[Cebu Experience]

I'm so confused. I think I have great news but I'm surprised I have seen nothing around the net regarding this. If it is accurate.

The last time my GF went to Mandaue to get my extension she asked for confirmation on how many more time i could get an extension. the answer, we thought would be one more time before I make my next VISA run. Hey, I'm poor, no cash in the bank. sniff sniff, someone want to invest in my bank account? haha...

Anyway, she the BI official told her I could now extend up to 24 months without getting special permission from the Division Chief which means a trip to Manila. She said she asked the woman so many times that "She thought I was dull." LOL She found it hard to believe too.

Nobody else has heard this? I checked the BI site just a couple of days ago, nothing there about it. I've wrote about it elsewhere and no one has heard of it. So I'm afraid the woman was new and wrong.

Confusing me even more is that the day before, I got a reply from BI when I asked how to do it, t hey explained I write a letter to the Division Chief and once approved then I must proceed to Manila to pay the fees and get the documents I need. For me, that kills the benefit of getting the extra six months. There are several direct flights out of Cebu to International locations so I can bypass paying for a trip to Manila to get out of the country now.

Has anyone heard anything? I will post more when I know for certain. It would sure help my budget out if I could stay in the PI another six months. I'm a bit blind at the moment, hope this is making sense.

[Jim Sibbick]

Flirtilizer, on 17 July 2010 - 11:58 AM, said:

I'm so confused. I think I have great news but I'm surprised I have seen nothing around the net regarding this. If it is accurate.

The last time my GF went to Mandaue to get my extension she asked for confirmation on how many more time i could get an extension. the answer, we thought would be one more time before I make my next VISA run. Hey, I'm poor, no cash in the bank. sniff sniff, someone want to invest in my bank account? haha...

Anyway, she the BI official told her I could now extend up to 24 months without getting special permission from the Division Chief which means a trip to Manila. She said she asked the woman so many times that "She thought I was dull." LOL She found it hard to believe too.

Nobody else has heard this? I checked the BI site just a couple of days ago, nothing there about it. I've wrote about it elsewhere and no one has heard of it. So I'm afraid the woman was new and wrong.

Confusing me even more is that the day before, I got a reply from BI when I asked how to do it, t hey explained I write a letter to the Division Chief and once approved then I must proceed to Manila to pay the fees and get the documents I need. For me, that kills the benefit of getting the extra six months. There are several direct flights out of Cebu to International locations so I can bypass paying for a trip to Manila to get out of the country now.

Has anyone heard anything? I will post more when I know for certain. It would sure help my budget out if I could stay in the PI another six months. I'm a bit blind at the moment, hope this is making sense.

I haven't heard of it but it will cost you nothing much to find out if it is true or not.

Extensions can be arranged up to a month in advance so when you are at 15 months, try to have the extension done in Cebu. All, they can do is say no.

What I have read about, on PI at night, is foreigners living in Manila past 16 months and some past 2 years. They say they just keep going into the Manila office, with no special reason given why they haven't left the Philippines and no special need mentioned for needing to extend and they are getting extensions.


Regards; Jim

[Fil/AmArt]

Flirtilizer,

I noticed your post last night and was just waiting to see if anyone was going to comment on your situation and no one has! So, I'm going to jump in and give you my personal opinion as I see it!

Since you haven't seen anything on the website about any changes to the rules of tourist visa extensions is that because there has been no changes to the original memorandum concerning tourist visa extensions which still stands, 59 day tourist visa extensions up to 16 months!
Since you already contacted the BI office in Manila and they gave you instructions in how to apply for an extended stay for an additional 6 months, all you can do is try it, but there are no guarantees! Just make sure you present yourself in a clean appearance and good attitude when speaking with the BI official interviewing you and bring with you any pertinent documents paragraph 9A below, that may help the official in determining your personal and financial status!
Your last resort if everything else fails, is to leave the country, return and start the visa extensions all over again up to 16 months! Or get married and get a 13a permanent resident visa!
You will need an (ECC) Exit Clearance Certificate prior to you departure and a cheap follow on ticket ($35 to $75 with Asia Air or Flying Tigers) from your point of original prior to your departure returning to the Philippines, because most airlines overseas will ask to see your follow on ticket before they will let you board the airplane bound for the Philippines!
I've just presented you with the facts as I know them and what I experienced myself over the years!
It's not really open to interpretations, because it's all in the Philippine government website for all to read in black and white! Others can chime in to add anything if I missed of importance! I'm just here to help and not get into any confrontations with other members, because it's nonconstructive and it just confuses the readers more!
Good luck!

