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Balikbayan Visa/Privilege

3K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  hogrider 
#1 ·
Does anyone know if its a requirement to do the annual check in if on a Balikbayan. I have a ACR I card Tourist.
 
#3 ·
Hogrider here's a link the PBI on the Annual Check in it mentions at the very top:

Who can apply? All registered aliens and ACR I-Card holders except Temporary Visitor’s Visa holders or Tourist Visa holders Annual Report (A.R.)

Another link Balikbayan Privilege an additional requirement will be ask for Balikbayans who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months.

Facebook Official link to the PBI and they do answer either a message and do answer their phones I've had to contact them several times. https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration
Thanks so much for the links, most helpful.

I noticed this on one of the links

3. What are the privileges of a Balikbayan?

Those who are admitted as Balikbayans are given an initial stay of one (1) year. They may extend their stay for another one (1), two (2) or six (6) months provided that they present their valid passport and filled out the visa extension form and submit it to the Visa Extension Section in the BI Main Office or any BI Offices nationwide. An additional requirement will be ask for Balikbayans who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months.

Does this mean that I can extend my BB for 6 months without leaving the country?
 
#4 · (Edited)
PBI Satellite Office



I've never used the Balikbayan privilege but that's what I get from reading above (make a copy of that page) so I'd contact your PBI Office in Davao they are listed as a Class A office so they can handle a Visa extension and also the 13a Visa when you're ready. Directory of Transactions

DAVAO IMMIGRATION DISTRICT OFFICE
ACO: ALNAZIB A. DECAMPONG
Office Hours: 7:00 am - 5:30 pm (Cut-off Time 4:00 pm)
Direct Line(s): (082) 228-6477; (Airport) 228-6448; 300-1446
Facsimile Numbers:
E-mail Addresses: bidavao@gmail.com
Office Address: JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
 
#8 ·
Done the BB extension after 1 year and never again.

Yes it does convert to a visitor visa.

There is new guidance that makes it difficult to get a 6 month extension without going to Manila. The regional offices are hesitant to give more than 2 months based on this letter.

Plus it is much simpler to just take the wife on a day trip to Hong Kong and then re-enter on another BB. It may cost a little more but not much by the time you figure in you might need 4-6 trips to the BI office for all the ACR card, visa extentions, and ECC when you do leave the country.
 
#9 ·
.......

Plus it is much simpler to just take the wife on a day trip to Hong Kong and then re-enter on another BB. It may cost a little more but not much by the time you figure in you might need 4-6 trips to the BI office for all the ACR card, visa extentions, and ECC when you do leave the country.
And you get the bonus points for taking her on a short vacation as well.
 
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