It appears that certain operational rules may vary depending on their proximity to the Manila office.
Federal regulations should be consistent throughout the
country but not every small office is authorized to perform all functions of
the main office in Manila…
Understand your personal needs from immigration ie What is it that you need?…
Establish the closest office to you that will fill your
needs…
Always verify or double check information that is given to
you from your local office…
By asking for clarification from another person and a
different day you can be better equipped when you go to immigration to complete
your tasks.
Be sure that you follow their directions to the letter..
Note** If there is a misunderstanding accept that you
misunderstood- ask what to do to rectify the mistake without challenging their
authority.. This will not help you..
Be Organized...
Have all of your paperwork in order and present it the way
they require.
Note*** Always file every piece of paper that you obtain from
the immigration office. Keep it organized and in a safe place… Loosing
documents can cost you a lot of money and be very time consuming…
Note *** Information is power and is never more evident than with
immigration… For items like “Exit Clearance” understand that the waiting period
may be different from office to office.. From 2 weeks waiting in Davao to
obtaining your clearance while you wait,
in the Manila area…
Do not waste time with frustrations and complaints. Be
proactive about this business and things will tend to go much smoother . There
will certainly be fewer surprises along the way…