Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. MCL-10-004)
The purpose is to modernize and improve efficiency and security in the alien registration, identification, and monitoring system to establish a singular identity card and convenient transaction card for all resident foreigners and temporary visitors in the Philippines.
The categories covered are: non-restricted foreign nationals previously granted a total authorized stay of 59 days as temporary visitors under Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act; temporary visitors granted Special Study Permit (SSP); and temporary visitors granted Special Work Permit (SWP).
The fees include the ACR I-Card issuance fee of US$50.00 or its equivalent in Philippine pesos, plus the corresponding express lane fee (Php 500.00 for sub-ports or Php 500,000 for the main office), along with other applicable immigration and processing fees.
Yes, foreign athletes and performing artists staying for 59 days or less are exempted from proof of payment of the ACR I-Card issuance fee for their permits.
ACOs must collect fees and send application forms, passport copies, and receipts to the Manager of the ACR I-Card Center at BI Main Office using authorized courier services for encoding, validation, and processing. The card shall be issued within 60 hours of approval.
The issuance of the ACR I-Card will be held in abeyance until the deficiency is collected and proof of payment is submitted to the concerned Chief office.
The holder must immediately notify the concerned BI office, which will issue a new ACR I-Card upon payment of an Amendment Fee (Php 500), Legal Research Fee (Php 10), ACR I-Card Re-issuance Fee (US$ 20), and Express Lane Fee (Php 500).
No, the ACR I-Card is neither an Exit Clearance Certificate, Re-Entry Permit, nor Special Return Certificate, and it does not guarantee admission upon return.
Any improper approval or issuance will subject the concerned officers to appropriate sanctions under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The applicant must file a report with the Police and submit an Affidavit of Loss, pay the Duplicate Original fee (Php 1,000), ACR I-Card re-issuance fee (US$ 20), and express lane fee (Php 1,000) at the relevant BI office.
Changes include switching between 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa to 9(a) with SWP or SSP, or between SWP and SSP, provided the applicant presents their existing ACR I-Card to update the encoded information.