I have had my SRRV for 2.5 years now, thanks to Steve, and to Mary Rose & Thelma in PRA. It's a good deal and great for traveling in and out of the PI. Thanks, Steve. God bless :)
I received my award letter from VA this morning, and I am going to print that asap. I was in PRA office in Dumaguete and it became clear the award letter is vital for qualifying for SRRV. Don't forget the SRRV ID card is $360 a year..
Hi Steve thanks for the update on the SRRV situation. China has a lot to answer for in many aspects of life in other countries. IMHO, PH should round up those 27,000 and revoke their SRRV, then, send them back to China at their own cost.
Yeah I don’t know why make all the changes and suspend the program for new applications when we all know why they are doing it. It’s because of the 27,000 Chinese SRRV holders. It would be so easy to just suspend the SRRV for all new applications from China and not renew the Chinese applicants. Return their deposits and ask them to leave the country
I have the SRRV and I am ok with it. My deposit was 20k. My ID i can either pick up when i am in Makati or have them send it to me. I see actually only advantages. The current situation with the travel issues is not really a big bother for me. It's maybe a bit inconvenient but no real problem. Well, the China problem. Ask yourself who made them in to what they are today. It was mainly the outsourcing of the US and Europe. And they still outsource. It's all about money. And yes, the Chinese are in great company if it comes to devastate. One devastate entire countries the other one devaste seas.
So you can't touch the $20k/$10k deposits to spend on everyday stuff etc.? it just sits there unless u choose the classic ssrv option where u can buy condos etc.
Hello Steve. Great content as always, thanks for posting. I'm USN retired with PI boots otg experience going back 30 years or so, and was in the process of getting the ball rolling on the Courtesy Visa back before the BI suspended it so maybe not good timing on my part!! Lol. However, now here in Colombia and absolutely love it so maybe ended up being a blessing?! Anyway, keep getting after it brother and enjoy life because thats what its all about anyway right!! Cheers🍻
I just received my srrv yesterday , now what you need to do when you are leaving the country , is just go online and advise them that you are traveling out of the country, then within 3 days of returning advise them of your return, it's called a Travel pass, send a copy of your passport bio page, your itinerary, and your srrv card . You don't have to go to immigration to get an exit clearance, they say the change was introduced to check where people have been during the pandemic.
I think the srrv is very good. I had to put $20000 into a bank account but it's always mine and I can get it back when I buy my condo. Also for your information once your 60+ you can get a senior discount card and save money in restaurants and discount on medication. The visa is easy to get just find a good agent and I never paid the agent as they get commission from the government
I applied for my SRRV today. One thing that surprised me is that you need $5 extra to deposit the $1400 application fee, so bring a nice new crisp $5 bill with you, and new $100. They almost didn't take the application fee money at the Land Bank because one of them had a small tear, that only occurred from the counting and recounting they did at the PRA office and then at the bank. My bank in the USA had no new $100's so I had to go thru a lot of them to find the best I could. Also I was unable to get my DD214 and proof of pension apostiled in the US, so I need to go within 60 days of approval and provided some authentication of the documents from the US embassy. The US State Department takes months to get your documents back, still waiting on them for the DD214 but already had booked my reservations to the Philippines.
I am on the same visa. I have to renew my I'd every year but I just have LBC deliver my new card. My visa in my passport has no expiration. The total renewal fee is about 750 pesos for the ID and LBC fee.
Thanks for the info. I have not heard of the Philippine Retirement Authority. This is why we enjoy your channel. And the one about the bank accounts was great info as well... Thanks again and keep the videos coming. You may have already done one??? But how to transfer money to yourself while there might be a good video?
If you're coming up on your 3 year renewal, don't freak out! Mine was going to expire in February of this year so in December 2020 I sent an email to the lady who assisted me 3 years before... since I live in Cebu now she referred me to a lady who works with the Cebu SRRV holders, I emailed her, she told me how much to transfer to the bank she uses in Pesos, (renewal - 3yrs id was - 1,442.07, and she shipped it to me via LBC for P1500, so total a little less than P3000) ***** The big thing was that she advised NOT to "do an online payment directly to PRA bank, it would take ages to get it done and the very difficult to follow up in the PRA office"***** (many angry expats in this situation), the renewal was processed in January and I had my new card, including a change of address, in February of 2021 about 2 weeks before my old card expired. No problem at all! With the SRRV you don't have to leave at 3 years/36 months, it's not a tourist visa that runs out! NO Visa runs. However, other than the Cov, you can leave and re-enter the Phils as many times as you want on that Visa. If it's been less than a year since your last entry there's no exit clearance. Steve is correct about the new hoops because of the Cov... ***For Re-Entry - Holders of valid Special Resident Retirees’ Visa (SRRV) are required to secure an Entry Exemption Document (EED) from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) which shall be presented to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon arrival in the Philippines. If you are inside the Philippines and need to leave for some reason, you need a "Travel Pass"... see the following: PRA members/SRRV holders are advised of the following starting 01 March 2021 1. To secure a Travel Pass from P.R.A. before"departure which shall be presented either in printed or electronic form to the immigration counters as part of the documentary requirements upon departure. 2. To inform the Servicing Division of the PRA of his/her intended travel at least seven (7) days before his/her departure for PRA to coordinate with officials of the Bureau of Immigration at any ports of exit by submitting a list of SRRV holders who were issued Travel Pass; 3. The Travel Pass shall be in the form prescribed in Annex "A" which may be accessed via PRA web at www.pra.gov.ph, to be accomplished by the SRRV holder and subsequently transmitted to PRA via e-mail at entryexit@pra.gov.ph. 4. Within three (3) days upon return of the SRRV holder to the Philippines, he/she shall inform the PRA of such return by sending electronic copies of his/her passport bio-page, SRRV sticker and the latest Philippine Immigration arrival stamp via e-mail at entryexit@pra.gov.ph .. 5. In case a SRRV holder is unable to present his/her Travel Pass, subject SRRV holder may request th� B.I. personnel at ports of exit to make verification with the P.R.A. to facilitate his/her departure. 6. All requests for Travel Pass are free of any charges and/or fees. So if it opens enough for SRRV holders and you need to leave for a short trip, file for BOTH 🤣🤣🤣
@@MrSteven5975 I agree, hopefully many things will return to the way they were. Even with the few extra hoops for SRRV holders... even though I'm married and could get a balikbayan visa, I'll stick with my SRRV..., the low deposit for Veterans, at @P3000 every 3 years, no Visa runs, no trips to BI every few months, no exit clearance if traveling within 1 year of last entry, a "Resident" status Visa, exempt from an ACR card, can attend College/University...etc., (when I got mine we were even allowed to be employed IF we desired, but that has changed) I think anyone who qualifies for it (if they open it back up) that can afford the deposit ESPECIALLY Veterans and doesn't plan to go this route should re-examine their options.
