Getting a permanent visa can seem like a big job, but with the right steps and a little planning, it can be easier than you think. Here’s the story of my husband’s journey to get his 13A visa in the Philippines. I’ll give you tips, a list of costs, and a simple step-by-step guide so you can do it too!

A bit of background on my husband’s journey: He is a chiropractor who previously held a 9G work visa provided by his company. After we got married, he decided to open his own practice in Cebu. He first downgraded his visa to a special work permit, and then we started our application for the 13A visa.

This is my husband. He is a chiropractor at our clinic FORM AND FUNCTION CORRECTIVE CHIROPRACTIC

What is a 13A Visa?

The 13A Visa lets foreign spouses of Filipino citizens live and work in the Philippines for a long time. The process can feel tough at first, but it’s doable if you prepare well.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before you start the application, you need to collect some important documents. Here’s a list of what you need: (If you have dependents, please include the documentary requirements for each dependent in the picture below)

  • Joint letter of request addressed to the commissioner from the applicant and the petitioning Filipino spouse (I have a template if you need one just let me know)
  • Duly accomplished CGAF (BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 0) (download this from the BI website or get it from the BI office)
  • A passport that is valid for at least six months
  • An authenticated marriage certificate (from PSA) (Order PSA certificates online through this link)
  • NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation)
  • BI Clearance (Secure and fill out application form from BI office and pay the fees and wait for the release)

Getting Documents in Cebu

Since we live in Cebu, we renewed my husband’s NBI clearance here. We paid around 500 pesos, which included a photo my husband had taken at a small shop outside the building. Contrary to what they say online, you can’t really get an appointment in advance; just walk in, check in with security to get your number, and then sit on the benches to wait for it to be called. Once everything was completed, they provided a reference number and instructed us to return when the clearance was available for pick-up. After a week, I called the NBI office to inquire if it was ready, and they confirmed that it was. We then went back to the building to collect his NBI clearance. Overall, this process was straightforward, and we made sure to have all our documents ready before flying to Manila.

Step 2: Agency Help or Do It Yourself?

Initially, I contacted an agency for assistance with the application process, and they quoted PHP 138,000, which seemed quite high. A nearby agency around the Immigration office quoted around USD 1,000, but we would still have to handle the requirements ourselves, and my husband would still need to go to Manila. Given this, I wasn’t sure what the advantage would be. Ultimately, I felt we could manage the process on our own, so we decided to proceed without the agency.

Step 3: Obtain a Special Power of Attorney, Book My Flight to Manila, and Submit the Application

Before leaving, I secured a Special Power of Attorney and had it notarized so I could process the application on my husband’s behalf. After that, I booked my flight to Manila. Since I wasn’t able to book my flight early, I missed out on cheaper fares. I highly recommend planning ahead to save on flight costs. I didn’t need to book a hotel because it was just a one-day processing trip; I flew in the morning and returned at night. Here’s a rough estimate of my travel costs:

  • Round-trip airfare: Approximately PHP 10,000
  • Transportation in Manila: Around PHP 1,000 (for Grab rides to and from the airport and the immigration office).
If you book on Grab, make sure you go to the head office in Intramuros… there are other offices especially near the airport

Step 4: Submit the Application at the BI Head Office

Document Submission: After arriving at the immigration office, I went through the entrance. While some people were leaving with their IDs, I headed straight to the entrance. After my bag was inspected, I informed the security that I was there to submit documents, and he let me through. I then inquired about where to go and which window to visit. I submitted the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit and paid PHP 9,050. After that, I submitted a copy of the official receipt to receive interview dates. Although I don’t remember the exact window, it was quite straightforward; the staff will guide you on where to go or which floor to head to.

Receiving Interview Dates: The earliest interview dates available were one week from that Tuesday and Friday, so I chose the Friday date. Once I secured this date, I booked a flight for my husband to ensure he could attend his interview and personal appearance.

