Period of Validity, Extension, and Re-Issuance of SWP
- The SWP validity period is set by the Commission on Immigration and Deportation (CID) and shall not exceed the authorized stay of the temporary visitor.
- Extensions are allowed if the application is submitted before the expiration of the current SWP.
- The total continuous validity period of an SWP, including extensions, shall not exceed one year and 59 days, or the authorized stay of the temporary visitor, whichever is earlier.
- The validity period runs continuously regardless of the temporary visitor’s presence in the Philippines; no expired time is reinstated upon re-entry.
- A re-application for a new SWP is possible if the original reasons for issuance persist and the applicant is not engaged in employment requiring a pre-arranged employment visa.
Fees for SWP Application and Extensions
- Initial application fee is PHP 300.00.
- Additional fee of PHP 100.00 per month applies if the initial validity exceeds three months or if the SWP is extended.
- Express Lane Service incurs an overtime fee of PHP 200.00, which applies once per application regardless of the number of applicants.
- Express Lane Service guarantees same-day release for morning applications (8:00-11:30 a.m.) and next morning release for afternoon applications.
- Regular processing takes up to three working days for action and release.
Special Provision for Alien Journalists
- Alien journalists and foreign correspondents accredited with the International Press Center are entitled to an indefinite SWP validity.
- This indefinite validity remains valid as long as the journalist’s accreditation persists.
Provisions for Expatriates in Hotels and Restaurants with Pending Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Applications
- A joint committee from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and CID handles pre-arranged employment visa applications.
- Due to delays in processing, expatriates with complete supporting documents certified by the DOT may be granted an SWP for three months pending application approval.
- Extensions of the SWP are permitted as long as the visa application remains pending.
- Fees for this SWP include PHP 300.00 for initial issuance and PHP 100.00 per month for extensions.
- Express Lane Service terms and fees apply as described for other SWPs.
Legal Authority and Adoption
- The provisions were adopted on August 19, 1988, under the signature of Associate Commissioner Regina Padilla Geraldez.
- These instructions supplement the regulatory framework for immigration and employment of temporary foreign business visitors in the Philippines.