13a visa in the US

[Roberah 1]

Hi, I am going to the Philippine embassy in Los Angeles to get my 13a permanent residence visa before going back to the Philippines. I have my tourist ACR card already. They wouldn't allow me to file DCF for my spouse in the Philippines unless I have the residence visa first. I know what requirements I need to get the visa. I live in Texas so I only want to make one trip to Los Angeles. If I have all of the requirements, how long will it take when I get to Los Angeles before I get my 13a permanent visa? Is there anything else I need to know before going so that I won't waste a trip to Los Angeles? Thank you

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

I can't speak as to the LA Consulate, but in the PI it takes about a month I think. Good luck getting them to answer the phone...

[A and T 82]

Not sure how you do it in the USA but its a fairly straight forward process here in the philippines

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

Hi, I am going to the Philippine embassy in Los Angeles to get my 13a permanent residence visa before going back to the Philippines. I have my tourist ACR card already. They wouldn't allow me to file DCF for my spouse in the Philippines unless I have the residence visa first. I know what requirements I need to get the visa. I live in Texas so I only want to make one trip to Los Angeles. If I have all of the requirements, how long will it take when I get to Los Angeles before I get my 13a permanent visa? Is there anything else I need to know before going so that I won't waste a trip to Los Angeles? Thank you

Have you done any more to obtain your 13a?

[Roberah 1]

I am in the Philippines now, I will get my permanent residence visa here. It is not longer required that it has to be done in Manila, but can be done in other cities as well. This makes it easier for me as I can do it just a few minutes away from where I live. I do have to make one trip to Manila, they have to check my background history clearance.

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

I am in the Philippines now, I will get my permanent residence visa here. It is not longer required that it has to be done in Manila, but can be done in other cities as well. This makes it easier for me as I can do it just a few minutes away from where I live. I do have to make one trip to Manila, they have to check my background history clearance.

One trip? Are you sure? I heard people doing it over there have to make multiple trips, and that is just to get the 1st year provisional 13a. Then you have to do it again in a year to have that temporary changed to a permanent.

All told, it looks like about $200 to do it over there. One good thing is that there is no medical required to do it in the PI as there is in the US.

[Roberah 1]

yes im sure, they changed the rules Jan 2013. Only one trip to Manila, the other trips are here in my city. I got my temporary visa outside Manila as well

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

yes im sure, they changed the rules Jan 2013. Only one trip to Manila, the other trips are here in my city. I got my temporary visa outside Manila as well

Details would be great, when you have the time. Costs, what is required document wise, trips, etc. Thanks!

[Roberah 1]

Details would be great, when you have the time. Costs, what is required document wise, trips, etc. Thanks!

Once I go through the process I will let you know. It will take about a month before I get my permanent residence visa though

[A and T 82]

You could just process it in the Philippines, takes a few weeks here