Philippines 13a Visa- Eligibility, Steps, Marriage Visa Requirements, How-To

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. 

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

Other Guides On Expat Life In The Philippines

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:

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.

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.

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. 

1. Non-Quota Visa application form (FA Form No. 3, in two original copies)
2. Two recent passport photos (size: 2" x2" inches / 5.08×5.08 cm) with clear white background
3. Valid passport of applicant (should have more than 12 months remaining period of validity) and two copies of the passport data page
4. Original NSO or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
5. Proof of relationship to Philippine Citizen: PSA authenticated Marriage Contract or Philippine Embassy or Consulate authenticated Marriage Certificate from the country you were married.
6. For any minor children, a PSA authenticated Birth Certificate or a Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction.
7. Proof of Filipino Citizenship- Birth certificate of Filipino spouse authenticated by PSA
8. Original passport and copy of Filipino spouse's Philippine passport bio-page.
9. Notarized Proof of Sufficient Funds and Affidavit of financial capacity by visa applicant, with supporting documents
10. 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.
11. Clear National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) check if you submit your 13a application more than 6-months after you arrived in the Philippines
12. 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
13. Medical examination by a qualified physician, including laboratory tests and x-ray results with standard-sized chest x-ray film.
14. Medical certificate (FA Form No.11)
15. Additional Documents may be requested as necessary

Each Consulate may use different version of the FA Form No. 3. Check the Consulate website for specifics.

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?

To meet the 13a financial requirements, you must show sufficient means to support yourself and your family living in the Philippines. 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.

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. 

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

1. 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. 
2. 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).
3. Different Application Form- Use the 13a non-quota immigrant visa application form (FA Form No. 3)
4. 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

1. Arrive In The Philippines- Enter the country on a different visa, for example, a Philippines tourist visa.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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. 

 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.

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).