Hello Steve, we finally met Mary Rose and Thelma, oh boy, what an amazing human being. They help us on everything from SRRV application, to the bank and for physical exam and we finished it in one day. Thelma walked us through with paper works. She’s very helpful and love what she’s doing. Steve, thanks for all the info..in between Mary Rose and Thelma we got an excellent help… again thank you.
People complain about depositing $1,500 so they can retire in PI indefinitely? Wow. That's chump change compared to other places. Hell try retiring in the US on just $1,500. If they don't have that amount of money, you are right, they probably shouldn't do any overseas retirement. Good video. Thanks for your service.
I learned about the SRRV for veterans with this video. I had never heard of the SRRV before. I am happy to say I had my Oath takeing 2 days ago. No more dealing with visa extensions, exit clearence, or out bound tickets when entering the Philippines. Gives me freedom and a peace of mind I had not had until now.
Nice being a United States veteran in the Philippines, especially those who sacrificed their life from Bataan to Camp O Donnel in WW2. This Memorial Day.We salute you. 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤.
Steve you helped me get my SRRV last year and I love having peace of mind that comes with a lifetime visa here. And it's so easy to travel in and out of the Philippines with it too. No exit clearance required and no onward ticket when returning.
I have had the Military SRRV for 3 years now. Its great. It actually pays for itself over time. if you stay here on a tourist Visa.. it costs you at least... 60 dollars every 2 months. then.. at 4 months you have to pay 140 usd to get an ACR card. So min is $360 dollars a year in fees. SRRV is about 3000 usd. but then its just 10 usd a year to keep it up.. for the new card. or say $20 dollars every two years now! So after 9 years it's actually free living here.. compaired to keep paying 360 dollars a year with a tourist visa. Plus many benefits.. we dont have to get an exit clearance everytime we leave. but a tourist visa does.. (after 6 months of being here) just saying. We can also .. work.. i believe.. i dont.. but i guess you could if you wanted too. lol..
You totally hit it right on!...I wish Steve would of done a "white board" of all the expenses you will incur over time...not to mention the issues of getting an exit visa....I have know retired military that have lived in PH for more than 15 yrs that just won't apply for the SRRV because going to the BI to extend their visa has just become part of their routine.....Imagine all the money they could of saved if they just tried a new routine....SAD....I hope more people see your logic in this process and save some money in the long run..
Good tip, I am on an Australian veteran pension and civilian superannuation annuity. They recognise us Aussies, I used to train Philippine Naval Officers, a lot of fun, great guys. I am keen to sign up and use PI as a staging point to all of SE Asia. I love all surrounding countries as well.
So if your husband does the ssrv does that include the spouse and the adult kids? The oldest is deemed disabled and is included as a dependent for life on hubby's VA. He's autistic but he's been to the Philippines . We all have but he's an adult. All my kids are. Are we all included in the hubby's ssrv? Yes he's a disabled VA. And does get disability. So I know he qualifies. But not sure who all is coming.
10k or 20 k I heard it's just to put into a bank account but you can withdraw it soon after to buy whatever you need or put it into a condo. Now the 1500 for veterans I thought was the total I didn't know there was another 1500. OK back to listening to your video. Thanks for doing this
Coming here as a vet is the best thing I did. It's the happiest and healthiest I have been..... The food is no longer poisoning me like it was in the US.
Hi Steve, thanks for the great Video. Just a thought but maybe putting together a document or Spreadsheet with the items Expats can take care of and where to get them done in advance if arrival in the Philippines would help everyone out including your repeated calls to explain the same process over and over again. I for one would love to get that kind of information and it would speed up working with Mary if all that was accomplished before doing the SRRV process in Manila.
I believe the Veterans SRRV "Expanded Courtesy" is available to any nation's Veterans in which the Philippines has a treaty of some sort. (I forgot how the PRA described the treaty.)
Nopt a vet so I cant get the cheap SRRV. But not worried about it for the same reason you mentioned Steve. The savings from living in PH is worth far more than the interest you would earn on that money. And also true that if you can’t afford that then you likely do not have enough of a safety net to be moving to the PH anyway in case you get into legal, medical, or typhoon trouble. Lastly, when I die it just becomes an inheritance for my nieces in PH. So I don’t mind having that set aside for them.
