Married to a Filipina

[clw654321 159]

We have done the ROM and our marriage is recognized in the Philippines.

When I arrive in the Philippines do I stand in the same line as my wife?

What is the 1 year visa for me called?

Also do I still fill out that piece of paper upon arrival?

 

I have these questions because today the Consulate in Houston told my wife that I just stand in the same line as her which I’m assuming is the citizen line which seems odd to me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

1 hour ago, clw654321 said:

We have done the ROM and our marriage is recognized in the Philippines.

When I arrive in the Philippines do I stand in the same line as my wife?

What is the 1 year visa for me called?

Also do I still fill out that piece of paper upon arrival?

 

I have these questions because today the Consulate in Houston told my wife that I just stand in the same line as her which I’m assuming is the citizen line which seems odd to me.

Thanks in advance!

 

Whenever I went back with my wife we always stood together in the same line which is the citizen line. You are thinking of the Balikbayan program which allows you to stay for 1 year. You always have to fill out that paper no matter what

[Hank_ 9,173]

2 hours ago, clw654321 said:

We have done the ROM and our marriage is recognized in the Philippines.

When I arrive in the Philippines do I stand in the same line as my wife?

What is the 1 year visa for me called?

Also do I still fill out that piece of paper upon arrival?

 

I have these questions because today the Consulate in Houston told my wife that I just stand in the same line as her which I’m assuming is the citizen line which seems odd to me.

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes you and your wife stay in the same line (pick a line).  Then ask for the BB stamp when you present your passports.

 

Before you land they will give you a customs declaration form .. that is the only paperwork

Edited November 9, 2019 by Hank_

[Carpe Vinum 2,310]

11 hours ago, Hank_ said:

Yes you and your wife stay in the same line (pick a line).  Then ask for the BB stamp when you present your passports.

 

Before you land they will give you a customs declaration form .. that is the only paperwork

The BB stamp is at the discretion of the Immigration Agent. It is common but not automatic.

[Hank_ 9,173]

At the discretion of the immigration agent?   I don't think so ... no where in the law or E.O. have I read of the Immigration Agent being granted discretion to supersede the law.  There are limitation for those entering from certain countries where the BB privilege is not extended.   After that it is meeting the requirements as listed by law (main requirement is being outside the Philippines for at least 1 year, if being outside the Phils for less than a year the agent "might bend the rules" but that isn't discretion .. that is slipping it by).

One year Visa-free Balikbayan Stay

 

The Philippines’ BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for Filipinos working overseas and for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (refer to list of countries below). The visa-free stay privilege is extended to the balikbayan’s non-Filipino spouse and children, on the two conditions that (1) they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan and (2) they are citizens of a country listed below.

Former Filipino balikbayans travelling to the Philippines are advised to bring either their old Philippine passport or copy of Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship.

Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents to show evidence of relationship:

• For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate
• For each child: copy of birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)
• For adopted children: copy of adoption papers

EXTENSION OF STAY

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office. Balikbayans who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months may be required to submit additional requirements.

 

 

http://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/balikbayan-previlege

 

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6768_1989.html

 

 

 

[Carpe Vinum 2,310]

On 11/9/2019 at 7:16 AM, Hank_ said:

At the discretion of the immigration agent?   I don't think so ... no where in the law or E.O. have I read of the Immigration Agent being granted discretion to supersede the law.  There are limitation for those entering from certain countries where the BB privilege is not extended.   After that it is meeting the requirements as listed by law (main requirement is being outside the Philippines for at least 1 year, if being outside the Phils for less than a year the agent "might bend the rules" but that isn't discretion .. that is slipping it by).

One year Visa-free Balikbayan Stay

 

The Philippines’ BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for Filipinos working overseas and for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (refer to list of countries below). The visa-free stay privilege is extended to the balikbayan’s non-Filipino spouse and children, on the two conditions that (1) they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan and (2) they are citizens of a country listed below.

Former Filipino balikbayans travelling to the Philippines are advised to bring either their old Philippine passport or copy of Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship.

Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents to show evidence of relationship:

• For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate
• For each child: copy of birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)
• For adopted children: copy of adoption papers

EXTENSION OF STAY

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office. Balikbayans who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months may be required to submit additional requirements.

 

 

http://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/balikbayan-previlege

 

https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6768_1989.html

 

 

 

I'll look it up. I know I saw it happening somewhere.  You know you quoted the Philippine law like they always follow it)))))

[Hank_ 9,173]

2 hours ago, boris64 said:

I'll look it up. I know I saw it happening somewhere.  You know you quoted the Philippine law like they always follow it)))))

I would be curious to see what happened that someone was denied a BB stamp.   

 

There are only a couple restrictions for not receiving the BB stamp .. 1) not being out of the Philippines for one year.  2) Being from a country that is not on the list.     And there are only a couple document requirements; copy of the marriage certificate showing a couple is married .. even though most times the agent doesn't ask to see that (at least never has with us).  And the other document would be a birth certificate for children that are not dual citizens

Edited November 12, 2019 by Hank_

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Now I have seen Hank talk about using the passports. I think you said use the Philippine passport to leave the Philippines and use the US passport to enter the US if your spouse is a naturalized citizen, which mine is now. Same thing in reverse order I suppose.

[Hank_ 9,173]

15 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

Now I have seen Hank talk about using the passports. I think you said use the Philippine passport to leave the Philippines and use the US passport to enter the US if your spouse is a naturalized citizen, which mine is now. Same thing in reverse order I suppose.

Can't present the Philippine passport only when exiting the Philippines, if you do they will want to see a visa    

 

My wife displays both when entering and exiting the Philippines.   And only the U.S. passport for the USA