How to Take Advantage of the Philippine Dual Citizenship

Opting to apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa to gain entry into the United States of America is a very good option, while looking to make use of the Philippine dual citizenship program. They (the E-1 and E-2 visas) allow the visa holders to continue to live and work in the country as far as they meet the requirements that have been originally laid down. As long as all the original conditions of the visa are met, the applicant wishing to opt for the Philippine dual citizenship may have these kinds of visas extended by up to two years.

Acquiring permanent residency in the U.S for people interested in the Philippine dual citizenship can be an elongated process. It is commonplace for people interested in pursuing the Philippine dual citizenship option to gain entry with the help of a temporary visa, and at the same time, file for the American green card.

With the Philippine Government passing the Philippine dual citizenship act, Filipinos can now retain their Philippine citizenship, and still apply for permanent residency in the U.S. The Philippine dual citizenship act also states that ex-Filipinos can now take an oath of loyalty to the Philippine Republic and reacquire their citizenship of the Philippines. With the Philippine dual citizenship act in place, a person can hold passports of Philippines and one other nation.

To qualify for the E-1 category, the applicant has to be a treaty-country national. The firm which is to employ the applicant also has to be part of the same treaty-country. A considerable volume of continuing trade must take place internationally which should primarily be between the treaty-country and the U.S. This should involve at least 50% of the international trade taking place through the business. Trade refers to exchanging goods, technology and services.

Also, the applicant would need to be highly proficient in a specialized skill set; workers who are un-skilled will not qualify for this category. This is one of the options that an applicant desiring Philippine dual citizenship can pursue.

Another option for Filipinos who wish to utilize the Philippine dual citizenship program and enter the U.S is the E-2 visa. To qualify for the E-2 category, the applicant (investor) has to be a treaty-country national. There needs to be a significant investment, it should suffice to guarantee the enterprise's successful functioning. Investment percentages for low cost businesses need to be higher when compared to investment percentages for high cost businesses. Idle and speculative investments do not qualify. Unattached bank account funds and similar securities do not count as investments.

An insignificant investment would not be considered. The investment needs to create an income that is considerably more than the funds needed to provide the investor's family with a living, or must have a noteworthy effect on the economy of the U.S. The funds must be controlled by the investor and the investment must appear to be free of risks. Loans, wherein assets are used to secure the business, are not permitted.

The purpose of the investor's visit to the U.S should be developing and directing the business. In cases where the applicant does not function as the primary investor, the applicant would need to be highly proficient in a specialized skill set; workers who are un-skilled will not qualify for this category.

In order to apply for the E-1 (Treaty Trader) or E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas, applicants' wanting to have Philippine dual citizenship, first need to find out if the trading or investment businesses fulfill the legal requirements.

Amongst the benefits of acquiring a category E visa, as long as the applicant who desires Philippine dual citizenship, maintains relationship with the business in question, he/she can continue to live in the U.S. The spouse of the visa holder looking to get Philippine dual citizenship, irrespective of the nationality, can get derived visas so as to accompany the primary alien. So can children of the visa holder seeking Philippine dual citizenship, below the age of twenty one, provided they are unmarried. An E visa holder's spouse can also apply for authorization of employment through the DHS. Children who are dependant on the holder of the E visa are not permitted to work within the U.S.

Both these categories of visas allow the holder of the visa to freely travel within and outside the U.S. and permit them to bring along their spouses and dependants. More and more Filipinos are now making use to these visas to chase their hopes of acquiring Philippine dual citizenship. In these times of globalization and currency fluctuations, it is the best time to come to the United States to invest.

Attorney Sonia M. Munoz, President of the Law Firm International Legal Counsel, LLC, represents foreign investors during their transition to and business start up in the United States. Visit the Firm's site to read the 10 most frequently asked questions about E2 visa requirements at http://www.ilclawfirm.com now.

K1 Visa Philippines - Interview Questions Tips

Honesty and consistency are the keys to answering interview questions for a K1 fiancé / fiancée visa. Consular officers conducting interviews are merely basing majority of their questions on the details indicated in the application form as well as the supporting documents attached to it.

Interview questions are usually formulated to discover the true objective of the applicant or the real purpose of travel to the US. In the K1 visa case, the applicant is to marry his/her American fiancé / fiancée once in the US. Apparently, the questions will revolve around the topic.

Officers conducting interviews will determine if there is an intention to get married upon applicant's arrival in the US. They may ask some intimate questions about the future spouses to establish whether or not the couple know each other well enough to substantiate an actual marriage. The succeeding common questions must be answered without concealment or deception.

