Visa and Passport – Page 5 – Philippines Information

2,351 Foreigners Refused Entry to Philippines Jan – Jun 2019

2,351 Foreigners were Refused Entry to the Philippines in the First Half of 2019

A Philippines Immigration Press Release dated 29th July 2019, has stated that a total of 2,351 aliens, of various nationalities, were refused entry into the Philippines during January to June 2019.

1,920 (82%) were turned away at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport while the rest were stopped at the airports in Mactan, Clark, Kalibo, Aklan and Davao.

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) port operations division chief, Grifton Medina; “They were turned back after undergoing primary and secondary inspection by our immigration officers and were declared unfit for admission into our country for a variety of reasons. They were issued exclusion orders and booked on the first available flight to their ports of origin.”

As the Philippines requires airlines to ensure that passengers enter with a return ticket, at least the cost of returning them is not born by the Philippines.

1,129 Chinese nationals topped the list of exclusions, followed by
106 Indians
87 Americans
52 Taiwanese and
67 Koreans.

The list included registered sex offenders, wanted fugitives, suspected international terrorists, and blacklisted and previously deported aliens.

Most were excluded for being public charges or persons without visible means to support themselves, and whose purpose of coming here are doubtful.
Some were turned back for being rude and disrespectful towards immigration officers, and for having incomplete travel documents.

Source: immigration.gov.ph/…/2019Jul29_Press.pdf

Applying for the Australian PMV subclass 300

Applying for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa [PMV subclass 300]

Applications for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa [PMV] are normally done online via the Australian Governments Immigration website. (online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login)

When you begin the application, most of it is self explanatory, and you will complete what was the old paper based form 47SP, as part of the online application.

Your sponsor will do the same with the old Form 40SP, when he/she does the sponsor part. This can be done in the same IMMI account as yours.

You will need to get a new Birth Certificate and a CENOMAR from the PSA, and that must be sent direct to the Australian embassy, from the PSA. (psa.gov.ph/…/birth-certificate) and (psa.gov.ph/…/cenomar)

CENOMAR is a Certificate of No Marriage Record. It is a certification issued by the PSA stating that a person has not contracted any marriage. It is also called a certificate of No Record of Marriage or Certificate of Singleness.

The application does have instructions for that, with exactly what to put on the request form to the PSA.

Two people need to complete form 888’s, or similar, to confirm that they know of the existence of the relationship. That can often be the sponsors relatives.

You also need to arrange a Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM), which can be done by most Australian Marriage Celebrants. Probably best to be the one you will use to do your marriage.
If you set a date a year after application, you can always change it later, just make sure your Marriage Celebrant is aware of that possibility.

The rest is mainly proof that you know each other and have met at least once, but have had plenty of other contact.

The more proof should mean a faster processing time.

Applying for the Birth Certificate or CENOMAR for an Australian Visa

This information is correct at time of publication, but subject to changes made by the Australian or Philippine Governments.

- Go to www.psaserbilis.com.ph (Previously: www.ecensus.com.ph).
- Click on Request for copies of Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate/CENOMAR (Singleness).
- Click on ‘I accept’ on the declaration that appears requesting you agree to terms/conditions of eCensus.
- Complete the form online for your documents;
- Tick the box stated “Deliver the document to this embassy” and select “Australian Embassy Manila” from the drop down menu.
- Ensure that you state the purpose for the documents as ‘Australian Visa’. In the File Reference Number field, only enter the numerical value of the file number. For example, if your file number is BCC2017/1234, you should only enter 20171234.
- Once completed, the PSA will courier the requested documents directly to the Australian Embassy Visa Office to be considered with your visa application.
- Source: philippines.embassy.gov.au/…/Requesting PSA documents.pdf

Taiwan extends visa-free program for Philippine passport holders.

Taiwan extends 14 day visa-free program for Philippine passport holders

2019-07-02

The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced on July 2, 2019 that the visa-free privilege for the nationals of the Philippines will continue for another year from August 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020.