Perpetual Tourist visa for me. I don't have liquid cash to park in a Philippines bank. I exist on a monthly income. No SSRV for me. I fully expect them to end the perpetual tourist visa because of the ease of navigation.
The U.S. has sent ships to the Whitsun Reef area to "help" the Philippines. When the two biggest bullies go at it, somebody is bound to get trampled on. Hopefully by the time I get over there things will be straightened out. Thanks for the info. Stay safe.
If it (military) had been available when I retired here 14 years ago I would have jumped on it. I ended up with a 13a eventually, but the SRRV is a more respected visa. I have to report to the BI every year as well as renew my ACR I-Card every 5 years. Both of those are easy and don't really bother me. But I would prefer my own visa rather than one that's tied to marriage.
Steve: I'll be in Cebu City for a Six to Eight Month trial visit mid October. At that point I'll either return to the US & go back to work or go for the SRRV. Non-Vet, so my SRRV will be more expensive.
im over 70.....seent this before i got your reply ,...yes but background check if under 70 years old must be coming form te hUS and apostille in the US...thanx..
Ok Thanks for the info . What I’m looking for is .. someone to take care of all the forms and make sure I do all of this correctly. I’m like you and want someone else to deal with it as I wait . If you know someone like that . I’m in Thailand now trying to get there
Hi Im a veteran too Lived in Thai for a few years Looking at SSRV now. Would love to chat sometime and get your thoughts on some aspects of moving there full time
Sooooo, the only cons are that you have to fill in a form if you want to leave temporarily and the process is on hold for a while so the PRA can sought out the rules? That's it? That doesn't sound too bad to me. 👍🏼
It's a lot more complex than that. I'm an SRRV Holder: There's a travel pass involved for departing the country and there's an EED :"Entry Exemption Document" for permission for Reentry. The problem with obtaining the EED is that it is taking months to get it. I live here now but I just put mine in. It took me about 10 minutes. Also the creator of this channel only has the Visa with a 1500 Deposit which is for over 50/ Veterans retired with Pensions. If you don't qualify for that the other visas have a 10 or 20,000 Deposit. New applications are suspended anyway and we expect massive changes to come.
Hay Steve I need some advice I lived in the Philippines for 8 years I live on a ss check can not spend ten thousand or twenty thousand not military what are my options Steve thank you very much for advice
So the SSRV will be available to foreigners who are in the Philippines right now but won’t help someone outside the Philippines because the lockdown is in place? I guess it may help streamline things when the Philippines eventually opens. But if you’re locked out of the Philippines right now (in my opinion) it makes sense to wait. Although it is forward movement which I appreciate.
As far as China's 'venture' near Palawan.... do you think a US base will ever get back to the Philippines? I'm retired USN, was stationed in Subic back in '90
I am trying to start the ssrv process in the U.S. before going back to the Philippines. The one part that is unclear is what kind of police background check is required (state, FBI, immigration, etc.) The other pain is that my state website leads you to getting your fingerprint done (with IdentoGo in Texas) but then says absolutely nothing about HOW to get a background check started or completed.
I am waiting for the SRRV to open back up so that I don't have to leave when my 3 years are up . I keep checking on the PRA website but they don't give any type of update on what is going on. I go to the PRA Facebook page and read all of the comments from the upset SRRV holders that are out of the county and cant return . I hope that the SRRV opens back up soon because its no fun being in limbo not knowing if I will have to leave.
I am a USN Vet with Honorable discharge. I volunteered. After a few months my elderly parent required hands on assistance and I received a discharge to take care of him. I remained in Reserve Status for the usual six years. Now; is this Veteran's resist cover that situation. I was a reservist for the full six but is that considered active duty or not? I believe you need two years active duty to qualify. Please let me know what you might know.
Researched the SRRV. $10,000 deposit, $1,400 application fee and $360 a year fee. Sorry but that’s around 10 years of tourists fees. I will do the Visa run and use it as a vacation. But good info 👍
That’s what I was planning on doing until international travel came to a stop. Now if I leave the country I can’t come back in so the traditional visa runs are not an option right now. Plus I don’t count the deposit because I can always get that back. The cost is the 1400 one time fee and 360 per year.. very worth it to me. Don’t really feel like doing those visa runs these days. Also another benefit is being eligible for a drivers license. You need to have a permanent resident visa to get a Philippines drivers license and legally be able to drive here. Foreign drivers licenses are only valid for 90 days. Before it was easy to go on a visa run every 90 days and use your foreign license but now with no one being allowed to leave and come back for over a year if you don’t have a Philippines drivers license you can’t drive.
Seems to me the 10.000UD deposit is basically locked away unless you sign a minimum lease of 25 years for $50.000..seems a lot of retiaries wont live that long. I have been looking into it its not as straight forward as the like to make up... I have been coming to the Phils for over the last 25 years and for 600$ yearly visa waiver fees I can stay up to 15 month..A trip back to Australia, return to the Phils and start again.
You made a few errors in this video. First, the 3 year renewal was suspended back in Feb. Second, you don't need an exit clearance with a SRRV. You do need to pay travel tax if you have been in country for more than 12 months. You also left out a big pro, if comparing to the 13a. It is your visa. The 13a is dependent on your wife. You can lose the 13a in a few ways. If you don't cohabitate then its gone. If your wife passes away its gone. If your wife gets tired of you she only has to ask BI to cancel it, no reason necessary. On the 13a you do need ECC if you have been in country more than 6 months. I'm waiting for the SRRV to be offered again because I qualify now. Even if I get married I don't really want a 13a.