I agree... if 1500 USD deposit is a deal breaker for you... you need to stay where you are at.... You are asking to be a guest in a foreign country and exploit a class and pay difference to live a cheaper better life style... you should be humble and pay what's asked of you... because while 1500 dollars might not be nothing to you... it's an impossible figure for most filipinos. Just keep perspective... I have looked at about 15 countries for retirement... and you can get cheaper visas.... but I am telling you now you will get what you pay for... the infrastructure won't be as good.. the doctors won't be as good... etc etc... I think this is highly attractive and this place is in my top 3 places when its time for me to retire in 10 years.
I am not a US citizen. I am not a US veteran. I came here with cash. I came here having already bought property and having established a business in the Philippines, prior to relocating. We have a decent income, passive, so I don't need to work. We have a few million PP in the bank so we are sorted. The Police Report was not an issue, just a formality. It seems as though the SRRV is a Godsend! Sort it out, guys.
Steve ,, great video. Quick question - How long have they had the SRRV for Vets ? How did I not know this one .. this is great, cheap, and exactly what I need. Salamat Po ..
Currently using JRC to complete my SRRV Veterans Visa. Wish I had used a different company as I have been very dissatisfied with the lack of critical information required to have it completed in a reasonable manner..
Good info as always. Thanks. I just got back from The Philippines in April I will be returning again in March 2025 Maybe we can meet. I will keep in touch and if you have time we will meet.
Can I go there with my us passport then do SSRV when I arrive or do I have to do it in the US first? Also, will I qualify with no pension, but I’m over 50 and a 5 year honorable vet? Note, I did send Mary an email to get assistance, thank you for the awesome video.
Currently applying for a SRRV through an agency. The question I still don't know is my non military deposit, I don't expect myself buying a condo, I want to rent a house with some land for gardening. Does the deposit count towards renting? Also I'm 53, but I have all my funds from selling my house, so I will be living off that until I officially request SS. Is that comes under 10K version or 20K?
@@robertbritz257 No is does not unfortunately. According to the PRA Security at the PRA today Agencies are not allowed to charge a fee. If you need more information contact me at Steven5975@yahoo.com
I just got my SRRV (veteran) in February 2023 and I did not need to get any documents Apostilled. I did have to go to the US Embassy and get the copies certified.
@@MrSteven5975 this is the first time I have seen you acknowledge and speak to the situation where the veteran is already a resident in the Philippines. Is there a routine procedure for going to the US Embassy and getting the necessary documents certified rather than apostilled back in the US? I also heard that if a person has been living here for at least a certain length of time and is of at least a certain age, that an NBI check will suffice for the police clearance. Can you confirm that?
Hi! I was originally planning on getting an SRRV but after reading the comments I realized it might be better to get: 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage My wife and I got married when I was stationed there at Clark for 3 years, we have been married for 41 years now and she is still a Filipino citizen. We have been living in the States for that time but our retirement move is coming up. We have already bought a lot in a subdivision (her name of course) to build a house on. In this case should I go SRRV or 13(a)? Do you also offer assistance with 13(a)? Thanks!
Thanks for the response. I have been comparing the 2 visa's and it does seem the SRRV is a better option for me. It may be more expensive but it's more versatile it seems. My second question is, how long does it take? We will be there in August for 3 weeks, would that be enough time to get it or at least start the process or should I wait until we are going to be there for a longer period of time. I estimate our actual retirement move to be about 2 years away but I will be travelling back and forth until then.
Not being a veteran makes it expensive for many who aren't wealthy enough to spare that much of their - 'emergency money' - that it would otherwise be ? -- Dan from Vagabond Awakes who slow travels - hasn't interviewed anyone in the Philippines who wasn't just using the tourist visa ! -- It is so affordable that way and most travel out of the country in less than 3 years - just for fun ?
My issue Steve is that I am a civilian and that 10k that is sitting in an account doing nothing is a difficult pill to swallow. I think 5k would be more reasonable as that is more than enough to cover any issues that you may have if you die or need to leave because of a reason that is beyond your control. Why can't there be a payment plan for that amount of money as just the start-up cost of getting settled is a couple of grand at the minimum. The veterans have it made, and I don't know what the difference is as we are all Americans. As a disabled person, I wasn't able to serve, but I am getting punished again for my disability. I can afford to live a good life in the philippines that I can't in the United States, so why am I being discriminated against. You say that if you don't have 15k laying around that you shouldn't be thinking about coming to the philippines or anywhere else and I can easily see that it has been a while since you have been back home and tried to live here . Yes, we have grievances, and they are legitimate for many of us. I truly believe it should also be based on your pension amount as well as what you can afford up front because the way you are describing things many of us will be dead before we ever get the opportunity to come .
