I am planning to enter Philippines on Balikbayan 1 year stamp. Do London/Manila airport ask for return flight ticket from Manila to UK? My return journey will be after 1 year, so I can't book return ticket. Is there any flight service from Manila to UK, which can be cancelled and fully refunded?
The first question yes they ask for a return ticket...... Buy a cheap return ticket to nearby countries, we call it a throw-away ticket. Expedia may fully refund a ticket, but better check with them. I came here with a return ticket, cheaper than a single. Just bin the return part once safely thru passport control or keep it in case you change your mind.
As British nationals don't need visa for 30 day stay in Philippines, shall I book return ticket within 30 days, even though I am requesting Balikbayan stamp at Manila airport?
The return date can be after 30 days... no problem. (I take it you already realise that your Filipino partner must enter the Phils on the same flight as yourself, in order for you to be able to ask for Balikbayan stamp ? I would also recommend you take a copy of your marriage certificate to show to immigration ).
Greetings to you all. I have just returned to the Philippines with my wife. At NAIA I asked for a Balikbayan 1 year visa which was duly stamped in my UK passport. My next step is to apply for permanent residency here, so I would be very grateful if someone can advise me on the next steps please? I can't find any thread on here, on how to do this.
I would look into applying for a 13A...as you're married to a local. One year probationary, then you apply for your permanent (which is what I have). I would suggest you wait 6 months though, as then you will only need (easy and cheap) NBI clearance, rather than a police report from the UK...saying what a good chap you are. Your local Immigration office should have the application forms. . https://immigration.gov.ph/visas/immigrant-visa-by-marriage-13a/
Hi Phil, thank you for the information. Very much appreciated. Is that waiting 6 months before I apply for the 13A or 6 months before I apply for for the permanent one? Thanks.
You're welcome. Wait 6 months before applying for the 'Probationary' (first part) of the 13A . NBI Clearance is valid for one year. After one year on the Probationary, you then apply for the 'Permanent' 13A. Once again, NBI Clearance cert needed, to go in with your application docs. ... but easy and cheap. If the staff at your local BI office are friendly and helpful (as mine were), no real need for an agency to help you. You will receive an appropriate ACR1 card for each immigration status change. BI fees are fixed. Should work out at a total, including notorising of docs, of around p15,000 for each stage of your two part process. After that, a huge p310 per year for your annual report...and no more visa extensions. You can also run a business, or work.
