Moving to The Philippines
Jun 8th 2017, 1:26 pm
#16
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Posts: 1,646
Re: Moving to The Philippines
BPI Online now working
Jun 8th 2017, 7:11 pm
#18
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Posts: 55
Re: Moving to The Philippines
That'll make the girlfriend happy, she banks with BPI.
Jun 10th 2017, 2:49 pm
#19
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Hi to all members and guests. Having been reading posts on here for a few weeks now I thought it might be a good place to get some inside information.
I am looking to retire to The Philippines in just over a year’s time so I want to start preparing the ground in the hope that I can sort out any problems before I get there (forever the optimist).
I was planning on opening a BPI bank account here in the UK and then an account over there but I notice that BPI are not on the list of “PRA Designated / Accredited Bank(s)”. Can anyone recommend which bank to use? Also does anyone know if it’s possible to open an account while there on holiday as I will be visiting at the beginning of July and would like to start depositing some money for use when I am visiting.
Thanks in advance for any help and information.
P.S. Am I the only one suffering from "Me and My Philippine Family" withdrawal symptoms.
I am looking to retire to The Philippines in just over a year’s time so I want to start preparing the ground in the hope that I can sort out any problems before I get there (forever the optimist).
I was planning on opening a BPI bank account here in the UK and then an account over there but I notice that BPI are not on the list of “PRA Designated / Accredited Bank(s)”. Can anyone recommend which bank to use? Also does anyone know if it’s possible to open an account while there on holiday as I will be visiting at the beginning of July and would like to start depositing some money for use when I am visiting.
Thanks in advance for any help and information.
P.S. Am I the only one suffering from "Me and My Philippine Family" withdrawal symptoms.
ACR I-Card
I use BPI Europe and BPI Phils and works fine for me - just transfer in what you need and a buffer for the emergencies (earthquakes, typhoons, Tsunami's, martial law etc. )
Jul 19th 2017, 3:07 pm
#20
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Posts: 55
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Hi, has anyone had any experience with obtaining UK visitor visas. My GF wanted to visit the UK to meet my family before I retire to the Philippines next year. For some reason they think that if she comes here she won’t return to the Philippines, so they have refused to issue a visitor’s visa. Is there any point in appealing? If not is there any other way for her to come here as this may be the only opportunity for her to meet my parents who are in there 90’s.
Thanks
Les
Thanks
Les
Jul 19th 2017, 5:27 pm
#21
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Joined: May 2016
Location: Davao
Posts: 260
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Hi, has anyone had any experience with obtaining UK visitor visas. My GF wanted to visit the UK to meet my family before I retire to the Philippines next year. For some reason they think that if she comes here she won’t return to the Philippines, so they have refused to issue a visitor’s visa. Is there any point in appealing? If not is there any other way for her to come here as this may be the only opportunity for her to meet my parents who are in there 90’s.
Thanks
Les
Thanks
Les
Jul 20th 2017, 8:49 am
#22
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 55
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Yes David, it appears that insufficient ties to her home country is the reason. She doesn’t have any children and doesn’t own any property. All the financial side was covered on my side with sponsorship form, letter of invitation, bank statements etc.
It’s ironic really as she has no desire to live in the UK as all her family are in the Philippines. Still I’ll just have to keep looking at other options.
Maybe it’s a sign that I should retire early…….now that sounds like a plan.
It’s ironic really as she has no desire to live in the UK as all her family are in the Philippines. Still I’ll just have to keep looking at other options.
Maybe it’s a sign that I should retire early…….now that sounds like a plan.
Jul 20th 2017, 4:22 pm
#23
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Joined: May 2016
Location: Davao
Posts: 260
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Yes David, it appears that insufficient ties to her home country is the reason. She doesn’t have any children and doesn’t own any property. All the financial side was covered on my side with sponsorship form, letter of invitation, bank statements etc.
It’s ironic really as she has no desire to live in the UK as all her family are in the Philippines. Still I’ll just have to keep looking at other options.
Maybe it’s a sign that I should retire early…….now that sounds like a plan.
It’s ironic really as she has no desire to live in the UK as all her family are in the Philippines. Still I’ll just have to keep looking at other options.
Maybe it’s a sign that I should retire early…….now that sounds like a plan.
Jul 21st 2017, 1:21 am
#24
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 466
Re: Moving to The Philippines
I had a similar problem with my 21 year old niece,although this was a long time ago (11years). She was refused a visa on the same criteria. Because it was our first experience of obtaining a visa for a relative we used the services of an immigration solicitor,thinking that would ensure we would not encounter any problems.
When my my nieces visa was refused, we immediately appealed and were given a dates to appeal our case at a immigration court. All the relevant documents were sent back from the Philippines and were made available at the court ,which incidentally was only 8 miles from where we live. The appeal lasted 5 minutes, was easy, no awkward questions and the outcome was the visa was granted. No fees were involved!
Since this visa for our niece,we have obtained visitors visas for my other niece and my wife's sister without any problems.
When my my nieces visa was refused, we immediately appealed and were given a dates to appeal our case at a immigration court. All the relevant documents were sent back from the Philippines and were made available at the court ,which incidentally was only 8 miles from where we live. The appeal lasted 5 minutes, was easy, no awkward questions and the outcome was the visa was granted. No fees were involved!
Since this visa for our niece,we have obtained visitors visas for my other niece and my wife's sister without any problems.
Jul 21st 2017, 4:20 am
#25
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,643
Re: Moving to The Philippines
I am thinking of taking my wife and two, kids to Uk during october half term.
Will they recognise for work status...Domestic engineer, ie full time house wife and mother of two school kids, no income but more than sufficient funds in her name in a UK bank account? We can show the kids are at school and need to return to complete their school term etc. Should have stated that the visit will be no more than 7 days. i do not want to purchase return air fares that cannot be refunded if a visa is declined. Booking a Hotel is easy enough as they will allow payment on arrival.
Will they recognise for work status...Domestic engineer, ie full time house wife and mother of two school kids, no income but more than sufficient funds in her name in a UK bank account? We can show the kids are at school and need to return to complete their school term etc. Should have stated that the visit will be no more than 7 days. i do not want to purchase return air fares that cannot be refunded if a visa is declined. Booking a Hotel is easy enough as they will allow payment on arrival.
Jul 21st 2017, 6:07 am
#26
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Re: Moving to The Philippines
A friend in UK about 9 years ago upon re-application for a tourist visa for his girlfriend from Cebu offered a £5,000 guarantee that she will return to the Philippines before the expiration of her visa. She got her visa. Worth a thought.
Jul 21st 2017, 7:41 am
#27
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Location: Davao
Posts: 260
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Don't understand how that works. Who did he offer the guarantee to?
Jul 21st 2017, 8:12 am
#28
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Re: Moving to The Philippines
Thanks for all the replies, it's given me some hope that the situation can be rectified. Now I have to try and console the girlfriend who is beating herself up over the fact that she is poor and has let me down.
Question for Mikek1, how did you go about appealing the decision? Any pointers would be appreciated.
Les
Question for Mikek1, how did you go about appealing the decision? Any pointers would be appreciated.
Les
Jul 21st 2017, 10:27 am
#29
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Joined: Nov 2012
Location: Suffolk UK
Posts: 1,179
Re: Moving to The Philippines
First don't ever buy tickets before a visa is given, unless it's completely refundable. Second I believe UK Gov stopped visit visa appeals a few years ago.
Jul 21st 2017, 10:38 am
#30
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 55
Re: Moving to The Philippines
Yes Gazza, I've just read the letter they sent her and it does say there is no right of appeal. It seems a bit draconian for a so called civilized country. Maybe a case for the ECHR (if I win the lottery). 