This privilege is a display of Taiwan’s amity with the Philippines as the country continues to boost the travel convenience for Filipinos to visit Taiwan for leisure, business, or other short-term purposes.

The visa-free privilege also aims to deepen Taiwan’s multifaceted relations with the Philippines, particularly in the fields of tourism, trade, investment, education, agriculture, fisheries and healthcare, etc.

Source: www.taiwanembassy.org/ph_en/post/4086.html

Taiwan Embassy, Philippines
41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza,
6819 Ayala Avenue,
Makati City 1200,
Metro Manila,
Philippines

www.taiwanembassy.org

Tel: (63-2) 887-6688

Is it Cheaper to Overstay a Philippine Visa or Pay for a Visa Extension?

Is it cheaper to overstay a visa rather than pay for the visa extension?

I was asked this question recently, as it appears that many people seem to think that the overstay fines are cheaper than paying for a Visa renewal.

Having heard this a few times, I am beginning to think that this might be the reason why so many foreign visitors to the Philippines end up not renewing a visa, and overstaying for so long.

At least some of them think the fine is cheaper than a visa, and don’t bother renewing their entry visa, expecting to just pay the fine when they leave.

Unfortunately for them, they eventually find out that while the fine is cheaper than a Visa, it is not as simple as that.

A Two Month Visitor visa will cost about 6,650 pesos. Consisting of 3,650 php + about another 3,000 (depending on USD-PHP FX rate) pesos for the ACR-I card (according to www.immigration.gov.ph).
The Fine for overstaying for just under two months is 1,500 pesos. (Consisting of 1,000 pesos [Fine for Overstaying 2 months] + 500 pesos [Motion for Reconsideration for Overstaying]).

For some people, they see those two figures and think that it is best to pay the 1,500 pesos.

But the reality is VERY DIFFERENT to that:

What you actually pay is:

The Fine PLUS outstanding unpaid visa fees; ie: 1,500 plus 6,650 in the above example, a total of 8,150 pesos.
PLUS, depending on how long you overstayed, you may be banned from re-entry.

It is often best to know the full facts.

Some people, who have overstayed, and expect to pay the fine at the airport, and then leave, actually end up paying an even higher price…

You don’t pay the fine at the airport, you are normally refused boarding, and told to go to an immigration office, normally in the nearest city, and sort out your visa issues there, and come back later, often the next day, or later.

This comes with TWO costs.

Inconvenience to you, and the cost of an extra night or two at a hotel, while they sort out the visa issues, and arrange an exit certificate if applicable.
The cost of new flights, unless your ticket was fully convertible to a new flight. Most are not.

I was told that the hotel costs are not always involved, as a stay at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Centre can be an option, for Immigration to decide. I personally do not know anyone who was jailed, but I have heard people talking about other people who were. I have also read about some who were, although not 100% sure on the full story of each case.

and more….

Philippine Star News Article on November 27, 2016

www.philstar.com/…/bi-eyes-building-more-jail-cells-overstaying-foreigners

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente wants to construct another building for its jail at Camp Bagong Diwa (Bicutan Detention Centre) prior to cracking down on around 500,000 foreigners illegally staying in the country.

“We want to conduct nationwide operations but the problem is we do not have (enough cells) to house those who would be arrested for overstaying,” he said in a recent interview.

Morente said the bureau’s jail, a “squatter” in the National Capital Region Police Office compound at the camp, has two two-story buildings. Morente wants to construct a third two-story building.

My view is that detention for a small overstay is very unlikely, although it is legally possible, if they don’t like you for some reason.

Another story:

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday (March 30, 2019) reported the arrest of an overstaying Vietnamese couple for attempting to leave the country with fake immigration stamps on their passports. The couple had been in the country since June 5, 2018 (10 months).

“Instead of applying for the extension of their stay and pay the required fees, they chose to deal with fixers who make a living by selling these fake stamps to overstaying foreign tourists,” he said.

