Scope of Coverage
- Applies to all registered aliens, including their dependents, with paper-based Alien Certificates of Registration (ACRs).
- Includes all aliens required to register under the Alien Registration Act.
Key Definitions
- Agreement: BOT Agreement dated December 18, 2003, and any subsequent amendments.
- Registered Alien: Non-Philippine national with valid visa and ACR.
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR): Issued to various aliens including native-born, permanent residents under specific laws, temporary visitors exceeding six months, treaty traders, students, pre-arranged employees, special resident investors, and others mandated by law.
- ACR I-Card: Microchip-based, tamper-proof, biometric-enabled ID card replacing paper-based ACR.
- Contains personal info, photograph, visa status, biometric fingerprints, signature, travel and immigration fee details, among others.
- Alien Registration: Process of recording aliens’ entry, personal details, residence, and exit or death in the Philippines.
Establishment of ACR I-Card Committee
- Comprised of five members:
- Chair: Associate Commissioner/IT projects or representative.
- Vice Chair: Chief of Alien Registration Division (ARD).
- Three additional members: Two designated by ARD Chief, one by the Executive Director.
- Responsible for verifying immigration status and data validity; endorsement for card issuance.
Application Locations and Process
- Applications primarily at Bureau of Immigration Main Office, Intramuros, Manila.
- Option for district port application for those outside Metro Manila once system available.
Steps for Issuance of ACR I-Card
- Submit completed application with originals of paper ACR and visa order.
- Secure Order of Payment Slip from ARD counter.
- Pay card fee of US $50.00 or peso equivalent.
- Data capturing: photograph, fingerprints, signature.
- Verification by ACR I-Card Committee.
- If approved, issuance endorsed; if not, appropriate actions taken.
- Card collected on specified date.
Fee Structure
- Card fee fixed at US $50.00 or peso equivalent based on current exchange rate.
Renewal Procedure
- Annual renewal aligned with payment of annual report fee.
Benefits of ACR I-Card
- Special immigration booths for expedited processing (approx. 10 seconds).
- Assured authenticity and genuineness of registration.
- Faster, more efficient service.
- Elimination of paper-based registration documents.
Special Arrangements
- Data capturing may be done at applicant’s residence if physically incapacitated, subject to Committee authorization.
Mandatory Compliance and Deadlines
- All registered aliens must convert paper-based ACRs to ACR I-Card by June 30, 2004.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Fine of PHP 500.00 per month or fraction thereof, max PHP 2,000.00, for failure to convert ACR within deadline.
- After December 31, 2004, possession of paper-based ACR deemed improper documentation.
- Subject to penalties under the Immigration Act of 1940 and Alien Registration Act of 1950.
Publicity and Dissemination
- Immigration district heads and officers instructed to widely publicize these guidelines.
Publication and Effectivity
- Guidelines shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Effectivity 15 days post-publication.
Adopted on February 24, 2004, signed by Commissioner Alipio F. Fernandez, Jr.