QuestionsQuestions (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. MCL-10-004)
It aims to modernize and improve efficiency and security of alien registration, identification, and monitoring through an automated, accurate, fraud-proof, and tamper-proof system, to establish a singular identity card for resident foreigners and temporary visitors.
Non-restricted foreign nationals previously granted a total authorized stay of 59 days as temporary visitors under Section 9(a), and temporary visitors granted Special Study Permit (SSP) or Special Work Permit (SWP).
No. It states that no application for TVV extension beyond a total authorized stay of more than 59 days shall be granted.
It provides that applications for SSP or SWP shall be granted without proof of payment of all immigration fees and related charges, including the ACR I-Card issuance fee—however, this conflicts with later provisions requiring payment. Students should reconcile that the intent and compliance requirement emphasize payment prior to issuance (see Section 2 and Section 19).
The Memorandum Order notes that the limitation does not apply to foreign athletes and/or performing artists whose stay pursuant to such permit does not exceed 59 days.
The ACR I-Card is co-terminus/dependent on the validity of the visa/permit, but not to exceed one (1) year.
US$50.00 (or its equivalent in local currency) as the ACR I-Card issuance fee, plus an express lane fee of Php 500,000 for issuance in the BI Main Office.
Main Office: the text indicates simultaneous release with passport upon collection. Sub-ports with BI-WAN/VIMS: ACR I-Card processed and released within 48 hours from approval.
The ACR I-Card shall be processed and released within a sixty (60) hour period from the time of approval.
Copies of the accomplished application forms, two (2) passport-sized colored pictures (white background), photocopy of the passport bio-page, passport page showing latest arrival and visa extension/implementation, and photocopy of official receipts.
For extension beyond 59 days (9(a) TVV extension): Chief, Visa Extension, IRD. For SSP: Chief, Student Desk, IRD. For SWP: Chief, VIMS.
Issuance is held in abeyance; the concerned Chief must notify and direct the BI office to correct the assessment, collect the deficiency from the applicant, and submit proof of payment to the Chief.
No re-issuance of another ACR I-Card is required, provided the applicant presents the existing ACR I-Card to the concerned BI Office for updating of the information encoded in the micro-chip.
No. Section 10 states that existing TVV/SSP/SWP holders with ACR I-Card shall not be charged anew for the ACR I-Card issuance fee and shall not be issued another ACR I-Card when the application is filed and granted within the one-year validity period.
The Chief, Cash Section must notify all concerned offices of the daily authorized Peso-Dollar exchange rates not later than 10:00 AM. The exchange rate of the preceding business day applies prior to receipt of the current notice.
No. The ACR I-Card is retained upon departure, but it does not serve as an Exit Clearance Certificate, Re-Entry Permit, or Special Return Certificate.
Reactivation is allowed if the card is still valid for at least sixty (60) days from the date of the latest admission and subject to the same conditions for return; it also emphasizes that the card is not a guarantee for admission.
The applicant must pay a Duplicate Original (D.O.) fee of Php 1,000.00, ACR I-Card re-issuance fee of US$20 (or its peso equivalent), and express lane fee of Php 1,000, and file at BI Main Office or the BI Sub-port where originally secured, submitting a Police Report and Affidavit of Loss.