The BI official noted that the fraudulent scheme was discovered after their personnel noticed that the passports did not have departure stamps from the foreign nationals supposed previous arrival.

They are currently detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending their prosecution for violating the Philippine Immigration Act. (pna.gov.ph)

Story Link:

How much are the Penalties for Overstaying as a Tourist in the Philippines?

Special Security Registration Number (SSRN)

Special Security Registration Number

The Special Security Registration Number (SSRN) is a unique number assigned to every registered foreign national.

Anyone staying over 59 days needs to register with Photo and Fingerprints, and about 700 pesos, at almost any Immigration Office in the country.

This is normally done, for those on Visitor visas, when renewing your visitor visa. It is worth checking that it is done, when renewing at near the 59 day mark.

An SSRN number is required for the Issue of an ECC, when leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months.

You must also have a mailing address for the sending of the SSRN certificate.

That address part might prove difficult for a tourist staying at different hotels for a total of just over 2 months, as one example.

Registration for Visitors to Philippines after 59 days

Philippine National with Foreign Passport

Filipino Travelling on Foreign Passport

There are many Filipinos that travel on a Foreign passport, due to being dual citizens with another country.

This sometimes causes problems at a Philippine airport when trying to leave the Philippines, as a person who travels on a foreign passport is treated as a national of that country, and overstay fees often become involved, if you don’t have a valid visa or ECC.

A recent enquiry from one such Dual Citizen, (comment 123250) who only had a valid foreign passport, as the Philippine Passport had expired, brought up a possible solution to this.

At first he was told to extend his expired tourist visa and to pay the overstay fee.

They then saw that “with philippine passport” was stamped in his foreign passport so extending the tourist visa was not possible.

He was then given two options instead-

1. to renew the PH passport, or
2. to get a Balikbayan Visa.

He chose the Balikbayan due to the time factor AND because they told him that having 2 passports could cause trouble in the future.

The trouble at the airport, if you have two passports?

1. You try to leave the Philippines on a Philippine passport, but don’t have an entry visa for the country you are going to, and you get told you can’t board the flight.
2. You then show your Foreign Passport, but are told it doesn’t have an Exit clearance stamp, so you can’t board the flight..

Frustrating for some…

But, a Foreign Passport with a Balikbayan Visa, arranged at an Immigration office beforehand, and it seems you have a clear way through Philippines Immigration at the airport.

A Balikbayan Visa allows you a 12 months stay, and is available to certain individuals.

Who is eligible under Balikbayan Program?

a:) A Balikbayan, who may be either one of the following:

1. A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year;
2. A Filipino overseas worker;
3. A former Filipino citizen and his family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

b:) Immediate family members (spouse and children) of the Balikbayan, who are nationals of countries falling under Executive Order No. 408, travelling together with the Balikbayan.

Visa-required nationals (nationals of countries NOT listed under EO 408) may not be eligible for the Balikbayan privilege.

Source: immigration.gov.ph…/balikbayan-previlege

No-Visa Entry for 30 Day Stay Privilege under EO 408

30 Day Visa Free Stay under EO 408

Under Executive Order 408 dated 9 November 2014, as amended, nationals of the following countries may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days provided that they are holders of a passport valid at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay in the Philippines, and possess return or outward bound tickets to their country of origin or next country of destination.

