STUDENT VISA SECTION

Guidelines and Procedures in the Admission and Extension of

Foreign Students in the Philippines
BI’s MANDATE
 ADMINISTRATION and ENFORCEMENT of
Immigration laws, citizenship law and ADMISSION of
foreign nationals in the Philippines.

 Bureau of Immigration as the enforcement arm of the

Department of Justice (DOJ)
Our Vision
 “We are committed to provide the most efficient,
innovative and effective Immigration service.

Our Mission
 “To control and regulate the movement of persons to,
from, and within our country in contributing to
national development.”
FUNCTIONS OF STUDENT VISA SECTION
(Foreign Student Desk as indicated in EO 285)

a. To handle and screen all applications/petitions of foreigners for

conversion from any valid category of admission to student visa
or for the issuance of Special Study Permit and recommend
appropriate course of action to the BI Commissioner.

b. To process and act on 9(f) student visa extension application and

to approve the same per semester or for cause, per year;

c. To accredit Higher Educational Institution (HEIs) to accept foreign

students in coordination with CHED;

d. To implement approved 9(f) conversion and downgrading to 9(a);

e. To issue BI clearance to student visa applicants;
f. To monitor the activities of foreign students.
 LEGAL BASIS
 Section 9(f) of PIA 1940, as amended
 Executive Order No. 285 S. 2000
 GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE ENTRY AND STAY OF FOREIGN
STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
AN INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN STUDENTS FOR
THE PURPOSE

 EO 285 IRR – Implementing Guidelines dated 25 October 2000

 SANCTIONS – “After due investigation conducted by BI or CHED, or both,
authority to accept foreign students by schools to have violated or have not
complied with the provisions of this memorandum, shall be subject to
cancellation or revocation or a fine of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS or both.
Any foreign student found to have enrolled without appropriate visa to study
or Special Study Permit (SSP) shall be charged a fine of TWENTY
THOUSAN PESOS and subsequent deportation.
Student Visa Section

2nd Floor, Civic Center Building C

Quezon City Hall Compound
 Topics
I. Who is a foreign student?
II. 9(f) Visa secured from Foreign Service Posts
III. 9(f) Student Visa Conversion
IV. 9(f) Student Visa Extension
V. Special Study Permit (SSP)
VI. Downgrading of 9(f) visa
VII.School Accreditation
Foreign Students in the
Philippines
 In 2015, there were 21,476 foreign students in the
Philippines

 9.5% of them came from ASEAN Countries

 One of the main goals of the Student Visa Section is to
promote the Philippines as an educational center of the
Southeast Asia
Who is a Foreign Student?
Who is a Foreign
Student?
A bona fide foreign student under Sec. 9(f) of CA 613, is
one who is:
 At least eighteen (18) years old at the time of enrollment;
 Has sufficient means for his/her education and support;
 Who intends to take up a course of study higher than
high-school at a university, college or school authorized to
accept foreign students.
Who are EXEMPTED from securing a
9(f) visa or a Special Study Permit (SSP)?
Principal, spouse and unmarried dependent child below
21 years of age of the following:
 Permanent foreign resident;
 Holders of visas under Secs. 9(d) Treaty traders, 9(g) pre-
arranged employees, and 47(a)(2) of PIA;
 Foreign nationals under diplomatic and consular missions;
 Personnel of accredited international organizations; and
 SIRV holders and SRRV holders
9(f) Student Visas Issued from
Foreign Service Posts
ISSUANCE OF VISA UNDER SECTION 9(f)
OF THE PIA OF 1940, AS AMMENDED
 Arrived with 9(f) VISA = CONFIRMATION
 Foreign students whose application for student visa are
secured from the Philippine Foreign Service Post (FSP)
in country of origin/legal residence are required to
report to the Student Visa Section within seven (7)
days from date of arrival.

 They will be assigned an Immigration Control No. (IC

No.) for the subsequent issuance of their ACR I-card
upon info-capturing.
 DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR
ASSIGNMENT OF IC/REGISTRATION
 Notice of Acceptance (NOA) using the school’s official
letterhead with dry seal;

 Duly accomplished CGAF

 Photocopy of passport bio-page, latest admission with
valid authorized stay and quarantine stamp; and

 Photocopy of 9(f) visa sticker

9(f) Visa issued from a
Foreign Service Post
 REGISTRATION FEES
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
ICR, CRTV, CRTS, CRTT, CRPE P1,400.00
Legal Research Fee 20.00
Alien Certificate of Registration (Adult) 1,000.00
Head Tax P250.00
TOTAL P2,670.00

ACR I-Card Fee US$50.00(converted to Peso)

Express Lane Fee (Filing) P500.00
9(f) Student Visa Conversion
 CONVERSION TO
STUDENT VISA
Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV) to 9(f) visa
 Admission under 9(a) or EO408

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR

CONVERSION TO STUDENT VISA:
1. Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the authorized
representative of the petitioning school and applicant, using the school
letterhead with dry seal;

2. Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form 2014-00-003 Rev. 0);

3. Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized
stay;

4. Notice of acceptance of the applicant bearing a clear impression of the

school’s official dry seal;

