Law Summary
Scope and Coverage
- Applies to non-restricted foreign nationals granted temporary visitor status with authorized stay of more than 59 days under Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613), as amended.
- Includes temporary visitors granted Special Study Permits (SSP) and Special Work Permits (SWP).
- Excludes foreign athletes and performing artists staying under 59 days.
Validity of Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card)
- Validity co-terminus with visa or permit granted but not exceeding one (1) year.
- Date of approval of visa extension or permit application determines the start of validity.
- Extensions beyond 59 days or issuance of SSP or SWP require full payment of immigration fees, including ACR I-Card fees.
Extension Policy for TVV, SSP, and SWP Holders
- Existing ACR I-Card holders applying for extensions/renewals within validity period are not charged additional issuance fees.
- No issuance of duplicate ACR I-Cards within the one-year validity period upon extensions.
Application Procedures
- For applications processed at BI Main Office, issuance of ACR I-Card is simultaneous with visa or permit approval.
- For district, sub-port, satellite, and extension offices, ACR I-Cards are issued within 48 hours post-approval.
- At international ports of entry/exit, ACR I-Cards for temporary visitors departing on the day of approval are processed and printed but considered surrendered.
Delivery and Issuance Options
- Applicants may claim their ACR I-Cards personally at the processing office or opt for delivery to their local address.
- Cost of courier delivery, if applicable, is charged to the applicant, with a consignment note to acknowledge payment responsibility.
Changes in Immigration Status and Issuance of New Cards
- Grant or cancellation of SSP or SWP, or transfer of school/employer triggers reassessment and payment of applicable fees.
- A revised ACR I-Card shall be issued reflecting updated immigration status and appropriate color coding.
Microchip Data Recording
- Visa or permit validity period and extensions are encoded on the embedded microchip in the ACR I-Card.
Color-Coding of ACR I-Cards
- GREEN and ORANGE: Non-restricted foreign nationals with authorized stay of 59 days or more (temporary visitors).
- RED and VIOLET: Special Study Permit holders.
- RED and BLACK: Special Work Permit holders.
Use as Transaction Card
- Must be presented together with passport in visa/permit applications or extensions.
- Contains embedded microchip accessible through card readers provided by Bureau of Immigration.
- Accepted by various entities including financial institutions, educational institutions, and government agencies to verify lawful stay.
- BI provides card readers at acquisition cost and database access upon validated request; access costs borne by requesting entity.
Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
- Required for foreign nationals granted authorized stay of six (6) months or more.
Limitations on Re-Entry and Departure
- ACR I-Card is not a Re-Entry Permit (RP) or Special Return Certificate (SRC) upon exit/departure.
- Must be surrendered to Immigration Officer upon exit at primary inspection counter.
Lost ACR I-Card Replacement
- Replacement requires payment of the existing fees prescribed for ACR I-Cards.
Mandatory Compliance and Payment System
- Issuance of ACR I-Card is the final step before visa or permit issuance/extension.
- Ensures all immigration fees, including ACR I-Card fees, are paid before approval.
- Single Order of Payment Slip (OPS) and Official Receipt (OR) issued covering all related fees for convenience.
Repealing Clause
- All prior inconsistent memoranda, orders, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Copies to be filed with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at University of the Philippines Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.