Last Updated: 14 February 2017

1. Andorra
2. Angola
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. Austria
7. Bahamas
8. Bahrain
9. Barbados
10. Belgium
11. Belize
12. Benin
13. Bhutan
14. Bolivia
15. Botswana
16. Brazil*
17. Brunei
18. Bulgaria
19. Burkina Faso
20. Burundi
21. Cambodia
22. Cameroon
23. Canada
24. Cape Verde
25. Central African Republic
26. Chad
27. Chile
28. Colombia
29. Comoros
30. Congo
31. Congo, Democratic Republic
32. Costa Rica
33. Cote d’ Ivoire
34. Croatia
35. Cyprus
36. Czech Republic
37. Denmark
38. Djibouti
39. Dominica
40. Dominican Republic
41. Ecuador
42. El Salvador
41. Equatorial Guinea
44. Eritrea
45. Estonia
46. Ethiopia
47. Fiji
48. Finland
49. France
50. Gabon
51. Gambia
52. Germany
53. Ghana
54. Greece
55. Grenada

56. Guatemala
57. Guinea
58. Guinea·Bissau
59. Guyana
60. Haiti
61. Honduras
62. Hungary
63. Iceland
64. Indonesia
65. Ireland
66. Israel*
67. Italy
68. Jamaica
69. Japan
70. Kazakhstan
71. Kenya .
72. Kiribati
73. Korea (ROK)
74. Kuwait
75. Kyrgyzstan
76. Laos
77. Latvia
78. Lesotho
79. Liberia
80. Liechtenstein
81. Lithuania
82. Luxembourg
83. Madagascar
84. Malawi
85. Malaysia
86. Maldives
87. Mali
88. Malta
85. Marshall Islands
90. Mauritania
91. Mauritius
92. Mexico
93. Micronesia
94. Monaco
95. Mongolia
96. Morocco
97. Mozambique
98. Myanmar
99. Namibia
100. Nepal
101. Netherlands
102. New Zealand
103. Nicaragua
104. Niger
105. Norway
106. Oman
107. Palau
108. Panama
109. Papua New Guinea
110. Paraguay

111. Peru
112. Poland
113. Portugal
114. Qatar
115. Romania
116. Russia
117. Rwanda
118. St. Kitts and Nevis
119. Saint Lucia
120. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
121. Samoa
122. San Marino
123. Sao Tome and Principe
124. Saudi Arabia
125. Senegal
126. Seychelles
127. Singapore
128. Slovak Republic
129. Slovenia
130. Solomon Islands
131.South Africa
132. Spain
133. Suriname
134. Swaziland
135. Sweden
136. Switzerland
137. Tajikistan
138. Tanzania
139. Thailand
140. Togo
141. Trinidad and Tobago
142. Tunisia
143. Turkey
144. Turkmenistan
145. Tuvalu
146 .Uganda
147. United Arab Emirates
148. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
149. United States of America
150. Uruguay
151. Uzbekistan
152. Vanuatu
153. Vatican
154. Venezuela
155. Vietnam
156. Zambia
157. Zimbabwe*Brazil and Israel remain eligible for 59-day visa-free entry as elaborated under Section D of FSC-21·10.

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

Holders of Brazil passports; and
Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days

Holders of Macau SAR passports
Holders of Hongkong SAR passports
Indian nationals coming for tourism or business with valid Australian, Japanese, American, Canadian, Schengen, Singaporean and UK visas or permanent residence permit (admission is implemented only at NAIA I, II, III and IV)

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

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
Holders of Macau-Portuguese and Hongkong British passports
Chinese nationals from mainland China coming for tourism purposes with valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa

Important Note:
Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) shall not be admitted to the Philippines.

Source: dfa.gov.ph/no-visa-entry-for-30-day-stay-under-e-o-408

Philippine Citizenship for Foreigner with Filipino Parent

Citizenship for a Foreign Child of a Filipino Parent

The Philippines adheres to the principle of Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s.

A foreign national, who wishes to be acknowledged as a Filipino citizen, and who had a Filipino citizen parent at the time of the applicant’s birth, is able to apply for Philippine Citizenship.

This will normally be related to children born outside the Philippines, to a Filipino parent, ie: a citizen of the Philippines at the time of the child’s birth..

The Philippines recognises Dual Citizenship, so the child will also retain any other Citizenship that they hold. This is especially relevant to children born in the Americas, who often gain Citizenship by place of birth in the Americas.