I was told if you are in country over a year you need an Exit Clearance like everyone else. And yes that 13a thing is a big Pro that I have mentioned before in the past. It’s a big protective pro.
I really appreciate your video and see that the srrv visa process requires work. Still I am interested in obtaining this visa How can I e mail you to get started ? Marty
Hello Steve! I'm a veteran and will be relocating to the Philippines. Do I need both the SRRV and the ACR card? I will need your help when I move to the Philippines in September 2023. I don't mind buying you and the driver dinner. What hotel do you recommend? I will be getting to the Philippines about two months prior to my fiancee who works in Hong Kong. We met over a year ago on Facebook. I visited the Philippines last year and spent some time with her and her family during the passing of her father. We will be getting married in November. Thanks Steve Ronnie
I don’t understand why they ask me about proving contributions to SSS, when I’m not a Filipino. I retired from the U S Navy. not Filipino navy. Can you clarify or explain?
Many thanks Steve. Sounds like SRRV is the way to go but presumably you'd need to open a bank account first? Is that easy? My suspicion is that it's not as easy as in the West?
Its crazy I went online before coming here got national Archives to send me dd214 then went online requested my Awards letter SS brought those with me then all the agencies over here tell me oh you have to get certified and then apostiled so I gave up for now
I no theres ways to get things certified and apostile from Philippines can't believe none the the servives can expidite this I know how to do it just need copier printer and US notary
So I’m enquiring into getting the Veterans Visa or the 13a Visa. After the pandemic has cleared ( if it ever does) I will probably travel 2-3 times a year so I need to take this into consideration. I have met the requirements for both and any help which one would be the best, I am 53 years old. It seems from what your saying the Veterans is harder ? Or have you made an updated video ?
What happens with the yearly fees if you are out of the country at the time and you don't pay? Do you lose the visa because you didn't pay, or do you just pay when you come back, or do you then have a hassle at the airport because its not paid up or what?
What's better, SRRV Courtesy or 13(a) ? We currently live in Texas. I'm retired mil. My wife is US Citizen from Philippines. She's submitted her application to get her Philippine passport again so she will be dual citizen. We are considering eventually getting a condo near her family for extended visits, possibly retirement someday. Not sure which would be the better visa option for me, any advice on the matter will be appreciated. Wife thinks doing SRRV Courtesy is a waste of money. Finances are not a problem.
Can you initially come in under a Balikbayan visa through my wife and before the year is up, could or should we apply for a SRRV before the Balikbayan visa runs out? My wife is a former Filipino and I'm retired military.
A question I would like to ask , I have a house there over $50000 , I really do not want to put $20000 in a ph bank is there a way round it by having a house brought there , yes it’s in my own name it’s a house with a condo title paid for , I get told you still need to deposit $20000 in a bank to get one .
I have a question regarding apostilling documents. I sent my FBI check, DD214 and pension certification to National Apostille Inc. They contacted me and told me that my DD214 is too old?? ...and that it needs to have an official signature on the document that is a wet signature. Have you ever heard of this? If so, can you pass along any guidance? Thank you. Frank
@@johnwales9842 How is that done if you don’t mind me asking. I was turned down by BDO, BPI, Metro Bank and PNB. They all said I need to have a ACR-I card, which I do... but it can not say Tourist on the card it must be the Resident ACR-I card.
Hi, Thank you for this info. I have a question, For the srrv smile when do they give back the $20,000 deposit, will it be only upon cancellation of srrv? Does it also mean I cant use $20k? will it just stay at the bank?
I've not heard of the exit clearance requirement for an SRRV, I thought that was one of the perks of having one? Maybe the rules have changed since covid.
Can you bring your spouse across with you with the veterans srrv? It says on the website there’s a charge of an additional 300 Bucks and would she get the annual fee of 10 bucks aswell?
@@MrSteven5975 Also what happens to the $10k or $20K when you die? (well not you since you only paid $1500)Something tells me they wont make much effort to contact your relatives in the States to be sure they get it as part of your estate. Will be dead so guess that won't matter to us anymore but still
@@MrSteven5975 So your saying that SRRV (Courtesy) for Miitary age 50yrs young = Annual charge of $10 I thought all of the SRRV annual charge is $360? Can someone please confirm? Annual charge for veterans SRRV Courtesy $10 or $360? I am fixing to get married as soon as the Philipines opens back up and having a hard time deciding which is best 13a Spouse Visa or the SRRV. (13a Spouse Visa/Residence): Cheaper up front and only have to report to the BI every year as well as renew ACR I-Card every 5 years. Have to pay the travel tax for exiting if after a year. (Can come and go as you please) or SRRV (Courtesy) for military Veterans: 50yrs of age requirment with one time application fee $1400 / $1,500 bank deposit / Annual fee of $10 or $360 / Travel pass requirement for departing the country and "Entry Exemption Document" EED for permission for Reentry. (Not easy to travel&extra steps)
Would you recommend the SRRV for someone who will live in the Philippines for 6 months and the other 6 months in the USA every year? I’m retired military.
I was reading the wire instructions are complicaed for the SRRV visa? but maybe thats if you send it to the main headquarters and not your own bank account? can you send the SRRV visa deposit to your own bank account you can open up and was the banking instructions easy? it can be quite complicated to do bank wires online i wonder if they allow you to do smaller transactions that total up to 20K
@@MrSteven5975 was it to your own bank account you opened? cause i know the headquarters account its like intermediary banks with complex instructions. but if its direct to your own account at your own PH bank you choose it might be easier instructions?
Sent it from my account to an intermediary bank that sent it to BDO to hold till I arrived to open the account. The bank verified the receipt through the Agent I had. Its a little hard but we got it done.
If your not buying, investing, or banking then why give $20k to Phil? You can stay in Phil 30 days then extend 6 months. Leave Phil at 6 months then return to start the process again. The $20k for SRRV classic is a waste.
