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Philippine Visa:

WHAT IS A PHILIPPINE VISA?

A Philippine Visa is an endorsement made on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad denoting that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entries to enter the country. The visa thus issued is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted into the country, because the admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the immigration authorities at the port of entry.

ENTRY VISA INFORMATION

• Guidelines on the Entry of Temporary Visitors to the Philippines

A. Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.

B. Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of twenty-one (21) days of less:

C. The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

1. Holders of Brazil passports; and
2. Holders of Israel passports

D. The following nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days.

1. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.
2. Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports.
3. Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao
4. Holders of Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (Telephone numbers: 834-4854, 834-3707, and 834-4810), Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or to any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.

FAQs on VISA

How would I extend my visa?

You may get an application form from the Visa Extension Section located at the ground floor Annex building, Bureau of Immigration.

Fill up the form, provide a photocopy of your passport, visa, latest arrival card, valid extension of stay, if any and other pertinent documents which will support your application.

How long will it take me to extend my visa?

For non-restricted citizens, one (1) day using the express processing lane and one (1) week using the regular processing lane.

For restricted nationals, it will take three (3) days using the express processing lane and one (1) week using the regular processing lane.

What is the maximum extension of stay that can be granted to me?

For non-restricted nationals, the Chief of Visa Extension Section may grant you two (2) months for every extension but not to exceed the maximum period of one year.

For restricted nationals, the Chief of Visa Extension Section may grant one (1) month for every extension but not to exceed a maximum period of six (6) months.

For restricted nationals, the Commissioner and the Associate Commissioners have the right to approve the length of stay based on the merits of your application.

After a year of stay in the country, the Commissioner and the Associate Commissioners will again be the ones to approve your stay based on the merits on your application.

Will it be necessary for me to appear personally for the extension of my visa?

You may or may not appear provided, you will ask assistance from any of the accredited travel agencies or law firms of the Bureau.

But if it is necessary, you will appear before the Chief of Visa Extension section or any of the Commissioners for the clarification of your application.

How many days should I allot for the filing of my extension to avoid overstaying?

You should file your application seven (7) days before the expiration of your approved stay

TOURIST VISA

The following requirements must be submitted when applying for this type of visa:

• Duly-accomplished visa application (F.A. Form 2). Application forms that are incompletely filled-out will be returned to the applicant.
• Valid passport (the original passport itself must be submitted) whose validity must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines.
• One 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the last six (6) months. The applicant’s signature must be affixed on the front side of the picture.
• A photocopy of the applicant’s airline ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
• Proof of financial capacity (e.g. travellers cheques, latest print-out of credit card account(s), latest print-out of bank statements, ownership of real estate properties, and other documents showing the applicant’s capacity to financially support himself/herself during his/her stay in the Philippines)
• If applicant is not appearing in person before the Consular Officer, the application form must be notarized by a local notary public.
• Visa Application Fee

NOTE: If you intend to stay in the Philippines longer than twenty-one (21) days, a visa must be secured. A fifty-nine(59) day visa can be obtained at the Philippine Consular Office which has jurisdiction over your area before traveling to the Philippines. If you are already in the Philippines, you may file for a 38-day visa waiver (entry 21 days + 38 day waiver = 59 days). Visa waivers are issued at the Bureau of Immigration, in Intramuros, Manila before the expiration date of your authorized stay or with one of their sub-ports in these cities throughout the Philippines. Tourist visas are issued under three main classifications:

• Pleasure. For tourists and other visitors to the Philippines. It cannot be used to engage in gainful employment or for business, or to take up educational courses in any learning institution in the Philippines.
• Business. The purpose of the temporary stay is to search for areas of investment. It does not allow you to engage in any activity which may be considered a form of gainful employment.
• Health. This is granted to those whose intention is to convalesce from a serious injury or illness. The illness, however, should not be contagious or dangerous.

STUDENT VISA

Step 1. Application with the Preferred School - Communicate directly with the school of choice and comply with their requirements which includes:

• Five (5) copies of Duly Signed and accomplished Personal History Statements (PHS) with 2 X 2 photograph.
• Notarized affidavit of support including bank statements to cover all expenses of the student.
• Scholastic records duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy/consulate located in student's country of origin or legal residence.
• Photocopy of data page of student's passport showing date and place of birth.
• Birth certificate or its equivalent duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy/consulate located in student's country of origin.

Step 2. Acceptance by School - School upon satisfaction of compliance of requirements issues Notice of Acceptance (NOA) to student and submits the duplicate copy to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with the certified true copy of CHED-CEA when necessary. For quota courses such as medicine and dentistry, a certificate of eligibility for admission (CEA) is also issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Step 3. Department of Foreign Affairs indorses documents to the foreign service post (FSP) located in the student's country of origin/place of legal residence for the issuance of the student visa.

