Going to visit girlfriend in Philippines, what is next best step?

[sthomas]

Oh!? my bank card will work over there!? That is fantastic news if that is the case, that would alleviate a lot of stress haha.

Yeap it will, unless you have this rare card than probably not. Who knows All I know is banks here cater international bank cards. And also you can use your credit card too to pay hotels and etc, much safer than bringing a bunch of money around.

And one more thing, Philippines is not that old school, come on! You being a military, I am sure you have seen many parts of the world. ;D

 

[rickz2vp]

ya I have, and I know phils isn't that bad Trust me I've been to bad places, not too worried. I just don't have a visa at the moment (long story), so that's good about the bank cards, prevents me from having to carry millions in cash

 

[sthomas]

ya I have, and I know phils isn't that bad Trust me I've been to bad places, not too worried. I just don't have a visa at the moment (long story), so that's good about the bank cards, prevents me from having to carry millions in cash

Well, it also saves you from paying an extra luggage in the airplane for your millions in cash

 

[rickz2vp]

I can't wait to get on the plane and go, but I still have to wait 2.5 weeks. It's killing me. So, what should I be packing? If I only have sandals with me, is that good enough for footwear? I kind of wish I was getting married on this trip, I really want to get the process started.

 

[January]

I can't wait to get on the plane and go, but I still have to wait 2.5 weeks. It's killing me. So, what should I be packing? If I only have sandals with me, is that good enough for footwear? I kind of wish I was getting married on this trip, I really want to get the process started.

light clothes (shirts and shorts) and slipper will do (sandal is fine also).... our weather here is kinda hot.

one thing you should try here... try to eat BALUT!! ask your gf about it!

 

[sthomas]

You might want to bring some clothes for you to wear when you meet the family for the first time. And also, you might be invited into some wedding or party, so at least bring some semi-formal wear.

Get married! How many weeks will you be here?

 

[rickz2vp]

@january, I googled balut, wow, I don't think I could eat that ewww!!! Dead baby duck in a shell doesn't look appealing heh. I am looking forward to lamb though!

@sthomas I am only there for 2 weeks, I won't have enough time. I'm already thinking about a return trip in December though I want to get the show going, but not prepared or anything for this time around, I just came across really cheap plane tickets one day and spontaneously got one heh.

 

[sthomas]

Well, December is just around the corner, so that is actually a good idea to just get married on your second trip, it will give you more proof about your relationship. So another 5 months wait is worth the investment (time) Good things happen to people who wait.


Enjoy your vacation!!!!!

 

[rickz2vp]

My ex is trying to tell me that her friend works at immigrating filipino workers and they have an immigration lawyer on payroll too, and they said I would never get anyone here from there, and it's impossible and good luck with that, hope you like wasting your time, then they had a good laugh about me apparently. Is there any truth to that? She tells me everyday (texts etc) bashing it, and tells me she talks to her friends who know filipinos and I don't know what I'm getting into etc. I think she says a lot out of jealousy, but they keep telling me I'll never be able to get her here.

 

[sthomas]

My ex is trying to tell me that her friend works at immigrating filipino workers and they have an immigration lawyer on payroll too, and they said I would never get anyone here from there, and it's impossible and good luck with that, hope you like wasting your time, then they had a good laugh about me apparently. Is there any truth to that? She tells me everyday (texts etc) bashing it, and tells me she talks to her friends who know filipinos and I don't know what I'm getting into etc. I think she says a lot out of jealousy, but they keep telling me I'll never be able to get her here.

There is no truth to that. The government in Canada (Immigration) is the one who will decide if you are eligible to sponsor your wife and that your wife is admissible in Canada.

Factors like criminal offense, bankruptcy, social gov't assistance are some of the reason why you cannot sponsor your wife. Another thing is, if your wife has criminal records and such, then she would not be admitted in Canada.
Lastly, you have to convince Immigration that your relationship with each other is genuine.

Change your phone number, so you do not have to deal with your ex abuses. Do not mind her. Be happy

 

[sthomas]

And one more thing, Manila Visa office, is one of the few countries who has fast approvals when it comes to spousal's application.

 

[TigerLilly]

Well, December is just around the corner, so that is actually a good idea to just get married on your second trip, it will give you more proof about your relationship. So another 5 months wait is worth the investment (time) Good things happen to people who wait.


Enjoy your vacation!!!!!

I agree with sthomas,rick. I have Canadian male friends who went to the Philippines,who rushed everything (getting to know her in person,marriage etc) and now they are divorcing. Not that I am discouraging you in marrying Filipina. We are the best (ehem) ;D ;D ;D. But like sthomas said....time invested in a relationship will be beneficial to you both. Sad but true....some pinays are only after white guys for money. BUT there's more pinays that are trustworthy and genuinely in love with their foreign BFs. Time can only weed out the pretenders from the real ones. If she remains true to you despite the distance and time spent apart. That is the Filipina worth keeping. . As for the difficulty in getting her over that's a bunch of nonsense....once you're married to her,you can get her over via spousal sponsorship. Unless she has a criminal record or married to someone else,I see no reason why you can't get her over.
Good luck! Happy Vacation!

 

[rickz2vp]

We have known each other for about a year now, the whole time we've been devoted to only each other despite the distance, we talk on webcams every chance we get (ie, when she's not working). I'm not worried about her coming after me for money. If you've declared bankruptcy in the past will they let me sponsor? (ex bankrupted me). From what I understand you cannot sponsor while in bankruptcy, but if it's over you're ok? I admit to not knowing absolutely everything heh.

 

[sthomas]

We have known each other for about a year now, the whole time we've been devoted to only each other despite the distance, we talk on webcams every chance we get (ie, when she's not working). I'm not worried about her coming after me for money. If you've declared bankruptcy in the past will they let me sponsor? (ex bankrupted me). From what I understand you cannot sponsor while in bankruptcy, but if it's over you're ok? I admit to not knowing absolutely everything heh.

There is no minimum financial requirement for spousal sponsorhip unless you are living in Quebec. You should be fine.

You are lucky, you saw this forum before your first visit. I wish I have known about this. If I have, I would have saved more "proof" of relationship. hahahahhahha

 

[rickz2vp]

I'm very lucky Also lucky there are great outstanding helpful people like yourself who put up with my endless questions, you truly stand above!

I'm not too worried about my income, I'm an electrician now, and I don't do too bad, and it gets quite a bit better yet, was just concerned about the past bankruptcy thing.

I'll make sure I ask someone at the airport to take pics of us meeting and get pictures all over the place of where we go and what we do heh.

Are you still waiting to come to Canada?