Navigating the Philippine Immigrant Visa Process the Stress-Free Way

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At first glance, the Philippines may be seen as just another tourist’s tropical getaway. However, it’s one of the lesser-known countries that prove to be very comfortable and attractive for foreign immigrants.

No matter what you’re looking for as an immigrant in the Philippines, you can surely find that the immigration process can accommodate your intended purpose. This is why the Philippines is continuing to prove that it’s a good choice for foreign nationals.

Why the Philippines?

Language

Foreigners in the Philippines find little to no language barrier since most locals they meet know enough English to be at least conversational in it. Most of the people you will encounter on the street will be able to understand English since it’s one of the two official languages used in the country.

Culture

In terms of culture, the westernized culture of the Philippines is very appealing for immigrants who don’t want to worry about adjusting to a very different environment. The Philippines is one of the most westernized Asian countries among its Asian neighbors. The culture doesn’t demand a big adjustment from someone who has lived all his life in a western country.

Cost of Living

Compared to other countries, it costs very little to live comfortably in the Philippines. For someone who has lived all their life outside of the Philippines, the word “cheap” will be redefined.

With all these benefits in mind, it’s easy to understand why people endure the trouble of the immigration process. Immigrating doesn’t have to be too tedious; we can make it a lot easier in several ways. However, keep in mind that there are many things to consider. The immigration process differs depending on the immigrant’s status and purpose. It is the immigrant’s purpose that ultimately determines how the process will transpire.

Philippine Immigration: An In-depth Look

Let’s take an in-depth look at the immigration process. First, you need to know where the closest Philippine Consular Establishment in your area is located. That’s where you can avail your immigrant visa for the Philippines and where you’ll spend most of your time getting your papers processed.

There’s also the main office of the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines itself, where you can raise your immigration concerns. There are several types of immigrant visas, each of them demands different requirements, and some can only be availed by those with special status concerning a Filipino or former citizen.

These are the types of immigrant visas and who can avail them:

  • Quota (aka Preference Visa)

The quota visa operates under the principle of reciprocity. Countries who grant Filipinos certain privileges in their immigration process are likewise given privileges in their citizen’s immigration process for the Philippines. For every year, the Bureau of Immigration grants 50 quota visas to individuals for each nationality.

To qualify for this Visa, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  1. The applicant must have entered the Philippines under a lawful admission status, and he/she must not have any record of offense in any local or foreign law enforcement agency.
  2. The applicant must not be a carrier of contagious diseases.
  3. The applicant must be of good educational qualifications and possesses technical skills, which will benefit the citizens of the Philippines.
  4. The applicant must not be previously admitted to any mental institution.
  5. Lastly, the applicant must have enough capital for a feasible and profitable investment that is subject to the approval of the Commissioner of immigration.

 

  • Non-Quota Visa
  • Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

A 13A visa may be issued to a foreigner married to a Filipino citizen. Qualified applicants shall be granted the 13A visa for a probationary period of one (1) year, and after which, he may apply for 13A Permanent status.

For instances where the applicant’s country does not have reciprocity between the Philippines, he may apply instead for a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) in lieu of the 13A.

  • Issued to a Child Born Abroad during Temporary Visit of the Mother (13B)

To qualify for this Visa, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  1. The mother of the applicant must be previously admitted as a permanent resident in the Philippines.
  2. Either of the parents must accompany the applicant.
  3. Application for admission in the Philippines must be within five (5) years from the date of birth.
  • Issued to a Child Born Subsequent to the Issuance of Immigrant Visa of the Accompanying Parent (13C)

If a child is born after his/her parent was issued an immigrant visa, the child can avail this kind of immigrant visa for him/herself.