Im a vet with an American wife. Im not interested in coming to meet women like most guys. We just want a tropical retirement someplace cheaper. My question is, i can get this srrv but what about my wife who didnt serve? Does mine apply to her?
Pines residency is cheap, look at the other countries. Mexico requires $2000/month of outside income. What the extreme look at what new Zealand requires for deposit, hint it was $250k in 1990s. Check and see what it is now...shocking.
I have a question about the SRRV for vets. Do you have to be retired from the military or just retired on Social Security as a civilian and at one time served in the military? I have my DD-214.
You do not have to be "Retired Military" .. Just have Served Active Duty (I believe 2 yrs) .. Not Sure about the rest, but You can Google it (I did but I forget)..
You answered my questions on SRRV while I was in Missouri and it was the best deal I could have had. You were a life saver 🛟 Mary rose was fantastic to work with
Is there an age requirement for disabled veterans wishing to take advantage of the opportunity?? Like if a disabled veteran isnt "retirement age" but lets say like 49 years old??
@@alaylaanajacks5647 At the State Secretary’s Office it’s relatively fast but each state is different. The State Department is about 2 months or more sometimes.
Complaining about a few hundred dollars of interest you could be making versus the thousands of dollars you'd be saving each year in the Philippines? Tough decisions. 😂🤣
Who is the lady you suggested I contact for the SRRV visa? I think you said she would be compensated by the Phillipines Retirement office. (Besides, my understanding is that I could use the deposit of $10k-$20k for purchase of condo or home build. Could you put up her contact email? Also email of Michael Onstadt, for medical insurance? Thanks Steve :)
Hello Steve, we finally met Mary Rose and Thelma, oh boy, what an amazing human being. They help us on everything from SRRV application, to the bank and for physical exam and we finished it in one day. Thelma walked us through with paper works. She’s very helpful and love what she’s doing. Steve, thanks for all the info..in between Mary Rose and Thelma we got an excellent help… again thank you.
Glad you found them, it makes the process so much easier!
People complain about depositing $1,500 so they can retire in PI indefinitely? Wow. That's chump change compared to other places. Hell try retiring in the US on just $1,500. If they don't have that amount of money, you are right, they probably shouldn't do any overseas retirement. Good video. Thanks for your service.
I learned about the SRRV for veterans with this video. I had never heard of the SRRV before. I am happy to say I had my Oath takeing 2 days ago. No more dealing with visa extensions, exit clearence, or out bound tickets when entering the Philippines. Gives me freedom and a peace of mind I had not had until now.
Nice being a United States veteran in the Philippines, especially those who sacrificed their life from Bataan to Camp O Donnel in WW2. This Memorial Day.We salute you. 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤.
Even just the general population treats US vets very well , at least they do in Bohol.
Steve you helped me get my SRRV last year and I love having peace of mind that comes with a lifetime visa here. And it's so easy to travel in and out of the Philippines with it too. No exit clearance required and no onward ticket when returning.
Can UK ex military get it, or is it US only?
@@ScoreGuru123 I believe so.
I have had the Military SRRV for 3 years now. Its great. It actually pays for itself over time. if you stay here on a tourist Visa.. it costs you at least...
60 dollars every 2 months. then.. at 4 months you have to pay 140 usd to get an ACR card. So min is $360 dollars a year in fees. SRRV is about 3000 usd. but then its just 10 usd a year to keep it up.. for the new card. or say $20 dollars every two years now! So after 9 years it's actually free living here.. compaired to keep paying 360 dollars a year with a tourist visa. Plus many benefits.. we dont have to get an exit clearance everytime we leave. but a tourist visa does.. (after 6 months of being here) just saying. We can also .. work.. i believe.. i dont.. but i guess you could if you wanted too. lol..