The method to apply is shown as:

Secure the Checklist of required documents from either at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI G/F Main Office or from the official BI Website.
Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU)
Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
Pay the required fees.
Submit copy of Official Receipt.
Attend hearing. Please refer to the Official Receipt for the schedule and venue of the hearing.
If approved, claim Identification Certificate.

The relevant cost, currently shown on the BI website, is a total of PHP 12,550

Source: http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen

Philippine Passport Costs

A Philippine Passport, issued to someone in the Philippines, currently costs either 950 or 1,200 pesos, and takes between 6 and 12 business days.

A Philippine Passport, issued in the Philippines, but to a Filipino outside the Philippines may cost a lot more, maybe 5 times as much.

Source: http://consular.dfa.gov.ph/passport-fees

Canadian Visa; Medical Examination Fees in Manila

Example of Medical Fee Costs for Canadian Visas

This is an example of Medical Examination Fees, for Canadian Visa Applicants, charged by one Medical Visa Examination Processing option in Manila.

Visa Medical Fee

Examination Cost – Age Group

PhP 2,950 0 to 4 years old
PhP 3,800 5 to 10 years old
PhP 5,600 11 to 14 years old
PhP 11,550 15 years old and up

Source: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Ermita

Valid at 1 July 2018

New Zealand Visa; Medical Examination Fees in Manila

Example of Medical Fee Costs for New Zealand Visas

This is an example of Medical Examination Fees, for New Zealand Visa Applicants, charged by one Medical Visa Examination Processing option in Manila.

Visa Medical Fee

Examination Cost – Age Group

PhP 2,420 0 to 4 years old
PhP 2,650 5 to 10 years old
PhP 4,370 11 to 14 years old
PhP 13,350 15 years old and up

Source: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Ermita

Valid at 1 July 2018

United States Visa; Medical Examination Fees in Manila

Example of Medical Fee Costs for US Visas

This is an example of Medical Examination Fees, for US Visa Applicants, charged by one Medical Visa Examination Processing option in Manila.

Visa Medical Fee

Examination Cost – Age Group

PhP 9,583 less than 15 years old
PhP 17,025 15 years and older

Source: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Ermita

Valid at 1 July 2018

Australian Visa; Medical Examination Fees in Manila

Example of Medical Fee Costs for Australian Visas

This is an example of Medical Examination Fees, for Australian Visa Applicants, charged by one Medical Visa Examination Processing option in Manila.

Permanent or Temporary Visa Medical Fee

Examination Cost – Age Group

PhP 3,250 0-1 years old
PhP 3,750 2-4 years old
PhP 4,500 5-10 years old
PhP 5,200 11-14 years old

Age Group: 15 years old and up

PhP 7,750 Permanent Visa Medical Fee
PhP 7,050 Temporary Visa Medical Fee

Source: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Ermita

Valid at 1 July 2018

Philippines Student Visa Renewal

Extending a Philippines Student Visa

Student visa conversion applies to international students who initially come to the Philippines with a tourist visa and are at least 18 years old. Once approved, the student visa will be for a duration of one year. After one year, the student visa would need extension/ renewal every

Extending a Philippines Student Visa

Student visa conversion applies to international students who initially come to the Philippines with a tourist visa and are at least 18 years old.

Once approved, the student visa will be for a duration of one year.

After one year, the student visa would need extension/ renewal every six months. The Registrar’s Office (RO) and the Admissions Office at the University or Education Facility will normally assist all international students in this process.

The cost to extend a Student Visa in the Philippines is shown as 4,020 PHP. (as checked 24 July 2018)

This may be increased by US$50 (2,700 php at 24 July 2018 FX rates) if an ACR-I card is not currently held. One ACR-I card application or renewal is needed every 12 months.

This was quoted at: immigration.gov.ph/…/extension-of-student-visa

Conversion from Philippines Visitor Visa to a Student Visa

Changing from Visitor Visa to a Philippines Student Visa

Foreign nationals, in the Philippines on a Visitor Visa, who are at least 18 years old and intending to take up a course of study higher than high school at a University, seminary or college, can apply for a Student Visa at a Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office.