Step 4. The Philippine Embassy or Consulate notifies the student in writing to appear in person and bring all the required documents.

Step 5. Upon receiving the letter from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate, the student makes an appointment to appear for an interview at the consulate or embassy. Please bring the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Application Form for Student Visa (accomplished in triplicate)
• Three photographs
• Medical Health Certificate (DFA Form 11) in triplicate with life-size chest x-ray and laboratory reports.
• Original Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and when appropriate, the CEA.
• Police Clearance Certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate located in student's country of origin or legal residence.
• Visa Fee

FOREIGNERS WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE PHILIPPINES UNDER ANY VALID VISA ARRANGEMENT MAY APPLY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THEIR VISA STATUS TO 9(F) STUDENT VISA PROVIDED THEY SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

• Original Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and when appropriate, the CEA.
• Proof of adequate financial support.
• Scholastic records duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate located in student's country of origin or legal residence.
• National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance (if student resided in the Philippines for more than 59 days)
• Quarantine Medical Examination by the National Quarantine Office.
• Copy of Duly signed and accomplished Personal History Statements (PHS) with 2 x 2 photograph.
• Photocopy of data page of student's passport showing date and place of birth.

Student Desk Information
Requirements for Special Study Permit
Extension of Student Visa

TREATY TRADERS/INVESTORS VISA

Change of status to Treaty Trader

Definition

A treaty trader ia a foreigner who is entering the Philippines solely to carry on substantial trade or commerce between the Philippines and the country of which he is a national pursuant to an existing treaty of commerce and navigation.

A treaty investor is foreigner who seeks admission for the purpose of developing and directing the operations of an enterprise in the Philippines where (a) he has invested or is actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital or where (b) his employer has invested or is actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital, provided that such employer is a foreign person or organization of the same nationality as the applicant and that the applicant is of an overall supervisor or executive.

Who Can Apply?

Treaty trader visa applicant from the United States must establish that (a) he is proceeding to the Philippines solely for the purpose of carrying on substantial trade principally between the Philippines and the United States; (b) he intends in good faith, and will be able, to depart from the Philippines upon the termination of his status; and that (c) if he employed, his employer shall be foreign person or organization and shall be engage in duties of a supervisory and executive character, or if he is or is to be employed in a minor capacity, he has special qualification which makes his services essential to the efficient operations of the employer.

An applicant for treaty investor visa must establish, among others that (a) he seeks to enter the Philippines solely for the purpose of developing and directing the operations of an enterprise in the Philippines; (b) he seeks to enter the Philippines as a spouse or child of an alien (c) he is not applying for a nonimmigrant visa in an effort to evade the quota or other restrictions which are applicable to immigrants; (d) he intends in good faith, and will be able to depart from the Philippines upon the termination of his status; (e) the enterprise is one which actually exist or is in active process of formation, and is not a fictitious paper organization.

Upon proper application, a duly approved application under Section 9(d) (Treaty Trade/Investor) shall be for one (1) year.

Requirements

• Letter Request from the petitioner (single proprietorship, partnership or corporation)
• General application form duly accomplished and notarized (RBR Form No. 98-01)

Petitioner

1. SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and General Information Sheet, in case of corporation or
2. DTI Certificate of Registration of Business name and application form for Certificate of Registration of Business name duly accomplished and received by the DTI, in case of single proprietorship
3. Latest Corporate Income Tax Return and audited Financial Statement stamped "received" by the BIR
4. Corporate Secretary's Certificate that the investor has maintained his/her investment in the business entity of petitioner (partnership or corporation) per Stock and Transfer Book, in case petition is based on investment or
5. Owner's Affidavit (in case of single proprietorship) that he/she has maintained his/her capital in the single proprietorship, in case petition is based on investment or
6. President's CEO's, Treasurer's, or Secretary's Certificate that trader - petitioner is in continuous engagement in the trade, submitting proof of trading such as LC's, Buyer invoices, Vouchers, etc.
7. Treasurer's or Secretary's Certificate that investor-petitioner's majority share holding is owned by an alien of the same nationality as the applicant.