You can stay 36 months on a Tourist visa and it’s a lot of fees. You get your money back from the PRA when you leave. And it’s only $1500 Security for Vets.
A couple things u need to know. If you are applying for the veterans srrv u need to have ur dd214, fbi background check and proof of pension authenticated by the us state department and u can only do that in the us. Also the state department will not accept the sea letter u get online. U need something with a title and signature. Finally make sure you wire for the deposit includes you full name as shown on ur passport. My bank only used my middle initial. Caused all kinds of problems
Hi!! I am military retired (Air Force). I have a Philippina fiancé In Roxcas City, and I hope to come to the Philippines in March to be with her and possible marriage. You leave allot of other questions I would like to ask. I know your video was made 9 month’s ago. I don’t know if you are aware that the Air Force is building 5 new based besides getting new naval ships. Yes a China USA war is highly possible I think there. First you start off stating the cost of of you entry to the Philippines cost you 3k, but you only stated you put $1500.00 in the bank, what happen to the other 15 hundred?? You mentioned a agent. What does this agent do for you?? I have been trying to find an agent to help me get into the Philippines as well as help me with my Fiancé paperwork. I do not know if she will be coming out of Philippines or not. Your presentation did not explain what was your first steps getting into the Philippines was and how you ended up with the Philippines Military Authorities. Was this done at the airport or before you arrived in the PI.
Hit the wrong button so I am back again on a new page. What about health insurance? Do you know anything about that and of course how are getting you monthly military pay?? Did you establish a new backing account there and is DFAS sending your check there or are you able to get your monthly funds from the USA? I am sorry for all the personal information I am asking but trying to stay up with all the Philippine changes is a challenge in itself. Thanks, and thank you for your service. Bill Kratch
Our Channel has answered many of those questions in other vlogs on here. If you need assistance with SRRV please email asking for my phone number and call me and I’ll get you started up.
I got lucky I got mine in July last year right before they shut it down. Mine is 10k USD deposit and I have to renew the ID every year. I’m glad I was grandfathered. It would suck to be on a tourist visa right now.
I have had my SRRV for 2.5 years now, thanks to Steve, and to Mary Rose & Thelma in PRA. It's a good deal and great for traveling in and out of the PI. Thanks, Steve. God bless :)
Thanks for sharing!
Steve,great info and insight on the Philippines thanks
Excellent video Steve, good talking to you and thanks for helping me. Mary Rose is looking after things.
Glad to help
I received my award letter from VA this morning, and I am going to print that asap. I was in PRA office in Dumaguete and it became clear the award letter is vital for qualifying for SRRV. Don't forget the SRRV ID card is $360 a year..
It’s $10 if you use the Veterans Courtesy Visa
Hi Steve
thanks for the update on the SRRV situation.
China has a lot to answer for in many aspects of life in other countries.
IMHO, PH should round up those 27,000 and revoke their SRRV, then, send them back to China at their own cost.
Yeah I don’t know why make all the changes and suspend the program for new applications when we all know why they are doing it. It’s because of the 27,000 Chinese SRRV holders. It would be so easy to just suspend the SRRV for all new applications from China and not renew the Chinese applicants. Return their deposits and ask them to leave the country
27 thousand is the tip of an upside down iceberg, i bet there are hundreds of thousands of illegal Chinese
@@franciscofletes1948 the government already likely spent their deposits ha
I have the SRRV and I am ok with it. My deposit was 20k. My ID i can either pick up when i am in Makati or have them send it to me. I see actually only advantages. The current situation with the travel issues is not really a big bother for me. It's maybe a bit inconvenient but no real problem. Well, the China problem. Ask yourself who made them in to what they are today. It was mainly the outsourcing of the US and Europe. And they still outsource. It's all about money.
And yes, the Chinese are in great company if it comes to devastate. One devastate entire countries the other one devaste seas.
So you can't touch the $20k/$10k deposits to spend on everyday stuff etc.? it just sits there unless u choose the classic ssrv option where u can buy condos etc.
@@jamesabroad8589 @ Super Mario. Yeah i wanna know about this? I have the same question too.
At this time if you go out of the Philippines on a SSRV you can not come back. But you still have too pay $360 a year.
Hello Steve. Great content as always, thanks for posting. I'm USN retired with PI boots otg experience going back 30 years or so, and was in the process of getting the ball rolling on the Courtesy Visa back before the BI suspended it so maybe not good timing on my part!! Lol. However, now here in Colombia and absolutely love it so maybe ended up being a blessing?! Anyway, keep getting after it brother and enjoy life because thats what its all about anyway right!! Cheers🍻
Thanks for sharing
I just received my srrv yesterday , now what you need to do when you are leaving the country , is just go online and advise them that you are traveling out of the country, then within 3 days of returning advise them of your return, it's called a Travel pass, send a copy of your passport bio page, your itinerary, and your srrv card . You don't have to go to immigration to get an exit clearance, they say the change was introduced to check where people have been during the pandemic.
I think the srrv is very good.
I had to put $20000 into a bank account but it's always mine and I can get it back when I buy my condo.
Also for your information once your 60+ you can get a senior discount card and save money in restaurants and discount on medication.
The visa is easy to get just find a good agent and I never paid the agent as they get commission from the government
I applied for my SRRV today. One thing that surprised me is that you need $5 extra to deposit the $1400 application fee, so bring a nice new crisp $5 bill with you, and new $100. They almost didn't take the application fee money at the Land Bank because one of them had a small tear, that only occurred from the counting and recounting they did at the PRA office and then at the bank. My bank in the USA had no new $100's so I had to go thru a lot of them to find the best I could. Also I was unable to get my DD214 and proof of pension apostiled in the US, so I need to go within 60 days of approval and provided some authentication of the documents from the US embassy. The US State Department takes months to get your documents back, still waiting on them for the DD214 but already had booked my reservations to the Philippines.
I am on the same visa. I have to renew my I'd every year but I just have LBC deliver my new card. My visa in my passport has no expiration. The total renewal fee is about 750 pesos for the ID and LBC fee.
Thanks for the info. I have not heard of the Philippine Retirement Authority. This is why we enjoy your channel. And the one about the bank accounts was great info as well... Thanks again and keep the videos coming. You may have already done one??? But how to transfer money to yourself while there might be a good video?
