Rules on CEZA Visas and Immigration Procedures

Policy guidelines and BI control

The rules apply within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (the “Zone”).
CEZA’s visa-processing authority covers receiving and processing applications and prescribed supporting documents for CIRV, CWV, and CDV under Republic Act No. 7922 and its implementing rules.
All CEZA-issued visas are recognized for use within and outside the Zone, subject to the limitation that the foreign national shall not engage in any kind of gainful employment or business activity other than that approved by or registered with CEZA.
No provision in the circular diminishes BI’s authority to enforce immigration laws, rules and regulations within the Zone.

Visa upon arrival: grant, documents, extension

A Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) is granted upon proper application filed with the Office of the Commissioner, BI Main Office.
The VUA application must be filed at least forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled date of arrival.
The BI shall grant a single-entry Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) with an initial authorized stay of seven (7) days to CEZA Preferential Visitors, in the discretion of the Commissioner.
VUA applications require submission of:
- A letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the CEZA-licensed locator stating:
  - Name as in the valid passport
  - Place and date of birth and nationality
  - Passport number, place and date of issue, and validity
  - Residential address abroad and local address in the Philippines
  - Nature and purpose of visit
- An endorsement letter from CEZA.
- A Sworn Guarantee and Undertaking by the CEZA-licensed locator.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s valid passport bio-page.
- The applicant’s arrival flight information details.
- A BI Clearance Certificate (BICC).
Extension of VUA stay requires:
- Endorsement by CEZA, and
- A proper application filed by the CEZA-licensed locator.
Each VUA extension may be for not more than thirty (30) days authorized stay, with a maximum of two (2) extensions only.

Conversion of immigration status and deadlines

CEZA may convert a valid VUA or Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV) to CIRV, CWV, or CDV.
Conversion is subject to submission of a BI Clearance Certificate.
Conversion may be done without need to exit the country.
Existing employees of CEZA-licensed locators holding non-CEZA working visas must apply for and secure appropriate CEZA working visas and a CEZA Card not later than 31 December 2014.
The deadline applies subject to the requisite downgrading of their current visa by BI, without need to exit the country.
Failure to comply results in cancellation and downgrading of the current non-CEZA visa by BI, upon endorsement by CEZA, with the requirement to exit the country.

Admission status and documentation simplification

VUA holders are admitted as temporary visitors under Section 9(a) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, while complying with existing immigration laws, rules, and regulations on admission.
VUA admission includes the notation: “CEZA VUA”.
CEZA visa holders are admitted with multiple entry and exit privileges.
CEZA visa holders are admitted into the country under the same terms and conditions as when they left.
CEZA multiple-entry privilege removes the necessity of obtaining Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), Re-Entry Permit, Special Return Certificate (SRC), Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), and all other types of clearances required by BI.

Downgrading procedure and required exit

Downgrading requests must be filed within five (5) days from cancellation.
Requests are filed at and processed by the Immigration Regulation Division (IRD), BI Main Office, for final appropriate action by the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s duly authorized representative.
Downgrading documentary requirements include:
- A letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the CEZA-licensed locator stating reasons for downgrading (e.g., resignation, termination, late filing of extension of visa, dissolution of the company, etc.).
- If the letter request is filed by the applicant, it must indicate the applicant’s complete address and contact numbers in the Philippines.
- An endorsement letter from CEZA together with the Visa Cancellation Order.
- Photocopies of:
  - Passport bio-page
  - Visa implementation page
  - Page bearing the latest admission and valid authorized stay
- Photocopy of the CEZA Card (front and back portions) with proof of its cancellation.
- Derogatory record verification (No Derogatory Stamp).
A foreign national with a downgraded CEZA-issued visa must exit within the period prescribed in the Order.
Failure to comply with the Order to Leave initiates deportation proceedings.

CEZA Card: issuance, validity, BI recognition, security

All CEZA visa holders must secure CEZA Cards under an identification card system developed, implemented, and enforced by CEZA.
The CEZA Card identification system includes information CEZA deems necessary, including personal information, biometric data, and a record of CEZA and immigration-related transactions of CEZA Cardholders.
The CEZA Card validity is co-terminus with the validity of the CEZA-issued visa.
The CEZA Card is recognized and accepted by BI as one of the immigration and travel documents required for entry to, stay in, and exit from the Philippines.
CEZA must establish a connectivity that allows BI real-time electronic view-only access to CEZA Card data and information to verify authenticity and validity.
After BI endorsement, CEZA must ensure immigration authorities in all countries are properly informed that the CEZA Card is among the immigration/travel documents required for CEZA visa holders to enter and exit the Philippines.
CEZA must provide BI adequate IT capabilities within fifteen (15) days from execution of the agreement.
CEZA must develop, install, and implement a network security system within six (6) months from execution to prevent persistent and targeted cyber intrusions with at least:
- Automated dynamic analysis of email and web content in a virtual environment to detect suspicious behavior
- Network-based anti-malware tools to identify executables in all network traffic and techniques other than signature-based detection to identify and filter out malicious content before arrival at the endpoint
- Detonation chambers or dynamic execution environments to open email attachments, execute untrusted applications, and/or execute URL requests in a controlled isolated environment.

