QUICK SUMMARY- How To Apply For The 13A Spousal Visa In The Philippines
What is the Philippines 13a visa?
Foreigners who want to live in the Philippines long-term to enjoy the gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, and affordable prices have a few different visa options:
- You can play the renewal game with a tourist visa, which allows you to stay for up to 36 months.
- If you meet the age and financial requirements, the SRRV is one of the cheapest retirement visas in the world.
- If you are married to a former Filipino citizen who is now a naturalized citizen of a foreign country, the 13g Balikbayan Visa is ideal.
- However, the most popular long-term visa for foreigners moving to the Philippines remains the 13a Permanent Visa.
The main requirements of the 13s Alien Spouse Visa are:
- A Filipino national partner.
- A valid marriage certificate recognized by the Philippines.
- Proof you have the financial ability to support yourself and your family.
- Are a foreigner from this list of 82 countries that grant permanent residence and immigration privileges to Filipinos
In my previous article, I detailed the Philippines 13a Visa, the specific immigration laws that allow foreign nationals to live in the Philippines, and the requirements and steps of applying for the visa at the Philippine Consulate General in your country of origin.
Additionally, I recommended applying for the 13a Spouse Visa from your country of residence and why that method is cheaper and faster than processing the 13a in the Philippines. However, if your Philippine spouse is stuck in the Philippines, you cannot apply for the 13a abroad.
Your alternative is applying for your Probationary 13a Visa at a Bureau of Immigration Office (BI) in the Philippines (see the list here).
This post is meant for married foreigners currently in the Philippines with their Filipino national partners who want to convert their tourist visa to 13A Permanent Non-Quota Immigrant Visa. If you are applying for the 13a outside the Philippines, read Part 1 for the specific requirements.
Can You Help Me With My 13a Marriage Visa?
Yes. I have Visa and Immigration Specialist ready to remove the hassle, headaches, and complexity of the Marriage 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 visa on your behalf. Chat with a Philippine Visa Specialist here.
Other Names For The 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage
While you may hear the terms spousal visa, alien spouse visa, marriage visa, or foreign spouse visa, the official terminology is the 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage. The 13a is named after Section 13 paragraph (a) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 of the Philippine Immigration law.
INSIDER TIP : Unmarried Minor Children- While foreign spouses with Philippine citizen partners are the primary applications, the 13a also applies to foreign unmarried children under 21 years old with a Filipino parent.
Are there different types of Philippine Spouse Visas?
Yes, there are four: the 13a probationary and 13a permanent, the 13g for Returning Former Filipino Citizens (also dubbed the Balikbayan Visa), and the Spousal Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
RELATED POSTs ON Visas IN The Philippines
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| 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. |
* 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
*Hint the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom ARE on the list.
What is the difference between the 13a Probationary and 13a Permanent?
Not much. Both are multiple entry visas allowing you to leave and re-enter the Philippines. Visa holders have the same rights and benefits with either visa, and the requirements and eligibility are nearly the same. The critical difference is the validity period.
13a Probationary
If you arrived in the Philippines under a different visa (tourist visa, work visa, etc.), the BI issues you a 13a Probationary valid for one year.
13a Permanent
As long as you maintain the Spousal Visa requirements, pass an NBI clearance, and have a clean BI derogatory records check, you can apply for an Amendment to Permanent Non-Quota Immigrant Visa By Marriage after one year.
How often do I have to renew the 13a Permanent Visa?
That is one of the essential advantages of a 13a Permanent Residence Visa vs. other visa categories. Once the BI approves your amendment from probationary to 13a Permanent, you can stay in the Philippines indefinitely without renewing your visa.
You still need to file an Annual Report with the BI, which costs 310 PHP or ~$6 and can be filed online. Additionally, you will need to renew your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I Permanent Card) every five years.
