Hi,

I am a UK Citizen been married to a Filipino for 7 wonderful years, She has dual citizenship.
We are planning on moving to The Philippines to take early retirement/live on savings until our pensions kick in.

What are the benefits of getting a Non Quota Immigrant Visa over Special Resident Retiree Visa?
I am under 50 but can still complete the without pension option.

We have some land in Illocos Sur to build a house close to the beach, using modern insulation techniques to reduce heat soak and AC requirements ..... so overall living costs should be minimal.

Any information or advice would be appreciated ... Thanks

I went for the Non Quota (13a) option myself. Every year (first sixty days) I have to register with BI. Cost P310 a simple procedure with the ACR card.

you're married to a filipina so I would say the 13a is the way to go. Get it done here in the UK though so that it is perminant on arrivel rather than 1 year probational.

I am 59 and too have been married to a dual citizen Filipino for nearly 15 years. I first applied for a 13a but as my wife had previously been married and divorced in the UK I was informed by BI that they do not accept divorce and therefore could not have a 13a visa, except, in a whispered voice, I crossed his palm with silver. He looked very shocked at my reply, thinking it was not physically possible.

I went for the SRRV very easy and efficient I had to put down a $20k deposit but I get 4.5% tax free interest on it which in today's climate is not bad. There are a couple of advantages that I use one is not ever having to return to BI again and the other is reduced or no airport tax when traveling in/out of the country.

It depends on who instigated the divorce. If by the Philippine citizen then no it is not accepted by the Philippine government, but if by the foreigner then yes it is accepted.

You may just wish to get the Balikbayan stamp on arrival which is good for 12 months and if you travel once a year with your wife then this stamp will take care of all your issues until such time as you decide which visa to go for.

As for the BI pulling the old one two over divorce, you should have asked him for his boss's name so you could personally tell him what a fantastic job he was doing. All of a sudden there is a special case of reversal of policy just for you at no extra charge!