CEZA Card at ports: departure and arrival consequences

Departing and arriving CEZA visa holders must present their CEZA Card to the Immigration Officer during primary inspection.
A CEZA visa holder who fails to present a valid and active CEZA Card during departure formalities is denied exit and must secure clearance from CEZA.
Clearance allows exit unless other grounds defer departure.
A departing visa holder with a failure to present a valid and active CEZA Card may be included in the BI’s Blacklist on CEZA recommendation.
A visa holder included in the BI Blacklist may re-enter only upon CEZA endorsement.
A CEZA visa holder who fails to present a valid and active CEZA Card during arrival formalities is denied entry.
Denial of entry for failure to present a valid and active CEZA Card does not result in inclusion in the BI Blacklist.
Such visa holder may secure an endorsement from CEZA for the possible recall of the Exclusion Order prior to implementation, and may be allowed to enter unless other grounds exist for exclusion.

Assessments, fees, and payment conditions

BI issues an Order of Payment Slip (OPS) showing assessed fees and other charges upon filing of any application or request under the rules.
No application or request is acted upon and processed unless assessed basic fees in Annex “A” and other applicable fees and charges, including fines and penalties, are fully paid, evidenced by duly issued BI Official Receipt/s.
BI may revise or modify the fees as necessary without need of notice to or consent by CEZA.
For transactions or requests not specifically covered, the prevailing fees and charges are assessed and paid by the applicant or requesting party.

Fee schedule: VUA, extensions, downgrading

Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) basic fees include:
- Visa Application Fee: U.S. $ 100.00
- Certificate Fee: Php 500.00
- Legal Research Fee: 20.00
- Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
- Express Lane Fee (Cert.): 500.00
- The U.S. $ 100.00 amount is or its Philippine peso equivalent based on current exchange rate.
VUA Extension fees include:
- First Extension (not more than 30 days) — Total: Php 2,430.00, with:
  - Application Fee: Php 300.00
  - Extension Fee: 500.00
  - Certificate Fee: 500.00
  - TVV Sticker Fee: 100.00
  - ACR Fee: —
  - Head Tax: —
  - ECC Fee: —
  - Legal Research Fee: 30.00
  - Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (Ext.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (I-Card): —
- Second Extension (not more than 30 days) — Total: Php 4,920.00, with:
  - Application Fee: Php 300.00
  - Extension Fee: 500.00
  - Certificate Fee: 500.00
  - TVV Sticker Fee: 100.00
  - ACR Fee: 1,000.00
  - Head Tax: 20.00
  - ECC Fee: 700.00
  - Legal Research Fee: 70.00
  - Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (Ext.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (I-Card): 500.00
ACRI-Card fee is U.S.$ 50.00 (shown as **+ U.S.$ 50.00*).
Downgrading fees include:
- With Valid Visa — Total: Php 3,520.00, with:
  - Application Fee: PhP2,000.00
  - Update Fee: —
  - Motion for Reconsideration Fee: —
  - Legal Research Fee: 20.00
  - Certificate Fee: 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (Cert.): 500.00
- With Expired Visa (within 59 days) — Total: Php 4,520.00, with:
  - Application Fee: PhP2000.00
  - Update Fee: 1,000.00
  - Motion for Reconsideration Fee: —
  - Legal Research Fee: 20.00
  - Certificate Fee: 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (Cert.): 500.00
- With Expired Visa (after 59 days) — Total: Php 5,020.00, with:
  - Application Fee: PhP2000.00
  - Update Fee: 1,000.00
  - Motion for Reconsideration Fee: 500.00
  - Legal Research Fee: 20.00
  - Certificate Fee: 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (App.): 500.00
  - Express Lane Fee (Cert.): 500.00

Implementation, monitoring, accreditation, reporting

BI and CEZA jointly conduct periodic and routine visits and inspections of locators and their foreign executives, employees, and guests within the Zone to ensure compliance with immigration laws and effective implementation of the rules.
In exceptional or urgent cases, BI may conduct individual visits and inspections upon prior coordination with CEZA authorities.
CEZA visa holders and CEZA Preferential Visitors may use the “Immigration Courtesy Lane” in all international ports of entry and exit.
BI accredits not more than (2) CEZA Liaison Officers after proper application and documentary compliance.
Only BI-accredited CEZA Liaison Officers may transact with BI on behalf of CEZA and CEZA-licensed locators, including its foreign executives, employees, and guests.
CEZA must report to BI:
- The names, dates of birth and nationalities of foreign nationals granted CEZA visas or whose visas are cancelled or revoked within thirty (30) days after issuance, cancellation, or revocation
- All CEZA Preferential Visitors who actually entered the country through a VUA within the first five (5) days of each and every month
BI must submit to CEZA a monthly report of CEZA visa holders who are charged, removed, deported, and denied entry to or exit from the country.

Derogatory record, review, amendments, separability

Upon recommendation by CEZA, BI may include in the appropriate BI derogatory record the names of CEZA visa holders and CEZA Preferential Visitors for violation of Republic Act No. 7922, its implementing rules, and other CEZA regulations.
Lifting of derogatory record entries occurs only upon favorable endorsement by CEZA.
The parties must review the Memorandum of Agreement and the implementing rules after two (2) years from effectivity and every two (2) years thereafter, unless an earlier period is required upon request of either party.
If any provision becomes inapplicable to any person or circumstance by consent of all parties, court order, or legislative enactment, the remaining provisions continue to apply without impairment to other persons or circumstances.
Amendments require recommendation by either party, and any amendment or modification must be in writing and signed by both Parties to be effective and enforceable.

Effectivity and administrative filing

The rules take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
A copy must be furnished to ONAR, U.P. Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.
The circular is signed on October 19, 2014 in Manila, Philippines by:
- Siegfrid B. Mison, Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration
- Jose Mari B. Ponce, Administrator/CEO, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.