QUICK SUMMARY- 13a visa Philippines
What is the Philippines 13a visa?
The 13a marriage visa allows foreign spouses of Filipino Nationals to live permanently in the Philippines. The main requirements for the 13a visa are:
- A Philippine citizen partner.
- A valid marriage certificate recognized by the Philippines.
- Sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family.
The 13a is a multiple entry Non-Quota Immigrant Visa type, which means there is no annual limit on the number of visa applicants and the visa allows for permanent residency.
Are you applying for the Marriage Visa IN the Philippines? Read Part 2 of this article for the specific steps on how to apply for the 13a at the Philippines Bureau of Immigration Office.
QUICK TIPS- PHILIPPINES
Show a mandatory departure ticket. You cannot enter the Philippines on a one-way ticket if you only have a tourist visa or visa on arrival. You will need a flight ticket with a date leaving the country before your visa expires. Save money by showing immigration you have a cheap onward travel ticket for just $14.
Get help with your visa. The Philippines visa process can get complicated. The rules and regulations change frequently. Avoid the hassle of dealing with the immigration bureaucracy by speaking with a Philippines Visa Specialist.
Learn some basic Tagalog phrases. While nearly everyone speaks some English, learning some basic Tagalog is always appreciated by Filipinos. Get a FREE Language Lesson using the same learning technique used by the US State Department, FBI, and overseas military.
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INSIDER TIP : Dependent Children- While primarily used as a marriage visa, the 13a also applies to if you want to bring your unmarried minor child (they must be under 21 years old) with you to the Philippines.
Can You Help Me With My 13a Spousal Visa?
Yes. I have Visa and Immigration Specialist ready to remove the hassle, headaches, and complexity of the 13a Spousal Visa Process. My Visa Experts are certified by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine Retirement Association (PRA), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) who can handle the 13a Probationary and 13a Permanent on your behalf. Chat with a Philippine Visa Specialist here.
Other Names For The 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage
The 13a is named after the specific Immigration law, Section 13 paragraph (a) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613. However, this type of visa is also referred to as 13a resident, 13a probationary, and 13a permanent. You will also hear the terms foreign spouse visa, spousal visa, or marriage visa used about the 13a, but there are other types of Philippines marriage visas, as well.
Other Types of Philippine Marriage Visas
The 13a should not be confused with the 13g Marriage Visa for Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen, also called the 13g Balikbayan Visa.
The key difference is the 13a is if you are married to a CURRENT Philippine citizen, while the 13g is if your spouse is a FORMER Philippine citizen who is now a naturalized citizen of a foreign country.
Additionally, Temporary Resident's Visa (TRV) Spousal Visa is an entirely different type of foreign spouse marriage visa used by foreign nationals of countries who cannot usually immigrate to the Philippines (see the list here).
RELATED POST ON VISAS IN THE PHILIPPINES
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The spouse of the Filipino citizen must have a clean police background check, pass a medical examination proving good physical condition and mental health, and have sufficient financial resources to support their family and not become a burden on the government.
Additionally, the 13a visa type is only eligible for a foreign national from the countries listed below:
| Visa Applicant's Country of Citizenship |
|---|
| Algeria* |
| Argentina |
| Australia |
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Belize |
| Bolivia |
| Botswana |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| Brazil |
| Canada |
| Cape Verde |
| Chile |
| Colombia |
| Costa Rica |
| Croatia |
| Cuba |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Ecuador |
| Egypt* |
| El Salvador |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| Fiji |
| France |
| Gabon |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Guatemala |
| Honduras |
| Hongkong SAR |
| Indonesia* |
| Iraq |
| Ireland |
| Iceland |
| Israel |
| Italy |
| Japan |
| Latvia |
| Lesotho |
| Libya* |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Macau SAR |
| Malaysia* |
| Malta** |
| Marshall Island |
| Mexico |
| Micronesia |
| Monaco |
| Montenegro |
| The Netherlands |
| New Zealand |
| Nicaragua |
| Nigeria* |
| Northern Mariana Island |
| Norway |
| Oman* |
| Papua New Guinea |
| Paraguay |
| Peru |
| Russia |
| Saudi Arabia* |
| Senegal |
| Serbia |
| Singapore |
| Slovak Republic |
| Slovenia |
| South Africa |
| Spain |
| Suriname |
| Sweden |
| Switzerland |
| Thailand |
| Trinidad and Tobago |
| Tunisia |
| Turkey |
| United Kingdom |
| Uruguay |
| USA |
| Venezuela |
| * Limited to male visa applicants married to female Philippine citizen partners ** provided that the marriage took place before 24 April 2001 or the couple has been married for at least 5 years. |
A foreign national from a country NOT on this list is ineligible for any permanent residence visa in the Philippines.