Applicant

1. Photocopy of passport
2. Bio data with 2x2 picture
3. Affidavit of Guarantee
4. Contract of employment, assignment or Corporate Secretary's Certificate of Election showing exact compensation applicant subject to withholding tax and duration of employment or assignment

If applicant will be accompanied by his/her spouse and unmarried minor children

• Photocopies of the passports of the spouse and unmarried minor children
• Certified true copies of marriage contract
• Birth certificate of children

Extension of Treaty Trader
Requirements for Application for Certificate of Residence for Treaty Trader

PRE-ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT VISA

Change Status Prearrange Employee (Commecial)

Definition:
This change of status is issued to foreigners who are proceeding to the Philippines to engage in any lawful occupation, whether for wages or salary or for other forms of compensation where a bonafide employer-employee relationship exists. In determining the existence of an employer-employee relationship, the following elements are generally considered: (1) selection and engagement of employee; (2) payment of wages; (3) the power of dismissal and (4) the employer's power to control the employee with respect to the means and methods by which the work is to be accomplished.

Who Can Apply?
Professors and teacher for educational institutions, doctors and nurses for hospitals, scientists, professionals and other workers for banking, commercial, industrial, agricultural and other business enterprises may qualify for this visa.

Requirements:

1. Letter request from the petitioner - organization
2. General Application Form duly accomplished and notarized (BI Form RBR 98-01)
3. 2x2 picture to be attached to the application form
4. Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, SEC Certificate of Registration of petitioner
5. Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment
6. Income Tax Return and proof of payment of taxes by the petitioner
7. Contract or agreement entered into for applicant's service stating term of service and exact compensation and other benefits to be received
8. Bio data of applicant
9. Affidavit of support and guarantee executed by the petitioner in favor of the applicant
10. Certificate by Human Resource Director / Personnel Officer as to the number of foreign nationals employed by the petitioner
11. True copy of the applicant's passport showing admission status and updated stay
12. Other supporting documents which will aid in the evaluation of the application
If the applicant will be accompanied by his/her spouse and unmarried minor children

• Marriage Certificate / Birth Certificate of unmarried minor children if dependents are included in the application
• True copies of passport of the spouse and unmarried minor children

Extension of Prearrange Employee 9g (Commercia)

Change of status to Prearrange Employee (Missionary)

Definition:
This change of status is available for all foreigners who will be engaged in religious work. This is inferred from a provision of section 42(a) of Philippine Immigration Act.

Who Can Apply?
Missionary visas may be issued to aliens: (1) who are members of a religious denomination having a bonafide nonprofit organization in the Philippines; (2) whose purpose is for carrying on the vocation of a minister (or as a religious worker) of that religious denomination; (3) who shall be coming to the Philippines at the organization's request to carry on a religious occupation and (4) whose purpose shall be to study a fixed curriculum in order to accomplish and undergo proper formation training.

Requirements:

1. Letter request from petitioner - organization
2. General application form duly accomplished and notarized (BI Form No. RBR 98-01)
3. 2x2 picture to be attached to the application form
4. Articles of Incorporation , Bylaws, SEC Certificate of Registration of petitioner
5. Audited financial statement / annual information return of exempt organization
6. Affidavit of Support and guarantee
7. Bio data of applicant
8. Proof of missionary qualification
9. Certificate stating place where applicant is assigned
10. True copy of the applicant's passport showing admission status and updated stay
If applicant will be accompanied by his/her spouse and unmarried children

• True copies of the passport of the spouse and unmarried minor children
• True copies of their ACR and CRPE, if already obtained, and documents showing admission status

Extension of Prearrange Employee (9g Missionary)

IMMIGRANT VISA

QUOTA VISA

Only 50 applicants are approved annually for other categories of aliens whose countries accept Filipinos as immigrants on a reciprocal basis. The Philippine Consulate General receives the completed immigrant visa application with enclosures indicated below and, in turn, is forwarded through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for appropriate action by the concerned agencies in the Philippines. When authority from the DFA for the issuance of the visa allotting quota number is received, a personal interview with a consular officer will follow prior to the actual issuance of the immigrant visa.

Required Documentation:

• Accomplished visa application (F.A. Form No. 3)
• Submit original passport whose validity must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of purposed stay in the Philippines)
• One 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the six (6) months.
• Proof of financial capacity to travel may be required.
• If applying by mail, enclosed a self-addressed stamped padded envelope or a prepaid overnight mail envelope to ensure return of the passport.
• Visa Fee

NON QUOTA VISA

1. Spouse of a Filipino citizen (13-a) If the application is made by a Spouse of a Filipino Citizen, the following documentary requirements must be submitted:

• Two copies of a duly-accomplished visa application (F.A. Form No. 3). Application forms that are incompletely filled-out will be returned to the applicant.
• Valid passport (the original passport itself must be submitted) whose validity must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines.
• Four (4) 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the last six (6) months. The applicant’s signature must be affixed on the front side of the picture. V Medical Certificate (F.A. Form No.11) accomplished by a local physician. All supporting documents must be submitted in triplicate (three copies). A Chest x-ray plate (life-size) must accompany the certificate, together with the results for the following tests: 1) stool (ova/parasite and occult blood); 2) urinalysis; and 3) complete blood test (blood serology and chemistry).
• Local State Police clearance obtained within the last (6) months. The original and one (1) photocopy must be submitted.
• Proof of financial capacity (e.g. travellers cheques, latest print out showing statement of credit card account(s), latest print-out of bank account statements, ownership of real estate properties, and other documents showing the applicant’s capacity to financially support himself/herself during his/her stay in the Philippines)
• Personal appearance of the applicant for an interview by the consular officer.
• Payment of Immigrant Visa Fee
• A duly notarized letter from the Filipino spouse requesting or petitioning the issuance of an immigrant visa to his/her spouse. The original and a photocopy must be submitted.
• Proof of Philippine citizenship of Filipino spouse (e.g. Philippine passport or Philippine birth certificate)
• Marriage Certificate, both the original and a photocopy.

2. Unmarried Children under 21 years old of a Filipino citizen (13-a)

• Same as requirements (a) to (h) above (requirements for spouses of Filipino citizens)
• Birth Certificate of the child or a certified true copy thereof.
• Proof of Filipino citizenship of a parent such as current Philippine passport, birth certificate or baptismal certificate, etc.
• Sworn Statement of Financial Support executed by parent
• Visa Fee

3. Natural Born citizens of the Philippines who have acquired foreign citizenship (9-g)

• Same as the requirements (a) to (h) in item No. 1 (spouse of a Filipino citizen).
• Proof of former Philippine citizenship such as expired Philippine passport, birth certificate or baptismal certificate, etc.
• Naturalization papers
• Visa Fee

• Change of status from Temporary Visitor to Temporary Resident
   
• Change of status to Quota Immigrant
   
• Conversion to Nonquota Immigrant by marriage 13a
   
• Returning Former Filipino Citizen 13g
   
• Extension of Temporary Resident Visa
   
• Amendment from Probationary to Permanent Resident 13a
   
• Late Registration of Aliens
   
• Non-Quota Immigrant 13e (Returning Resident)

SPECIAL RESIDENT RETIREE VISA INFORMATION

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to permanent residence in the Philippines. The SRRV is issued by the Bureau of Immigration of the Republic of the Philippines in connection with the Philippine Retirement Authority's Retirement Program for the foreigners and former Filipinos. [ more ]

For more questions on SRRV, check out http://www.pra-visa.com.

SPECIAL INVESTOR'S RESIDENT VISA

Requirements and Procedures

1. Filing of Applications
The Application for a Special Investor's Resident Visa may be filed with:

• The Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country or place of residence; or
• The embassy or consulate nearest thereto in the absence of the foregoing; or
• The Board of Investments if the investor is already in the Philippines.

All applications must be accompanied by all required supporting documents, otherwise the same shall no be officially accepted for processing.

2. Documentary Requirements
The following documents shall be attached to every application for SIRV:

• Application form duly filled up and notarized, with recent photographs;
• Clearance from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), together with either a clearance from the central government agency of the applicant's country or place of residence, competent to give information about any criminal record that the applicant may have, duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy, or the Interpol Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicating that the applicant has not been convicted by final judgment of a crime involving moral turpitude;
  The NICA shall issue an initial clearance within five (5) working days from receipt of the BOI endorsement, and a more thorough verification to cover the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police should be within three (3) months after the grant of the probationary visa. Any derogatory record may be the basis for revokation of the SIRV holder's visa;
  The expiration date of said clearances should not be before six (6) months from date of filing of application;
• Medical certificate issued by the Department of Health (DOH), any government hospital or health facility, or any licensed and accredited hospital, medical center, or laboratory or the equivalent thereof in the applicant's home country, certifying that the applicant is physically and mentally fit;
  The expiration date of said certification should not be before six (6) months from date of filing of application;
• Certification under oath from the duly authorized officer(s) of any accredited depository bank in the Philippines as to the amount of foreign exchange inwardly remitted by applicant, and its conversion to pesos through the said bank, in the prescribed form. Should the inward remittance be sent through non-accredited correspondent banks, the total amount of remitted money should be immediately transferred to the accredited banks;
  For purposes of Book V and these rules and regulations, only banks accredited by the BOI shall serve as the depository banks;
  In all cases, inward remittances shall not be made earlier that one (1) year prior to the filing of the application;
• Certified true copy of the certificate of peso time deposit with a maturity period of at least thirty (30) days;
  The original copy of the certificate of time deposit shall remain with the depository bank for safekeeping;
• Birth certificate/family registry/household registry duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy located in the applicant’s home country or the applicant’s embassy in the Philippines;
• If applicable, marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Consulate/Embassy located in the applicant’s home country or the applicant’s embassy in the Philippines.