You totally hit it right on!...I wish Steve would of done a "white board" of all the expenses you will incur over time...not to mention the issues of getting an exit visa....I have know retired military that have lived in PH for more than 15 yrs that just won't apply for the SRRV because going to the BI to extend their visa has just become part of their routine.....Imagine all the money they could of saved if they just tried a new routine....SAD....I hope more people see your logic in this process and save some money in the long run..
Agreed. Great cost breakdown. This was my decision on choosing the SRRV this past Dec, vice the 13A Visa.
Good tip, I am on an Australian veteran pension and civilian superannuation annuity. They recognise us Aussies, I used to train Philippine Naval Officers, a lot of fun, great guys. I am keen to sign up and use PI as a staging point to all of SE Asia. I love all surrounding countries as well.
So if your husband does the ssrv does that include the spouse and the adult kids? The oldest is deemed disabled and is included as a dependent for life on hubby's VA. He's autistic but he's been to the Philippines . We all have but he's an adult. All my kids are. Are we all included in the hubby's ssrv? Yes he's a disabled VA. And does get disability. So I know he qualifies. But not sure who all is coming.
Great video, this information might have me change my retirement from Thailand to the Philippines.
10k or 20 k I heard it's just to put into a bank account but you can withdraw it soon after to buy whatever you need or put it into a condo. Now the 1500 for veterans I thought was the total I didn't know there was another 1500. OK back to listening to your video. Thanks for doing this
Great video Steve and a good reminder I need to get this done since I am a veteran and very interested in coming to the Philippines
Coming here as a vet is the best thing I did. It's the happiest and healthiest I have been..... The food is no longer poisoning me like it was in the US.
Another great video! Full support as always & Good luck/Ned 👍👏👍
Good video, I will be applying soon for SSRV visa
Great info! Was not aware of the Expanded Courtesy for Veterans. Thank you!
Our pleasure!
If you need help let me know at Steven5975@yahoo.com
Your videos are REALLY Good Steve! Thanks 👍
Hi Steve, thanks for the great Video. Just a thought but maybe putting together a document or Spreadsheet with the items Expats can take care of and where to get them done in advance if arrival in the Philippines would help everyone out including your repeated calls to explain the same process over and over again. I for one would love to get that kind of information and it would speed up working with Mary if all that was accomplished before doing the SRRV process in Manila.
I believe the Veterans SRRV "Expanded Courtesy" is available to any nation's Veterans in which the Philippines has a treaty of some sort. (I forgot how the PRA described the treaty.)
@@FoundingUA-camr-2005 yes
Nopt a vet so I cant get the cheap SRRV. But not worried about it for the same reason you mentioned Steve. The savings from living in PH is worth far more than the interest you would earn on that money. And also true that if you can’t afford that then you likely do not have enough of a safety net to be moving to the PH anyway in case you get into legal, medical, or typhoon trouble. Lastly, when I die it just becomes an inheritance for my nieces in PH. So I don’t mind having that set aside for them.
I agree... if 1500 USD deposit is a deal breaker for you... you need to stay where you are at.... You are asking to be a guest in a foreign country and exploit a class and pay difference to live a cheaper better life style... you should be humble and pay what's asked of you... because while 1500 dollars might not be nothing to you... it's an impossible figure for most filipinos. Just keep perspective... I have looked at about 15 countries for retirement... and you can get cheaper visas.... but I am telling you now you will get what you pay for... the infrastructure won't be as good.. the doctors won't be as good... etc etc... I think this is highly attractive and this place is in my top 3 places when its time for me to retire in 10 years.
Been there once. I pull the trigger in 14 months. Man I hope you are still in this info biz
Mike referred me to you. Subbed! Will definitely need your guidance for my move to PH.
No problem
I am not a US citizen. I am not a US veteran. I came here with cash. I came here having already bought property and having established a business in the Philippines, prior to relocating. We have a decent income, passive, so I don't need to work. We have a few million PP in the bank so we are sorted. The Police Report was not an issue, just a formality. It seems as though the SRRV is a Godsend! Sort it out, guys.
Steve ,, great video. Quick question - How long have they had the SRRV for Vets ? How did I not know this one .. this is great, cheap, and exactly what I need.
Salamat Po ..
Email Mary Rose to start at mariarose.baranda@gmail.com and then contact me at steven5975@yahoo.com
$3k for permanent (veterans) residency is the cheapest anyone will find.