How to apply for a visa extension:
http://www.ehow.com/...hilippines.html

Below are just a few excerpts that you can find on the internet, the Official Philippine government website:

9A: TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA FOR PLEASURE (TOURIST VISA)
* Copy of Credit cards and/or travelers checks or foreign exchange endorsement of the passport
* Letter from inviting party (if applicable) indicating complete address and telephone number
* If employed, applicant’s Certificate of Current Employment from Employer to include employer’s full name, address and telephone number, applicant’s length of service and salary details
* If self-employed, photocopy of latest Income Tax Return and copy of Personal Assessment Number (PAN) Card

CURRENT VISA EXTENSION FEES
(this maybe a few yrs old, but it's what on the website)

TOURIST (NON-RESTRICTED) ADMITTED INITIALLY FOR 21 DAYS MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 38 DAYS
Visa Waiver 500.00
Visa Waiver Application Fee 1,000.00
Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item 10.00


AFTER 59 DAYS OF STAY (INITIAL 21 DAYS + 38 DAYS EXTENSION)
Every month of extension 500.00
Fine for overstaying
- for every month or a portion thereof 500.00
Application Fee (every two months for non-restricted) (every month for restricted)
300.00
Alien Certificate of Registration Fee
Adult - 14 years above 1,000.00
Re-issuance of ACR for (2nd entry of every entry after 59 days)
Adult - 14 years above 250.00
Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Emigration Clearance Certificate Fee 700.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item 10.00

AFTER 6 MONTHS OF STAY
Every Month of Extension 500.00
Certificate of Residence (Temporary Visitor) 1,400.00
Application Fee
(After 6 mos. to secure regular Emigration Clearance Certificate at the Alien Registration Division) 700.00
Certification Fee 500.00
Express Fee (Certification) 500.00
Express Fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item 10.00


SECOND EXTENSION
Visa Waiver Application Fee 1,000.00
Visa Waiver Fee 500.00
Certification Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P10.00

DOWNGRADING OF STATUS FROM ANOTHER CATEGORY TO 9A
Amendment Fee 500.00
Visa Fee 1,000.00
Extension Fee 500.00
Application Fee 300.00
Emmigration Clearance Certificate 700.00
Certificate Fee 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For processing) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item P10.00

MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION
Motion for Reconsideration (MR Fee) 500.00
Administrative Fine (for every year of overstay however 18 months overstay considered two years) 5,000.00
Certification Fee (For every transaction) 500.00
Express fee (Certification) 500.00
Express fee (For every month extension) 500.00
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each item 10.00

NOTICE:

Effective February 15, 2008 all applicants for extension (tourist visa) under the VIMS (VISA ISSUANCE MADE SIMPLE) are required to pay in addition to immigration fees, Certification fee of P500, Express fee of P500 plus Legal Research Fee of P10 for every transaction.

All applicants for extension are required to dress properly. Applicants wearing shorts, sandos, and slippers will not be allowed entry to Immigration Office.

This post has been edited by MrBBtheFilAm: 18 July 2010 - 12:43 AM

[Fil/AmArt]

Flirtilizer,

Maybe if you coordinate your dealings concerning your extended stay in the Philippines with the BI main office in Manila with the your local BI office in your area, you may save a trip to Manila! Because in most cases when tourists are nearing their maximum stay in the Philippines of 16 months or for Balikbayans of 24 months, they will usually be referred to the Main BI office in Manila for that sole purpose. While you're at it, maybe you can ask for a longer extension not just for 6 months, but 12 months or even longer, but it could be expensive, approximately P21,000 for just 6 months and double that for (1) year! It's cheaper this way in the long run than leaving the country and returning! It's just up to the individual if they can persuade the BI officials of their request in accomplishing their extended visa application at their local BI office nearest their residence! Nothing is written in stone when it comes to the extended stay in the Philippines, because there are no guarantees with the BI official doing the interview! A neat appearance and a pleasing attitude goes a long way with the Filipino people behind their 9 to 5 desk jobs! Nothing to lose by giving it a try!
Good luck!

