever did happen to my passport, well, I’d go to the embassy to get it replaced.

Interesting thoughts and method blacksheepjuno, For me my satellite office is 35 minutes drive each way, I renew my visa every 2 months and a 5 to 10 minute process. The express lane fees saves me time and money and enjoy my JD on the beach at home, no wasted time nor fuel for the car. Golly it's only 33 pesos a day.

I have no idea how you can say it saves you time  and money with 2 visits to immi every 2 months, you must live next door.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers, Steve.

Hello Joe,

Welcome to Expat.com 😀

Just to let you know, I have updated the title of your discussion to better reflect the topic.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Exapt.com team