From what I have read on the forum so far this may well be a question for Lopburi3 who appears to be the expert on these questions.

My Filipina girlfriend has recently stopped working and so her B visa and workpermit have expired. She has a 60 tourist visa now and we plan to go to the Phillipines this month to visit her family.

I intended to try to get an O visa in Manila, I have had problems there before with my own visa so I telephoned to see what was required. I was told that an O visa can only be issued to a family member. (Is this really the case?). The other option was a 50 day tourist visa. (I have never heard of a 50 day visa before).

So can anyone advise what is my best option to obtain a visa for her and where I would need to go.

Thanks in advance.

A non immigrant O visa is not likely to be issued without normal valid reason - tourist or visiting friends are not considered valid reasons by most Consulates. Have no idea what a 50 day tourist visa is all about (and that is not something Consulates have any control over). Tourist visa entry is for 30 or 60 days. Be aware Manila has a reputation as one of the most difficult places to obtain visas.

Perhaps she is interested in studying Thai, if so she could apply for an ED visa.

Walen School, Mac