QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 423)
It establishes guidelines for the entry and stay of foreign students in the Philippines and creates an inter-agency committee to address national security and identify bona fide foreign students who wish to study in the country.
Only aliens who stay temporarily in the Philippines solely to take a course higher than high school at a duly authorized institution, who are at least 18 years old at enrollment, and who have sufficient means for education and support of study.
Only schools whose programs are recognized by CHED are authorized. CHED prepares an updated list of such schools and forwards it to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at regular intervals.
Schools must submit (1) an acceptance/enrollment report one month after each enrollment period and (2) a monthly status report to BI (copied to CHED and NICA), with emphasis on missing/transfer/dropouts. Failure to comply is a ground for CHED cancellation of their authority to admit foreign students.
A CEA is required only when restrictions exist on enrollment of foreign students due to facility shortages (e.g., medicine and dentistry). Once issued, it remains valid for the duration of the course, provided the student attends classes and maintains satisfactory grades.
The school concerned must secure the comments of CHED before accepting the foreign student for enrollment.
Enrollment in any level requires completion of the lower particular level; for example, tertiary applicants must be high school graduates or its equivalent.
The text lists: (a) a Personal History Statement in English and in the applicant’s national alphabet with thumbprints and a 2x2 photo (plain white background, taken within six months), (b) proof of adequate financial support, (c) authenticated scholastic records, and other stated requirements shown in the provision.
The foreign service post must notify the student to appear in person before a consular officer for interview and compliance with consular requirements; the student must submit additional documents such as the original NOA (with dry seal), original CEA if needed, police clearance authenticated by the relevant post, and a medical health certificate with chest x-ray.
No. Conversion from other visa category to that of a student visa is not permitted.
Upon arrival, the student must report immediately to the accepting school and enroll only in the school that issued the student’s NOA.
The school assists the student in obtaining an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and a Certificate of Residence for Temporary Student (CRTS) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
The school reports non-enrollment, dropouts, completion, and related status to BI, CHED, and NICA. NICA and NBI check foreign students’ activities for security risks; criminal complaints are referred to NBI. The BI investigates, apprehends, and prosecutes immigration law violations, which may lead to visa cancellation and deportation.
Violations are a ground for cancellation of the student visa and for deportation of the student concerned.
The EO exempts tertiary enrollment of spouses and unmarried dependent children below 21 of specified aliens: permanent foreign residents; aliens with valid working permits under specified immigration act provisions; diplomatic/consular mission personnel; personnel of duly accredited international organizations; holders of SIRV and SRRV; and foreign students coming with 47(a)(2) visas under existing laws.
Yes. EO 423 allows spouses and children to convert their admission category to that of a student visa under Section 9(f) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, in accordance with applicable procedure, if principals lose their admission category under Section 9(e).
EO 423 creates an Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students composed of CHED (chairman), DFA (co-chairman), DECS (now Department of Education), BI, NBI, and NICA. CHED provides the secretariat to support the committee’s functions.
Among others, it must promulgate simplified procedures and implementing guidelines governing the entry and stay of foreign students and rules limiting school transfers/course shifting within 60 days from effectivity, monitor implementation, meet regularly, request attendance of other representatives, and submit semi-annual reports to the Office of the President.