INSIDER TIP : Legal Marriage Contract- The marriage must be considered valid under current Philippine laws at the time of application. Current laws do not legally recognize Same-Sex Marriages and Domestic Partnerships, and the Philippines will not issue a marriage license for them. Therefore, they are not regarded as eligible for the 13a Marriage Visa.
How Long Can I Stay In The Philippines Using The 13a Marriage Visa?
The 13a Permanent marriage visa allows you to stay in the Philippines indefinitely as a permanent resident, unless you divorce or your spouse passes away.
However, even as a permanent resident, you will still need to report annually to the Bureau of Immigration and you will need to renew your ACR-I Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) every five years.
Note that the 13a Probationary issued to first time applicants in the Philippines is only good for one year. After the one year, you can amend the 13a Probationary to a 13 Permanent. You do not need to renew after the probationary status.
INSIDER TIP : Divorce In The Philippines- While divorce does not exisit in the Philippines, the country recognizes divorces between a foreigner and a Filipino citizen from outside the country. However, the laws around property division are extremely unfavorable to wealthier foreign spouses. Protect your assets with a prenup to be safe.
What are the Philippines 13a visa requirements?
The application requirements for the 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Marriage Visa vary slightly based on where you process the application. These are the most common requirements. Confirm specific prerequisites with your local Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if abroad) or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) District , Field, or Main Office.
You will need to complete the following and submit original versions and two photocopies (letter paper or A4-size paper). If your country of residence is in the United States, include a self-addressed pre-paid stamped envelope, preferably USPS Priority Mail, with a tracking number with your application.
- Non-Quota Visa application form (FA Form No. 3, in two original copies)
- Two recent passport photos (size: 2" x2" inches / 5.08×5.08 cm) with clear white background
- Valid passport of applicant (should have more than 12 months remaining period of validity) and two copies of the passport data page
- Original NSO or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- Proof of relationship to Philippine Citizen: PSA authenticated Marriage Contract or Philippine Embassy or Consulate authenticated Marriage Certificate from the country you were married.
- For any minor children, a PSA authenticated Birth Certificate or a Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction.
- Proof of Filipino Citizenship- Birth certificate of Filipino spouse authenticated by PSA
- Original passport and copy of Filipino spouse's Philippine passport bio-page.
- Notarized Proof of Sufficient Funds and Affidavit of financial capacity by visa applicant, with supporting documents
- Joint Letter, in English (or with an English translation), and signed by the petitioning Filipino spouse, confirming Philippine citizenship and endorsing the Marriage Visa application of their foreign spouse. Address the letter of application to the BI Commissioner's office.
- Clear National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) check if you submit your 13a application more than 6-months after you arrived in the Philippines
- Clean Police Background Check from your country of residence (State Police or FBI, if from the United States). Police clearance must be translated to English and Apostilled by the competent authority in your country of residence
- Medical examination by a qualified physician, including laboratory tests and x-ray results with standard-sized chest x-ray film.
- Medical certificate (FA Form No.11)
- Additional Documents may be requested as necessary
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Each Consulate may use different version of the FA Form No. 3. Check the Consulate website for specifics.
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What does it mean to notarize a document?
Notarization is the process of having a document authenticated by a notary public. A notarized document is proof of authenticity and allows you to use the document for immigration applications legally.
Which documents in my 13a visa application need to be notarized?
The BI no longer requires a notary for Philippines visa application forms or letter requests. As of 2014, BI Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison ordered only required affidavits and sworn statements to require notarization.
How To Notarize Documents Required For The Philippines 13a
The DFA must authenticate any documents notarized in the Philippines. If you submit documents abroad, the Philippines Embassy or Consulate can authenticate. A personal appearance is required. Call to make appointments in advance. To notarize any13a documentary requirements, bring a valid passport, marriage certificate, proof of spouse's Philippine citizenship, and the original and one photocopy of the legal document to be notarized.
How do I prove financial stability or sufficient funds for a Philippines 13a visa?
When applying for a 13(a) visa from OUTSIDE the Philippines, the Embassy or Consulate has a financial requirement that you prove you have sufficient means to support yourself and your family living in the Philippines.
