GoSRRV guideCourtesy or Classic?

Classic is the general retirement route

From age 40, Classic provides pensioner and non-pensioner tiers. The 50+ deposits are $15,000 and $30,000 respectively; the 40–49 deposits are $25,000 and $50,000. Accepted lifetime pension thresholds are $800 monthly single or $1,000 with dependents.

Courtesy requires a qualifying category

PRA publishes a retired-military Courtesy category. Its August 2025 checklist places a $1,000 monthly pension or similar-benefit requirement under ages 40–49, while also listing a non-pensioner deposit tier. The overview uses different category wording. Separated service, VA benefits and the applicable age-specific requirements need written PRA confirmation. Income alone does not establish eligibility.

For foreign-national Courtesy, PRA publishes $1,500 at 50+, and $3,000 pensioner or $6,000 non-pensioner at 40–49. These are category-dependent amounts, not a general offer to every veteran.

Former Filipinos have a separate table

The overview describes applicants naturalized abroad who have not reacquired Philippine citizenship. Published deposits are $1,500 from 50 and $3,000 at 40–49. Confirm current nationality first; reacquiring Philippine citizenship changes the visa question.

Separate deposit, fees and support

The standard deposit certificate covers the principal and two dependents. A spouse counts as one dependent. Each additional dependent adds $15,000 to the deposit, subject to the former-Filipino exception. Every joining dependent has a $300 application fee, including the first two.

The principal application fee is $1,500. Annual fees and dependent increments differ by route. Service fees are separate; compare the scope and payment terms before engagement.

Make the decision on evidence

Use the comparison to prepare a budget. Resolve category eligibility, accepted benefit evidence and any source conflict in writing before remitting. Review the 13A separately if married to a Philippine citizen.