ACR I-CARD

[frostysoftyeaton 6]

Does anybody here tried getting an I-card for your stay in the Philippines? My husband and I planned on opening a bank account here, but they require an I-card and we thought it was just a simple application, but found out it's a long process. Can anyone walk us through the process and recommend an agency that will process his papers.

Thanks

[Hank_ 9,173]

Ya I found that one out a couple years back when I wanted to open a bank account for the two of us... not happening.. easy that is. So we opened an account in her name only.

[frostysoftyeaton 6]

Also, the company he work with is buying his tickets. They purchase a one way ticket every time he gets off work and purchase one back when his ready to fly in back to the US for work. The problem is, they require him an exit ticket all the time. Our marriage certificate is not good enough. Is there a document that proves that me and my kids live in the Philippines and then he comes visit when his off work while we are processing his I-card?

[Hank_ 9,173]

I thought with the balikbayan stamp in the passport you are good for a year. Didn't think you needed a return/exiting ticket... hmmm I will have to check into that in the future.

[frostysoftyeaton 6]

Well the first time we flew in together I don't think they stamp his passport for 1 year extension and when he came back last month all by himself, they require him the exit visa. Is there still a way we can have his passport stamped for 1 year extension with the proof that we flew in together to the Philippines in September?

[Hank_ 9,173]

Well the first time we flew in together I don't think they stamp his passport for 1 year extension and when he came back last month all by himself, they require him the exit visa. Is there still a way we can have his passport stamped for 1 year extension with the proof that we flew in together to the Philippines in September?

You can go to the bureau of immigrations with your husband and they should be able to that I would think

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid=43

[zuluweta 250]

My USC fiancé was able to open a bank account in the Philippines without an ACR card. The ACR card 'requirement' is bank policy and not a legal requirement.

Try Unionbank. Just Google the various locations. Bring passport to the bank.

[TripleG 3]

I got my (or atleast payed for my) I-card at the Bureau of Immigration when I extended. I always stay more than 21 days and one time was denied balikbayan status eventhough flying in with my wife and kids. Was told it was up to the immigration agent at entry. They gave my kids balikbayan stamp and denied me? (Who knows why? I have an old B2 in my passport, but have gotten balikbayan status before.) Anyways this was almost two years ago and when I went to extend my wife went with me. I filled out some paperwork payed I think somewhere in the range of 4800 pesos plus extention fee and they mailed me my I-card or so they said they would. We left before it arrived and my wifes parents said it never came. I either got scammed, or the pinoy mail system failed us. I had to show the receipt that I payed for it when exiting. So I don't know if this helps on your question, but the paperwork at the bureau of immigration wasn't that complicated, but then again I never did recieve my card so I don't know if this is the best route to go. I used the bureau of immigration in Bacolod (Negros Occidental), but our house in actually in Negros Oriental, I don't know if this complicated things.