The amounts vary, as each consulate can set their specific dollar amount needed to fulfill the 13(a) financial requirements. You must offer more than one type of documentary proof to meet the financial requirements.
Proof of financial capacity can include:
- Recent bank account statements
- Rental property contacts
- Pension documents
- Social security benefit verification letters
- Real Property titles
- Business income statements
- Personal income tax filings
Where can I apply for the 13a Marriage Visa?
You can apply for this visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin. Alternatively, you can arrive in the Philippines on a tourist visa, then apply for the 13A in the Philippines at a Bureau of Immigration office.
You can submit your 13a applications forms at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of your home country. Photo Credit
Is it better to complete the Philippines 13a visa application in my home country or in the Philippines?
If you can, complete the Philippines 13a visa application from your home country. Applying in your country of citizenship avoids the 13a probationary visa requirement.
In the Philippines, you will need to complete the process twice. Once, for a 13a Probationary, then after one year, again for the 13a Permanent Visa. Double the work and double the fees.
Are there different 13a requirements when applying in the Philippines vs. abroad?
The 13a visa process has slightly different requirements when applying in the Philippines vs. applying in your country of residence.
Differences when applying for the 13a in your country of citizenship
- Local Consulate or Embassy- The consular office in your country of citizenship accepts your Philippines 13a visa application and will conduct interviews of the foreigner and their Filipino citizen partner.
- Medical Test and Lab Work- Your application requires a physician's medical exam, at least four laboratory tests (blood serology, stool, urine, and AIDs), and a chest x-ray (F.A. Form No. 11).
- Different Application Form- Use the 13a non-quota immigrant visa application form (FA Form No. 3)
- 13a Permanent Visa- The consular office issues you a 13a Permanent visa, bypassing the one-year probation.
Differences when applying for the 13a in the Philippines
- Arrive In The Philippines- Enter the country on a different visa, for example, a Philippines tourist visa.
- Conversion To 13A Probationary Visa- Apply at a Bureau of Immigration office for a CONVERSION TO NON-QUOTA IMMIGRANT VISA BY MARRIAGE (PROBATIONARY) (visa application forms available here for download).
- Amend To 13a Permanent Visa- After one year with a probationary 13a, you apply for an AMENDMENT TO PERMANENT NON-QUOTA IMMIGRANT VISA BY MARRIAGE.
- National Bureau of Investigation Clearance- If you live in the Philippines for more than 6-months before applying for a 13a Visa conversion, you will require an NBI background check. The NBI check costs 155 PHP and takes 5-7 business days to process.
- Documentary Proof of Living Together- You will need a notarized document signed by you and your Philippine citizen spouse testifying you live together.
What is the disadvantage of submitting the spouse visa application in my country of residence?
The Philippines 13a marriage visa requires parts of the application process to be in-person. The consular office needs both the foreign passport holder and the Philippine citizen partner to be present. If you spouse is still in the Philippines, you will need to apply for a 13a Probationary Marriage Visa at a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office in the Philippines.
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Applying For The 13A Visa In Your Country of Residence
How do I apply for the 13a Philippines visa from overseas?
The application process depends on the Philippine Consulate in your home country. Some consulates accept 13a visa applications by mail; some require you to submit documents in person; some consulates allow online applications. Check with your Consulate for specific submission requirements.
How long does it take a Consulate to approve a 13a visa application?
Your application can take 2-3 months total processing time. Typically, Consulates will take 2-3 weeks to review the 13a visa application form and required documents. The Consulate will contact the applicant and the Filipino spouse for an in-person interview once the 13a visa application is complete. Do not make travel plans until after the interview. Consulates will issue a 13a resident visa for approved applicants roughly 10 working days after your interview.
How much does the Philippines 13a visa cost at the Consulate?
The 13a visa fees depend on the Consulate.
Visa Fee In Local Currency | |
|---|---|
US Consulates | $150 USD |
UK Consulates | 107 GBP |
German Consulates | €135,00 EUR |
Canadian Consulates | C$217.50 CAD |
Payment of Visa Fee
Each Consulate offers different payment methods. Cash is almost always accepted, Credit cards occasionally, and personal checks rarely. Additionally, some Consulates have additional fees (authentication, notarization, additional dependents, ACR-I Card fees, etc.). Confirm with your specific Embassy or Consulate for details.