I believe I did a couple videos on that subject. We have about 350 videos I think. We are covering just about everything.
If you're coming up on your 3 year renewal, don't freak out! Mine was going to expire in February of this year so in December 2020 I sent an email to the lady who assisted me 3 years before... since I live in Cebu now she referred me to a lady who works with the Cebu SRRV holders, I emailed her, she told me how much to transfer to the bank she uses in Pesos, (renewal - 3yrs id was - 1,442.07, and she shipped it to me via LBC for P1500, so total a little less than P3000) ***** The big thing was that she advised NOT to "do an online payment directly to PRA bank, it would take ages to get it done and the very difficult to follow up in the PRA office"***** (many angry expats in this situation), the renewal was processed in January and I had my new card, including a change of address, in February of 2021 about 2 weeks before my old card expired. No problem at all! With the SRRV you don't have to leave at 3 years/36 months, it's not a tourist visa that runs out! NO Visa runs. However, other than the Cov, you can leave and re-enter the Phils as many times as you want on that Visa. If it's been less than a year since your last entry there's no exit clearance.
Steve is correct about the new hoops because of the Cov... ***For Re-Entry - Holders of valid Special Resident Retirees’ Visa (SRRV) are required to secure an Entry Exemption
Document (EED) from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) which shall be presented to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon arrival in the Philippines.
If you are inside the Philippines and need to leave for some reason, you need a "Travel Pass"... see the following:
PRA members/SRRV holders are advised of the following starting 01 March 2021
1. To secure a Travel Pass from P.R.A. before"departure which shall be presented either in printed
or electronic form to the immigration counters as part of the documentary requirements upon
departure.
2. To inform the Servicing Division of the PRA of his/her intended travel at least seven (7) days before
his/her departure for PRA to coordinate with officials of the Bureau of Immigration at any ports
of exit by submitting a list of SRRV holders who were issued Travel Pass;
3. The Travel Pass shall be in the form prescribed in Annex "A" which may be accessed via PRA web
at www.pra.gov.ph, to be accomplished by the SRRV holder and subsequently transmitted to PRA
via e-mail at entryexit@pra.gov.ph.
4. Within three (3) days upon return of the SRRV holder to the Philippines, he/she shall inform the
PRA of such return by sending electronic copies of his/her passport bio-page, SRRV sticker and
the latest Philippine Immigration arrival stamp via e-mail at entryexit@pra.gov.ph ..
5. In case a SRRV holder is unable to present his/her Travel Pass, subject SRRV holder may request
th� B.I. personnel at ports of exit to make verification with the P.R.A. to facilitate his/her
departure.
6. All requests for Travel Pass are free of any charges and/or fees.
So if it opens enough for SRRV holders and you need to leave for a short trip, file for BOTH 🤣🤣🤣
They might remove the other after the Covid mess hopefully
@@MrSteven5975 I agree, hopefully many things will return to the way they were. Even with the few extra hoops for SRRV holders... even though I'm married and could get a balikbayan visa, I'll stick with my SRRV..., the low deposit for Veterans, at @P3000 every 3 years, no Visa runs, no trips to BI every few months, no exit clearance if traveling within 1 year of last entry, a "Resident" status Visa, exempt from an ACR card, can attend College/University...etc., (when I got mine we were even allowed to be employed IF we desired, but that has changed) I think anyone who qualifies for it (if they open it back up) that can afford the deposit ESPECIALLY Veterans and doesn't plan to go this route should re-examine their options.
Steve thanks for the advice !
Perpetual Tourist visa for me. I don't have liquid cash to park in a Philippines bank. I exist on a monthly income. No SSRV for me. I fully expect them to end the perpetual tourist visa because of the ease of navigation.
The U.S. has sent ships to the Whitsun Reef area to "help" the Philippines. When the two biggest bullies go at it, somebody is bound to get trampled on. Hopefully by the time I get over there things will be straightened out. Thanks for the info. Stay safe.
If it (military) had been available when I retired here 14 years ago I would have jumped on it. I ended up with a 13a eventually, but the SRRV is a more respected visa. I have to report to the BI every year as well as renew my ACR I-Card every 5 years. Both of those are easy and don't really bother me. But I would prefer my own visa rather than one that's tied to marriage.
Me too! I'm married but dont like my future in someone else control. Might get srrv if it open up again.
Steve: I'll be in Cebu City for a Six to Eight Month trial visit mid October. At that point I'll either return to the US & go back to work or go for the SRRV. Non-Vet, so my SRRV will be more expensive.
im over 70.....seent this before i got your reply ,...yes but background check if under 70 years old must be coming form te hUS and apostille in the US...thanx..
Thank you I appreciate you
Ok Thanks for the info . What I’m looking for is .. someone to take care of all the forms and make sure I do all of this correctly. I’m like you and want someone else to deal with it as I wait . If you know someone like that . I’m in Thailand now trying to get there
God Bless all of us
Hi Im a veteran too Lived in Thai for a few years Looking at SSRV now. Would love to chat sometime and get your thoughts on some aspects of moving there full time
Sooooo, the only cons are that you have to fill in a form if you want to leave temporarily and the process is on hold for a while so the PRA can sought out the rules? That's it? That doesn't sound too bad to me. 👍🏼
There might be more changes coming
@@MrSteven5975 Thanks for the heads up, I'll keep watching. Definitely one of the most informative RUclips channels for this stuff!!
It's a lot more complex than that. I'm an SRRV Holder: There's a travel pass involved for departing the country and there's an EED :"Entry Exemption Document" for permission for Reentry. The problem with obtaining the EED is that it is taking months to get it. I live here now but I just put mine in. It took me about 10 minutes. Also the creator of this channel only has the Visa with a 1500 Deposit which is for over 50/ Veterans retired with Pensions. If you don't qualify for that the other visas have a 10 or 20,000 Deposit. New applications are suspended anyway and we expect massive changes to come.
