Requirements for Non-Quota Immigrant Visas and "Balikbayan," Visa, "Returning Countryman," Visa, from the L. A. Philippine Consulate:
As a general rule, balikbayan privileges are extended to the alien pouse and children of Filipinos and former Filipino citizens. This means visa-free entry into the Philippines for the alien spouse and children who are traveling with the Filipino or former Filipino citizen even if they stay in the Philippines for more than 21 days up to 1 year. Excepted from this rule are certain foreign nationals who still must obtain an entry visa to the Philippines even if they are married to a Filipino or former Filipino citizens. For a list of these nationals, concerned parties are encouraged to call the Philippine Consulate before making any travel arrangements.
The following are considered balikbayans:
1. A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for more a period of at least one year;
2. A Filipino overseas worker;
3. A former Filipino citizen; and
4. The alien spouse and children of balikbayans as
defined in categories 1, 2, and 3 who are traveling with them unless
the spouse belongs to the exception as stated in the immediately
preceding paragraph.
Balikbayans enjoy the following benefits:
1. Exemption from travel tax;
2. Visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one year for foreign passport holders;
3. Duty-free shopping privilege of up to US$2,000.00 (US$1,000.00 as arriving Balikbayan and US$1,000.00 as
arriving passenger) with the following limitations:
a) shopping must be done within 2 days upon arrival and
b) purchases must be made personally by the balikbayan. These benefits are available to Balikbayans every time they enter the Philippines regardless of their frequent travel.
Bullet 1 Read Text of Republic Act 9174 "Balikbayan Law"
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Non-Quota Immigrant Visas Requirements for Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (13-A) Applicant must be married to a Filipino citizen or unmarried children under twenty-one (21) years of age of a Filipino citizen, if accompanying or following to join such citizen.
Applicant must submit the following documents:
* Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized
period of stay in the Philippines
* Duly-accomplished application form (FA Form No. 3)
* Six (6) photographs (2" x 2") with white plain background,
signed on the front left side
* Documentary evidence to prove spouse's or either parent's
Philippine citizenship and applicant's relationship to Filipino
citizen (e.g. original birth certificate, Philippine passport or
Marriage Certificate). All originals shall be returned to the
applicant after the Consular Officer has examined their authenticity
* Medical Examination Report (FA Form No. 11) duly-accomplished by any physician whose signature should be duly-notarized, together with a standard-size chest x-ray film and laboratory reports. Medical Report must be valid for at least six (6) months prior to date of filing of application
* Police Clearance Certificate issued by the national police
authorities in the applicant's country of origin or legal residence.
The Certificate must be valid for at least six (6) months prior to
date of filing of application
* Proof of financial capacity of the applicant such as certificate
of title of real estate property, investment certificate, bank
certificate of existing checking or savings account, or notarized
Affidavit of Support from a relative in the Philippines
* Visa fee of US$150.00, payable in cash, money order or certified
check
Please submit above documents in three (3) sets, arranged in the following order/sequence:
* FIRST SET - ALL ORIGINALS of item nos. 2 to 7
* SECOND SET - ORIGINALS of item No. 2 and COPIES of item nos. 3 to 7
* THIRD SET - same as second set
Applicant must schedule an appointment for interview and visa
processing. Please call the Visa Section at (212) 764-1330 ext. 322. [/quote]
Note : The phone numbers are for the NY consulate. You need to
specify which consulate is closest to you and use the number
there to arrange for an interview. www.philippineembassy-usa.org
is a good resource for information.
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