Bureau of Immigration Head Office in Intramuros, Manila

Step 5: Attend the Interview

Here’s what happened:

  • We arrived early at the immigration office, but there was still a line. We sat on a bench outside room 404—where they do the permanent visa application interview—with other applicants. Some people who exited the room seemed happy and shared information with us, but the staff was giving us disapproving looks, so we decided to stop engaging with others. The staff frequently came in and out of the office to call names. I think that even if you arrive exactly on time, you’ll likely still need to wait. It’s best to come in early—about two hours before your appointment—to ensure you can be accommodated promptly.
  • After one hour, his name was finally called. We both entered the office (make sure to have all the copies of the visa receipts with you, as the officer may request them). After asking me some questions about our marriage and how we met, I was asked to leave for a one-on-one interview with my husband and the officer. The interview was quite brief. Finally, my husband went out. The officer then provided us with instructions on the next steps. He mentioned that we would need to wait for approval on the website, which would take approximately 30 to 60 days.
  • After this, we went to the ground floor to do my husband’s biometrics. You can do this within 6 days after you passed the interview. But I recommend you do it right after the interview since you are already in the immigration office.
Inside the BI Head office, ground floor while I was waiting for the release of my husband’s ACR

Step 6: Wait for Approval and release of ACR Card

There wasn’t any announcement via text or email regarding the approval; I simply kept checking the website until I saw my husband’s name. I then called the office to confirm. After learning that he was approved, I went back to the immigration office to retrieve his passport, which included the visa implementation documents stating that the visa was approved. We then waited another couple of months for his ACR. We applied in May and received the ACR ID at the end of July. I went back to Manila to collect the ID, which still required a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) to process. Here’s a breakdown of our expenses during this time:

  • Additional document costs: About PHP 2,000 (for copies and photos)
  • Transportation cost: Around PHP 1,000 to BI office and back to NAIA.

When I got the probationary ACR ID, I noticed it was issued in June, but it might not have been available right away. If you need the ID promptly, I recommend calling the BI office about a month after your visa is approved to ensure a timely release of the ACR.

When you receive the purple ID, or probationary ID, it is essentially equivalent to a permanent one, although it is not officially permanent. Throughout the year, you must avoid any actions that could jeopardize your visa, such as getting into legal trouble or engaging in illegal activities. Then, 2 to 4 months before the visa expires, you need to apply for the permanent visa.

Just a side note: we traveled during my husband’s probationary period, and the visa functions the same way. There’s no need to apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate A from the immigration office in JMall before leaving the country, but you will need to pay an additional fee at the airport for the Exit Clearance Certificate B (ECC-B), which is around PHP 2,800.

Step 7: Converting to Permanent ACR

4 months before my husband’s probationary visa expiry, we flew back to manila to convert to permanet ACR, well to apply Once we got the probationary visa, we applied for the permanent ACR (Alien Certificate of Registration). This step was easier than the first one, but still required some documents and fees. the steps where pretty much like the probationary visa but just use the permanent visa application forms. CLICK THIS LINK FOR THE DETAILED GUIDE TO CONVERT THE PROBATIONARY 13A VISA TO A PERMANENT ONE.

Total Costs Overview

  • Agency Quote: PHP50,000 – PHP 138,000 (we didn’t use)
  • DIY Approach Total Expenses: Approximately PHP 15,000 – 20,000 (for flights, documents, transportation)

Please note that even if you pay an agency PHP 50,000 to ‘process’ the visa, you will still need to secure all the documents on your own and appear in person for the interview at the Manila main office. Therefore, I don’t see the advantage of using an agency unless you are unable to manage the process or if your wife cannot secure the necessary documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Every year, you are required to report in person within the first 60 days of the year. If you are abroad, you must report within 30 days after returning.

In compliance with Republic Act No. 562, all foreign nationals with immigrant and non-immigrant visas who have registered with the Bureau of Immigration must report to the BI annually within the first sixty (60) days of each calendar year.

The following foreign nationals are required to comply with the Annual Report:

Useful Links:

Search for your visa status using your official receipt and ID number.

Bureau of Immigration Main Page

National Bureau of Investigation

Visa Application Status (not sure how often it is updated)

Helpful Tips for Your Journey

  1. Research Everything: Know all the requirements and paperwork you need.
  2. Keep Your Documents Organized: Use checklists to ensure you have everything ready before traveling.
  3. Stay Informed: Check for any new rules that could affect your application.
  4. Be Patient: Processing times can vary, so take your time.
  5. Ask Questions: If you have doubts, contact the immigration office directly for answers.

Conclusion

Getting a 13A and permanent visa in the Philippines is possible with effort and patience. By following these steps, you can save money and learn about the immigration process. We hope this guide helps couples in their journey. Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments!