You're going to get roasted in the comments. I'd suggest turning them off once you get the answer you want. With a 40-month overstay, I'd hire a Philippine immigration lawyer before going to BI. Under the published voluntary-departure rules, visa-exempt foreigners, Americans included, who have overstayed more than 36 but less than 60 months have a possible way to leave without being blacklisted, provided their total stay since their last arrival is also under 60 months. Other conditions apply, and BI decides eligibility. If the total stay is 60 months or more, that exception doesn't apply and blacklisting becomes a concern. BI's published overstay fine is ₱500 per month, so ₱20,000 for 40 months. Unpaid visa-extension fees and other charges are extra. BI has to calculate the total, and lawyer's fees are separate. Should you have your bags packed at home? Be ready to depart, but have a lawyer review your case first. Detention and deportation are possible. If you're detained you may not be able to go home for your things, so arrange for someone you trust to handle them.
I applied twice: once in Cebu in 2023 and paid 18k, and once in Manila in 2025 and paid 23k. Both took about 3–4 months to come out, and I had to check the immigration website every month.
I'm not retired, but I live in the Philippines and I'm a veteran...
I use the SM Mall money exchange. Once you're registered you can use it at ANY SM Mall. It's fast and convenient, and if you don't have a bank or GCash, you can use Remitly or any of the big companies to send money straight to SM Money Exchange and pick up your cash. Good luck
That's scary. I hope that "prince" gets "special" royal treatment in prison.
It's probably that guy. He's always the one teasing you.
In automotive engineering, I understand this isn't considered optimal.
One thing: when it comes to immigration, I do everything in person. Doing it online is just asking for big trouble. Good luck 👍.
Great job! Not just the running, but also getting up on time 😉
Such a positive outlook
Remitly
Sir, you can't park here.
If he's flying solo, yes. If you're flying with him, no, because it's a Balikbayan visa.
- Seeing poverty up close so often made me more grateful for what I have, and I stopped taking things for granted. - My eating habits changed based on what's available here. - I learned that living in the tropical heat can mean my performance drops in some areas of life. - I learned that survival is the more realistic goal here. Even if you can't make it on your own, you can't count on someone else to save you. - The way I communicate and socialize changed. Being brutally honest isn't always the answer. - I came to understand that people here put relationships, family, and practical survival ahead of chasing a career, which is a different way of living.
Your return ticket can be six months out, but you need a ticket out within 29 days of landing. A lot of us buy a fully refundable ticket, say Manila to Vietnam. You'll see plenty of people recommend a service that gives you a throwaway ticket. I don't use it.
If the dog does this, does that mean it has parasites? Is that the case with this one too?
Ask a marketer like Rose Parcs. She's helped a lot of people and will save you time, money and hassle.
Oct
19
Oct
20
Oct
22