RELATED POST ON COST OF LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES
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Important 13a Visa Terminology
Non-Quota Immigrant Visa for Foreign Spouse of a Philippine National
Officially, the Philippines Marriage Visa refers to the section of Immigration Law in Commonwealth Act No. 613, commonly known as The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 Section 13 (a).
Non-Quota Immigrant Visa- allows permanent residence in the Philippines under Section 13
Section 13 refers to allowing specific Immigrants into the Philippines
Section 9- refers to "Temporary Stay," such as a tourist visa (9a) visa or student visa (9f).
Immigrant- refers to permanent residence in the Philippines.
Quota Immigrants- the Philippines only admits 50 foreigners per year from countries that also allow immigration privileges to Filipinos
Non-Quota Immigrants- are foreigners exempt from the 50 person per year limit.
Alien Spouse- The wife or the husband with a Philippine citizen partner.
Non-Immigrant Visa- For a temporary visit to the Philippines for tourism (9a), transit (9b), business meetings (9d), or university education (9f).
13a Probationary
The BI issues first-time 13a Marriage Visa applicants in the Philippines a 13a probationary visa. The 13a probationary allows you to stay in the Philippines for up to one year as the foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen
13a Permanent
After one year, if you continue to meet the Marriage Visa requirements (still married, financially stable, NBI clearance, etc.), you can apply for a 13a Permanent Visa (Amendment to Permanent).
The 13a visa holders can live in the Philippines permanently
Key Takeaway: 13a Visa Philippines
If you and your Philippine spouse are in your home country, applying for the 13a is cheaper and faster than applying in the Philippines. In the Philippines, first-time applicants are issued a 13a Probationary, which means you will need to complete the application process, including paying the fees twice, again after one year.
I published this article with the latest updated information at the time of writing. However, the Philippines' visa policy changes rapidly due to the pandemic. Additionally each country's Consulate has slightly different requirements. Check the website of the Philippine Consulate General with authority in your country of residence to get specific details.
NEXT STEPS
If you liked this story, you will enjoy these other posts on living in the Philippines
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How soon after I’ve married my phillpino wife can I apply for a 13a marriage visa
Hi Gary, you can apply once you have all your required documents, including your authenticated Marriage Certificate from the PSA. The PSA usually takes a few months to prepare the certificate after you register the marriage.
Hi I was told I had to remain in the philippines for 1 year during the probationary period with my temporary 13a visa
Hi Gary, you don’t. It is advisable to stay in the Philippines while your visa is getting processed, but once granted, you can come and go. However, you must convert your probationary visa to a permanent one in-country before the probationary visa expires or you will need to start over again. If you need help with your visa application or conversion, let us know.
Im a American citizen wanting to join my wife in the philippines. How much money is usually required in the bank for a 13a visa mand does it matter if it’s in the husband’s or wife’s account ?
Hi Steve, the financial requirement is normally only required if you apply for a 13a visa from outside the Philippines. If you are already in the Philippines and apply for a 13a, then your financials are rarely brought up.
what is the req.to get married with my chines bf here in phil.for 13a?
Hi Mitch, you can find a guide to marrying a foreigner in the Philippines here.
Hello, your article is great. My Dad is married to a Filipino national and he would like to apply for a 13-A spousal visa. His spouse currently lives in the Phillipines and does not have a visa to travel to the US. Can he still apply for 13-A here in California if she mailed her original documents here-birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate? Or would he have to do it the PI?
Hi Rebecca, Regrettably no. Husband and wife need to both be physically present during the 13a visa application process. Easiest way would be for your father to enter the Philippines visa-free, apply for the 13a Probationary visa with his wife, and entend the tourist visa as necessary until the 13a is granted. If he needs help or has any other visa questions, have him reach out.
Hi my husband would like to apply for 13A visa, in order for that to happen do I need to have a valid Philippine passport? I’m also divorced from my former husband which could be a problem since there’s no divorce in PI. Any advice? Thank you
Hi Emma, You don’t need a passport. Two valid and up to date forms of government ID should be good. Here is a list of accepted IDs. For more information on what is required, I suggest reading the following two articles
Thank you Marco.
I am about to embark on this journey. I was just wondering can I apply as UK citizen at the jakarta philipine foreign embassy for the foreign spouse 13 A. ? Do you have someone who can help? ..
Hi Justin, there are a bunch of “maybes" related to your questions. I’ll go through them separately