Coverage of the ACR I-Card Issuance
- Applies to three categories:
- Non-restricted foreign nationals with authorized stay of 59 days as temporary visitors wanting to extend stay.
- Temporary visitors granted Special Study Permit (SSP).
- Temporary visitors granted Special Work Permit (SWP).
- Requires proof of payment for immigration fees including the ACR I-Card issuance fee except for foreign athletes/performers with stay ≤ 59 days.
Validity of the ACR I-Card
- Validity is co-terminus with the visa/permit granted.
- Maximum validity period is one (1) year.
Application Process at BI Main Office
- Collects immigration fees, express lane fees, and ACR I-Card issuance fee (US$50 or local currency equivalent).
- ACR I-Card released simultaneously with the applicant’s passport.
Application Process at BI Offices Connected to BI-WAN and Using VIMS
- Similar fee collections as Main Office including US$50 ACR I-Card and Php500 express lane fees.
- ACR I-Card processed and released within 48 hours of approval.
Application Process at BI Offices Without BI-WAN and VIMS
- Collects same fees as above.
- Application documents sent immediately to the ACR I-Card center.
- Validation by respective Chiefs before issuance.
- Processing and release within 60 hours of approval.
- Deficiency in fee payments results in withholding of card issuance until resolved.
- Infractions in approvals may lead to sanctions.
Procedures for Overstaying Foreigners
- Requires compliance with existing guidelines for approval and issuance of ACR I-Card.
Application Form Requirements
- Forms must be complete, clear, and filled in block letters.
- Necessary data include full name, citizenship, birth details, sex, civil status, height, weight, and Philippine address.
Changing 9(a) Temporary Visitor's Visa Category
- Changes between TVV, SSP, and SWP within one-year validity processed without new card issuance.
- Existing ACR I-Card must be presented for information update.
Extension of Visa, SSP, or SWP
- No new ACR I-Card or issuance fee required for extensions within one-year validity of the current card.
Peso-Dollar Exchange Rate Application
- Daily exchange rate published by Chief, Cash Section by 10:00 AM.
- Previous day’s rate applies before notification.
Delivery Options for ACR I-Card
- Applicant may claim card at the submitting BI office or have it delivered to a Philippine address.
- Delivery cost borne by applicant, who must complete a consignment note.
- Datatrail Corporation to accredit reliable courier service.
Change of Information in ACR I-Card
- Cardholders must notify BI immediately of any changes.
- New card issued upon payment of amendment fees and re-issuance fees totaling Php 500, Php 10, US$ 20 and Php 500 express lane fee.
Departure Procedures for ACR I-Card Holders
- Card retained by foreign national on departure.
- Card not a substitute for Exit Clearance Certificate or re-entry permits.
- Those authorized stay beyond six months must secure regular emigration clearance.
- Cards not yet released when the holder leaves are kept safe by BI officials.
Deactivation and Reactivation of ACR I-Card
- Card deactivated upon departure but reactivated if the holder returns within validity.
- Reactivation depends on at least 60 days validity from latest admission.
- Reactivation is not a guarantee of admission.
Use of ACR I-Card as Transaction and Identification Card
- Must be presented with passport in immigration transactions.
- Used with card readers to verify visa/permit validity.
- Accepted by financial institutions, schools, government, and law enforcement to prove lawful stay.
- BI provides microchip readers and database access subject to cost and validation.
Replacement of Lost Card
- Requires payment of duplicate fees (Php 1,000, US$ 20, Php 1,000).
- Must file Police Report and Affidavit of Loss.
- Application filed at Main Office or original issuing Sub-port.
Correction and Replacement Cost for Erroneous Cards
- Errors detected pre-printing corrected by Chief, Computer Section.
- Replacement cost US$ 20 borne by applicant if caused by applicant’s incorrect data.
- BI staff responsible if error caused by their encoding or validation.
Compliance and Payment Procedures
- ACR I-Card issuance incorporated as last step in visa/permit issuance.
- Single Order of Payment Slip and Official Receipt itemize all fees.
- Violation subject to penalties.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Datatrail Corporation must submit monthly performance reports to BI Commissioner.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent previous rules and orders are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Memorandum Order takes effect immediately as of March 8, 2010.