Visa extension & BI office in Iloilo

It's usually quite easy to get an extension wherever you are in Philippines, the form isn't as detailed as it used to be these days so you can fill it out at the the office but you need 2 photocopies of both your main passport page and the page with your visa stamp on it. You also need 2 passport size photos. I think they will require you to get an alien card if it's your 2nd 59 day visa, besides the cost of the visa that will set you back $50 US, all their other fees are quoted in PHP but the alien card is quoted in USD for some reason

Google iloilo burea of immigration

then read the Google reviews

seriously, do it

immigrationiloilo@gmail.com

Not all offices can do the extension that you want.  See Below:

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/inf … ansactions

AaronAardvark wrote:

immigrationiloilo@gmail.com

Not all offices can do the extension that you want.  See Below:

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/inf … ansactions

Iloilo is supposed to. It says so right in your link.

But will they is the question.

There seem to be issues with that office when it comes to visa extensions.

Some have reported having to go to Bacolod for an extension.

Dont know about ililo bi but calbayog bi about 20 minutes mbye a couple minutes to wake the guy up ,.i just take my passport first time alien card had get psaaport photos now they juat use same photo ..

Iloilo can do the 2 month extension no problem, just explain to them if/when they ask that you are leaving 33 days after the expiration of your initial visa.  Bring you itinerary in case they ask,

Yes, you will be required to apply for an ACR card and more than likely will not be available when you leave. 

They will make the necessary copies of your passport for you, cost is 5 pesos.  I have never had to bring photos.

Keep your receipt(s) you receive with your passport!  It may be asked for when you depart the country to show you have applied for an ACR card.

Thanks for all the replies.  I checked the Google reviews and based on those have decided to get my visa extension in Puerto Princesa while on Palawan (before I go to Iloilo).  The reviews for the BI office there are much, much better, lol. Thanks for the tip "Philippine Destiny".  Thanks also to "Hobbit112" for the information.  How long does it usually take to get the ACR card?

Took me about a month for each of the three ACR-I cards that I have had.

If you apply for it in Manila they can can ship those to Iloilo. I had my renewal done all at Iloilo. It's a 13A.
I can tell you in person why tourist extensions are problematic there sometime (my educated theory).

BI at Bacolad has great reviews

https://www.google.com/search?q=bacolad … =firefox-b

Kalibo is great because it is always deserted at BI. In and out in 5 minutes. But the shopping in Kalibo is not so good. Boracay might be better, but I've never been there.

Hi there,
We live in Ilo2, and have just followed what they recommend there at the BI. But they will try to get you to buy an ACR at about 8300p in 2019, that gives you a year to come back in pain free. Just gotta do the process and see where it leads you. Smile friendly always but get your questions answered? Best luck

Buy and ACR?

That makes no sense.

ACR based upon what type of visa?

daenr wrote:

Hi there,
We live in Ilo2, and have just followed what they recommend there at the BI. But they will try to get you to buy an ACR at about 8300p in 2019, that gives you a year to come back in pain free. Just gotta do the process and see where it leads you. Smile friendly always but get your questions answered? Best luck

What kind of visa do you have that will allow you to come back in pain free?

daenr wrote:

Hi there,
We live in Ilo2, and have just followed what they recommend there at the BI. But they will try to get you to buy an ACR at about 8300p in 2019, that gives you a year to come back in pain free. Just gotta do the process and see where it leads you. Smile friendly always but get your questions answered? Best luck

What type of visa?

nosredna,

I visited the Iloilo office. I have a 13A, so my situation is different form yours, but it seems that the office is running a lot more efficiently. It is very different from the last time I was there. I do not know if the visa extension rejections are still happening, but just wanted to say that I see a positive change in the operation of the office.

Get your first extension at the airport immigration office, before going thru the immigration checkpoint. The first extension is for around 29 days max..so forget the 33 extra days. It will cost you heaps at the second extension. You dont get an ACR-1 card until you do a second extension.

This is how it goes: free 30 day visa on arrival. 1st extension, about 29 days. 2nd extension good for 2 months plus you buy an AC R-1 card, ($50 USD) tourist class.

nosredna wrote:

I am visiting the Philippines on a 59 non-immigrant tourist visa in January.  I want to stay about 33 days longer so will need to extend my visa.  I will be in Iloilo at the time I need my extension.  Just wondering if anyone has experience dealing with the BI office in Iloilo?  How easy/quick is it to get an extension?  Should I (can I) download forms to complete ahead of time or is it just as easy to complete any necessary forms at the BI office?   Do I also need to apply for an ACR card, and if so, does that take longer to get?

I am also presuming I will need a 2 month extension since it will be just over 30 days that I want to extend. I believe a 2 month extension is possible but can anyone confirm this for me?

Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.   ...Wes

In Dumaguete, my experience is this..fill the form when you get there, its simple and fast. You will have to get an ACR-1 card. ($50 US) but paid in pesos. The card is made in Manila and sent to you at the BI office you applied for it. Might take a while. In Dumaguete I have to leave my passport and go back in a few days to pick it up with the extension stamp inside. Late last year they said Oh! we have a new registration program going on,,come back with 2 2x2 pictures. I had downgraded from a 13a, so dont know if that had something to do with it...I'm now going for an Extended military courtsey visa. It will give me permanent residency without all the hoo har..

Does anyone know if I can apply for an ACR card early like during the first 30 days?  Everything I see says to apply at 59 days but I don't see anything about doing it early.

Philippine Destiny, yes I've heard the office has improved.  I have a friend in Iloilo who just renewed for 1 month and had no problems.  He's been there before and hasn't experienced anything really negative.  So I may try it out now.

Munchie, I already have my first extension.  I got it here in Canada where it is simple, quick and inexpensive.  So I will have 59 days when I go into the Philippines.  The 33 days is in addition to the 59.  I'm presuming a 1-month extension is good for 30 days so I'll need a 2-month extension to cover the 33 days.