Which Visa ???

Hi Dave. Do a search for "visa" or 13a - you will get lots of results.

Also search for srrv

Hi,  New to this site.  I am retiring and making the move in May/June 2024 from Northern CA (Bay Area).  I am going to use the SRRV for myself and family.  Shipping HHG via shipping container 20'FCL via Manila Fowarder (LA based).  Any advice???? I am retired Military and soon-to-be retired from Federal Service out of Travis AFB.  Any advice or comments greatly appreciated.

V/R

Mike

@tundabita Hiya Mike. Just a thought....Don't forget when loading HHG everything here is 220v not 110v. Thus you may want to limit some of those items easily replaceable. That being said, while I limited my 110v items to only a few, I brought a couple 6ft long 5 plug surge protectors and I purchased two FOVAL brand travel/plug /voltage splitters. I bought these good ones on Amazon because the bestbuy stuff is crap. each one even has 4 usb charging ports. We took one to Thailand on our little 4 day adventure and plugged it in at the hotel to charge phones and keep laptop going and it worked great having all the different plug types.

I HIGHLY suggest, if you are bring any rechargeable tools, get all the same brand, extra batteries, and charger. I bought HART brand from Walmart after lite research finding them to be ok. And I also bought the HART air pump-tire inflator. It works fantastic. Set the target air pressure and it shut off at the psi. And you can set to metric (KSI?) . Uses the same HART lithium batteries and works great. We're currently adding a whole new cement and wire fence around back and the two workers I got are using my angle grinder daily to cut rebar. That too is working well.

Hope this helps or gives you ideas.

@tundabita Have your DD214 and your proof of pension apostilled in the US if possible. Contact the PRA for details. Here is my to do list for the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa. Since I can't have my documents apostilled in the Philippines I have to do the "Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking" at the US embassy.

• Original passport with the entry stamp
• Photos 2 inches by 2 inches white background no glasses or headgear. 10 pieces
• Original signed notice of client registration.
• Original signed page 3 of the application forms 4 copies.
• Original NBI clearance
• Original Medical clearance signed by the doctor and the laboratory results
• Original Bureau of Immigration visa extension receipt that show the latest visa validity. Process is about 5 to 6 weeks so you need about a month of valid tourist visa.
• Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for DD214. 3 copies
• Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for pension certificate.  3 copies
• Original signed affidavit of one and the same person, notarized. 3 copies
• Original or very good copy of the DD214
• Original pension verification letter
• Original Landbank deposit slip for the application fee.

Good morning,

when you come here you might enter as Balikbayan and you can stay here without a visa for 1 year. During this time you can make sure the Philippines is the place where you want to stay for the next years.

In case you want to work here, you need a 13a visa or the SRRV visa. If you want to travel out of the Phils a lot, the SRRV might be the better choice, as this allows you leave without paying fees for clearances. If not, the 13a visa might do it.

Dont forget to bring all the documents from the USA.

Greetings from Boracay

Andy

@Larry Fisher Hi Larry,

Could you please let me know specifically which 220/110 adapters you purchased. I see a number by that brand, but they are called Euro adapters. I think it's the same plug type used there as well. Is this correct ?. Also, for those not aware, there is a website called 220 Electronics which specializes in all sorts of electronics and appliances that can be used in the PI and other places where 220v is used.

Thanks,

Bob

@clownbob77 Since I can'tpost a link I copied the description:

FOVAL Power Step Down 220V to 110V Voltage Converter with 4-Port USB International Power Travel Adapter in China UK European Italy Asia etc, More Than 150 Countries Over The World

@tundabita

we moved to Davao last year from Indiana. I used Allied Van Lines as they have company agents on both ends, much easier and less chance of problems in my opinion

we shipped a 20 ft container that arrived with no damage and had not been opened for inspection. This shipment was totally in my wife's name ( dual US/Phil citizenship) and listed her as a returning citizen. I believe this helps

we paid a 12,000 peso port charge here in Davao, we had no Customs issues!

we brought some small kitchen appliances and purchased an American  size gas range ( unboxed from Best Buy, no damage) as she wanted a large oven, inverters are available locally if required

@gregparker6201

Very interesting, and great info. I never would of thought of using a US based moving company.

