If your husband has a 13A probationary visa, there is one important thing to remember: after one year, you need to apply to convert it to a permanent visa.

Why is this important?
If you don’t do this in time, your application can be denied. Then, you will have to start everything again—reapply, wait, and go through the entire process all over. So, don’t forget this step!

Here’s how I helped my husband get his 13A permanent visa. I hope this simple guide helps you too! (YOU CAN CHECK MY OTHER POST – HOW I HELPED MY HUSBAND GET HIS 13A PROBATIONARY VISA through this link)

When Should You Apply for the Conversion?

You should apply within two months before your probationary visa expires.
For example, my husband’s ACR card is valid until May 26, 2024. So, I submitted the documents in April last year. Our interview was on April 29th. Just keep an eye on the expiry date so you don’t miss it!

Our Timeline: How We Got the Permanent Visa and ACR Card

February 2024:
We renewed my husband’s NBI clearance. I paid online (about Php355). Then, we went to the NBI office in Cebu for the renewal.

March 2024:
I prepared all the documents needed for the application.

April 2024:
We submitted the documents. I sent everything through LBC to my mom, who has a special power of attorney to help us. She went to the head office of the Bureau of Imigration in Intramuros to submit all the documents and checked for the schedule of our interview, and we traveled to Manila. We passed the interview successfully.

June 2024:
My husband’s ACR and visa were released.

July 2024:
My mom returned to the immigration office to get the gold ACR card (PERMANENT VISA). We surrendered my husband’s old ACR to get the new one.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before applying, gather all important documents:

  • BI Clearance (apply and pay at BI)
  • Join letter of request (I have a template if needed)
  • Fully filled BI form (CGAF-001)
  • Valid passport (at least 6 months)
  • Marriage certificate from PSA (order online) (photocopy)
  • NBI Clearance (photocopy)
  • Passport biopage, visa implementation page, and latest admission (photocopy)
  • Old ACR photocopy (front and back)
  • Official receipt of payments (photocopy)

PRO Tip: Some people think you need bank statements or wedding photos, but we didn’t submit these. Just be prepared to answer questions about your work, finances, and maybe show some wedding photos during the interview.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t submit incomplete or inaccurate forms
  • Check all documents carefully before submitting
  • Don’t miss deadlines or forget to pay fees
  • If unsure about your documents, ask a reputable agency for help – costs can range from Php30,000 to Php50,000 or more. I chose to do everything myself, and it worked out fine.

I overheard two applicants at the immigration office who had their applications denied. It seemed their main problem was submitting incomplete forms. Unfortunately, when they asked the officers on the ground about what was missing, the officers couldn’t really give a clear answer. That’s why it’s best to go to the information desk on the ground floor and ask for guidance if you’re unsure about your documents.

In general, the most common mistakes are submitting inaccurate documents, incomplete forms, or missing deadlines. Be sure to double-check everything before submitting. If you’re worried about gathering all the required documents, consider hiring a reputable agency. They usually don’t charge too much—I heard some agencies charge around Php30,000 to Php50,000. For me, I decided to handle it myself because I was confident I could manage the process. It didn’t take much time, and during our interview, the officer was pleased to see that we took care of the paperwork ourselves.

Another PRO Tip: If you encounter any issues with your documents on the day of submission, you can ask for help from people in the BI parking area. They offer assistance with checking, photocopying, or notarizing papers. For example, I asked them about what to do with my husband’s address since his ACR had a different address from his NBI record—because we moved. They checked my documents and helped me with photocopying and other small tasks. The fees typically range from Php200 to Php600, depending on the assistance needed.

Step 2: Submit Your Documents

Step 3: Pay the Fees and Get Your Interview Date

We paid Php7,093 for the application. You will need to pay and choose an interview date. We scheduled ours for late April, and it’s best to arrive early on the day.

Step 4: The Interview

Our interview was scheduled for 10 a.m., but we arrived around 10:30 a.m. We were called for the interview at 12:30 p.m., so it’s really best to arrive early. Being on time or early helps you stay calm and prepared.

Common Questions and How to Prepare
The interviewer was friendly and not intimidating like some stories you might hear. He asked standard questions about how my husband and I met, when and where we got married, and requested some wedding photos. He also asked who was present during the wedding. Since we married during the pandemic, only two friends attended. He inquired about our work as well — I mentioned I’m a blogger, and he looked at my blog online. Luckily, I post frequently about our travels and life together, so I didn’t worry about proving we are truly married or living together.

If you don’t have many photos together or stories on social media, don’t worry. Just be prepared to answer questions about your marriage, living arrangements, and future plans honestly. Supporting your answers with the right documents will help make your case clear.

PRO Tip: Be honest and clear. Prepare some stories about your marriage, living situation, and plans. Bring photos or proof if possible.

Step 4: The Interview

Final Words

Getting your husband’s visa converted to permanent is a process, but with proper preparation, it’s manageable. Just stay organized, don’t miss deadlines, and be honest during your interview.

Good luck, and I hope this guide helps you as much as it helped us!

If you’d like, I can help you prepare your documents or tell you what to say during the interview. Just ask!