"Where did you and your fiancé meet?"

"When and where did he propose?"

"When is your fiancé's date of birth?"

"Does he have any brothers or sisters?"

"What do his parents think about the engagement?"

"Do they approve of it?"

"What do you love about your fiancé?"

"Will you and your fiancé have children?"

"What are your plans for the future?"

Consular Officers also ascertain if the applicant possesses all the qualifications required by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by asking probing questions if indeed the applicant is qualified.

Applicants for K1 Visa Philippines should not hold back any information when asked. Full disclosure is the best strategy. Once the officer discovers that the applicant is not telling the truth, or misrepresents facts during the interview, the application will most likely be denied. Worst, the applicant may permanently be disqualified or considered as ineligible from ever entering the United States.

Jose Darrel Bella works as a Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Manila, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Contact Siam Legal at +66 (0) 253 8100 or info@siam-legal.com to learn more about K1 Visa Philippines or US Visa Philippines in general.

Traveling from the Philippines to the U.S. Made Easier for Immigrants (Including K-visa Holders)

With the advent of 911 and bombings in other cities around the world, security in most international airports has never been tighter. Every traveler wants an enjoyable trip; hassle-free, smooth and blissful. With meticulous security checks, lines are expected to be long. This means a period of time waiting and this doesn't translate as delightful. Just don't see yourself cleared through these security checks and then remember you forgot something. Well, this will surely scare you especially if your plane leaves in less than an hour.

Careful planning is very vital. You must prepare all the documents and things you need to bring on time. You have to check if everything is alright before you leave your home or hotel for the airport.

DEPARTURE CHECKLIST (courtesy of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas):

1. PASSPORT

2. VISA (Don't forget to hand-carry the Embassy envelope. It will be presented at the U.S. Port of Entry.)

3. PLANE TICKET (Check if you have paid the travel tax fee. If not, you can pay it at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA), Manila: PHP 1,620.00 for Economy Class; PHP 2,700.00 for First/Business Class. Children below 2 years old are travel tax exempted. There is a 50% travel tax discount for children 2-11 years old.)

4. TERMINAL FEE of PHP 550.00 for 2 years old and above

5. BAGGAGE (You are allowed to bring a carry-on bag weighing 7 kilos with a dimension of 45 inches. You are allowed 2 pieces of check-in baggage at 32 kilos per piece with a dimension of 62 inches per piece.)

6. EXIT CLEARANCE DOCUMENT (This is required by Philippine Immigration for retired, resigned, and on-leave employees and officials from the government sector. The document states that the employees/officials are cleared of accountabilities from the government offices they were recently connected with.)

7. OTHER DOCUMENTS:

a. Health record and X-ray film

b. School records (transcript of records, diplomas, etc.)

c. Training/employment certificates

d. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) travel clearance (if applicable). A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who is below 18 years of age traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents.

e. Other pertinent documents (marriage/birth/baptismal certificates)

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition

2. Narcotics, other than prescription drugs

3. Meat, dairy and poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables

4. Plants, flowers and soil

5. Cultural property except for family heirlooms

6. More than 200 sticks of cigarettes

7. More than 1.5 liters of commercial alcohol

8. Records, computer software, apparel, and reading materials produced in violation of copyright laws

9. Endangered species, and the like

A traveler is allowed to bring money out of the Philippines not exceeding PHP 10,000.00. The amount can be in dollar bills or traveler's checks as well as Philippine currency.

If you desire to bring into or out of the Philippines foreign currencies amounting to US$10,000.00 or more, you are required to declare that amount in writing and furnish information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency. Persons traveling together cannot divide the amount in order to avoid the restriction. A BSP foreign currency declaration form for travel fund is available at the Bureau of Customs or at its NAIA counter. Bring documents that will show the sources of your funds.

With your checklist complete, you are now just waiting for your departure date. Relax and don't panic. After all, you are well-prepared. Everything is in order. Everything you need to bring is there. Double-check your list again the day before departure. Get plenty of rest before you leave for the airport.

DAY OF DEPARTURE:

1. You should be at the airport at least four hours before your scheduled flight (allot enough time for security checks).

2. You and your baggage will be submitted for security check.

3. Go to your airline counter and check-in. Don't lose your boarding pass and baggage claim stubs.

4. Go to the terminal fee counter and pay.

5. Present your travel documents at the Philippine Immigration Counter.

6. Proceed to the waiting lounge/gate.

7. Board your plane when your boarding call is made.

Some airlines have direct flights to the United States. Others have stop-over and connecting flights. Don't be ashamed in asking questions and assistance from your flight attendant and from airport personnel. You don't want to miss your flight! A flight attendant will give you some forms to fill out during the flight (arrival/departure record or I-94, etc., whatever is applicable).

