Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. MCL-10-003)
Departure from the country results in the deactivation of the ACR I-Card, but it can be reactivated under the same conditions if the holder returns, provided the ACR I-Card is still valid for at least sixty (60) days upon re-entry. However, the ACR I-Card does not guarantee admission into the country.
Non-restricted foreign nationals who were previously granted a total authorized stay of fifty-nine (59) days as temporary visitors under Section 9 (A) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, and temporary visitors who apply for and are granted Special Study Permit (SSP) and Special Work Permit (SWP) under Memorandum Order No. MCL-09-024.
The ACR I-Card must be valid for at least sixty (60) days from the date of re-entry to allow reactivation of the card after departure.
The reactivation of the ACR I-Card after departure is possible under the same conditions, but possessing the ACR I-Card alone is not a guarantee for admission into the Philippines.
The ACR I-Card shall be processed and released within a sixty (60) hour period from the time of approval.
At the applicant's option, the ACR I-Card may be delivered either to the sub-port, satellite office, or extension office where the application was made or at the applicant's stated local address through BI-accredited courier services, with the delivery cost borne by the applicant.
The Alien Registration Division (ARD), in coordination with the ACR I-Card Board of Proponents, identifies, selects, and accredits reliable, reputable, and cost-effective courier services.
The issuance of the ACR I-Card is incorporated as the last step in the present system of expediting visa issuance.
It is governed under Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, with specific amendments outlined in the Bureau of Immigration Memorandum Order No. MCL-10-003.