@tundabita
we moved to Davao last year from Indiana. I used Allied Van Lines as they have company agents on both ends, much easier and less chance of problems in my opinion
we shipped a 20 ft container that arrived with no damage and had not been opened for inspection. This shipment was totally in my wife's name ( dual US/Phil citizenship) and listed her as a returning citizen. I believe this helps
we paid a 12,000 peso port charge here in Davao, we had no Customs issues!
we brought some small kitchen appliances and purchased an American size gas range ( unboxed from Best Buy, no damage) as she wanted a large oven, inverters are available locally if required
-@gregparker6201

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

(1) The really bigger questions is how much did Allied Van Lines charge you?

(2) And did you have a house or place to deliver the containers contents to?

@Enzyte Bob

it was around 15K but we had a lot of memories in the items and was affordable for us. 

we purchased our home here  in 1992,

I have been in and out of the Philippines since 1978. Highly suggest you use a single shipper

@Enzyte Bob
it was around 15K but we had a lot of memories in the items and was affordable for us.
we purchased our home here in 1992,

I have been in and out of the Philippines since 1978. Highly suggest you use a single shipper
-@gregparker6201

We used a 40 foot container to load contents from a 3000 sq ft home in North Carolina. It was a container shipping company and they dropped off the container on the street in front of our home. That company subcontracted for us a team of movers and packers who pretty much emptied everything into the container with the exception of a Mossberg shotgun and a 22 rifle and a generator all of which we gave to our son. I think we gave a nice wood dining room table to our daughter. Our relatives here rented a sparsely furnished 2 bedroom house for us to move into and we were able to load the packed contents into it but the house was really packed. Then we searched for a house and lot to buy on the market and everything was successfully moved in with the help of a local moving team (cost was almost trivial in my opinion ar the time, having just moved here) with truck who had to make several trips with their much smaller truck than you would see in the US.  It actually worked out pretty much without a hitch. No major damage and we had a grandfather clock, TVs and a lot of Ham Radio HF equipment, due to very good packing.

@tundabita Have your DD214 and your proof of pension apostilled in the US if possible. Contact the PRA for details. Here is my to do list for the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa. Since I can't have my documents apostilled in the Philippines I have to do the "Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking" at the US embassy.
Original passport with the entry stamp
Photos 2 inches by 2 inches white background no glasses or headgear. 10 pieces
Original signed notice of client registration.
Original signed page 3 of the application forms 4 copies.
Original NBI clearance
Original Medical clearance signed by the doctor and the laboratory results
Original Bureau of Immigration visa extension receipt that show the latest visa validity. Process is about 5 to 6 weeks so you need about a month of valid tourist visa.
Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for DD214. 3 copies
Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for pension certificate. 3 copies
Original signed affidavit of one and the same person, notarized. 3 copies
Original or very good copy of the DD214
Original pension verification letter
Original Landbank deposit slip for the application fee.
-@Moon Dog

Seems like you had a lot more stuff than I did.

All of the people I had contact with at the PRA were very accommodating and easy to work with. The process is pretty easy once you understand everything, and you can do it yourself. But I recommend getting an agent, it doesn't cost you anything as they are paid from your application fee. Do not contact the PRA direct as then they won't pay the agent. The agent will tell you everything you need to do. I used Mary Rose as my agent. [email protected] She is always busy so you may not get a reply for a day or so whenever you email her.

NBI clearance is only required if you've been in the PI for more than 60 or 90 days, don't remember which. I've been told you can get the clearance at your local NBI but as with a lot of stuff here your mileage may vary. My local said no. I had to do it in Manila. Also for the clearance you apply online and make an appointment. Do not put your middle name where it says middle name, put it in the block with your first name. Apparently middle name is only for the family name....the Filipino way. And of course, you won't find that out until you're there. My SIL knew someone there so they let her use a computer in an office and redo the application. She also went back the next day and picked up the clearance. So it doesn't take 3-5 days as they say.

