Categories of Aliens Eligible for SSP
- Alien spouses and unmarried minor children (over 7 years old) of visa holders for US military personnel, treaty traders, government officials, etc.
- Minor children of alien students who had student visas before first semester 1988-1989.
- Students under Alien Student Amnesty programs.
- Minor children of former Filipino citizens.
- Applicants for quota or non-quota immigrant status.
- Foreign personnel with approved or probationary immigrant or temporary resident visas.
- Holders of special investor resident visas.
- Minor children of foreign correspondents with Special Work Permits.
- SSP is granted conditionally, with renewal subject to visa validity and compliance.
Application Procedure and Documentary Requirements
- Applications filed at the CID Law and Investigation Division.
- Requires specific documents depending on applicant category, including:
- Letter of request and statement of circumstances.
- Birth certificates and passports of applicant and parents.
- Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), Certificate of Residence (ICR).
- Photographs.
- Proof of financial capability for minor children of student visa holders.
- Official transcripts for education continuity when applicable.
- Original documents must be presented for verification.
- Applicant must affix thumbprint and photograph on SSP upon issuance.
Validity, Renewal, and Fees
- SSP validity is for one semester, renewable each semester or for periods set by authorities.
- Certain categories (e.g., Alien Student Amnesty) require compliance with student visa renewal regulations.
- Renewal applications require proof that initial grant conditions persist.
- Renewal for student amnesty and former Filipino children requires official transcripts.
- Fees assessed: P350 per semester, with express processing option available for an additional P250.
- Normal processing time is one week; expedited processing within three days.
Special Provisions for Immigrant Visa Holders and Non-immigrant Students
- Immigrant visa holders generally do not need SSP except for the first semester to prevent misuse of fake immigrant visas.
- Non-immigrant aliens not covered by these instructions must present a valid student visa obtained abroad after passing the NCEE.
- Only CID-approved schools for non-immigrant students may enroll foreign students.
School Responsibilities and Compliance
- Approved schools must submit enrollment lists of non-immigrant foreign students within 45 days after each semester.
- Lists must include student status, course, and year completed.
- Failure to submit reports may lead to revocation of the school’s approval.
Grounds for Revocation
- SSP may be revoked if the alien commits offenses leading to deportation or is convicted of offenses under the Immigration Act.
- These grounds include violations under Sections 37 and 45 of the Immigration Act.
Administrative Authority
- The Commissioner or Associate Commissioner determines periods of validity and renewal procedures.
- The CID Law and Investigation Division handles applications and verification processes.
This comprehensive explanation covers all key provisions, eligibility, application processes, validity, penalties, and administrative rules concerning the Special Study Permit in the Philippines.