Hi. Are there any dual citizens on this board? I need to ask a few questions.
Any dual citizens here? (non-diving)
- Thread starter partridge
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Hey Paul. When I got my Canadian citizenship, the next time I was back in Manila I had to get my birth certificate in the district I was born (Makati). Then I had to go to the BIR in Intramuros (jeebers, I hate that place) to apply for the reacquisition and retention of my Filipino citizenship.
I needed:
* my birth certificate (certified duplicate copy),
* my old filipino passport (I gave my baby one),
* canadian citizenship card (photocopy), Canadian passport (photocopy),
* a couple of passport pictures (can't remember how many),
* fill out the application form (which includes a lawyer or worker of public court to sign)
* money (I can't remember the fee)
So you'll pick up the application forms and fill it out. Then right outside the BIR are lawyers who sit there under the trees to sign these forms for you. Make sure they don't over charge you, they did that to the unsuspecting couple before me.
A couple weeks later, I got a letter signed by some high up person certifying that I was Filipino. I think I had to go back to makati to show them the letter and pay a fee, but I felt the letter was good enough.
I'm pretty sure the US is different though. But let me know if you have any other questions.
I needed:
* my birth certificate (certified duplicate copy),
* my old filipino passport (I gave my baby one),
* canadian citizenship card (photocopy), Canadian passport (photocopy),
* a couple of passport pictures (can't remember how many),
* fill out the application form (which includes a lawyer or worker of public court to sign)
* money (I can't remember the fee)
So you'll pick up the application forms and fill it out. Then right outside the BIR are lawyers who sit there under the trees to sign these forms for you. Make sure they don't over charge you, they did that to the unsuspecting couple before me.
A couple weeks later, I got a letter signed by some high up person certifying that I was Filipino. I think I had to go back to makati to show them the letter and pay a fee, but I felt the letter was good enough.
I'm pretty sure the US is different though. But let me know if you have any other questions.
OP
My question is more on using dual citizenship. I have 2 passports but never used the Filipino one. Just wondering how it worked?
Do I show both passports? Or leave with the Filipino and get into the US on the US passport? Just want things cleared up. Maybe you can refer me to an immigration lawyer I can ask.
Do I show both passports? Or leave with the Filipino and get into the US on the US passport? Just want things cleared up. Maybe you can refer me to an immigration lawyer I can ask.
hmm, sorry paul, don't know about the US. I usually just use my Canadian one when travelling since it doesn't require a pre-applied for visa for most countries.
I don't bother showing the US my Filipino passport since they would demand to know where my US visa is and why I didn't apply for one. Plus, you can use the "US citizen" immigration line with your US passport, which is usually much shorter.
When I travel back to the Philippines I show both passports since I can get a balikbayan visa stamp in my Canadian passport (good for one year) as opposed to a tourist visa (21 days?). I guess you wouldn't have to do that since you wouldn't need a visa stamp. When I leave the Philippines I only show my Canadian passport so I am only charged P750.
I don't bother showing the US my Filipino passport since they would demand to know where my US visa is and why I didn't apply for one. Plus, you can use the "US citizen" immigration line with your US passport, which is usually much shorter.
When I travel back to the Philippines I show both passports since I can get a balikbayan visa stamp in my Canadian passport (good for one year) as opposed to a tourist visa (21 days?). I guess you wouldn't have to do that since you wouldn't need a visa stamp. When I leave the Philippines I only show my Canadian passport so I am only charged P750.
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It is easy. The rule is: USE THE PASSPORT OF THE COUNTRY YOU ENTER.
There is no reason for the immigration authorities to even know you are a citizen of another country as well.
There is no reason for the immigration authorities to even know you are a citizen of another country as well.
shugar
Contributor
damn... i knew i shouldn't have surrendered my zimbabwe passport...
OP
Thats what I have been told. Show my Filipino passport to Philippine immigration. If they say that I dont have a US visa then show them my US passport.
Get to the US and show them my US passport.
I just wanted to hear from someone who has actually done this.
Anyone?
Get to the US and show them my US passport.
I just wanted to hear from someone who has actually done this.
Anyone?
Paul, sounds like 'a plan' email or call me before I get too busy, winter is cleary on its way over here, I'm headed to Cozumel for 'one more dive fest' before the long, cold winter sets in.
OP
Cant get anything past you can I?
hahahaha
hahahaha
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You are correct. The immigration folks are concerned about your entry and exit to the Philippines. If they get stuffy with you then just tell them you are dual citizen and whip out both passports....like you said....it is easy. Otherwise, it is no one's business.
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