I've heard you can get an Interpol clearance via the PRA instead of a clearance from the US. I did the FBI clearance online. Paid the fee, they sent me the finger print cards to print at home on regular paper. I went down to the cop shop and had them do my fingerprints, if you have the ink you can do it yourself. Sent them back to the FBI and they sent my clearance letter.

Trying to get my SS Benefits letter signed was impossible. The SS office at the embassy also will not sign them even if they print them. I contacted the SSA numerous times and could never get a signed letter. They would say ok and then what I would get in the mail was the exact same thing I could print online....not signed.

My agent said the SRRV application had to be on A4 size paper.

If you're going the Veteran SRRV route then a copy of your DD214. I ordered a copy from the National Archives....took 6 months. If you're not a veteran but your spouse is a balikbayan they can get the SRRV and include you.

I had a Balikbayan stamp in my visa that still had about 4 months on it so I was good on that front.

Doing the SRRV in Manila is easy. Decide which bank you want to use for your deposit. I used BDO. But of course it's not the BDO that is in the same building as the PRA office, it's the one about 2 -3 blocks away...oh well. PRA will give you a letter, take it to the bank to open an account. Once you get the account info you have to wire the deposit money to the account from outside the Philippines...USD. You can pay your application fee at the PRA in USD or pesos. The bank will send the deposit confirmation direct to the PRA (easier than it used to be apparently).

Use the recommended clinic for your medical, taxi from the PRA and it doesn't take long. It's very straight forward and cheap. They will send the results to the PRA. I think a dead man would pass. LOL I had originally applied for the 13A in the US, over $1k for the medical testing (I don't recall what it was here, but it was cheap). I sent everything to the embassy (2021), they called and said everything looked good on a Friday. The next Monday they called and said all the embassies and consulates authorities to issue visas had been revoked and they were sending my package back to me. man was I irritated! So I decided to get the SRRV since I wouldn't have to worry about a 13A if my wife died before I kicked the bucket.

You need 8 photos.

For your police clearance, and NBI if needed, pension and DD214. If you do not have these documents apostilled yet you can sign an affidavit of undertaking at the PRA and you have a year to get them.

I sent my FBI clearance and National Archive DD214 to the US State Dept office of authentications. They authenticated the FBI letter but not the DD214. They said since it is not signed I have to get it apostiled at the state level. I called the National Archives and they said they do not sign, they apply a seal. The guy asked me if I had a signature on it from when I got out and I said yes it does. He said that is all you need. He said those state dept people are idiots.

So I had my DD214 and SS Benefits letter notarized at the Embassy. Of course you have to apply for an appt online which is about 1 or so months in the future.

I recommend you get the name and whatsapp number of whom ever you deal with at the PRA so you can contact them to do your renewal. Easiest way and you don't have to go back to the PRA for it. It will cost you more but worth it in my opinion. "Actual fees that includes 1Year ID renewal, Notary fee, LBC Batangas Courier Fee and Service fee is P3,049.80" I initiated my renewal late afternoon on 3/1 and received it on 3/3 at my house.

@pilotdrh I am also using Mary Rose and that is the list she sent me. I am a veteran and still have my original DD214 but I did request additional copies. I have already set up the bank account and wired the $1,500 to the account.

I think it took a couple of days for the PRA to get the deposit confirmation. I did mine Feb last year and it took about 5 - 6 weeks to get the card.

So far SRRV works great for us, their service is superb, renewal is a breeze. Don't know other visas, but heard stories that anything to do with Immg Dept directly could be painful and costly. I have friends that are here on 9G dependent (working visa), and when doing renewal, the Immg keeps the passports until you pay an exorbitant "fee"

@tundabita Have your DD214 and your proof of pension apostilled in the US if possible. Contact the PRA for details. Here is my to do list for the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Visa. Since I can't have my documents apostilled in the Philippines I have to do the "Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking" at the US embassy.
Original passport with the entry stamp
Photos 2 inches by 2 inches white background no glasses or headgear. 10 pieces
Original signed notice of client registration.
Original signed page 3 of the application forms 4 copies.
Original NBI clearance
Original Medical clearance signed by the doctor and the laboratory results
Original Bureau of Immigration visa extension receipt that show the latest visa validity. Process is about 5 to 6 weeks so you need about a month of valid tourist visa.
Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for DD214. 3 copies
Original signed and notarized affidavit of undertaking for pension certificate. 3 copies
Original signed affidavit of one and the same person, notarized. 3 copies
Original or very good copy of the DD214
Original pension verification letter
Original Landbank deposit slip for the application fee.
-@Moon Dog

DD214 is only for ex-military extended courtesy srrv visa. We received regular courtesy srrv visa on the basis of spouse being ex-philippine citizen, no proof of pension, and no dd214 or whatever and 1.5K deposit in BDO plus other items mentioned.

@danfinn A 13a visa is much better to have overall than a SRRV. Just my opinion. No need to keep thousands of $$$$ dollars in a bank and less cost to renew the resident visa every year.

@danfinn

That will work.

The former Filipino will be the principal SRRV holder. Also no "exit clearance and re-entry permit " required. (With 13a after 6m stay, I believe.)

@tundabita,

Your bio is an interesting read. 

It reads:

• Iranian Citizen
• Member since 2018

Your post reads: 

• Lives in Northern California,
• Retired U.S. Navy,
• Currently with the Department of Defense Quality Division in Defense Contract Management Agency at Travis AFB.
• Recent Graduate Educational Specialist - Master Business Administration - BS Management.

Since the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is a component of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and I have spent over 30 years directly involved with acquisition and contract administration programs where DCAA and DCMA employees and I performed critical delivery tasks together, your listed info is very different.  DCMA and retirees from US Military require a person to be Naturalized US Citizens, if not native born.

If a person is a citizen of Iran (not a Naturalized US Citizens), and works on a US Military location under the DCMA, how is this possible when DCMA requires that person must be a U.S. citizen, and with Security Requirements of: Non-Critical Sensitive with Secret Access?  See: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/721051600

Additionally, since the US "Treasury Continues to Sanction Procurement Networks for Iran's UAV and Weapons Programs" pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382 (See: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1355), it would be highly unlikely for a citizen of Iran to even be allowed entry onto Travis or work there where, according to public disclosures (i.e., Linked in Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-a-grass ), show Fighter Wings Enhancement Program special logistics, special armament and other classified activities take place. 

Ref. Retirement the PI: 

1. I am sure with two retirements (US Navy and most likely GS12 level from the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) calculations, you will be way beyond the min. for the SRRV qualifications.
2. Not enough info on selected living location(s) or spouse's citizenship to better address HHG or SRRV options.

Perhaps my reaction is from way to many years involved with sensitive programs and your citizenship status of being "Iranian" was in error.  Regards.

@Dave & Ruby If your Filipina wife has a foreighn passport then she can enter the Philippines as the main visa holder with you as the spouse. (Returning Filipina) The cost is very cheap with PRA. Buy property as a Filipna "martied to .......? Citizen" on the deed of sale.  If you go 13A she will need to have her Philippines passport to prove id together with marriage licence. (Dual nationality)

PRA less travel retrictions and easy to renew in Makati CITI BANK Tower.

DD214 is only for ex-military extended courtesy srrv visa. We received regular courtesy srrv visa on the basis of spouse being ex-philippine citizen, no proof of pension, and no dd214 or whatever and 1.5K deposit in BDO plus other items mentioned.
-@danfinn

If I go with this method I'm sure my US marriage certificate will have to be registered with the PSA. That is very difficult to do in the Philippines and the reason I switched from the 13a visa to the SRRV extended courtesy visa.

I can have my DD214 and Social Security letter sworn statements notarized at the US Embassy but to have my marriage license registered with the PSA while in the Philippines is a monumental task.