Hay Steve I need some advice I lived in the Philippines for 8 years I live on a ss check can not spend ten thousand or twenty thousand not military what are my options Steve thank you very much for advice
Ty. Great info
mine cost me about 1200 euro my SRRV is a deposit but once u say dont need it then u get the 1200 euro back that is nice
So the SSRV will be available to foreigners who are in the Philippines right now but won’t help someone outside the Philippines because the lockdown is in place? I guess it may help streamline things when the Philippines eventually opens. But if you’re locked out of the Philippines right now (in my opinion) it makes sense to wait. Although it is forward movement which I appreciate.
As far as China's 'venture' near Palawan.... do you think a US base will ever get back to the Philippines? I'm retired USN, was stationed in Subic back in '90
The pra in angeles city was very helpful
I am trying to start the ssrv process in the U.S. before going back to the Philippines. The one part that is unclear is what kind of police background check is required (state, FBI, immigration, etc.) The other pain is that my state website leads you to getting your fingerprint done (with IdentoGo in Texas) but then says absolutely nothing about HOW to get a background check started or completed.
Any police background check will work or try Myfbireport.com
Good vlog. My father already owns a condo in Taguig. Can he use this as his form of "investment " in the Philippines?
So you think it's good to open bank account with have a place in philippines before applying for SRRV.
So do you have to let bank know of SRRV to keep access to your Debt Card stay active
Hello, got another question. I’m a US citizen, but have been living in the UK for 5 yrs now. Who do I get the police checks from?? US or UK?
I am waiting for the SRRV to open back up so that I don't have to leave when my 3 years are up . I keep checking on the PRA website but they don't give any type of update on what is going on. I go to the PRA Facebook page and read all of the comments from the upset SRRV holders that are out of the county and cant return . I hope that the SRRV opens back up soon because its no fun being in limbo not knowing if I will have to leave.
I was going to reply here but, it's a lot of info.... I'll post a comment.
I am a USN Vet with Honorable discharge. I volunteered. After a few months my elderly parent required hands on assistance and I received a discharge to take care of him. I remained in Reserve Status for the usual six years. Now; is this Veteran's resist cover that situation. I was a reservist for the full six but is that considered active duty or not? I believe you need two years active duty to qualify. Please let me know what you might know.
Researched the SRRV. $10,000 deposit, $1,400 application fee and $360 a year fee. Sorry but that’s around 10 years of tourists fees. I will do the Visa run and use it as a vacation. But good info 👍
The one I got we pay $10 a year. It’s the Courtesy VISA for Veterans.
That’s what I was planning on doing until international travel came to a stop. Now if I leave the country I can’t come back in so the traditional visa runs are not an option right now. Plus I don’t count the deposit because I can always get that back. The cost is the 1400 one time fee and 360 per year.. very worth it to me. Don’t really feel like doing those visa runs these days. Also another benefit is being eligible for a drivers license. You need to have a permanent resident visa to get a Philippines drivers license and legally be able to drive here. Foreign drivers licenses are only valid for 90 days. Before it was easy to go on a visa run every 90 days and use your foreign license but now with no one being allowed to leave and come back for over a year if you don’t have a Philippines drivers license you can’t drive.
I have 20 k deposit and pay 10$ per year, my card is valid for 3 years. Got it renewed last year in June.
@@franciscofletes1948 I thought you only need an ACR card to get a driver's license
I had mine just done for 3 years and no issues.
I did one tour with USAF. How long do I need to live there to apply for SRRV for $1500.
Seems to me the 10.000UD deposit is basically locked away unless you sign a minimum lease of 25 years for $50.000..seems a lot of retiaries wont live that long.
I have been looking into it its not as straight forward as the like to make up...
I have been coming to the Phils for over the last 25 years and for 600$ yearly visa waiver fees I can stay up to 15 month..A trip back to Australia, return to the Phils and start again.
So You don't have to pay your $10 a year until 3 Years? so like $30 every 3 Yrs instead of $10 a Year?
Basically 2900 to avoid immigration every 6 months
You made a few errors in this video.
First, the 3 year renewal was suspended back in Feb.
Second, you don't need an exit clearance with a SRRV. You do need to pay travel tax if you have been in country for more than 12 months.
You also left out a big pro, if comparing to the 13a. It is your visa. The 13a is dependent on your wife. You can lose the 13a in a few ways. If you don't cohabitate then its gone. If your wife passes away its gone. If your wife gets tired of you she only has to ask BI to cancel it, no reason necessary. On the 13a you do need ECC if you have been in country more than 6 months.
I'm waiting for the SRRV to be offered again because I qualify now. Even if I get married I don't really want a 13a.
I was told if you are in country over a year you need an Exit Clearance like everyone else. And yes that 13a thing is a big Pro that I have mentioned before in the past. It’s a big protective pro.
I was just given the 3 year renewal from this month for 3 years. They never mentioned a thing but yes apparently it’s changed but I wasn’t told.
I have the SRRV and never heard about an exit clearance. Does not exist for this visa.
If you are in country for over a year then supposedly you need one according to the agent.
After 1 year you need it. Its verified.
I really appreciate your video and see that the srrv visa process requires work. Still I am interested in obtaining this visa
How can I e mail you to get started ?
Marty
Steven5975@yahoo.com
Hello Steve! I'm a veteran and will be relocating to the Philippines. Do I need both the SRRV and the ACR card? I will need your help when I move to the Philippines in September 2023. I don't mind buying you and the driver dinner. What hotel do you recommend? I will be getting to the Philippines about two months prior to my fiancee who works in Hong Kong. We met over a year ago on Facebook. I visited the Philippines last year and spent some time with her and her family during the passing of her father. We will be getting married in November. Thanks Steve Ronnie
No ACR needed with a Retirement VISA here.
If you need help let me know
I don’t understand why they ask me about proving contributions to SSS, when I’m not a Filipino. I retired from the U S Navy. not Filipino navy. Can you clarify or explain?
It’s Social Security
Dont have the money for that! I just pay the Visa Extension and move on!
I go to Davao.....we enjoy the get away....easy peasy
Dammit, I had only 9 more months till I hit 35 and 3 till I retire!
