Not sure how NEW it is, but yesterday I went for my 2 month visa renewal. I was informed by the clerk in the office that henceforth, I will be able to able to renew my visa every two months for a total of 36 months, before I have to leave the country for a day and return. So, no more 16 months and out or 24 months and out, a full 36 months of renewals. There is no special request needed to be filed in Manila; just 36 months of renewals every two months. In addition, she informed me that if and when I do leave the country, she can process my exit visa permit in her office, so I wont have to worry about doing that in Manila. I will add here that I am living in Northern Mindanao. Different offices in the country seem to have slightly different guidelines, so be sure to check with your local office to make sure they are following the same type of guidelines. I was also informed that there is indeed a new type of visa extension which is good for 6 months. It is called L S V V E. However the clerk told me if I wanted that type of visa that it would have to be processed in Manila. So I will continue with my every two month renewals, as it will be easier for me this way.