Currently using JRC to complete my SRRV Veterans Visa. Wish I had used a different company as I have been very dissatisfied with the lack of critical information required to have it completed in a reasonable manner..
We do it for free
As of now jrc is suspended for 90 days. charging fees for the srrv they are already get payed from the government on completion
Good info as always. Thanks. I just got back from The Philippines in April I will be returning again in March 2025 Maybe we can meet. I will keep in touch and if you have time we will meet.
Do the retirement documents, required by the PRA, have an expiry date like the police certificate and medical (6 months)? Thank you.
Can I go there with my us passport then do SSRV when I arrive or do I have to do it in the US first?
Also, will I qualify with no pension, but I’m over 50 and a 5 year honorable vet?
Note, I did send Mary an email to get assistance, thank you for the awesome video.
You do it here. But you need documents Apostilled in the U.S. by your State Secretary’s Office.
You can get the cheaper one
Is it best to do a lot of it while in the states or in the Philippines?
Currently applying for a SRRV through an agency. The question I still don't know is my non military deposit, I don't expect myself buying a condo, I want to rent a house with some land for gardening. Does the deposit count towards renting? Also I'm 53, but I have all my funds from selling my house, so I will be living off that until I officially request SS. Is that comes under 10K version or 20K?
@@robertbritz257 No is does not unfortunately. According to the PRA Security at the PRA today Agencies are not allowed to charge a fee. If you need more information contact me at Steven5975@yahoo.com
@@MrSteven5975 Not understanding what you are discussing about a fee? Did you reply to the wrong questions?
I just got my SRRV (veteran) in February 2023 and I did not need to get any documents Apostilled. I did have to go to the US Embassy and get the copies certified.
That’s because you are in country and lived here a while. Most come from the states.
@@MrSteven5975 Oh okay. Thanks.
@@MrSteven5975 this is the first time I have seen you acknowledge and speak to the situation where the veteran is already a resident in the Philippines. Is there a routine procedure for going to the US Embassy and getting the necessary documents certified rather than apostilled back in the US?
I also heard that if a person has been living here for at least a certain length of time and is of at least a certain age, that an NBI check will suffice for the police clearance. Can you confirm that?
Hi! I was originally planning on getting an SRRV but after reading the comments I realized it might be better to get:
13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage
My wife and I got married when I was stationed there at Clark for 3 years, we have been married for 41 years now and she is still a Filipino citizen. We have been living in the States for that time but our retirement move is coming up. We have already bought a lot in a subdivision (her name of course) to build a house on. In this case should I go SRRV or 13(a)? Do you also offer assistance with 13(a)? Thanks!
I recommend the SRRV and we don’t assist with 13a.
Thanks for the response. I have been comparing the 2 visa's and it does seem the SRRV is a better option for me. It may be more expensive but it's more versatile it seems.
My second question is, how long does it take? We will be there in August for 3 weeks, would that be enough time to get it or at least start the process or should I wait until we are going to be there for a longer period of time. I estimate our actual retirement move to be about 2 years away but I will be travelling back and forth until then.
Never mind, looks like it takes longer than 3 weeks for the SRRV. Thanks again for the informative channel!
Does it matter how long ago you served? I received my honorable discharge in 1977.
Nope
Not being a veteran makes it expensive for many who aren't wealthy enough to spare that much of their - 'emergency money' - that it would otherwise be ? -- Dan from Vagabond Awakes who slow travels - hasn't interviewed anyone in the Philippines who wasn't just using the tourist visa ! -- It is so affordable that way and most travel out of the country in less than 3 years - just for fun ?
My issue Steve is that I am a civilian and that 10k that is sitting in an account doing nothing is a difficult pill to swallow. I think 5k would be more reasonable as that is more than enough to cover any issues that you may have if you die or need to leave because of a reason that is beyond your control. Why can't there be a payment plan for that amount of money as just the start-up cost of getting settled is a couple of grand at the minimum. The veterans have it made, and I don't know what the difference is as we are all Americans. As a disabled person, I wasn't able to serve, but I am getting punished again for my disability. I can afford to live a good life in the philippines that I can't in the United States, so why am I being discriminated against. You say that if you don't have 15k laying around that you shouldn't be thinking about coming to the philippines or anywhere else and I can easily see that it has been a while since you have been back home and tried to live here . Yes, we have grievances, and they are legitimate for many of us. I truly believe it should also be based on your pension amount as well as what you can afford up front because the way you are describing things many of us will be dead before we ever get the opportunity to come .
