Phils. Vacation

[dj1206 0]

Hello! I'm here in USA and I already have my 2 yr GC. Hubby and I are going to Phils to attend my sister's wedding on October. My mom is here in USA for vacation and will be going home to Phils on Sept.20. Our plan is I will go home to Phils with my mom since I am scared to fly alone LOL and so that I can assist my sister w/ wedding preps as her matron of honor. And hubby will fly later since he can only get 2 weeks off from work and then we come back to USA together after the wedding.

Anyhoo, to make this short, how long can I stay in the Philippines considering my 2 yr GC status? Is it ok that I will be there for a month and a few days? Do I need other docs to bring with me or file some papers before I fly etc? I'm clueless. Also, my passport is the old green one with my former last name. Should I need to have my passport renewed (the brown one) or should my old green passport suffice? It doesn't expire until 2011 as stated in the passport. I want to make sure before we go ahead and buy the tickets tonight.

Thank you so much.

Edited June 12, 2009 by dj1206

[edp333 9]

As far as the USCIS is concerned, you can stay just under a year. If you plan to stay a year or more you need to get permission and take biometrics first. My wife has been back in Manila since March 1st.

[RonMay 1]

i often hear it on VJ that you're ok to be out of the country for not more than 6 months. otherwise you should notify USCIS if its like a yr or so (though i am not sure really, i just read this on some replies here on VJ)... as for the passport i also had an old green one w/ my maiden name on it. and ive been to phil twice already w/ my 2 yr GC and so far i never had any trouble traveling (hubby was w/ me all the time)... just bring your married cert and you should be fine

best wishes to your sis!!! happy trip!

Edited June 12, 2009 by RonMay

[dj1206 0]

Thanks!

So can I have my passport renewed in Philippines to reflect my new last name? I don't have to do that here in USA? It will be easier for me if it's in Phils. coz we dont have the time (we're in NC) to go to Washington DC and make a personal appearance and have passport renewed. We haven't reported our marriage to Phils. yet

[sheila526 2]

I am a 10 year GC holder. You can visit for at least 6 months. You can use your old passport as long it is not required.

Do you need to be in person to renew the passport in DC? In Chicago I renewed mine without going there.

[rheanick 42]

Thanks!

So can I have my passport renewed in Philippines to reflect my new last name? I don't have to do that here in USA? It will be easier for me if it's in Phils. coz we dont have the time (we're in NC) to go to Washington DC and make a personal appearance and have passport renewed. We haven't reported our marriage to Phils. yet

Have you reported your marriage with the Philippines Consulate. That's the first requirement

DFA should have a copy of your report of marriage before they allow you to use your married name on your renewal of passport, else, you have to stick with your maiden name.

I learned this from one of the response on my thread when i inquired about renewal of passport in the philippines using my married name.

[edp333 9]

If you stay outside the US for 6 months or more you must start your continuous residence for citizenship over again.

Here is the USCIS statement:

Maintaining Permanent Residence You may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you commit such an act, you may be brought before the immigration courts to determine your right to remain a Permanent Resident.

You may be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status if you:

* Move to another country intending to live there permanently.

* Remain outside of the US for more than one year without obtaining a reentry permit or returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

* Remain outside of the US for more than two years after issuance of a reentry permit without obtaining a returning resident visa. However in determining whether your status has been abandoned any length of absence from the US may be considered, even if it is less than one year.

* Fail to file income tax returns while living outside of the US for any period.

* Declare yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns.

[RonMay 1]

Thanks!

So can I have my passport renewed in Philippines to reflect my new last name? I don't have to do that here in USA? It will be easier for me if it's in Phils. coz we dont have the time (we're in NC) to go to Washington DC and make a personal appearance and have passport renewed. We haven't reported our marriage to Phils. yet

Have you reported your marriage with the Philippines Consulate. That's the first requirement

DFA should have a copy of your report of marriage before they allow you to use your married name on your renewal of passport, else, you have to stick with your maiden name.

I learned this from one of the response on my thread when i inquired about renewal of passport in the philippines using my married name.

good point!!! ive heard that too. that if you're married abroad, you should report it first (phil consulate) if you want to renew or amend your passport in phil in your married name... though if you dont have time you can do your report of marriage and amend your passport all at once here in the US after your trip from phil

Edited June 12, 2009 by RonMay

[Dakine 26]

Hello! I'm here in USA and I already have my 2 yr GC. Hubby and I are going to Phils to attend my sister's wedding on October. My mom is here in USA for vacation and will be going home to Phils on Sept.20. Our plan is I will go home to Phils with my mom since I am scared to fly alone LOL and so that I can assist my sister w/ wedding preps as her matron of honor. And hubby will fly later since he can only get 2 weeks off from work and then we come back to USA together after the wedding.

Anyhoo, to make this short, how long can I stay in the Philippines considering my 2 yr GC status? Is it ok that I will be there for a month and a few days? Do I need other docs to bring with me or file some papers before I fly etc? I'm clueless. Also, my passport is the old green one with my former last name. Should I need to have my passport renewed (the brown one) or should my old green passport suffice? It doesn't expire until 2011 as stated in the passport. I want to make sure before we go ahead and buy the tickets tonight.

Thank you so much.

You can stay 6 months without doing anything. More than 6 months you should file a I-131 for reentry.

You're old passport will work fine.

[sheila526 2]

I am a 10 year GC holder. You can visit for at least 6 months. You can use your old passport as long it is not EXPIRED.

Do you need to be in person to renew the passport in DC? In Chicago I renewed mine without going there.

Just fixing my post

[emie_sam26 0]

hello,

My sister in law was been going back and forth to the Philippines she arrived here in the states later time of 2006, and 2008 she go back home to the Philippines and stayed their for 5 months, come back here in the states at later time in Sept. And again go back home to the Philippines last January 09... Now, prior to her leaving she process her 10 year green card,done his biometrics just in case, though they already decided with her hubby to leave the states for good... because of some uncertainties and circumstances she decided to come back and just right time that her green card was approved. But she has no stamped oh her passport and no parole to travel ( with a 2 year expired green card)? Now she told me shes good to go back here but am not sure because i heard that you need stamp and AP or parole to travel docs..... your not even allowed to leave and travel outside if the papers is not completely done right?.

Now her aunt believe that its ok so she claimed the green card send some letter in California service center and she got it and will mail to the Philippines tomorrow... i dont know i read your comment and i believe u know something about this hopefully u can share it to us....

More power to u