Many thanks Steve. Sounds like SRRV is the way to go but presumably you'd need to open a bank account first? Is that easy? My suspicion is that it's not as easy as in the West?
They help you open the one for the deposit and you can open one for yourself at the same time.
When I applied you have to make the deposit from your US account.
Its crazy I went online before coming here got national Archives to send me dd214 then went online requested my Awards letter SS brought those with me then all the agencies over here tell me oh you have to get certified and then apostiled so I gave up for now
I no theres ways to get things certified and apostile from Philippines can't believe none the the servives can expidite this I know how to do it just need copier printer and US notary
What's the issue with China? What happened to affect the SRRV with 10,000 peso deposit?
I'm confused about the cost of the military courtesy visa... what are the requirements?
Honorable Discharge from one of the countries they allow. Copy of the DD214
I think they also need proof of pension greater than 1500 per month no?
It’s $1000 a month if you are single
Then they require $1500 in a bank account correct? What is the actual cost of the visa?
Must you be a military retiree or simply an honorably discharged veteran?
So I’m enquiring into getting the Veterans Visa or the 13a Visa.
After the pandemic has cleared ( if it ever does) I will probably travel 2-3 times a year so I need to take this into consideration.
I have met the requirements for both and any help which one would be the best, I am 53 years old.
It seems from what your saying the Veterans is harder ? Or have you made an updated video ?
Veterans is cheaper, none are harder
What happens with the yearly fees if you are out of the country at the time and you don't pay? Do you lose the visa because you didn't pay, or do you just pay when you come back, or do you then have a hassle at the airport because its not paid up or what?
A good question for the PRA. But you can get it paid up when outside the country by using an agent. I’m pretty sure they could mail it.
What's better, SRRV Courtesy or 13(a) ? We currently live in Texas. I'm retired mil. My wife is US Citizen from Philippines. She's submitted her application to get her Philippine passport again so she will be dual citizen. We are considering eventually getting a condo near her family for extended visits, possibly retirement someday. Not sure which would be the better visa option for me, any advice on the matter will be appreciated. Wife thinks doing SRRV Courtesy is a waste of money. Finances are not a problem.
SRRV is better in case of divorce
I'm sorry, I couldn't quite follow the video..kinda all over the place.
Two types of srrv? What are the cons?
It’s on the website in the description on my video
Can you initially come in under a Balikbayan visa through my wife and before the year is up, could or should we apply for a SRRV before the Balikbayan visa runs out? My wife is a former Filipino and I'm retired military.
You can if you wish too
A question I would like to ask , I have a house there over $50000 , I really do not want to put $20000 in a ph bank is there a way round it by having a house brought there , yes it’s in my own name it’s a house with a condo title paid for , I get told you still need to deposit $20000 in a bank to get one .
No way around it unfortunately
I didn't think about buying a condo and having them tear the building down down the road, that's not good is it?
It would be a long time
I have a question regarding apostilling documents. I sent my FBI check, DD214 and pension certification to National Apostille Inc. They contacted me and told me that my DD214 is too old?? ...and that it needs to have an official signature on the document that is a wet signature. Have you ever heard of this? If so, can you pass along any guidance? Thank you. Frank
Just call the VA and get a new copy and you get a cover letter also.
27 thousand sounds low over what time period was that ? 1 year , guaranteed they mean hundreds of thousands
We just had our renewed and we had 3 years
Same here....
Does the SSRV allow you to open Philippine bank account (move monthly funds between USA and Philippines).
Yes
I'm on a tourist visa and have opened a bank account.
@@johnwales9842 How is that done if you don’t mind me asking. I was turned down by BDO, BPI, Metro Bank and PNB. They all said I need to have a ACR-I card, which I do... but it can not say Tourist on the card it must be the Resident ACR-I card.
Does it allow you to get a Driver’s license ? And bank account ? How hard is that
Yes, very easy
Can you still get survivors benefits if you stay in the Philippines?
In some cases I believe
i know even a american that live in philipines from 2007 and have only 550 dollars a month
How do you pay the renewal fees - online or offline? Do you deposit in their usd or peso account?
Renewal fees are only $10 for me and I call my agent and send her the money and it’s done.
Hi, Thank you for this info. I have a question, For the srrv smile when do they give back the $20,000 deposit, will it be only upon cancellation of srrv? Does it also mean I cant use $20k? will it just stay at the bank?
It can be used for a long term lease or to buy a condo or get it back when you leave.
I've not heard of the exit clearance requirement for an SRRV, I thought that was one of the perks of having one? Maybe the rules have changed since covid.
After a year I was told you need one. So if you don’t leave in a year you will. According to what I was told .
If you stay over 1 year you need an exit clearance, if you leave before 1 year you can come & go without obtaining one.
I keep telling people this but nobody believes it for some reason till its late in the game.
@@MrSteven5975 They will find out when they show up at the airport without one.LOL
Here we go again
Steve, need info on how best to apply for the SRRV, retired military. Do you have a contact with in the system that will put me on the right path.
Mary Rose Baranda at info@vaningenmanagement.com
On a SRRV visa, are you allowed to work in Philippines just like a local would?
Yes, just get paper’s
what does SRRV stand for ?
Special Resident Retirees Visa
I worry about getting into the country much less staying
What about "fixers"?
Fixers are scammers in most cases. The Government no longer allows them anymore. Beware of them.
Can you bring your spouse across with you with the veterans srrv? It says on the website there’s a charge of an additional 300 Bucks and would she get the annual fee of 10 bucks aswell?
Yes you can bring her
You paid $1400 for the SSRV then you put $1500 in the bank. Most people pay $1400 then put $10.000 in the bank. You pay $360 a year for the SSRV.
I pay $10 a year
@@MrSteven5975 Also what happens to the $10k or $20K when you die? (well not you since you only paid $1500)Something tells me they wont make much effort to contact your relatives in the States to be sure they get it as part of your estate. Will be dead so guess that won't matter to us anymore but still
@@MrSteven5975 So your saying that SRRV (Courtesy) for Miitary age 50yrs young = Annual charge of $10
I thought all of the SRRV annual charge is $360?
Can someone please confirm?
