Authorization of Schools and Programs to Accept Foreign Students
- Only schools recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) may accept foreign students.
- CHED regularly updates and provides an authorized list of schools to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other relevant agencies.
- Schools must have a foreign students unit to monitor compliance and report on foreign student enrollment and status.
- Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of the authority to admit foreign students.
Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA)
- Required in cases of course restrictions due to limited facilities (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry).
- Issued by CHED and valid for the study duration, conditional on maintaining enrollment and satisfactory grades.
- CHED distributes lists of authorized schools and restricted programs to government agencies.
Enrollment and Qualification Criteria
- Enrollment requires completion of the immediate lower education level (e.g., high school diploma for tertiary enrollment).
- Schools may conduct information campaigns with assistance from DFA and Department of Tourism.
- Students apply directly to schools and must submit various documents including personal history statement, financial proof, and authenticated scholastic records.
Documentation and Acceptance Process
- Schools issue a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) after verifying student requirements, forwarding relevant documents to DFA and CHED.
- DFA endorses documents to the Philippine Foreign Service Post for student visa issuance.
Student Visa Issuance
- Student visas must be secured from Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the country of origin or legal residence.
- Conversion from other visa categories to a student visa is not allowed.
- Additional requirements include police clearance and medical health certificate.
- The consular officer does not assess scholastic fitness but issues visas upon complete documentation.
Entry and Enrollment in the Philippines
- Foreign students must report to their accepting school immediately upon arrival for enrollment.
- Schools reassess competency and assist in securing Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for Temporary Student (CRTS) from BI.
- Authorized stay corresponds to the length of the course.
Monitoring and Reporting Obligations of Schools
- Monthly and periodic reports on acceptance, enrollment, dropouts, and course completions must be submitted to BI, CHED, and NICA.
- Non-compliance may result in revocation of school authorization.
- NICA and NBI monitor student activities for national security concerns; criminal cases are referred to NBI.
- BI enforces immigration compliance and may cancel visas and deport non-compliant foreign students.
Exemptions from Student Visa Requirement
- Spouses and unmarried minor children of permanent residents, valid work permit holders, diplomats, accredited international organization personnel, and holders of certain special visas.
- Children enrolled before marriage or age 21 may complete studies without student visa if principals maintain qualifying status.
- Spouses and children of diplomats and accredited international organization personnel may convert to student visa under specified conditions.
Creation and Composition of Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students
- Led by CHED as Chairman and DFA as Co-Chairman.
- Members include representatives from DECS, BI, NBI, and NICA.
Committee's Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop simplified procedures and guidelines for foreign student entry and stay within 60 days.
- Coordinate and monitor implementation of policies.
- Regular meetings to assess progress and ensure effective promotion of Philippine education.
- Call upon other agencies or private sector representatives as needed.
- Submit semi-annual reports to the Office of the President.
- CHED serves as the Committee secretariat.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals all prior inconsistent executive issuances and regulations.
Separability Clause
- Declared invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Order.
Effectivity
- The Order takes immediate effect upon signing.