General Instructions for BOTH the 13a Conversion and the Amendment to Permanent 13a
How To Apply For A 13a Conversion To Probationary Visa
- Complete a Consolidated General Application Form For Immigrant Visa (BI FORM CGAF CO-001-Rev 2)
- Submit the application form and required documents for pre-screening to the BOI Main Office Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or staff of another Immigration Office that processes Permanent Resident Visa applications (Here is a list)
- Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
- Pay the required fees. Note that the visa fee is non-refundable and only payable in cash or money order made payable to Philippine Consulate General. The BI will not accept a personal check or credit card.
- Wait for an Official Receipt that contains the schedule and location of the hearing and instructions for image and fingerprint capturing.
- Attend your scheduled hearing
- Proceed to the Alien Registration Division's (ARD) Image and Fingerprint Capturing Counter and submit requirements for the ACR I-Card application
- Check the BI website for visa application status.
- If your 13a marriage visa application is approved, submit your original passport for visa implementation.
- Claim your ACR I-Card, when ARD completes the approval process.
How To Amend To 13a Permanent
The Amendment to Permanent steps are the same as above, except Step 7. You don't need to do another fingerprint scan. For your Permanent 13a, the ARD uses the previously captured biometric data from your visa conversion.
How Long Does It Take To Process A 13a Marriage Visa Application In The Philippines?
The BOI usually takes 1 – 2 months to process after receipt of application and the required documents.
INSIDER TIP : Legally Recognized Marriages Licenses - Philippine law must recognize the marriage contract as legal and valid . Unfortunately, same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships are currently ineligible for the 13a Spousal Visa.
Documentary Requirements for Conversion To 13a Probationary
The requirements for both the Probationary 13a and the Permanent 13a are nearly identical, except for a notarized affidavit required for the 13a Permanent.
- Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from you and your Filipino spouse
- Visa application form (BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 1) with your complete address, immigration status, and passport details
- A Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated Marriage Contract or Marriage Certificate
- The Filipino spouse's Birth Certificate or certified true copy of BI-issued Identification Certificate as a Filipino citizen
- Photocopies of valid passport bio-page and visa page showing the latest authorized period of stay
- A new National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Police Clearance
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate completed no more than six months before filing your visa application; and
- An original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if you are a citizen of Annex A countries
- Additional Requirements for 13a Permanent- Joint affidavit of continuous cohabitation signed by you and your Philippine spouse and potentially a Barangay certificate
- The immigration officer can request additional documents as necessary
| Annex A Countries Requiring Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance |
|---|
| Afghanistan |
| Angola |
| Bangladesh |
| Benin |
| Bolivia |
| Burkina Faso |
| Burundi Guinea-Bissau |
| Cambodia |
| Cameron |
| Central African Republic |
| Congo |
| Cote d’Ivoire Mali |
| Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Ecuador |
| Equitorial Guinea |
| Eritrea |
| Ethiopia |
| French Guiana |
| Gabon |
| Gambia |
| Guinea |
| Guyana |
| Iraq |
| Israel |
| Liberia |
| Mauritania |
| Myanmar |
| Niger |
| Nigeria |
| Pakistan |
| Papua New Guinea |
| Paraguay |
| Peru |
| Senegal |
| Sierra Leone |
| Somalia |
| Sudan |
| Suriname |
| Trinidad |
| Uganda |
| Venezuela |
| Vietnam |
*Hint the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada are NOT on the list.
INSIDER TIP :
Proof of 13a Permanent Visa- The Bureau of Immigration will issue you a Board of Commissioners (BOC) Order for Conversion to 13a Visa (Probationary) document as proof your probationary status was approved. Keep this document safe until your amendment to a Permanent 13A is complete.
The BOI will issue you a new document as proof you now have a Permanent 13A visa. Again, keep the record safe, as you will need to present the permanent BOC order for your Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR-I card).
Notarize Documents In The Philippines For Visa Applications
Thanks to a 2014 order by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Siegfred B. Mison reducing the processing time for the 13a Spousal Visa, the 13a application no longer requires a notary for letter requests or visa application forms. However, all sworn statements and affidavits still require notarization.
