Quota Visa Options and long-term plan. Any visa options I have missed?

@hiddentreasures1994

What you need is referred to as a 'fixer.'

PH has fixers for everything - from getting a DL to taking a dump.

You seem to say you know this country. I say you don't - not at all. If you did I would not need to tell you this. Everything works on the basis of cronyism in PH. Lacking a PH family, you need to concentrate on getting connected... somehow.

A possible 'in' is there is no shortage of gays in PH...

If a dog can't kill something outright he will run it up a tree, then worry it to death...

circumnavigate

I know all about fixers, I've seen them used for things like locals' passport appointments to some things you can do yourself if patient.

I have escaped using them for anything up to this point. That is an option, but I was looking for a fixer free option that I may have missed. Locals are all telling me do not do it.

I have two Filipino families I know well, and even know a brgy captain and countless friends.

I do appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Am in a long term relationship with a local ready and know his family, still get on well with my ex and his family.

Edit:

Also local friends, partner, and others have told me to stay away from fixers where possible. Some of the first advice given in 2017/2018 when I first arrived. These are locals who are born and bred here. It's not done me wrong yet. My partner I pasted your response to and friends. So far they are saying don't do it. And for info: My partner is almost insulted by the suggestion. My ex has just had a good chuckle: "lazy foreigners not learning how to do stuff,"

Not saying I know it all, but I asked for advice and am happy to follow it and listen. But the advice from locals (who have said use a local immigration lawyer if unsure) is far different to the views of a couple of expats. Since 2018, everything I did in the Philippines with all the maze of government rules, was to do it myself even if it took a lot of time. Never once been scammed or cheated out of money. I know many did. My partner personally met an American who lost it all this way. I was curious to hear what those who actually GOT such a visa had gone through. I won't break local laws to get what I want, it shows a direspect of the culture and all locals I know said such. My partners whatsapp response i could screenshot and send to you if it wouldn't get me banned here.

hiddentreasures1994,

I don't think you need a fixer — after Duterte cleaned the BOI house when a bunch of immigration officials got their hands caught in the cookie jar. I had a chance to test this when I dealt with a way overstayed visa a few months back.

Previously I had used a person to handle this work, a hang-over from a previous job. This was no fixer, but a person who handled large companies like Nestles and large BPOs. When I ran through the process — by no means a foregone conclusion — the only downside was the tedium of a couple of days at BOI.

Anecdotally, a friend who owned a freediving school in Cebu assured me that the quota process was easily done. This was when I assumed that you had to hire an attorney to do the work for ±USD4,000 all-in.

My understanding of the quota visa is that it isn't really dependent on the skills of the applicant, but that it is literally a quota for various countries. So, you need to get your application in before your fellow countrypeople and check all the boxed: show money, applications, affidavits, etc.

this is one BS!
4give my french!
-@EmyMamamiya

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EmyMamamiya . . . I see you're from Nigeria . . . .Calling someone a BS'er is a oxymoron.

To the OP, hear your pain and frustrations, will send you a PM.

Cheers, Steve.

@bigpearl I responded, thank you very much for your time!

@harryFozzard I appreciate your response. It seems like the Quota Visa mentions "skills" which is why I was under the impression youd prove that somehow (with say a qualification in a given area). The finances, I am under the impression its a condominium worth $50,000 pesos, or business investment or remittance? (wed' go for the condo when we have saved the amount up).

https://immigration.gov.ph/images/FORMS … 1.1pdf.pdf

"Including but not limited to," seems to imply I could maybe use a combo of showing skills and funds, or similar.

I used an immigration agent Mike Ryan of ABC International Migration Services from Ermita, Manila for my Quota Visa. A really nice and honest Australian running his business there for 20 years who doesn't charge like a wounded bull and with which you can have a good chat with at no charge. Phone (02) 5310-1581.

@Ivan Cristante

Thanks very much for that, I'll keep his details in mind.

What route did you use to apply? Financial capacity? Skills? Condo ownership?

Obviously if it's too private don't say, I am just curious as to what route you used, what documents had been submitted?

Thanks again for your response po.

Jacob

@hiddentreasures1994 - the skills thing, I cannot speak to, but in the cases of folks I know who received a quota visa, they had business interests in the country, but no unique contribution like advanced degrees, etc. I suppose some word-smithery would help that component. I think the property/show money thing is pretty interchangeable on these and SRRV visa, but I'm by no means an expert. I think Ivan's recommendation of a quality agent who doesn't overcharge is the best source of accurate info (the field changes pretty regularly as administrations come and go) and for the best approach to nailing it when your ready to roll.

@harryFozzard Thanks so much for your input, I appreciate it. I will keep that in mind, when the time comes to apply