Read the rule, not the marketing.Myths vs facts
Four claims veterans hear about the SRRV, each one set against the actual PRA rule. We state the claim, quote the rule, and screen your case before any money moves.
The short answer
What are the most common SRRV myths?
The four that cost veterans the most are that every veteran automatically qualifies for Courtesy, that the visa is done in 5 to 10 days, that the deposit is a fee the government keeps, and that you must be formally retired to qualify. Each one is corrected below against the published PRA rule. PRA determines qualification case by case, on the documents.
Claim. Rule. Screen.
Four myths, corrected
Each page follows the same pattern: it states the claim as it circulates, quotes the actual PRA rule with the figures, and routes you to a screen of your case. Nothing here is an outcome promise. PRA and the Bureau of Immigration decide.
The myth
All veterans qualify for Courtesy
Every US veteran automatically qualifies for the SRRV Courtesy rate.
The truth. PRA determines Courtesy qualification case by case, on the documents. Many US military retirees may qualify; others fit SRRV Classic.
Read the ruleThe myth
The SRRV takes 5 to 10 days
The whole SRRV is done in 5 to 10 days, start to finish.
The truth. PRA’s published Head-Office turn-around is about 10 working days, and it excludes Bureau of Immigration time. End to end, GoSRRV plans for 30 to 45 working days.
Read the ruleThe myth
The deposit is a fee you lose
The SRRV deposit is a fee the government keeps.
The truth. The visa deposit is held at a PRA-accredited bank in your name and returned on visa cancellation per PRA rules. Government fees are separate, and they go to the government.
Read the ruleThe myth
Retired status is the gate
You must be formally retired from the military to qualify for Courtesy.
The truth. The operative test PRA applies is current receipt of a qualifying lifetime pension, not the title on your separation paperwork. VA disability compensation counts toward the gate.
Read the rule
PRA figures verified June 18, 2026Sources
Stop guessing.Screen your case first
A free 15-minute screening call, or an hour with the founder. Your route, your document gaps, your timeline, in writing.
SRRV Courtesy qualification is determined by the Philippine Retirement Authority on the documents. Many US military retirees may qualify; others fit SRRV Classic. We screen both routes before you commit, and we will tell you plainly if the SRRV is not your best option.