The process and cost is shown at: immigration.gov.ph/…/conversion-to-student-visa

The cost shown at that page on the 24th July 2018 was:

Application Fee: PHP 2,000
Implementation Fee: PHP 1,000
Service Fee: PHP 1,000
Certificate Fee: PHP 500
Visa Fee: PHP 1,000
ICR, CRTV, CRTS, CRTT, CRPE: PHP 1,400
Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee except Head Tax and Fines: PHP 70
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR): PHP 1,000
Head Tax: PHP 250
Express Fee (Certification): PHP 500
Express Fee (Filing): PHP 500
Express Fee (I-Card Processing): PHP 500
TOTAL: PHP PHP 9,720 PLUS:
Additional I-Card Fee US$ 50 converted to PHP at current exchange rate

Approximately 12,000 PHP

However, I have seen converted costs in 2018 at the equivalent of almost 15,000 PHP

How to obtain a Philippine Student Visa

Process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa

The process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa, from your home country, is basically: The prospective student must contact the school chosen, ensuring it is approved for Visa issuance, and comply with their requirements. The school, after their approval, will forward that application to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their approval....

Process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa

The process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa, from your home country, is basically:

The prospective student must contact the school chosen, ensuring it is approved for Visa issuance, and comply with their requirements.
The school, after their approval, will forward that application to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their approval.
The CHED, will, if approved, send the application to the Bureau of Immigration.
The Bureau of Immigration, after their approval, will then forward the approval to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA will inform your local Philippine Embassy to issue the student visa, and the local Philippine Embassy will notify you accordingly.

Requirements for applying for a Philippine Student Visa

I have seen the requirements for applying for a Student Visa listed as:

Personal appearance;
Two originals of duly accomplished application form;
Original passport valid not less than six months beyond intended period of stay in the Philippines;
Two (2) photographs;
Original and one (1) photocopy of birth certificate, verified and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of affidavit of support executed by parent/s or legal guardian to be authenticated in the Philippine Embassy;
Two (2) photocopies of parent/guardian’s passport data page;
Original and one (1) photocopy of transcript of records authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of certificate of good moral character authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of police certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of medical examination reports, including X-ray film contained in an envelope authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms from the school concerned;
Original and one (1) photocopy of comprehensive list of student’s possible contact persons in the Philippines;
Diploma is required for student applicant who will pursue graduate studies (authenticated at the Philippine Embassy); and
Payment of the reuired fees.

I do recommend asking at your local Philippine Embassy, for the confirmed and up to date procedure, as things can be changed at any time in the Philippines.

Student Visa in The Philippines

Getting a Student Visa in The Philippines

A Student Visa should be obtained from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country, to ensure you arrive in the Philippines with the correct Visa. This normally takes about two months to process. (See below for Conversion of Visitor Visa to Student Visa) The applicant for a Student Visa must be 18 years old or above and be taking a course of study above high school level. Those under 18 and wishing to take other study courses will be issued with

Getting a Student Visa in The Philippines

The applicant for a Student Visa must be 18 years old or above and be taking a course of study above high school level.

Those under 18 and wishing to take other study courses will be issued with a Special Study Permit (SSP) which is issued in addition to the Temporary Visitor’s Visa that must also be held for the duration of stay.

Only selected schools accredited by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) may accept and enroll foreign students. Only then may the foreign student apply for a Student Visa.

A Student Visa applicant has to have sufficient means of support for education in the Philippines.

Extending a Philippines Student Visa

Student visa conversion applies to international students who initially come to the Philippines with a tourist visa and are at least 18 years old.

Once approved, the student visa will be for a duration of one year.

The cost to extend a Student Visa in the Philippines is shown as 4,020 PHP. (as checked 24 July 2018)

This may be increased by US$50 (2,700 php at 24 July 2018 FX rates) if an ACR-I card is not currently held. One ACR-I card application or renewal is needed every 12 months.

