Question & AnswerQ&A (CID LAW INSTRUCTIONS NO. 35)
A Special Study Permit (SSP) is an exception granted under Philippine immigration law allowing certain aliens to study temporarily in the Philippines when they are not eligible for a regular student visa under Immigration Act Section 9(f).
Eligible applicants include spouses or unmarried minor children above seven years old of visa holders like US military, treaty traders, foreign government officials, certain employees, former Filipino citizens, aliens with pending quota or non-quota immigrant applications, Special Investors, and foreign correspondents' minor children, among others.
They must submit a letter request stating personal circumstances, birth certificate, passport, ACR and ICR or Certificate of Residence, four recent photographs, and for minor children, proof of financial capability to support education, as well as similar documents of the parent.
The SSP is valid for one semester and is renewable each semester or for periods determined by the Commissioner or Associate Commissioner. Renewal is automatic as long as the parent's visa remains valid for most SSP holders, except for certain categories who must comply with student visa requirements.
Yes. Although generally not required, an alien above seven years old granted immigrant status must apply for an SSP for the first semester of enrollment to prevent fake immigrant visa abuse.
A fee of P350.00 per semester is charged for initial grant and renewal. An additional P250.00 overtime fee applies for express processing (3 days).
The SSP may be revoked if the alien commits acts constituting grounds for deportation under Immigration Act Section 37 or is convicted of offenses defined under Immigration Act Section 45.
They may be granted SSP to pursue postgraduate studies only if education is outside normal work hours and does not interfere with their primary duties for which the visa was issued.
No. Only schools approved by the CID as institutions for non-immigrant students may enroll alien students with SSPs.
Such schools must submit a list of non-immigrant foreign students enrolled during the preceding semester, including their course and year completed, within 45 days after the semester ends, or face revocation of approval.