Question & AnswerQ&A (BI OPERATION ORDER NO. SBM-14-007)
The primary purpose is to improve procedures and establish timelines in processing applications for visa conversion/extension and ACR I-Card issuance/renewal to expedite and facilitate these processes.
The Bureau of Immigration's authority comes from Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
It promotes the elimination of bureaucratic red tape, prevention of graft and corrupt practices, and improvement of efficient delivery of frontline services.
Foreigners applying or with bona fide intention to apply for appropriate visas are presumed to be 'good guys' and should receive tourist- and investment-friendly immigration services.
CRU must, on the same day receiving a complete application, transmit folders for visa conversion/extension to the Legal Division or Board of Special Inquiry Hearing Officer, and for ACR I-Card issuance/renewal to the Alien Registration Division (ARD).
Within five (5) working days after the hearing or after submission of additional documents if warranted.
It must contain the recommending approval/disapproval by the Hearing Officer and Head of the office, the approved/disapproved final action by the Board of Commissioners (BOC), and the date the signature was affixed.
ARD must retrieve and verify the application information, capture biometric data, and prepare the ACR I-Card template for printing after BOC approval.
The BOC deliberates on the Orders included in the weekly meeting agenda prepared by the OED, with approved or disapproved actions posted on the BI website as due notice to applicants.
The OED initiates forfeiture or cancellation of the approved visas and ACR I-Cards that are not implemented within this period.