Question & AnswerQ&A (BI MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. MCL-08-006)
The BI Clearance Certificate issued under the VIMS system has a validity period of two (2) months from the date of payment.
Yes, a new BI Clearance Certificate must be issued for applications of the same type of transaction even if filed within the validity period of the previously issued certificate, with corresponding fees paid.
If a derogatory record is found during the check, the processing of the application will be held in abeyance until the record is cleared by the Verification and Certification Unit.
The filing times are: Conversion/change of immigration status – 15 working days; Extension of non-immigrant visa – 7 working days; Special permits – 5 working days; Extension of tourist visa – 3 working days; Other applications – 20 working days prior to expiration.
The applicant's authorized stay is automatically extended under the same immigration status at the time of filing until the application is processed.
When multiple applications involving the same transaction are simultaneously filed by a corporate petitioner for its investors or employees, certified true copies of SEC documents need only be submitted once, provided all applications are assigned to one lawyer hearing officer.
The corporate secretary or any corporate officer with legal custody of the originals may certify these documents as true copies.
Tourist visa extension applications filed at international ports of entry/exit are immediately referred and forwarded to the BI Main Office's Visa Extension Section or the concerned sub-port/field office for action.
An Express Lane Fee of Five Hundred Pesos (PhP 500.00) is imposed on every application for visa issuance, special permit, other transactions, and their extensions covered by VIMS, including the issuance of BI Clearance Certificates, as authorized by the Philippine Immigration Act.