Eligibility for Special Non-Immigrant Visas
- Foreign nationals not excluded under Section 29 of CA 613 can apply.
- Categories include:
- Supervisors, specialists, consultants, contractors, personal staff at registered economic zones or BOI enterprises.
- Those employed in government projects.
- Exchange professors, scholars, trainees, participants, students, fellows, social workers under recognized sponsorship.
- Registered volunteers and foreign personnel of rescue/aid organizations.
- Dependents of eligible foreign nationals.
Foreign Nationals with Section 47(a)(2) Visas Issued Abroad
- Visas issued abroad valid for single entry without fixed duration must file for authorized stay duration fixing.
- Exception for foreign volunteers with fixed one-year visas.
Documentary Requirements for Change of Admission Status
- Specific documents required per category:
- Supervisors, specialists, etc.:
- Notarized DOJ application form.
- Sponsor's sworn certification detailing employment, derogatory record, training programs, employment transfer and termination notifications.
- Recommendations from government or private firms.
- Favorable PEZA or BOI recommendation if applicable.
- Authenticated passport and business documents.
- Exchange and sponsored personnel:
- Notarized DOJ application form.
- Sponsor's sworn certification on good conduct and notification of program termination.
- Authenticated passport, contracts, appointments, and acceptance letters.
- Supervisors, specialists, etc.:
Provisions for Dependents
- Dependents (spouse and unmarried minor children) may apply for change of admission status or inclusion.
- Separate or joint application allowed with detailed documentary requirements including marriage and birth certificates.
- Children born in the Philippines during authorized stay can be included as dependents.
Extension of Visas
- Extensions processed through sponsors complying with documentary requirements.
- Dependent visa extensions included in principal application.
- Previous DOJ endorsement copy required.
Implementation and Revalidation of Visa Approval
- For unimplemented visas, requests for implementation or revalidation require notarized letter, prior documents, valid passport, and original DOJ endorsement.
Document Authentication
- OLS-OSEC-DOJ authenticates required original documents.
- Original or certified true copies accepted in lieu of authentication.
- Passport original mandatory.
- Exemption for applications certified and filed by PEZA or BOI.
Translation of Foreign Documents
- Non-English documents require official English translation.
Filing Periods for Applications and Requests
- Various deadlines depending on application type, including:
- Within 10 working days of arrival for extension/fixing duration.
- 15 working days before visa expiration for change of status.
- Reasonable time during authorized stay for dependents inclusion.
- One month before visa expiration for extension.
- 10 working days after arrival for visa implementation/revalidation.
Uniform Processing Procedure
- Submission of complete application with forms and documents.
- Verification and authentication by designated State Counsel.
- Issuance of Assessment Form for fee payment.
- Full legal fee payment required before processing.
- Evaluations and recommendations submitted within 2 working days each stage.
- Final departmental action issued within 2 working days.
- Bureau of Immigration implements decision within 2 working days of departmental action.
- Total processing period capped at 10 working days.
Validity and Limitations of Special Non-Immigrant Visas
- Valid for fixed period not exceeding two years unless earlier termination.
- Use limited to purpose specified in DOJ endorsement.
- Extensions at DOJ discretion.
Legal Fees
- Fees for processing:
- Change of admission status: P6,000
- Visa extension: P6,000
- Implementation/revalidation: P5,000
- Inclusion of dependents: P3,000
- Fees payable to DOJ Cashier.
Separability and Interpretation
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect others.
- Guidelines do not limit Secretary of Justice authorities over immigration.
Repealing Effect
- Prior inconsistent circulars and orders amended or repealed.
Effectivity
- Guidelines effective 15 days after publication in two newspapers.
- Copies filed with UP Law Center for public access.