  • Issued to a woman who lost her Philippine Citizenship through the following reasons (13D):
  1. Marriage to a non-resident alien.
  2. Due to the loss of Philippine Citizenship by her husband.
  • Issued to Former Permanent Resident of the Philippines (13E)

To qualify for this Visa, the following requirements must be satisfied:

  1. The applicant must be previously admitted for permanent residence into the Philippines.
  2. The applicant must establish an intention to return to an unrelinquished residence in the Philippines.
  • Returning Former Natural Born Filipino Citizen or Returning Naturalized Citizen of a Foreign Country (13G)

Only a natural-born citizen of the Philippines who are naturalized in a foreign country and who has the intent to return to the Philippines permanently can apply for this type of visa.

  • Permanent Resident Visa for Chinese Nationals

PRV may be issued to Chinese Nationals who:

  1. Has investment/s in the Philippines.
  2. Is married to a Filipino Spouse or a foreign national with a permanent residence.
  3. Is a son/daughter of a permanent resident parent.

Application forms are available at the Bureau of Immigration’s website. There are different forms for every visa and varying requirements for each form. Be ready to shoulder fees as well because the cost depends on the type of immigrant visa that you’re applying for.

Aside from a visa, you may also need to acquire several permits and requirements as an immigrant in the Philippines such as:

  • Alien Certificate Registration (ACR I-CARD)

All foreign nationals holding both immigrant and non-immigrant visas who have stayed for longer than 59 days in the Philippines are required to apply for the ACR I-CARD. It’s similar to an ID, and it’s color-coded according to one’s Visa category.

  • Emigration Clearance Certificate

An immigrant who will leave the Philippines temporarily should secure this certificate. This ensures that the immigrant has no pending obligation with the government or pending cases wherein the Philippine law requires his presence.

  • Alien Employment Permit (AEP) or AEP Certificate of Exemption or Exclusion

All foreign professionals who are allowed to practice their expertise in the Philippines under the reciprocity agreement with their country of origin should secure an AEP because they can be employed in the Philippines.

Non-resident aliens who are exempted from securing an AEP are listed here (http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/index.php/web-pages/118-alien-employment-permit).

For more information on the documentary requirements for immigrant visas, you can go here.

Once you know what you’re getting into, there are several ways to get ahead of the curve on your immigration needs:

  • Research

More information can never hurt, and research should help if you encounter challenges in the immigration process. Your due diligence may save you a lot of trouble in the future. Stay aware and keep your head above ground.

  • Assistance

The right immigration partner may make or break the success of your immigration process. Choose those who know Philippine immigration law backward and forwards. FLA Law Offices have the right team of immigration experts to assist your immigration needs. They can help you navigate the immigration process, so you’ll be assured that you won’t get lost along the way.

  • Plan Ahead

For foreign nationals, the local bureaucracy can be a pain to go through, but planning ahead of time and anticipating possible roadblocks along the way can remedy this. Try to secure digital copies of your paperwork and official documents, and make sure the original copies are in one place.

Are you ready to experience a stress-free immigration process?

Now that you’ve done your research and your plans are in place, are you ready to immigrate to the Philippines? Consider seeking an immigration partner that will be there to do the heavy lifting for your immigration requirements. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. FLA has a team of seasoned immigration specialists to ensure that your immigration process will be hassle-free!

References:

Application forms. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from http://www.immigration.gov.ph/downloads/application-forms

Home. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from http://www.immigration.gov.ph/

How to move to the Philippines – Immigration Guide for Expats. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from https://immiguides.com/immigration-guides/philippines/

Immigrant Visa. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from http://www.immigration.gov.ph/downloads/checklists-of-documentary-requirements/immigrant-visa

Living and Working in the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/living-working-philippines/

Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM -2014-008. (2014, July 28). Retrieved December 16, 2018, from http://immigration.gov.ph/images/MemorandumCircular/MEMORANDUMCIRCULARNO.SBM%202014-008.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1NxXupUFZZ0Rk_tWy_iD_NbhIOa0ru88D148e-DmbKsfGu1Qzdr43OsMw

Frequently Asked Questions on the Revised Rules for the Issuance of Employment Permits to Foreign Nationals. Retrieved March 18, 2019 from http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/index.php/web-pages/118-alien-employment-permit