Foreigners married to a Filipino citizen can stay long-term in the Philippines with a 13a Spousal Visa. Use this detailed guide to convert to a 13a Probationary Visa, then amending to a 13a Permanent Residency Visa in the Philippines. Includes step-by-step instructions and links the required forms and documents.
Hello , I wonder if I could take a moment of your time . Im a UK national my wife and son both hold Philippines nationality . If on the SSRV classic retirement visa using the 10000 USD deposit with 800 USD regular income plan , does that mean the 10000 USD must be kept there deposited for the duration of the visa unless it is used for only condo purchase or a rental lease etc . Or can that money at some point be used again in the future for normal spending . We already own our own house so are trying to avoid buying more real estate . Many thanks for any help . David
Hi David,
You are correct. You must maintain the deposit or the condo/house lease for the duration of the visa. However, you can leave the SRRV program at any point and get your deposit back. For example, if you decide to leave the SRRV program and choose to do a 13a Marriage visa instead.
If you have other questions or concerns, drop me a line.
Cheers,
Marco
Ok thanks , so in the event of my death what would then happen to the deposit ? ( If left in the bank for example ). Would it be possible for my son to obtain for example .
On another note : Fot the 13A visa , I believe I would lose the 13A visa if my wife dies is that correct . We have a son who also holds Filipino nationality and I have read that in this case if my wife died because I have a son with nationality the 13A would not be cancelled is this correct ? And if so would I only be able to then maintain the 13A until he is no older than 21 years ? Thanks again
David .
Hi David,
I would be happy to help you out with the Philippine visa questions. I feel your frustration. Spending hours researching the web for outdated answers or getting contradictory information from different sources is infuriating.
I have Visa and Immigration specialists ready to help cut through the government red tape, simplify your immigration process, and make obtaining your visa easier.
There are two options for assistance.
1) Do-it-yourself Visa Application with our help- This option is for the DIY-type that doesn't mind the paperwork and dealing with government bureaucracy. A Visa Specialist will provide a one-hour consultation where you can ask questions, learn the pitfalls to avoid, and get a personalized plan on how to apply for the visa yourself.
2) Concierge Full-Service Visa- Have a Visa Specialist handle the filing and paperwork on your behalf. They can take care of the heavy lifting and deal with Immigration authorities to save you the headaches.
Both options have the same starting point. Please complete this onboarding form to begin.
https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
Cheers,
Marco
Thanks for that . Noted . I believe we will be doing it ourselves though Im fairly confident of the process , I was just wondering about the above questions to clear things up in my mind . Thanks again
Great. If you decide you need personalized assistance or if you have specific questions you need answered, reach out using the link below.
https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation
Cheers,
Marco
Hello Marco,
On the BI Medical Quarantine Clearance, there's a hint on the above that says CANADA is not on the list of needing to produce the certificate but when I search on the search bar, CANADA comes up.
Please help and clarify, thank you.
Thanks,
Alexa
Hi Alexa,
That is because I didn't put the correct table in that toggle. Sorry for the confusion. It's fixed and to clarify, Canada does NOT need a Medical Quarantine Certificate.
https://nomadicfire.com/probationary-13a-permanent-philippines-visas#quarantine
Cheers and thanks for pointing that out,
Marco
Would you “Please” provide me with a definitive answer to the question; what is the true status for an American with a 13A Permanent Resident Visa upon the death of his Filipina Spouse.
Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren are all residing in the United States.
There is no real property shared or owned other that vehicles and household items.
Marriage is in excess of 46 years.
Residing in Philippines since 2012. (Retired)
Purchased joint plans for Funeral and Grave Plots to be together through eternity.
Both with health issues. Understand she shall not have issues to deal with, only American Husband potentially with Bureau of Immigration. My understanding is “PERMANENT is just that – PERMANENT”. My understanding is also a Visa is an authorization to Enter the Philippines. I have complied with renewal of ACR-1 Card as well as annual check in. Thus, in the event my “ASAWA” precedes me in death, what are my legal options?
Hi Terrance,
I can see how the use of the word "Permanent" in the 13a Permanent Marriage Visa would imply permanence. However, your 13a visa is directly tied to having a Philippine spouse. In the unfortunate event of divorce or death of the Philippines national, the foreign spouse has one year to arrange a different visa (SRRV, SIRV, or 9A as examples).
You can find the legal specifics under:
IMMIGRATION MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR
NO. SBM-2014-009
GUIDELINES FOR REVOCATION OF NON-QUOTA IMMIGRANT VISA
UNDER COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 613, SECTION 13(A) OR
TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA
A pdf of the document can be found in my Philippines Visa Resource Library
Let me know if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Marco
Hi Marco,
What is your advise to foreign spouse who has a senior parent (dependent)? can they also get a temporary resident visa? how? thanks in advance!
Hi,
The visa options would depend on the citizenship of the senior parent. If the parent is a citizen of one of the countries on this list, then they are allowed visa-free entrance into the Philippines.
Hi Marco, do I need to apply for residency if I was born in the Philippines but live abroad? I have to prove that I am a resident to be able to apply for copyright for books I have written and published. I am told I need to be a resident here. I have a house here but I don’t know how to prove that I am a resident. Thank you forbyour help
Hi Chona,
Your situation is unclear, as you don't mention what country you are living in. Additionally, I don't know what is required to apply for copyright protection. I suggest speaking to a legal professional in your country.
However, when you say you "live abroad," that usually means you are resident of the country you are living in. Most countries consider you a tax residency if you live in that country for more than 183 days per year. You generally cannot be a resident of more than one country.
Good luck in your search.
Cheers,
Marco