This post has been edited by MrBBtheFilAm: 18 July 2010 - 03:02 AM

[UZI]

Flirtilizer, on 17 July 2010 - 11:58 AM, said:

I'm so confused. I think I have great news but I'm surprised I have seen nothing around the net regarding this. If it is accurate.

The last time my GF went to Mandaue to get my extension she asked for confirmation on how many more time i could get an extension. the answer, we thought would be one more time before I make my next VISA run. Hey, I'm poor, no cash in the bank. sniff sniff, someone want to invest in my bank account? haha...

Anyway, she the BI official told her I could now extend up to 24 months without getting special permission from the Division Chief which means a trip to Manila. She said she asked the woman so many times that "She thought I was dull." LOL She found it hard to believe too.

Nobody else has heard this? I checked the BI site just a couple of days ago, nothing there about it. I've wrote about it elsewhere and no one has heard of it. So I'm afraid the woman was new and wrong.

Confusing me even more is that the day before, I got a reply from BI when I asked how to do it, t hey explained I write a letter to the Division Chief and once approved then I must proceed to Manila to pay the fees and get the documents I need. For me, that kills the benefit of getting the extra six months. There are several direct flights out of Cebu to International locations so I can bypass paying for a trip to Manila to get out of the country now.

Has anyone heard anything? I will post more when I know for certain. It would sure help my budget out if I could stay in the PI another six months. I'm a bit blind at the moment, hope this is making sense.

Hi Rusty,


I hope you report back here with your experience on the ground as it were. Something for you & other readers to be aware of is, there is a difference between the Division Chief and the BI Commissioner. The latest info on extending Tourist Visa is this from what I understand, from the BI Website:

Quote

What is the maximum extension of stay that can be granted?

Foreigners holding temporary visitors visa pursuant to Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and aliens admitted under E.O. 408 may extend their stay in the Philippines every 2 months for a total stay of 16 months.Extension of stay after16 months, up to 24 months need the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division. Extension of stay after 24 months need the approval of the Commissioner. (MCL Memorandum dated 31 July 2007)

No mention of needing to go to Manila. New info to me was the bit stating that the Commissioner can approve BEYOND 24 months.


Good luck


Uzi.

[Cebu Experience]

I do plan to attempt to get an extension as soon as I'm within 30 days.

Yes there are other areas where practice doesn't seem to quit meet published policy. That happens in the USA too. Its not specific to the Philippines.

One thing I hear about often is that when people make their VISA run they don't stay out for three days. They just return as soon as they get to Thailand or other country. I'm afraid to do that and find that BI has started following the published policy. I'd hate to come back early and find out that I just wasted a ticket and now must by two more.

I've got an email from BI that I'm going to publish on another site so I cant do it here also. Google may zap us both if I do. It spells out what one is suppose to do.

I have third hand knowledge of someone in Mindanao that just sent a letter, got it approved and then got his extension to 24 months without ever going to Manila.. I tend to discount third hand though, you never know if they got all the information. Most people are not like me, I ask the same question about 5 different ways until the person gets tired of the question.... LOL Hey, I was a revenue agent (IRS) and I had to deal with very crafty lawyers and CPS's all day long. So you learn....

[UZI]

Flirtilizer, on 19 July 2010 - 03:34 AM, said:

I do plan to attempt to get an extension as soon as I'm within 30 days.

Yes there are other areas where practice doesn't seem to quit meet published policy. That happens in the USA too. Its not specific to the Philippines.

