Foreign nationals that seek to stay longer in the Philippines must apply for a Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE). The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has implemented a new visa option for tourists to the Philippines, the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension. LSVVE is available to temporary visitors coming to the Philippines for business, pleasure, or health reasons.
Prior to the approval of this LSVVE visa, tourists are only allowed to extend their stay in the Philippines for two months. With the LSVVE implementation foreign nationals can now extend their stay for up to 36 months.
How Long Can You Stay in the Philippines?
LSVVE allows a foreign visitor to obtain permission to stay in the country for six months. Additional LSVVE visas can be obtained upon expiry in order for the tourist to stay in the Philippines for up to 16 months. Additionally, with the approval of the Commissioner, a stay of 16, 24, or 36 months is possible, depending on the visitor’s nationality.
Requirements and Procedures LSVVE Application
Aside from the existing tourist visa, the foreign national must prepare and file several documents with the Philippine immigration office. Below are the following documentary requirements:
- Checklist TVS-C-VE-2016
- Application Form TVS-CGAF-VE-2016
- Sworn Statement for overstaying /updating of stay of more than six (6) months
- Additional Information on Applicant’s children (if needed)
After completing the following documentary pre-requisites, you may continue to file for your visa extension request as follows:
- Acquire the Consolidated General Application form (CGAF) from either the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) or the official BI Website.
- Submit the filled-out application form and attachments, as well as your valid passport, to the frontline officer.
- Once proven that the applicant has no derogatory records, they will be issued a BI Clearance Certificate. Otherwise, they must proceed to the Verification and Certification Unit for Clearance.
- Get the Order of Payment Slip
- Pay the fees and get the Official Receipt (OR).
- Submit the OR together with the application form, attachments, and passport to the receiving officer.
- Claim the passport stamped with the requested extension of stay.
Fees depend on where the foreign national came from. For visa-required nationals, they will have to pay a total of ₱13,900, while non-visa required citizens, it will cost ₱11,500.
Extend Your Stay in the Philippines
The Philippines’ great tourist spots, culture, and hospitality make foreign nationals want to stay longer. To enjoy maximum travel adventures, business ventures, or healthcare opportunities, applying for an LSVVE is a must in order to extend your visit. If you find the LSVVE application confusing, you may seek help from visa processing firms to help you with your application.
Certainly! The article delves into the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) offered by the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. As an enthusiast in immigration and travel, here's a breakdown of the concepts highlighted in the article:
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Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE): This visa option enables foreign nationals visiting the Philippines for business, pleasure, or health reasons to extend their stay beyond the initial two months, allowing an extension for up to 36 months.
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Duration of Stay: Initially, the LSVVE permits a six-month stay, extendable for a maximum of 16 months. With the Commissioner's approval, a stay of 16, 24, or 36 months is possible based on the visitor's nationality.
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Requirements for Application: Applicants need to prepare and file various documents, including the Checklist TVS-C-VE-2016, Application Form TVS-CGAF-VE-2016, Sworn Statement for overstaying/updating of stay, and additional information about the applicant's children if required.
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Application Procedure: The applicant must obtain the Consolidated General Application form (CGAF) and submit it with attachments and a valid passport to the immigration office. Clearance, payment, and submission of the necessary documents follow before receiving the extended stay stamp on the passport.
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Fees: The fees vary depending on the nationality of the foreign national. Visa-required nationals are charged ₱13,900, while non-visa required citizens pay ₱11,500.
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Assistance for Application: Individuals finding the LSVVE application process confusing can seek help from visa processing firms to facilitate their application.
In essence, the LSVVE facilitates longer stays for foreign nationals visiting the Philippines, extending their initial two-month stay to up to 36 months. The process involves specific documentation, payment of fees, and application procedures, with options for different durations based on nationality and the Commissioner's approval. This initiative aims to accommodate individuals seeking extended stays for tourism, business, or health-related purposes in the country.