Do I need to notarize any documents for my 13a conversation application?
No. The documentary requirements for the 13a conversion (letter, application form CGAF-001, Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, etc.) do not require notarization.
Which documents require notarization when amending the Probationary 13a Visa to Permanent?
As mentioned above, sworn statements and affidavits used for the spousal visa application require notarization. Specifically, the Joint Affidavit signed by visa application and their Filipino citizen partner swearing continuous cohabitation needs a notary public to witness the signatures and verify the identity of the visa applicant and petitioning spouse.
What is the Bureau Of Immigration Clearance Certificate?
The BI issues a clearance certificate after completing a derogatory records check to verify the visa holder is not listed on the Hold Departure Order (HDO), Black List Order (BLO), Precautionary Hold Departure Order (PHDO), or Watch List Order (WLO) databases.
Suppose you do not have any criminal cases pending or outstanding arrest warrants. You have not committed any crimes or violated any immigration laws, such as illegally staying in the Philippines. In that case, your BI clearance certificate will be clean.
What is an Alien Certificate Of Registration - Identification (ACR-I) Card?
An ACR-I card is a document that proves you are a legal residency in the Philippines. Failure to produce this document can result in deportation from the country. You must renew the ACR-I card every five years, at least one month before expiration.
Where do I apply for the 13a visa in the Philippines?
After arriving in the Philippines, you will need to submit your 13a application forms at a Bureau of Immigration (BOI) office. However, not every BOI office receives, implements, and approves every type of visa application.
You can submit your 13a applications forms at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of your home country. Photo Credit
List of Bureau of Immigration Offices Accepting Permanent Residence Visa Applications
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION MAIN OFFICE
Address: Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines 1002
Direct Line: (+632) 8-524-3769
Email Address:
BI Offices Type of Office Services Offered Cagayan de Oro District Offices Receiving only Cebu City District Offices Receiving and Implementation Davao City District Offices Receiving and Implementation Iloilo District Offices Full service San Fernando, La Union District Offices Full service Tacloban District Offices Amendment Only Angeles City Field Offices Full service Bacolod City Field Offices Receiving and Implementation Baguio City Field Offices Receiving and Implementation Batangas Field Offices Receiving and Implementation Dagupan Field Offices Full service Santa Rosa Field Offices Full service Vigan Field Offices Receiving for probationary only Zamboanga Field Offices Probationary only
You can download the latest list from the Bureau of Immigration website.
How much does the 13a visa cost in the Philippines?
Since you go through the Spousal Visa process twice (Probationary and Permanent), you will pay double the visa fees.
Header | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
PRINCIPLE APPLICANT | PHP 8,620 |
DEPENDENT-SPOUSE | PHP 8,620 |
DEPENDENT-B16 | PHP 8,370 |
DEPENDENT-B14 | PHP 7,870 |
Additional Fee for ACR I-Card | 1 Year +USD $50 |
*Fees are updated as of 06 March 2014 and may change without prior notice. You can find the latest visa fees on the BI website. | |
Payment of Visa Fee
The BI only accepts cash payment for the visa fees. Personal checks or credit cards are not accepted.
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).
Key Takeaway: Applying For The 13a Spousal Visa In The Philippines
Completing the 13a application in the Philippines requires going through the process twice, first for the Temporary and again for the Permanent and paying double the fees.
However, the 13a Temporary to Permanent Visa remains the best way for a foreign national to immigrate to the Philippines IF your Filipino spouse cannot join you in your home country. Otherwise, applying for the marriage visa outside of the Philippines will save you time and money.
NEXT STEPS
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FAQs: Applying For A 13a Permanent Visa In The Philippines
Good afternoon, can I get a 13a probationary visa immediately after the wedding? I’ve been in the Philippines since September, was the wedding at the end of October this year. I have already ACR card. Thank you.
Hi Igor, you would be able to apply once you have all the required documents, but you wouldn’t “get" the visa right away. The BOI usually takes 1 – 2 months to process after receipt of application and the required documents. If you have any other questions or need help with your 13a visa, let me know.
Hi Marco,
Just for clarifications:
Does a foreign national holding a 13A visa, required to pay travel tax whenever he or she leaves the Philippines?
If a foreigner already applied and granted 13A Visa, is ACR-I required to apply immediately or he or she can do that later on.
Hi AirSchier, 13a visa holders have to pay a travel tax. You can pay the travel tax online, but sometimes it is already included in the price of your airline ticket. Double check, so you aren’t paying twice.
What are the requirements of probationary to permanent resident visa? and how much it’s cost?
Hi Jezka, you can find all the information in the above article. The cost are detailed here and the required documents are here. If you would like additional assistance with your 13a visa application, let me know.
My husband and I are in the US. I am Filipina-American. How and where can he apply to change his 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage into Permanent Resident visa? Is it possible to apply outside of the philippines? If his current 13a Non-Quota visa expires, can he still enter the Philippines to visit with just his US passport?
Hi Sharon, you convert from probationary to permanent at a BOI branch. You can apply for a 13a outside of the Philippines, if you are both available for an interview at the consulate where you are applying. If his visa expires, he could still enter as a tourist. If you need someone to handle the 13a conversion, let me know.
I am living with my asana in Cagayan De Oro. Is it possible to utilize your help in obtain a 13A visa since the CDO office only accepts the application and doesn’t implement or issue them?
Hi Michael, I would be happy to help you out with the Philippine visa process. I feel your frustration. The BOI bureaucracy sometimes makes me wanna headbutt a wall. Good news is
I have Visa and Immigration specialists ready to help cut through the government red tape, simplify your immigration process, and make obtaining your visa easier.
Concierge Full-Service Visa- You can have a Visa Specialist handle the filing and paperwork on your behalf. They handle the heavy lifting and deal with Immigration authorities to save you the headaches. Please complete this onboarding form to begin. https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Cheers, Marco
I am trying to find the form for probationary visa for the one year before changing to permanent residence visa but can not find the form I need.
I from England and I am already living in hhe philippines
Hi Robert, you actually use the same type of form for both the 13a probationary and permanent. You can download a copy of the visa application forms here. If you would like help with your 13a visa application, let me know.
I am a US citizen married for 12 years to a Filipina citizen with USA Dual citizenship. I would like to get permanent residence, leading to Philippine citizenship.
Our plan is for me to stay here full time, developing property we purchased into a resort, with occasional trips out to receive medical attention from the VA. My wife will be spending time at our home in Alaska, working to pay for the project, until such time as she can return permanently. Is she required to be here full time, or how long each year, in order to achieve our goals?
What are the steps needed to accomplish this plan?
Hi Leonard, if you are both in the US, apply for a 13a visa at the Philippine consulate with jurisdiction in your state. Alternatively, as a US veteran, you are eligible for the Special Resident Retirement visa. Both the 13a and SRRV have their pros and cons; which one is better for you will depend on your circumstances.
Once either visa is granted, you will have residency in the Philippines and can enter, stay, and leave the Philippines whenever you like. You may find it easier to have your wife in the country when purchasing your property, but she doesn’t need to be in the Philippines for you to live there. If you would like additional help deciding which visa is best for you, reach out and contact me.
I am Malaysian. I have been married to a Filipina since 1995. I have been staying in the Philippines since my marriage. I have a SRRV (Smile) visa at present but i want to change to the 13a visa. What is the procedure to convert my SRRV to 13a?
Hi Khai, there isn’t a process to “convert" to the 13a.You would need to apply for the 13a, then withdraw from the SRRV program. Curious, why are you switching to the 13a over the SRRV?
My Dad (US citizen) is married to a Filipino national and is trying to obtain a spousal visa. He goes to visit at the end of May on a Visa Waiver. He only stays for 30 days or less. Can he still apply for a 13-A visa while he is there or should he obtain a tourist visa before he travels? