Expat Community > Philippines

Oldgrape
Joined 2016
Posts: 137

PERMANENT 13A VISA CONVERSION ATTEMPT

4 years ago

Howdy all. I arrived over here last December with a probationary 13A visa. I went through all the steps at Immigration in Manila last Jan/Feb 2020. Everything went as normal except they gave me a ACR-1 card good for 5 years instead of just one year. My 13A visa clearly states it expires on 27 Sep 2020. So I completed all the required forms, got my NBI clearance, letters of cohabitation, etc. We went to Manila immigration yesterday. We had to have one statement notarized and the lawyer also gave us a document that would supposedly dispense with the need for a return visit and BI Lawyer interview. So we thought all was good. Went to the required window (20) and was immediately sent to the information window. They then sent us to window #1 where no body was working. So my wife went to the next window a few lanes down where there was someone working. They then sent us back to the original window and was again sent to information. By this time my 63 year old wife had lost her patience. She then found another BI officer who finally actually looked at the forms we had. He then went to another officer who then asked for my ACR-1 card. After a few minutes he returned, stated I did not need to do anything because my ACR-1 card was good for 5 years. He told us to just show that and my valid passport when departing and then re-entering at the airport. He also stated that the permanent visa conversion was not needed because my card was good for 5 years. He was very deliberate and steadfast in his opinion. Now we all know how filipinos feel about rules over here. So my wife accepted that over my quiet comment to the opposite.

So my visa expires on the 27th of this month and I plan to leave sometime in Oct/Nov 2020 timeframe. Have some issues to take care back in the US. I will follow up and post if they fine me for overstaying my visa and then if they let me back in without getting a new visa when I come back.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

Additional Information:

Visit our Philippines Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Philippines

PERMANENT 13A VISA CONVERSION ATTEMPT

Login