Policy and Purpose of the Order
- Aligned with Republic Act No. 9485 (Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007) to improve efficiency and reduce corruption.
- Aims to streamline procedures for visa conversion/extension and Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) issuance/renewal.
- Emphasizes friendly immigration services to foreigners genuinely applying for appropriate visas.
Objective of the Order
- To establish clear procedures and timelines to expedite visa conversion/extension and ACR I-Card processing.
- Designed to facilitate frontline service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Obligations of the Central Receiving Unit (CRU)
- Transmit complete application folders to the concerned BI office on the same day:
- Visa conversion/extension cases to Legal Division (LD) or Board of Special Inquiry (BSI).
- ACR I-Card issuance/renewal cases to Alien Registration Division (ARD).
- Notify applicants if no hearing appearance is required and direct them to ARD for biometric capturing.
Duties of the LD/BSI Hearing Officer
- Conduct hearings on the specified date.
- Direct applicants to ARD for biometrics immediately after hearing.
- Within 5 working days post-hearing, prepare and transmit recommended Orders indicating approval or disapproval.
- Orders must show recommending action, final Board of Commissioners (BOC) action, and date of signature.
Responsibilities of the Alien Registration Division (ARD)
- Confirm applicant information during biometric capturing.
- Capture biometric data.
- Prepare ACR I-Card template ready for printing upon BOC approval.
Role of the LD/BSI Chief
- Review and evaluate Orders within 3 working days.
- Indicate desired action (approval/disapproval) and transmit to Office of the Executive Director (OED) by end of day.
Functions of the Office of the Executive Director (OED)
- Forward Orders to designated Associate Commissioner by the next working day.
- Include reviewed Orders in BOC meeting agenda by 3 PM day before meeting.
- Transmit results and updated visa validity to ARD within 2 working days after BOC meeting.
- Post BOC actions on BI website as official notice.
- Implement visas and release ACR I-Cards the same day.
- Forward application records to Verification and Compliance Division (VCD) for post-audit.
- Initiate forfeiture/cancellation for unimplemented visas/ACR I-Cards within 30 working days.
Duties of the Office of the Associate Commissioner
- Review Orders and applications within 3 working days.
- Note deficiencies with recommended actions addressed to the BOC.
- Return all materials to OED within the stipulated period.
Board of Commissioners (BOC) Actions
- Deliberate and decide on all Orders in the meeting agenda.
- Ensure a transparent, timely decision-making process.
Verification and Compliance Division (VCD) Responsibilities
- Conduct post-audit of all approved applications.
- Complete post-audit within 3 months following receipt of records.
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All previous inconsistent issuances repealed or modified accordingly.
- The Order takes effect immediately upon approval.
- Copies furnished to the National Administrative Register and U.P. Law Center for circulation.