Rules for Visa Issuance and Immigration Procedures

Documentary Requirements

Applicants must comply with documentary and procedural requirements set forth in the mandatory checklist (Annex A).

Procedures for Change of Immigration Status

General Procedure (except student and missionary visas) includes:
1. Filing application with required documents.
2. Immediate review of documentary completeness.
3. Verification of travel and derogatory records.
4. Issuance of Order of Payment Slip (OPS) and payment within 24 hours.
5. Issuance of Official Receipt containing notice of hearing details.
6. Biometric enrollment during hearing.
7. Hearing officer evaluates application and prepares recommendation.
8. Board deliberates and issues Notice of Action; if favorable, additional fees assessed.
9. Payment of implementation fees.
10. Issuance of visa or permit upon submission of payment proof and passport.
Student Visa: Similar process with focus on Student Desk Officer evaluation and Commissioner’s approval.
Prearranged Employee Missionary Visa: Additional steps include raffle to hearing officer and Board deliberation.

Procedures for Visa Extensions

Applications for visa extensions under various visa categories observe similar steps:
1. Filing with complete documentary requirements.
2. Verification of records and issuance of OPS.
3. Payment of fees.
4. Commissioner’s approval and issuance of Order of Extension.
5. Updating records and release of visa and passport.
6. Document archiving.

Procedures for Other Applications and Special Permits

Cancellation of Alien Registry:
- Filing application with supporting documents, verification, hearing, Commissioner and DOJ approval.
- Issuance of Filipino Identification Certificate after record updates and taking of fingerprints and pictures.
Recognition as Filipino Citizen:
- Similar process to cancellation with hearing and DOJ affirmation.
Affirmation of Order of Recognition involves transmittal to DOJ and similar steps as recognition.
Special Study Permit and Special Work Permits (including for artists and athletes):
- Filing, verification, payment, evaluation, Commissioner approval, issuance, and archiving.

Visa Implementation and Registration

Mandatory immediate implementation of Board-approved visa changes and extensions by Executive Director and Alien Registration Division.
No additional documents required beyond those already submitted unless essential.

Administrative Provisions

Commissioner of Immigration may act for the Board in administrative matters requiring urgent action.
Commissioner may issue supplemental guidelines; substantial changes need approval from Secretary of Justice.
Supersedes any inconsistent previous issuances.
Contains separability clause preserving other provisions if parts are declared invalid.
Effective immediately upon publication.

Annex A: Documentary Checklist Highlights

Detailed lists of documentary requirements for:
- Change of immigration status for various visa types (quota immigrants, non-quota by marriage, returning residents, treaty traders/investors, students, employees, missionaries).
- Visa extensions for visitor, student, treaty trader, and prearranged employee visas.
- Other special permits including cancellation of registry, recognition as citizen, special study permit, special work permits.
Common requirements include notarized application forms, valid passports, clearances (BI, NICA), proof of status or relationship, government-issued certificates, and clearances from various agencies depending on purpose.
Special provisions for documentary authentication by Philippine embassies or consulates when documents are issued abroad.
Specific endorsements required for special work permits for artists and athletes from relevant organizations.

This comprehensive framework streamlines immigration processing while ensuring compliance with national interests and providing clear procedural guidance for applicants and officials.