This was quoted at: immigration.gov.ph/…/extension-of-student-visa

Changing from Visitor Visa to a Philippines Student Visa

Foreign nationals who are at least 18 years old and intending to take up a course of study higher than high school at a University, seminary or college, can apply for a Student Visa at a Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office.

The process and cost is shown at: immigration.gov.ph/…/conversion-to-student-visa

The cost shown at that page on the 24th July 2018 was:

Approximately 12,000 PHP

However, I have seen converted costs in 2018 at the equivalent of almost 15,000 PHP

Process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa

The process to obtain a Philippine Student Visa, from your home country, is basically:

The prospective student must contact the school chosen, ensuring it is approved for Visa issuance, and comply with their requirements.
The school, after their approval, will forward that application to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for their approval.
The CHED, will, if approved, send the application to the Bureau of Immigration.
The Bureau of Immigration, after their approval, will then forward the approval to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
The DFA will inform your local Philippine Embassy to issue the student visa, and the local Philippine Embassy will notify you accordingly.

Requirements for applying for a Philippine Student Visa

I have seen the requirements for applying for a Student Visa listed as:

Personal appearance;
Two originals of duly accomplished application form;
Original passport valid not less than six months beyond intended period of stay in the Philippines;
Two (2) photographs;
Original and one (1) photocopy of birth certificate, verified and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of affidavit of support executed by parent/s or legal guardian to be authenticated in the Philippine Embassy;
Two (2) photocopies of parent/guardian’s passport data page;
Original and one (1) photocopy of transcript of records authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of certificate of good moral character authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of police certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy;
Original and one (1) photocopy of medical examination reports, including X-ray film contained in an envelope authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;
Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms from the school concerned;
Original and one (1) photocopy of comprehensive list of student’s possible contact persons in the Philippines;
Diploma is required for student applicant who will pursue graduate studies (authenticated at the Philippine Embassy); and
Payment of the reuired fees.

I do recommend asking at your local Philippine Embassy for the confirmed, up to date, procedure, as things can be changed at any time in the Philippines.

Can I stay in the Philippines without a Visa?

How long Can I Stay in the Philippines Without a Visa

A Visitor to the Philippines is normally allowed a 30 day stay without a Visa, otherwise financial penalties apply.

Some Nationalities have periods other than 30 days

If you renew the visitors entry visa on time, before it expires within that 30 days, there is no penalty.

On arrival at Philippines Immigration, most people get a 30 day free stay entered on their passport, and this gives the date they MUST leave by, or renew that visa.

If staying longer than 30 days, they would then renew during that 30 days, at a Bureau of Immigration office, for a cost of 3,030 pesos for another 29 days, giving them 59 days in total.

If they wish to stay longer, they renew again, commonly for two months at a time, at a cost of about 4,400 pesos.

They can keep renewing for up to 24 or 36 months, depending on their nationality.

If they do not renew a visa, and therefore become an illegal alien, then they put themselves in the position of facing:

Paying the Visa Fees outstanding PLUS
Paying Financial Penalties for every month PLUS
Possible Blacklisting (not being allowed to enter the Philippines again) PLUS
Possible Deportation (this might involve detention and then removal)

Visitors must pay those visa renewal fees, plus penalty charges, before they are allowed into immigration on departure. (At the time of writing most overstayers must go to a Bureau of Immigration office, not in the airport, and face missing their flight.)

In cases where a visitor has no valid visa when leaving they are often told to leave the airport, and go to a Bureau of Immigration and sort out their visa issues before returning to try to leave again.

At that point they may also be told that they cannot return to the Philippines again, ie: Blacklisted.

Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired Passport

Can a Filipino Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired or Lost Passport

You might need a One Way Travel Document.

Your local Philippines consulate will issue this. (Contact them first to double check your eligibility)

The details below are for Filipinos in ....

