Hi Virgil, you can open a Philippine bank account with an ACR I card, but it will depend on the branch manager. Ask to speak with the manager directly, as they have leeway that lower rung employees do not. Also, if you just are trying to show proof of "sufficient financial means," a US account and notarized "Proof of Benefit" letter from your pension provider. Also, it is important to note that if you apply for a 13a in the Philippines, financial documents are not required. However, if you apply for a 13a outside the Philippines, the Consulate or Embassy does require "Proof Of Financial Capacity." If you have any additional questions, we can help with your 13a visa application.

Hi Scotty, The financial requirements for the 13a depend on where you apply from. Applications in the Philippines don't have a financial document. However, for 13a applications outside the Philippines, Consulates and Embassies can ask for financial documents as “Proof of financial capacity.” The hard part is the Consular officer has leeway on determining “sufficient funds.” Basically, they want to restrict what the law describes as "Medicants" in the PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1563 Mendicancy Law of 1978

"Mendicant" refers to adults with no visible and legal means of support, or lawful employment and who is physically able to work but neglects to apply himself to some lawful calling and instead uses begging as a means of living.

Section 5. Criminal Liability. A mendicant as defined in Paragraph (a) Section 3 hereof, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding P500.00 or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 2 years or both at the discretion of the court.

Hello I have to apply for a 13a visa in the Philippines as my Philippines wife is living there can I enter the Philippines with a one way ticket as I'm not intending to return back to the UK

Hi Geoffrey, As silly as it sounds, no. Blame it on the Bureau of Immigration's bureaucracy, but you must have an onward ticket, until you have a permanent visa (like the 13a or the SRRV). However, most expats just rent an onward ticket for about $16. You can use this link to get an onward ticket in about 2 minutes. The logic by the BOI is that without a permanent visa (you only plan on applying, you haven't received one), there is no proof that you will leave the country before your tourist visa expires.

Good afternoon, can I get a 13a probationary visa immediately after the wedding? I’ve been in the Philippines since September, was the wedding at the end of October this year. I have already ACR card. Thank you.

Hi Igor, you would be able to apply once you have all the required documents, but you wouldn't "get" the visa right away. The BOI usually takes 1 – 2 months to process after receipt of application and the required documents. If you have any other questions or need help with your 13a visa, let me know.

Hi Marco,
Just for clarifications:
Does a foreign national holding a 13A visa, required to pay travel tax whenever he or she leaves the Philippines?
If a foreigner already applied and granted 13A Visa, is ACR-I required to apply immediately or he or she can do that later on.

Hi AirSchier, 13a visa holders have to pay a travel tax. You can pay the travel tax online, but sometimes it is already included in the price of your airline ticket. Double check, so you aren't paying twice.

What are the requirements of probationary to permanent resident visa? and how much it's cost?

Hi Jezka, you can find all the information in the above article. The cost are detailed here and the required documents are here. If you would like additional assistance with your 13a visa application, let me know.

My husband and I are in the US. I am Filipina-American. How and where can he apply to change his 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage into Permanent Resident visa? Is it possible to apply outside of the philippines? If his current 13a Non-Quota visa expires, can he still enter the Philippines to visit with just his US passport?

Hi Sharon, you convert from probationary to permanent at a BOI branch. You can apply for a 13a outside of the Philippines, if you are both available for an interview at the consulate where you are applying. If his visa expires, he could still enter as a tourist. If you need someone to handle the 13a conversion, let me know.

I am living with my asana in Cagayan De Oro. Is it possible to utilize your help in obtain a 13A visa since the CDO office only accepts the application and doesn't implement or issue them?

Hi Michael, I would be happy to help you out with the Philippine visa process. I feel your frustration. The BOI bureaucracy sometimes makes me wanna headbutt a wall. Good news is
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.

Concierge Full-Service Visa- You can have a Visa Specialist handle the filing and paperwork on your behalf. They handle the heavy lifting and deal with Immigration authorities to save you the headaches. 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

I am trying to find the form for probationary visa for the one year before changing to permanent residence visa but can not find the form I need.
I from England and I am already living in hhe philippines