WHAT TO DO AT THE PORT OF ENTRY:

1. Present your travel/entry documents (passport, visa, embassy envelope, medical records, customs declaration form) at the U.S. Immigration counter.

2. Claim your baggage from your airline's designated carousel.

3. Proceed to the customs area for final security check. (For those with domestic flights, transfer your baggage.)

After this, you may exit the airport and look for your welcome party or you may still have to take a domestic flight to reach your destination. If so, proceed to the waiting lounge/gate of your domestic flight and then board your plane when your boarding call is made. Then claim your baggage at the carousel and look for your loved ones.

Have a safe and happy trip!

AmericanPinoys.com helps Filipinos discover information about traveling and immigrating to the U.S., schools for Continuing Education Programs, Specialty Clinics for further medical and surgical management/treatment/rehabilitation, Exchange Students Program and much more. Find out more at http://www.AmericanPinoys.com!

This content is provided by Josielyn F. Wilton. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Basic Questions About Living in the Philippines

As an author and consultant on retirement in the Philippines and living in the Philippines, I assist people with an array of family and business matters - from marriage and annulments, to real estate purchases, home construction, and starting a business. Yet some of the most basic questions are sometimes the most important. Below are answers to some of the most basic questions related to a foreigner thinking about living in the Philippines.

#1 If I retire to the Philippines on a full time basis, do I lose my original citizenship?

No, you do not lose your citizens ship by residing in another country, either part time or full time. The only way you lose your original citizenship is by renouncing it. The

Philippines government does not require you to give up your original citizen to become a resident of their country.

#2 Do I need vaccinations to live in the Philippines?

At this time, there are not specific requirements by the Philippines government to enter the country.

#3 Is it safe to live in the Philippines?

If you are alert to where you reside and how you carry yourself, there is no more danger in the Philippines than where you currently reside. The key is to avoid the remote areas of the south known to be involved in military hostilities, and wherever you go, not to present an appearance of wealth and arrogance. I have lived and travelled in the Philippines for over 25 years, both in the north, far west, central and south, and have never encountered security issues, but I am always respectful of the fact that I am in a foreign country with its own set of values and cultural norms.

#4 Can I still get my U.S. social security check?

Yes, you social security check can be sent to a bank in the Philippines. However, I generally recommend you have it sent to your US bank, and then monthly transfer what you need to you Philippines bank account.

#5 Can I get U.S. Medicare coverage in the Philippines?

No, at this time the US government does not provide services outside the U.S for qualified recipients. Rather, one should either obtain membership in a Philippines government health care program, an international health care plan, or self insure

(pay to a provider on an as needed basis - medical care is cheap in the Philippines).

#6 Will I need to learn Tagolog, Ilocano, or Visayan (Philippine languages)?

No, one of the great advantages to living in the Philippines is the English literacy of the population. English is a basic language taught in schools in the Philippines, and everywhere you go, except in the most remote areas of the Philippines, you will have no problem conversing in English. However, learning some basic key words of one of these languages will open many more doors for you, as a stranger.

#7 Can I get a job in the Philippines?

This is very difficult, unless you have a permanent residency visa, or you are employed by the US government. You would probably not want a job with a local Philippines company anyway, as you would be subject to the pay rates of the local citizenry. Minimum wage in the Philippines approximates $8 per day. If you wish to supplement your retirement pension or annuity, I suggest one start a small business.

#8 Will my ATM card work in the Philippines?

Yes, it is readily accepted at most Philippine banks.

#9 Can I use my credit cards in the Philippines?

Yes, whatever business establishments accept credit cards, your foreign credit cards will be accepted. Based on the amount of your purchase, some merchants may pass on their credit card merchant fees to you. This is always negotiable of course. However, recognize that in the more remote areas of the country, credit cards are not acceptable.

#10 Is the cost of living really cheap?

Compared to the western world, living in the Philippines is very inexpensive. One can live a comfortable life on USD $1,000 monthly, provided on resides in a more rural city.With such an income, it would cover housing, food, entertainment, all utilities, and even a house maid. For an upscale living, especially in the larger cities of Davao and Cebu, the cost would approximate $1,500 monthly. Manila is the most expensive and the most crowded. Foreigners tend to live or retire in cities outside Manila such in Subic Bay area to the north, or Palawan in the west, or Cebu and Davao in the south.

Should you wish more information on living in the Philippines, I recommend my latest book, "Retirement Living in the Philippines" which focuses on the matter of clearly defining the lifestyle you want, the costs associated with it, where to reside, how to budget for it, how to develop a side income, if desired, and in general how to develop and execute a plan of action to retire in the Philippines.

Should you wish to learn more, go to http://www.retirementlivinginthephilippines.com where you can download a copy of the book.

Will Irwin is a powerful entrepreneur and a business and life coach. He has started many online and offline businesses both in the USA and in the Philippines, residing in both Hawaii and the Philippines.

No Thailand - What Next For Asia Cheap Flights & Travel?

With the onset of winter for most of the northern hemisphere many people are wondering how long is the situation in Thailand going to be a concern and what are the options for Asia Cheap flights that they can use to still have that much needed warn respite from winter in Asia.

When looking for the cheaper flights to Asia, I make a point of checking several airports and several airlines. Invariably, if you are coming out of the USA from Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and many times from Seattle, the best bets are China Air and Eva air and recently it seems Asiana Air, which is also offering some really cheap flights to Bangkok, if you value the frequent flyer miles in to your calculations.

Today the best choice I can see as an option to Bangkok Thailand for cheap flights is Singapore. KL and Singapore are slightly more expensive for a flight in early Feb with a two to three week stay. I was getting rates that were $50 USD higher for Singapore and a bit more for KL. Before this current situation, I was looking at these two airports and on a couple of occasions I was rewarded with cheaper flights out of Asia. One time I even flew from Bangkok to Singapore with a 2 hour layover and then back into Bangkok to catch a cheap flight out of South East Asia.

Saigon is also one that I check. I have gotten a flight out Saigon at the last minute that was several hundred dollars cheaper than the usual routes. The big problem with Vietnam is that you need to have a visa before you get there, and if you transit in both directions, they make you buy two visas and you can not get them at the same time, a major pain in the seat cushion. You can also check Tokyo, but the budget carriers are not players in that market, so the big boys can have there way. Hong Kong also seems to be expensive with no exposure to Air Asia, Tiger Air or Cebu Pacific which are the best for containing costs for traveling Asia on the cheapest flights.

So for the winter season if you were going to take a pass on Thailand this year where would you travel to instead? I would be looking at Cambodia, Philippines & Vietnam. Cambodia is now one of the safest countries in the region, if you ignore traffic accidents. The beaches of Sihanoukville now offer everything that you can get in Thailand, and they are excited to have you there. Vietnam also has a problem with traffic accidents, but is also very safe for tourists, but not quite as friendly and slightly more expensive. The Philippines has allot of crime in the cities, but if you are on the beaches you are more likely to have a great time as the locals are very friendly, and the prices are reasonable outside of their high season, which I think more refers to the hotel owners rather that the number of tourists. There has been allot of press on the troubles that they have on the very southern islands, but people that I know that have traveled there recently say this is old news.

I would also really be looking hard at Indonesia, except for the fact that they are in their monsoon season. For those that disagree with the boycott of Myanmar (Burma), would also be very high on my list. Northern Malaysia would be on my list if I was looking for mostly beaches. The Perhentian Islands offer some of the cheapest beach resorts in Asia. All of these choices offer relative safety, lots of culture, and cheap prices.

Before this crisis there was a burnout on Thailand as the cost of staying there keeps on climbing, and there is no increase in value. Bali compared to Phuket for a good head to head comparison for a long stay, if you are on a tight budget, Bali is a much better deal with allot more culture and with the exception of the internet, a much better infrastructure. The only big negatives there in Indonesia is the visas, and the traffic police which see foreigners as mobile ATM's. If you make the mistake of complaining that they are unfairly targeting you, they double or quadruple the normal "tea money" which only aggravates the tourists even more. If you are very safety concerned Bali is the safest place in Asia hands down.

Lots of choices it will be interesting to look back at the end of the winter season to see how this plays out. Everyone hopes that Thailand will get back to normal to make this all moot.

Cheap Charlies has prepared a free resources that you can save you up to 75% on cheap Asia flights, hotels, budget accommodations & guesthouses, go to http://www.cheapcharlieshotels.com/ to view this free Asia cheapest flights, hotels & travel information now!

10 Reasons Why Filipino EXPATS Are Buying Philippine Real Estate

Convert their savings into a real property investment. The average growth of properties in the Philippines is 12% per annum compare to 4% banks' premium high yield interest.

Pride of ownership. The "wow" factor is there. "This is mine". They have something to look forward to and kept them inspired to work hard. They always remind themselves that their hard-earned money goes to something they are proud about.