Can a Filipino Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired or Lost Passport

You might need a One Way Travel Document.

Your local Philippines consulate will issue this. (Contact them first to double check your eligibility)

The details below are for Filipinos in Australia where travel to the Philippines is required in an Emergency and your Philippine passport has expired or is lost.

Please note that the Travel Document is recognised for entry into the Philippines only. Whilst in the Philippines you must renew your passport before you can gain entry back into Australia, or any other country.

Fees: AU$54 per document (Payable to the Philippine Consulate)

Processing Time: During Appointment at Consulate Office (via Appointment Only).

What to Bring: One way ticket to the Philippines, expired passport, 2 x passport photos, 1 x duly accomplished Application for Travel Document Form, Valid reason for Emergency, one form of Photo Identification with Signature clearly visible.

With a travel document, you are not allowed to get a flight where you might have to go through immigration at another country. A direct flight is best.

Notes from Philippine Consulates around the World

USA: A travel document is allowed only for applicants who cannot be issued a Philippine passport and have an emergency travel to the Philippines such as due to medical or legal reasons or death in the family.
It is valid for 30 days from issuance and can only be used one-way to the Philippines. In order for you to leave the Philippines, you will need to apply for a new passport. Travel Document fee $30.00 (March 2018)

Singapore: Filipinos who have lost their passport and need to travel immediately to the Philippines can apply for a Travel Document at the Embassy. The Travel Document issued by the Embassy can be used only for direct one-way travel to the Philippines and not for travel to any other country. The Travel Document is also issued to Filipinos with an expiring or expired passport and who must travel to the Philippines immediately. Travel document fees SGD 93.50

Australia: The Travel Document service is offered where travel to the Philippines is required in an Emergency and your Philippine passport has expired or is lost. Fees: AU$54 per document (Payable to the Philippine Consulate)

Emigration Clearance Certificate ECC for Residents Leaving for Good

Emigration Clearance Certificate for Residents Leaving for Good

Departing holders of immigrant, and non-immigrant, visas who are leaving for good, need to apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate, also known as the Exit Clearance Certificate.

The price shown for this ECC version is Php 1,210, including the Express Lane Fee, which is supposed to have been removed from Visa fees.

However, the screenshot below, taken on 12th March 2018, shows the price last updated at 6 March 2014. The base cost may be the same but the final cost may be Php 710, being the cost shown less the Express Lane Fee.

I am aware of one person who paid Php710 for an ECC in November 2017, although he did not say which ECC version he got. I think it may have been this particular one.

The related Bureau of Immigration (BI) page states this ECC must be obtained at a BI office, and the procedure is:

Secure and fill out application form.
Submit duly accomplished form and attach the other supporting documents.
Wait for the issuance of Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
Pay the corresponding fees.
Submit the accomplished application form with the required attachments and attach original Official Receipts.
Present claim stub on the appointed date and time of return for releasing of Original Certification and Receipts.
Acknowledge receipt by signing the duplicate copy of the Certification before releasing the original Certification and Official Receipt.

Source: www.immigration.gov.ph (at the bottom of the page)

More ECC Information at: Requirements for an ECC – Exit Clearance Certificate

Philippine Immigration Express Lane Fees from January, 2018.

Immigration Express Lane Fees Restored in January, 2018

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) restored the express transactions fees effective January 3, 2018.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced today (January 3, 2018) that it is reverting to its old 7 am to 5:30 pm work schedule as a result of President Duterte’s directive to create a trust fund from which the overtime pay of the agency’s workers will be sourced.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime H. Morente also said that the Bureau will resume charging express lane fees to the transacting public. The proceeds of which will be used for overtime pay and salaries of BI employees.

Source: pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1003783

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration (BI) stopped collecting the express lane fees (ELFs) from 1st May 2017.

In 2016 the Immigration bureau was able to collect P1.4 billion in express lane fees.