Im a vet with an American wife. Im not interested in coming to meet women like most guys. We just want a tropical retirement someplace cheaper. My question is, i can get this srrv but what about my wife who didnt serve? Does mine apply to her?
It will apply for her also
@@MrSteven5975 thank you. I've been looking for that information everyw
Pines residency is cheap, look at the other countries. Mexico requires $2000/month of outside income. What the extreme look at what new Zealand requires for deposit, hint it was $250k in 1990s. Check and see what it is now...shocking.
Is this visa only for US veterans who are on a military pension or for all honorably discharged US veterans?
@@sams6233 No
@@sams6233 all honorable discharged guys
@@sams6233 2 years or more service
I'm still waiting for them to drop the age again.
Best deal is Balikbayan privileges but obviously you need to be married to a Filipino. Although you can’t have business interests here.
I lived in the Philippines for 5 years; I am a US veteran. How do you need to prove that you are a veteran to the Philippines?
DD-214
If you need help email me at steven5975@yahoo.com and ask for my number
I have a question about the SRRV for vets. Do you have to be retired from the military or just retired on Social Security as a civilian and at one time served in the military? I have my DD-214.
You do not have to be "Retired Military" .. Just have Served Active Duty (I believe 2 yrs) .. Not Sure about the rest, but You can Google it (I did but I forget)..
Correct
Just a retired veteran
Served and receives pension
@@richardhogeland8597 Soc Sec / a Pension ..
If you sell off all your stuff that you can’t bring with you anyway, you’d have more than enough to cover the SRRV, right?
It depends
You answered my questions on SRRV while I was in Missouri and it was the best deal I could have had. You were a life saver 🛟 Mary rose was fantastic to work with
Thanks for kind comments
Can you buy property with a SRRV?
No
What does SRRV stand for?
Does the military SRRV only apply to US military, or can UK ex military get it too?
I believe both can
What documents do i need for veterans srrv. I dont want to have to travel back for any missing paper work
Contact Mary Rose in the description
Tried messenger and could not get through also tried facebook and no luck getting to her. Thanks anyway
Thelma called me back the next day after I sent an email😁😊
Is there an age requirement for disabled veterans wishing to take advantage of the opportunity?? Like if a disabled veteran isnt "retirement age" but lets say like 49 years old??
It’s 50
So a Veteran with a DD-214 NOT a Veteran retired from the military
Yes
I listened multiple times but do not understand this "apostle d" item. Please explain. Thanks!
It's an International Recognized Notary type service... US State Department & State Agencies can do it.
@@tedjohnson4451 Thank you very much!
It’s done by your State Secretary’s Office.
@MrSteven5975 so it doesn't actually called attested. Sounds the same. But you said takes awhile. Like how long
@@alaylaanajacks5647 At the State Secretary’s Office it’s relatively fast but each state is different. The State Department is about 2 months or more sometimes.
Complaining about a few hundred dollars of interest you could be making versus the thousands of dollars you'd be saving each year in the Philippines? Tough decisions. 😂🤣
I see it as if you can't afford a retirement visa you can't afford to retire. A few hundred dollars is like pocket change now
Some people just don’t think unfortunately. I could talk to them till I’m blue in the face. But….. they are adamant they know everything.
What is an "Apostle fee"?
It’s Apostille fee, and it’s the fee your State Secretary charges for doing the Apostille of documents.
Just sent her an email and copied you. Thanks.
Awesome
Who is the lady you suggested I contact for the SRRV visa? I think you said she would be compensated by the Phillipines Retirement office.
(Besides, my understanding is that I could use the deposit of $10k-$20k for purchase of condo or home build. Could you put up her contact email? Also email of Michael Onstadt, for medical insurance?
Thanks Steve :)
I just sent her an email :)
Michael is on Messenger under Michael Onstad and Mary Rose Baranda’s email is mariarose.baranda@gmail.com
Sorry to bother you I have a friend who is a veteran and needs help with medical care what is your email information so I can pass it on
Steven5975@yahoo.com