Naturalized Citizen - Can we stay for more than 21 days?

[boknat 0]

Hi everyone. My wife just recently became a naturalized US citizen. My wife and our daughter are scheduled to stay here for 5 weeks. I was originally scheduled for 3 weeks, but caught Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease from my daughter who had caught it from a neighbor. I need to reschedule so I can go back with them in March since what I have is highly contagious (but not serious). My original flight is supposed to be this Tuesday, February 19th, and I don't have a visa to extend my stay. I just found out that my wife does not have a balikbayan stamp on her US passport. Are there any special instructions we need to take for her to get one? If so, where? I've read that my daughter and I would be able to bypass the 21 day restriction if my wife had the balikbayan stamp. Anybody with any knowledge or assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Kevin_S 1]

I would go to the nearest Bureau of Immigration office tomorrow. They can answer all your questions officially.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/

Does your wife have a valid Philippine passport? Even if she entered on her US passport as a tourist (21 days), it can be extended for 38 more days. After that period, it can be extended for an additinal 59 days. After that period, another 59 days, up to a year. The fees vary for each extension.

The best thing is to make sure you extend your visas BEFORE they expire.

Best of luck,

Kevin

[Kevin_S 1]

I've read that my daughter and I would be able to bypass the 21 day restriction if my wife had the balikbayan stamp.

I have had a bilikbayan stamp twice. It was stamped in my passport when I arrived with my wife and showed proof of marriage. It is normally given upon entry. I have never heard of anyone receiving the stamp days after arival. Best to check with BI to be sure.

Kevin

[boknat 0]

Thanks for the info, Kevin. I'm going to try and call the BOI and US embassy tomorrow. Unfortunately, neither my daughter or I are in good condition to go out to either office tomorrow. This virus that we have is really painful and looks hideous! I also have to contact my travel agent back in the states so I can change my flight (for a second time).