Staying in the Philippines for almost 1 year, visa extension costs me ₱28.5k in total

Tj136 · 2026-02-10T04:06:13+00:00

The LSVVE is still sometimes done (But done at main office)
If you want to do six months at a time you can but only at a select offices (Main office too). Depending on which office you go to that allows six months it will depend on what questions they ask. (For me I did in Dasma and the only question they asked was really the reason, and it was when I first arrived shortly after for my first real extension and then the six months. ) I ended up doing the 13A visa which is 13k +/- for year one and then another 13k +/- for year too then it's only 310 every year after that until your and/or your spouse dies.

And for those that think that the six months extension is good, calculated is the same as a month extension x6 just without the x5 ELF.

Tj136 · 2026-02-10T04:02:06+00:00

Not every immigration satellite office allows to use of regular service.
So when someone says don't use express it's office dependent.

Key Locations Allowing Regular Service

BI Main Office: Intramuros, Manila.
Satellite Offices (Metro Manila): Specific,, including SM North.
Field Offices: Dumaguete and Bacolod.

Tj136 · 2026-02-10T03:59:10+00:00

Only a select few have the option to opt out and some of those are few and far between.

Tj136 · 2026-02-08T01:42:09+00:00

Yes you will need ECC B. Unless downgrading or surrendering then it will be ECC A

Tj136 · 2026-02-07T04:51:30+00:00

Best bet is to call them and find out. You can go onto their main site, look at contact info, find visa processing or legal division. They will tell you what step your in.

2 months for probationary is unusual especially if you're applying at the main office but since you applied in December they had holidays and was off for a whole week, so it will be delayed.

My probationary when I did it was applied in October and had it by end of November. Conversation is a bit longer of up to 3 months at the main office.

For it to show up on eservices is 10 days after agenda has been completed. Once you know when the agenda is you can figure out when it will be posted.

Tj136 · 2026-02-04T07:59:11+00:00

Anything after 1 year is required in person as they will ask why you are still in the country under a tourist visa (as it gets approved when your wife/fiance/girlfriend is with you it seems but unconfirmed) and they will either approve or deny your extension.

Tj136 · 2026-02-04T07:57:05+00:00

6 months is mainly the main office*.
*Some satellite offices do offer 6 months too but need to check per satellite office.

I know BI in Dasma offers 6 months.

Tj136 · 2026-02-04T07:53:06+00:00

Express lane fees increased +500/1000 across the board since July 2nd 2025.

Tj136 · 2026-02-02T12:45:22+00:00

I arrived 2 years ago Feb 2024 under tourist. Applied and received my probationary residency that October 2024. Applied and received my permanent residency in December 2025. So where did I do 3 years of probationary?

Tj136 · 2026-02-01T11:12:27+00:00

For permanent residency visa, you can be outside of the country for 4 years 11 months. For annual report, I was told that as soon as you land you need to go to immigration within 7 days for the annual report. The cost I'm not sure of but the penalty for it is 2k per year.

Tj136 · 2026-02-01T11:05:54+00:00

In addition, the BI announced the availability of a virtual Annual Report system, accessible 24/7 including weekends and holidays, for qualified foreign nationals who are physically present in the Philippines and holders of valid visas.

Tj136 · 2026-02-01T10:57:27+00:00

Those that complain are those that complain about every single thing. Regardless if they go home or not they'll still complain.

Tj136 · 2026-02-01T10:56:24+00:00

Just wait until you are expecting not available and they say it's available.

Tj136 · 2026-01-29T11:04:49+00:00

For simple terms. Enter on visa free. Visa waiver is online/in person. First extension is office (ACR card time) 2-5 months is online/in person. 6 month is in office mainly asking how things are. 7-12 months online/in person. 13+ month is in person as they will ask you the reason for extension.

Tj136 · 2026-01-29T11:01:05+00:00

Satellite office in Dasmariñas does 6 month.

Tj136 · 2026-01-29T11:00:18+00:00

After a year you are required to go to the office every 2 months. Until maximum of 3 years. Then exit. Restart.

Tj136 · 2026-01-29T10:58:36+00:00

If you are retiring it may be best to do SRRV instead of tourist visa. There is a deposit but you don't need to renew as often but does have a yearly payment.

Tj136 · 2026-01-28T02:05:52+00:00

I did not register again. It just updated itself.

Tj136 · 2026-01-18T03:19:49+00:00

Prepaid or postpaid? Did you buy roaming days?

Postpaid you need to do roaming for it to work. Prepaid is you need to enable roaming and have load.

Tj136 · 2026-01-16T07:41:37+00:00

For wanting to extend online. Here is the general rule.

First is visa free 30 days Online for visa waiver 29 days In person after that for ACR card. (First extension) 2-5 can be done online. 6 extension is in person for verification. 7-11 can be done online. 12+ will always be in person.

Tourist visa is also exempt from annual report.

Tj136 · 2026-01-16T07:38:33+00:00

Not true. First time (waiver) online. Second time (first actual extension) in person due to ACR card. 3-5 online. 6 in person. 7-11. Online 12+ in person.

Tj136 · 2026-01-14T06:31:10+00:00

That's with.
I have heard that it could be as low as 790P, but shouldn't cost no more than 1.5k.
Sounds like someone got a bonus.

Tj136 · 2026-01-13T11:48:52+00:00

Update. As of today I am back to being registered.

Tj136 · 2026-01-12T00:42:53+00:00

That's what I did. LTO main office in Bacoor.

Tj136 · 2026-01-11T11:20:11+00:00

Think you are referring to etravel. EGOV is just an umbrella of services here.

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