Annual charge for veterans SRRV Courtesy $10 or $360?
I am fixing to get married as soon as the Philipines opens back up and having a hard time deciding which is best 13a Spouse Visa or the SRRV.
(13a Spouse Visa/Residence): Cheaper up front and only have to report to the BI every year as well as renew ACR I-Card every 5 years. Have to pay the travel tax for exiting if after a year. (Can come and go as you please)
or
SRRV (Courtesy) for military Veterans: 50yrs of age requirment with one time application fee $1400 / $1,500 bank deposit / Annual fee of $10 or $360 / Travel pass requirement for departing the country and "Entry Exemption Document" EED for permission for Reentry. (Not easy to travel&extra steps)
It’s $10 a year to renew your ID.If you want to do it send me an email asking for my phone number at steven5975@yahoo.com
You saved me a "Boat load" of money 💰
That’s what we try to do
The PRA statictics are not avaliable??
So can someone pleaase confirm if a foriginer over 35yrs old can they qualify to apply now?
50 and over only at the moment
Would you recommend the SRRV for someone who will live in the Philippines for 6 months and the other 6 months in the USA every year? I’m retired military.
Forgot to add in that my wife is dual citizen
Yes
How long is processing time of SRRV?
6 weeks total
@@MrSteven5975 thank you for the information
I was reading the wire instructions are complicaed for the SRRV visa? but maybe thats if you send it to the main headquarters and not your own bank account? can you send the SRRV visa deposit to your own bank account you can open up and was the banking instructions easy? it can be quite complicated to do bank wires online i wonder if they allow you to do smaller transactions that total up to 20K
I just followed the directions they sent me exactly as they said and no issues.
@@MrSteven5975 was it to your own bank account you opened? cause i know the headquarters account its like intermediary banks with complex instructions. but if its direct to your own account at your own PH bank you choose it might be easier instructions?
Sent it from my account to an intermediary bank that sent it to BDO to hold till I arrived to open the account. The bank verified the receipt through the Agent I had. Its a little hard but we got it done.
You just send it and open it later. You call your agent and they verify receipt for you. Agents are a huge help.
@@MrSteven5975 oh you did it while in the u.s?
SRRV VISA REQUIREMENTS: ruclips.net/video/nSScuWPD11c/видео.html
Great information
What is the best visa to use if you are both a veteran and married to a Filipina...?
The SRRV Courtesy Visa for Vets.
can everything be done while in the pi?
Yes for the most part. You gotta get Apostilles in the U.S.
Steve, if I dont use the 10 000 $ for condo purchase I cant claim it? I need to die until one of my relatives will get it?
You can lease or die to receive it… or leave the country.
@@MrSteven5975 when i leave the country they refund the 10 k $ to me?
Any updates?
People are coming to finish the process and then getting the Retirement VISAs
If your not buying, investing, or banking then why give $20k to Phil? You can stay in Phil 30 days then extend 6 months. Leave Phil at 6 months then return to start the process again. The $20k for SRRV classic is a waste.
You can stay 36 months on a Tourist visa and it’s a lot of fees. You get your money back from the PRA when you leave. And it’s only $1500 Security for Vets.
Same as 13a?
No
What about Canadian veterans
I’m not sure if they are in on it.
Does anyone know what VISAS allow u to open Philippine bank account in your own name?
SRRV
I've heard that you can also open one if you have an ACR card, that can be done when you're on a tourist visa
You can do it with a tourist visa also.
Steve, is there an agency in the US that can help with the SRRV visa process
None
I can help you get here to do the process. Email me at steven5975@yahoo.com and ask for my phone info
What if you are retired military under 50? :)
They are looking at restarting that program in the future
A couple things u need to know. If you are applying for the veterans srrv u need to have ur dd214, fbi background check and proof of pension authenticated by the us state department and u can only do that in the us. Also the state department will not accept the sea letter u get online. U need something with a title and signature. Finally make sure you wire for the deposit includes you full name as shown on ur passport. My bank only used my middle initial. Caused all kinds of problems
The ssa letter
Hi!! I am military retired (Air Force). I have a Philippina fiancé In Roxcas City, and I hope to come to the Philippines in March to be with her and possible marriage. You leave allot of other questions I would like to ask. I know your video was made 9 month’s ago. I don’t know if you are aware that the Air Force is building 5 new based besides getting new naval ships. Yes a China USA war is highly possible I think there. First you start off stating the cost of of you entry to the Philippines cost you 3k, but you only stated you put $1500.00 in the bank, what happen to the other 15 hundred?? You mentioned a agent. What does this agent do for you?? I have been trying to find an agent to help me get into the Philippines as well as help me with my Fiancé paperwork. I do not know if she will be coming out of Philippines or not. Your presentation did not explain what was your first steps getting into the Philippines was and how you ended up with the Philippines Military Authorities. Was this done at the airport or before you arrived in the PI.
Hit the wrong button so I am back again on a new page. What about health insurance? Do you know anything about that and of course how are getting you monthly military pay?? Did you establish a new backing account there and is DFAS sending your check there or are you able to get your monthly funds from the USA? I am sorry for all the personal information I am asking but trying to stay up with all the Philippine changes is a challenge in itself. Thanks, and thank you for your service. Bill Kratch
Our Channel has answered many of those questions in other vlogs on here. If you need assistance with SRRV please email asking for my phone number and call me and I’ll get you started up.
I have 800 videos on all these questions. Email me and I can answer most questions . Steven5975@yahoo.com
interesting......
Thanks Andy !! If you want to do it let me know and I can assist.
@@MrSteven5975 love that idea
New video tonight
I got lucky I got mine in July last year right before they shut it down. Mine is 10k USD deposit and I have to renew the ID every year. I’m glad I was grandfathered. It would suck to be on a tourist visa right now.
Yes it does. My three years are up next Feb. I hope everything is be back to normal by then
Hello sir , i am hiv positive , but undetectabbe and take medicene regularly. Am i eligible to get srrv in philippines..please confirm.
You could run that by the agent and she would know.
@@MrSteven5975 thank you for your reply.can you suggest me any good agent name ?
Is the SRRV back in effect?
Not yet