5. Endorsement addressed to the Commssioner from the school for the

conversion for the applicant’s status, signed by the School’s Registrar;
6. Certificate of Eligibility for Admission from Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), in case of Medicine/Dentistiry;

7. Photocopy of passport page bearing the valid Bureau of Quarantine

Clearance and International Health Surveillance Stamp;

8. Medical Certificate issued by the Bureau of Quarantine and International

Health Surveillance or a government medical institution with competence
to certify that the applicant is not afflicted with any dangerous,
contagious or loathsome disease and is mentally fit;

9. CHED Endorsement for transfer and shifting of course, if applicable;

10. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance for a foreign student

enrolling from bachelor’s degree to post graduate;

11. Photocopy of BI school accreditation ID of the registrar or school

representative; and

12. BI Clearance Certificate

Request letter for
Conversion
Endorsement Letter for Conversion
Notice of Acceptance
Certificate of Eligibility for
Admission: Medicine
Certificate of Eligibility for
Admission
Quarantine Stamp
QUARANTINE MEDICAL
CERTIFICATE
QUARANTINE MEDICAL
CERTIFICATE
9(f) CONVERSION ORDER
 9(f) CONVERSION
IMPLEMENTATION SHEET
 9(f) CONVERSION
IMPLEMENTATION STAMP
Summary of Fees for 9(f) Conversion
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
Application Fee P2,000.00
Implementation Fee 1,000.00
Legal Research Fee 50.00
Service Fee 1,000.00
Certificate Fee 500.00
Visa Fee 1,000.00
Express Lane Fee (Cert.) 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Filing) 500.00
ICR,CRTV,CRTT,CRPE 1,400.00
Legal Research Fee 20.00
Alien Certificate of Registration (Adult) 1,000.00
Head Tax 250.00
TOTAL P9,220.00

ACR I-Card US$50.00 (converted to Peso)

Express Lane Fee (Filing) P500.00
9(f) Student Visa Extension
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR 9(f) EXTENSION:
1. Joint letter of request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and
the authorized representative of the petitioning school, using the school
letterhead with dry seal;

2. Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form 2014-00-003 Rev 0);

3. Photocopy of passport bio-page, visa implementation page and latest

admission with valid authorized stay;

4. Latest Transcript of Records or Certificate of Grades (2 previous

Semesters/Term);

5. Certificate of Re-admission or Enrollment Form;

6. Honorable Dismissal or Certificate of transfer from previous school, in case

of transfer;
7. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) endorsement, in case shifting of
course and/or transfer of school;

8. Letter of explanation for failed grades or dropped subjects, if applicable;

9. Photocopy of applicant’s ACR I-Card (front and back portions);

10. Photocopy of BI school accreditation ID of the registrar or the school

representative; and

11. BI Clearance Certificate.

 Submission of Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Medical Clearance for Visa

Applications of Certain Foreign Nationals in compliance with Immigration
Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A
CHED ENDORSEMENT: TRANSFER
SCHOOL
CHED ENDORSEMENT: SHIFT
COURSE
9(f) Extension Approval
Sheet
9(f) Implementation
Stamp
9(f) Implementation with Last and
Final Extension (LFE)
 SUMMARY OF FEES FOR 9(f)
EXTENSION:
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
Extension Fee P2,000.00
Legal Research Fee 20.00
Certificate Fee 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Cert.) 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Filing) 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Filing) P500.00
TOTAL: P4,020.00

ACR I-Card Fee US$50.00 (converted to Peso)

 Other Fees:
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
Late Extension P500.00 monthly
Motion for Reconsideration 510.00

Administrative Fine for School 50,000.00

Fine for student 20,000.00

Re-stamping of 9(f) Visa P500.00 (Express Lane Fee)

Restrictions for 9(f) visa
holders:
 no student shall engage in employment for hire or be
engaged in any lawful occupation

 No transfer within the first year of issuance of 9(f) visa;

 No transfer from one course/school to another without
prior authorization from CHED
Special Study Permit
 SPECIAL STUDY PERMIT
 SBM-2014-018 PRESCRIBING THE RULES
GOVERNING THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL STUDENT
PERMIT (SSP)
 Coverage: For non-resident foreign students who come
to the Philippines for the purpose of taking up a non-
degree or short course of study and who do not qualify
for admission as a non-immigrant under Section 9(f) of
Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended.
a. Those below eighteen (18) years of age;
b. Those enrolled and accepted in non-degree courses;
c. Those enrolled and accepted in short courses of less
than one (1) year;
d. Trainees/interns for purposes of completing a degree
course; or

e. Those enrolled in aviation or flying schools, including

pilots in training for the completion of required
number of flying hours.

