This is one post which goes straight to my bookmarks. I love the Philippines and the thought of retiring to the paradise islands is simply irresistible. Hope I will be able to save enough to get away from all this urban madness.

Hi Soham,

Glad you found it useful. If you don't like "urban madness" definitely stay out of Manila. It has it's pluses and minuses, but it's definitely urban chaos. Almost anywhere else outside of Manila in the Philippines is golden.

Hi Marco... I do have a question or two for you if you have the time...thank you in advance!! Is the Philippines processing SRRV visas? And I am a U.S. MILITARY veteran. But not a retired military veteran....I have an honorable discharge with 4 years of service...Is the Expanded courtesy VISA available to me with a Social Security income of $1400 a month?? Again thanks !!!!

Hi Brett,

Sorry about the checklist mix up. I had the wrong URL in on the page. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. For your other questions, please see below:

Is the Philippines processing SRRV visas? Maybe 🙂 I'm not trying to be obtuse, it's just with the lockdowns and pandemic, the situation changes almost daily. As of last week, NO. Foreigners were not allowed to fly into the Philippines without already possessing a visa. So unless you were already in the Philippines, you wouldn't be able to apply for the SRRV.

And I am a U.S. MILITARY veteran. But not a retired military veteran....I have an honorable discharge with 4 years of service. You didn't have to retire from the military to be eligible, but unlike the other SRRVs, the expand courtesy has a 50 year age limit. Do you meet the age requirement?

Is the Expanded courtesy VISA available to me with a Social Security income of $1400 a month? Yes. It doesn't have to be Military pension income, social security counts.

Good luck Brett. Stay safe.

Respectfully,

Marco

Does an officer from Indian Military with regular pension eligible for SRRV Expanded Courtesy or is it only for US Military personnel???

Hi HSG,

The SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY is NOT only for the US Military. Any retired foreign military from countries with existing military ties and/or agreement with the Philippine Government are eligible.

However, I am unsure if the Indian military has an agreement. That might be a good question for your embassy or if you still have ties to the military, asking there.

Good luck,

Marco

I guess it really help to have friends living there! Thank you!

Absolutely. For me, building a social circle is what makes a place feel like home.

I am thinking of getting the SRRV Visa next year. I am 73 years old and I have a possible problem having a couple of Marijuana convictions (felonies) over 25 years ago. Will that disqualify me for passing the background check? I would like to know before I start the lengthy process of applying and paying the fees. Thanks for any information or opinions you can give me.

Hi William,

Did the conviction occur in the state you currently live in?

Yes. They both did. It has been over 25 years though. Won't that be long enough ago not to disqualify me? I am planning a trip later in the year and plan on visiting the PRA to talk to someone about it. Do you think that will help? Thanks for your response.

You are heading a bit outside my content expertise. I would try the PRA to start. However, this might require an immigration attorney. Let me know if you would like a recommendation.

Thanks, Marco. I have all my information together and have a ticket now for later this year. I will be going to the PRA as you suggested. I will get back to you for an attorney recommendation if I need one. I just want to add that you give more and better advice here than I have found elsewhere on the Internet. Thank you. I hope to be retired in the Philippines next year.

I have not read before that the srrv expanded courtesy visa is for ex military only. I have not been in the military or associated with any recognized international organization but a YouTube blogger told me I can get this class of visa. Can you clarify this for me?

Hi Richard,

You are somewhat correct. The SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY is for military. However, there are several types of SRRV visas. The SMILE and the CLASSIC are the retirements visas most people use to retire in the Philippines. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,

Marco