One thing I hear about often is that when people make their VISA run they don't stay out for three days. They just return as soon as they get to Thailand or other country. I'm afraid to do that and find that BI has started following the published policy. I'd hate to come back early and find out that I just wasted a ticket and now must by two more.

I've got an email from BI that I'm going to publish on another site so I cant do it here also. Google may zap us both if I do. It spells out what one is suppose to do.

I have third hand knowledge of someone in Mindanao that just sent a letter, got it approved and then got his extension to 24 months without ever going to Manila.. I tend to discount third hand though, you never know if they got all the information. Most people are not like me, I ask the same question about 5 different ways until the person gets tired of the question.... LOL Hey, I was a revenue agent (IRS) and I had to deal with very crafty lawyers and CPS's all day long. So you learn....

Hi Rusty,

My earlier post about my friend getting a 3 year extension was accidentally deleted so here it is again as a point of info for others too:

Quote

It would be reasonable to think that Commissioner's approval might be granted only rarely. Apparently, this is not the case. My local BIR told me that it was a fairly routine matter to get an extension from The Commissioner. All I needed was some copies of relevant pages of my passport and a letter simply requesting that I would like to remain here with my wife (cannot get a 13a because asawa was married in Philippines before). The office then faxed that to Manila together with their own assurance that I had not been doing anything naughty. In 2 weeks I received the approval to stay in country for a total of 3 years from my last exit. No trip to Manila for an interview was required.

It seems to tie in with my post quoting from the BI website that the Commissioner can grant extensions BEYOND 24 months.

As for your question regarding 13a and annulment, I am waiting for my friend to reply & will post his answer as soon as I get it.



Uzi

[UZI]

UZI, on 19 July 2010 - 06:17 AM, said:

Hi Rusty,

As for your question regarding 13a and annulment, I am waiting for my friend to reply & will post his answer as soon as I get it.



Uzi

Rusty,


My reply to your question would be off topic here so please see new thread:


13A Annulment question


Hope it answers your question.





Uzi

[Cebu Experience]

My partner has a friend that works at the BI office in Cebu. Today, she confirmed with him that the procedure has changed.

I will be able to extend my stay without a letter to the division chief. I will be able to extend to 24 months by paying an extra 1000P per month.

I suppose the procedure could change again but for now, that has been confirmed with two different BI Officers.

[Cebu Experience]

I finally found the source of this change. I'm surprised it seems to have escaped most of us.

There was an amendment passed early in June.

The amendment extends the time to 24 months.

Copy of the law is http://www.senate.go...1221310729!.pdf

[Cebu Experience]

It also appears the first extension is now 2 months, the 21 days seems to be gone.

Quote

Section 42. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Wsifors. - The
initial period of authorized stay of a foreign national adnitted as a temporary visitor under Section
30, paragraph (a) of this Act shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of arrival. Extensions
of authorized stay may be granted under terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the

Director General: Provided, That the total period of authorized stay shall not exceed twenty-four
(24) months: Provided further, That during the foreign national's authorized stay: (a) he shall not
take any employment, whether paid or unpaid; (b) he shall not establish or join in any business;
or © he shall not enfull and become a student at a school, college, univeisity, academy, or ofher
educational institution, unless he is granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another
immigration status provided under this Act..

[UZI]

Flirtilizer, on 21 July 2010 - 05:11 AM, said:

It also appears the first extension is now 2 months, the 21 days seems to be gone.

Quote

Section 42. Conditions and Period of Authorized Stay of Temporary Wsifors. - The
initial period of authorized stay of a foreign national adnitted as a temporary visitor under Section
30, paragraph (a) of this Act shall not exceed two (2) months from the date of arrival. Extensions
of authorized stay may be granted under terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the

Director General: Provided, That the total period of authorized stay shall not exceed twenty-four
(24) months: Provided further, That during the foreign national's authorized stay: (a) he shall not
take any employment, whether paid or unpaid; (b) he shall not establish or join in any business;
or © he shall not enfull and become a student at a school, college, univeisity, academy, or ofher
educational institution, unless he is granted, upon proper application, a conversion to another
immigration status provided under this Act..

