QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 285)
It amends the guidelines governing the entry and stay of foreign students and establishes an inter-agency committee to ensure systematic processing and approval of foreign students’ documents without compromising national security.
Only aliens seeking temporary stay solely to take a course higher than high school at authorized educational institutions, who are at least 18 years old at enrollment, and have sufficient means for education and support.
Only schools with programs accredited by FAAP or with equivalent accreditation by CHED and the Bureau of Immigration; CHED provides an updated list in consultation with BI.
All authorized schools must establish a foreign student unit responsible for required reporting and monitoring connected to foreign students.
At minimum: (1) enrollment report 45 days after commencement of classes every semester including accepted but failed enrollees; (2) monthly status report as necessary emphasizing missing, transferred, dropped, or with derogatory records; and (3) report on promotions including those who failed final exams and those with deficiencies.
Non-compliance is a ground for cancellation by CHED of the school’s authority to admit foreign students.
CHED clears the CEA only in cases where restrictions exist on enrollment of foreign students due to shortage of facilities (e.g., medicine and dentistry).
Among others: five copies of the Student’s Personal History Statement (PHS) signed and in English and the student’s national alphabet with thumbprints and a 2x2 photo (plain white background, taken within six months); notarized affidavit of support with bank statements or institutional grant notice; scholastic records authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post; and passport data page photocopy plus birth certificate (or equivalent) duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post.
Processing is between the school and the government agencies. The school’s liaison officer hand-carries documents to the DFA for endorsement. The DFA indorses to the Philippine Foreign Service Post for issuance of the visa after identity/admissibility checks.
Original NOA with clear dry seal impression; a police clearance authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post with consular jurisdiction; and a medical health certificate including chest x-ray, HIV, and Hepatitis B clearance.
The student must immediately report to the Bureau of Immigration Students Desk for registration and to the accepting school and enroll in the school that issued the NOA. The school reassesses the student’s competency and may establish scholastic comparative equivalence when necessary.
It is consistent with the length of the course accepted; initial period is one year, then renewed by the BI Student Desk every semester and for cause, with the possibility of approval for one year.
Shifting of course or change of school requires prior CHED/DECS clearances.
Authorization for conversion from a tourist visa category to a student visa or the issuance of a Special Study Permit is restored, subject to relevant safeguards and prerequisites.
It handles and screens applications/petitions for conversion to student visa/Special Study Permit, processes student visa extensions, accredits HEIs in coordination with CHED, implements approved conversion/downgrading (9f to 9a), issues BI clearance to applicants, and monitors foreign students’ activities.
Schools must submit enrollment and monthly status reports within specified timelines and report promotions/failures/completions. NICA and NBI check foreign students’ activities when brought to their attention for security concerns; criminal complaints are referred to NBI. BI investigates, apprehends, and prosecutes non-compliant students, and violations may lead to cancellation of student visa and deportation.
Certain categories are exempt, including spouses and unmarried dependent children under 21 of specific alien categories (e.g., permanent foreign residents; holders of valid working permits under the referenced sections; diplomatic/consular personnel; personnel of accredited international organizations; holders of SIRV/SRRV; and foreign students with specific visas like 47(a)(2) issued under existing laws).