 Foreign students who were issued an SSP are required

to continously update/extend their authorized
stay for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.
Issuing Authority:
 Chief of the Student Visa Section
 Alien Control Officers (ACOs) for applications filed by
schools or learning institutions within their respective
area of responsibility. (refer to Immigration
Administrative Circular No. SBM-2013-016 )
 CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIAL
STUDY PERMIT (SSP)
1. Letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the
representative of the petitioning school;
2. Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form 2014-00-003 Rev 0). If
the applicant is a minor, it shall be signed by the parent or
the legal guardian;
3. Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with
valid authorized stay;
4. Certificate of Acceptance issued by the learning institution
accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign
students, indicating the number of months (length of study)
of the technical/vocational, special and/or primary or
secondary level courses for applicants below 18 years of age;
5. Photocopy of Bureau of Immigration (BI) school
accreditation ID of the registrar or school
representative;
6. Additional requirements, in case of aviation or flying
schools:
a. NBI Clearance
b. Bureau of Immigration Intelligence Clearance;

7. Photocopy of ACR I-card (front and back portions), in

case of renewal/extension of SSP; and
8. BI Clearance Certificate
 Submission of Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Medical
Clearance for Visa Applications of Certain Foreign
Nationals in compliance with Immigration Operations
Order No. SBM-14-059-A
EXAMPLES OF CERTIFICATE OF
ACCEPTANCE FOR SSP
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE FOR
SSP APPLICATION
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE: SSP
APPLICATION
 SSP should be filed fifteen (15) days from the date of
issuance of the Certificate of Acceptance.

 Validity:
a. co-terminus with the length of the course/program;
b. Not more than six months but may be extended co-
terminus with the remaining period of the course (issuance
of another SSP for the remaining period);
c. For Elementary & Secondary courses, the SSP shall be
issued on a yearly basis; and
d. For foreign students below eighteen (18) years old enrolled
in bachelor degree courses, SSP shall be issued on a
semester or trimester basis.
 Summary of Fees for
Special Study Permit
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
Application Fee P2,000.00
Implementation Fee 1,000.00
Legal Research Fee 40.00
Service Fee 200.00
Certificate Fee 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Cert.) 500.00
Express Lane Fee (Filing) 500.00
TOTAL: SSP Only P4,740.00

ACR I-Card Fee US$50.00 (convertible to Peso)

Express Lane Fee (Filing) P500.00
SPECIAL STUDY PERMIT
Downgrading of 9(f) Visa
 Downgrading from 9(f) visa to 9(a)
or Temporary Visitor’s Visa
 Downgrading is a procedure that authorizes the
adjustment or reversion of a foreign national’s
immigration status to Temporary Visitor’s Visa.

 For downgrading from 9(f) visa to 9(a) visa, the student

is given 59 days from last authorized stay.

 Coverage:
a. Graduate students;
b. Expired 9(f) visa;
c. Failed to satisfy grading/scholastic requirements; and
d. Failed to file 9(F) extension
e. Failed to enroll for an academic year in any HEIs
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR
DOWNGRADING OF 9(F) VISA:
1. Letter of request addressed to the Commissioner stating the
following information:
a. Reason/ground/basis;
b. Planned departure;
c. Derogatory check.
2. NBI Clearance for travel abroad;
3. Proof of ACR I-Card cancellation;
4. Grades or Transcript of Records;
5. School Clearance;
6. Duly accomplished CGAF;
7. Photocopy of passport bio-page, latest arrival and departure
stamp and latest 9(f) visa extension; and

8. Original downgrading official receipt.

 Pursuant to Immigration Administrative Order No.

SBM-2013-013
 All applicants for downgrading under 9(f) visa shall
be ordered to leave regardless of total or cumulative
period.
 SUMMARY OF FEES FOR
DOWNGRADING
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
Application Fee P2,000.00
Update Fee 1,000.00
Motion for Reconsideration 500.00
Legal Research Fee 30.00
Certificate Fee 500.00
Express Lane Fee 500.00
Express Lane Fee 500.00
TOTAL P5,030.00
ORDER FOR DOWNGRADING
IMPLEMENTATION STAMP
DOWNGRADING
School Accreditation
 CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY
REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL
ACCREDITATION
1. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Registration/Articles of Incorporation/By-Laws for a
private institution, OR Charter for State Universities and
Colleges;
2. Certificate of Accreditation issued by Federation of
Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP);
3. Commission on Higher Education (CHED)/Department of
Education (DepEd)/Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) accredited courses and
program;
4. Information Bulletin;
5. Faculty Profile; and
6. Pictures of buildings, laboratories and libraries.

 Designated Immigration Personnel from the subports will be

asked to conduct school inspection for schools or learning
institutions outside Metro Manila. Inspection Report with
recommendations shall be forwarded to the Student Visa
Section within 10 days from inspection date.

 Accredited schools shall establish a foreign student unit and

appoint a person-in-charge or a liaison officer who will
process and transact business in behalf of the student.
 Summary of Fees for School
Accreditation and Liaison Officers
ASSESSED ITEMS AMOUNT
REGULAR SCHOOLS
Express Lane Fee (upon filing of application) P500.00
Application Fee 10,010.00
Legal Research Fee 10.00
TOTAL P10,510.00

ENGLISH LEARNING CENTERS

Express Lane Fee (upon filing of application) P500.00
Application Fee 10,010.00
Legal Research Fee 10.00
TOTAL P50,510.00
SCHOOL ACCREDITATION ID P350.00
SCHOOL ACCREDITATION ORDER
THANK YOU
STUDENT VISA SECTION
Email: studentdesk2012@gmail.com