Rusty,


I think the reference to 2 months is the 59 days visa (not the 21 day visa free entry) from which you can then apply for extensions. The rest of your link confirms the quote I gave above from the BI website, which says, as this doc does, that the DIRECTOR can grant up to a max of 24 months & the COMMISSIONER can grant above the 24 months.


Good piece of research though.





Uzi

[Cebu Experience]

UZI, on 21 July 2010 - 07:07 AM, said:

Rusty,

I think the reference to 2 months is the 59 days visa (not the 21 day visa free entry) from which you can then apply for extensions. The rest of your link confirms the quote I gave above from the BI website, which says, as this doc does, that the DIRECTOR can grant up to a max of 24 months & the COMMISSIONER can grant above the 24 months.

In the past it was the division chief that handled the 24 months extensions, not the director.

UZI, things have changed. I didn't follow the argument about who you had to see in the past because that has all changed. Below is the OLD procedure. It comes from a BI official that I emailed:

Quote

Dear Sir,



Please be informed that foreigners holding temporary visitors’ visas may extend their stay in the Philippines every two (2) months for a total stay of sixteen (16) months. The applications for extensions within this period can be filed at any of the Field Offices of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).



The extensions of stay after sixteen (16) months up to twenty-four (24) months need the approval of the Immigration Regulation Division Chief while extensions of stay beyond twenty four (24) months need the approval of the Commissioner. For this reason, applications for extensions beyond 16 months must be filed at the Visa Extension Section at the Bureau of Immigration, Main Office at Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila.



The temporary visitors who wish to extend their stay for more than 16 months but less than 24 months must write a letter addressed to the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division (IRD) requesting for further extension of stay.



Once approved by the IRD Chief, applicant must proceed to the Bureau’s Visa Extension Section for an assessment of the corresponding fees to be paid. This office is located at the Ground Floor of the Bureau of Immigration, Main Office at Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila.


On 6/22/2010 12:30 PM, Rusty wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> I see it is possible to get an extension beyond the 16 months.
>
> Foreigners holding temporary visitors visa pursuant to Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and aliens admitted under E.O. 408 may extend their stay in the Philippines every 2 months for a total stay of 16 months. Extension of stay after16 months, up to 24 months need the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division. Extension of stay after 24 months need the approval of the Commissioner. (MCL Memorandum dated 31 July 2007)
>
> I have been unable to find out how to apply for that. Is it possible to apply? If so, how do I do that? I live in Bogo City in Cebu. I asked at the Mandaue office but if I understood correctly, they said it was not possible. Perhaps they meant at that office?
>
> I've been in The Philippines for one year now.
>
> Thank You,
>
> Rusty Ferguson

That is no longer required. What I posted is new law, it was passed in June of 2010 even though the act is called Immigration Act of 2009. You may be right about the 21 days but I don't think so. I think it is now 59 days but its up to the BI to adopt the policy. From the way i read it, in the past, the BI was required to issue first visa's for up to 21 days only. Now the legislature has given them the authority to go to 59 days if they wish.

I suspect they will go to 59 days to reduce the drain on the system.

I think the exact same thing is try of the 24 months. It doesn't require BI to grant us "automatic" extension but give it the authority to do so WITHOUT going before the division chief as the old requirement.

I don't doubt that in Manila people were able to get the extension up to 24 months without actually getting the permission but that wasn't official policy. It sounds like to me, just a whisper from above, if they come in and ask for more than 16 months, go ahead and grant it as our office can't handle all the request.

In Cebu, when I made my last VISA run, the BI office just told me no, you can't extend to 24 months. When I asked again this time, three months ago, we asked what the procedure for obtaining permission to stay 24 months we were told its not possible. That I must leave.

Now Cebu BI says I can get extension here in Cebu. none of this is hypothetical, its fact on what is actually happening here on the ground in Cebu.

Now I have just found the changes in law that have caused these changes.

Its almost like the biggest secret in the BI law. I finally did find a very short article about it on one of the websites of a local papers. Don't recall where, the article was too short to be of any use. It only said that the law was passed "last Friday" The article was published on 6/4/2010.