For use by family members and relatives. Their love ones can stay there and enjoy while they are working abroad. This is very normal in their culture. They have a close-family ties and therefore living together under one roof is ideal.

For income (rental) or appreciation. Time and time again, it has been proven that properties appreciate much faster than any other form of investment. Amongst many, property is still the best investment ever.

For future use when they retire. The Philippines Government now issues a special visa which is called SRRV (Special Residents Retirees' Visa). The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRVisa) is a special non-immigrant resident visa that provides its holders with multiple-entry and indefinite stay status in the Philippines. It also grants Tax-Free incentives and privileges as well as value-added services and benefits that they can avail of from partner establishments such as hotels, resorts, retirement facilities, and restaurants. It is a "lifestyle" visa for those who enjoy perks and privileges, a "hassle-free" visa for the frequent business traveler, and a "retirement visa" for the elderly who need special care for their special needs.

For use whenever they come for vacation. Many Filipino expats were originally based in the rural part of the country and therefore when they do come home, they want a different environment, fresh air, pleasure and shopping near the city. So instead of paying huge amount of money for a 5 star hotel, they just proudly say, "let's stay in my house" with a smile and pride.

Avail of high purchasing power of Dollar $ to Pesos. This is not only the US$ but almost all foreign currencies have a higher exchange rate than the Philippine Peso which gives Filipino expats the privilege to acquire properties.

Properties abroad are very high. In the Philippines, there are decent properties condominiums or house and lot from P2M which can only buy a decent dining set in US and in the UK!

Affordability of homes in the Philippines - To encourage buyers and investors, the homes in the Philippines made affordable unlike other nations. I heard a Filipino housekeeper in the UK told me that she is making her monthly investment on the condo unit in the heart of the City for the cost of her one hour wages per day! Now she can rent it out for a small monthly profit on rentals but expectant on the steady rise of property value appreciation.

Low and affordable monthly amortization. Again this is due to the foreign currency strong purchasing power and high exchange rate.
People who have worked in the United States and in Europe for the past 25 years amassed savings in the form of equity for their homes. Filipinos who are permanent residents have stable jobs and have a strong dollar purchasing power here in the Philippines. Real estate is the most global business on earth. Its significant growth opportunities are simply tremendous.

US K1 Visa in the Philippines - Application Process

US citizens who plan to bring their Filipino fianc?/fianc?e to the USA with the intention of getting married within 90 days from the date of arrival, a K1 fianc?e visa must be applied for. The K1 visa for fianc?/fianc?e is a non-immigrant visa that will allow the holder to immigrate in the US, marry the American citizen, and adjust status to become a permanent resident once the marriage is legally registered. The visa holder is also allowed to seek employment once the adjustment of status application is approved. Moreover, should K1 visa applicant wishes to bring his/her child/children (if any) to the US, a K2 visa (K3 visa derivative) can be applied for provided that the child is unmarried and below 21 years old.

Generally, the petitioner (American) and the beneficiary (Filipino) must have met each other in person within the past two years of relationship. The intention to marry each other once in the US must be proven unfeigned by providing supporting documents as evidence of relationship (e.g. photos together, email/chat correspondence, plane tickets, receipts of money transfers, phone bills and etc).

To apply for a K1 Visa for Filipino fianc?/fianc?e, the petitioner must first file the I-129F petition at the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers. There are two of them in the US located at Vermont and California. Although K1 visa is considered as non-immigrant, the same civil and financial documents required in applying for an immigrant visa must be complied, due to the reason that the K1 visa will permit the holder to migrate in the country.

Once the USCIS petition gets approved, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. The NVC will later send the case to the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Manila where the beneficiary will apply for the K1 visa for fianc?/fianc?e.

To complete the K1 visa application, the beneficiary must proceed to the US Embassy in Manila Philippines, particularly its consular section, for further advise regarding additional requirements and documentation. Instructions provided by the embassy must be followed carefully such as forms needed to be completed, to where the medical examination must be taken and the interview schedule.

In answering interview questions, be honest and consistent. The result of the K1 Visa Philippines application is often given on the same day the interview is conducted, should the officer be convinced that the intention and purpose of travel to the US is genuine. This is when the consular officer decides whether the applicant will be allowed to travel to the United States or not.

Jose Darrel Bella works as a Consultant for Siam Legal International, Thailand's largest legal service network with offices in Bangkok, Manila, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin. Contact Manila Visa, a division of Siam Legal International at +66 (0) 253 8100 or info@manilavisa.com to learn more about K1 Visa Philippines and US Visa Philippines.