SRRV Deposit Restructuring
WHAT: Confusion and panic among prospective retirees regarding sudden “hidden traps” and massive deposit hikes for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).WHERE: Nationwide, specifically targeting Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) accredited banks and retirement planning discussions.THE REALITY: The PRA restructured the program, lowering the minimum age to 40 and consolidating old categories into “Classic” and “Courtesy.” […]
The Digital Nomad Visa Myth
WHAT: Rumors and aggressive pitches from unofficial agencies claiming the new Philippine Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is open for immediate application and processing. WHERE: Online expat forums, Facebook groups, and unofficial visa consultancy websites. THE REALITY: While an Executive Order was signed to create the DNV for remote workers earning at least $24,000 USD annually, […]
Are “Masses” of Expats Really Being Arrested in the Philippines?
WHAT: A panic is spreading in expat Facebook groups claiming the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is arresting “masses” of Western expats and retirees for visa violations.WHERE: Nationwide (Fueled by recent national news headlines).THE REALITY: The BI is indeed conducting mass arrests and deportations right now. However, they are targeting illegal offshore gaming workers (POGOs) and […]
Rumor Alert: Is the Tourist Visa Max Stay Dropping to 12 Months?
WHAT: A rumor is spreading that a “new law” will reduce the maximum tourist visa stay from 36 months down to 12 or 24 months.WHERE: Discussed heavily in expat Facebook groups and forums.THE REALITY: As of right now, no such law has passed. The Philippine Congress rarely changes the base immigration laws. What is actually […]
Does the New $100k Investor Visa Give You Dual Citizenship?
WHAT: A rumor is spreading that the new FIV (FAB-Investor Visa) grants dual citizenship or a Philippine passport. This is false.WHERE: Nationwide (Discussed heavily in expat Facebook groups and by unlicensed “visa agents”).THE REALITY: The $95,000 FIV grants you Permanent Residency (PR). This means you can live in the Philippines forever without doing visa runs. […]
The New $100k Investor Visa (FIV) Explained
WHAT: The Philippines recently launched a new fast-track permanent residency program called the FIV (FAB-Investor Visa).WHERE: Administered via the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), not the standard BI offices.THE MATH: The community calls it the “$100k visa,” but it is actually a $75,000 USD fixed deposit plus a $20,000 USD non-refundable application fee (totaling $95,000 […]
Uncollected passports are sent to your embassy after 5 days
WHAT: If you do not collect your passport (with your new extension) on the date printed on your receipt, the BI holds it for about five more days — then forwards it to your embassy. Collecting it from the embassy takes much longer. WHERE: Reported for a Metro Manila office. Likely standard procedure nationwide. WHEN […]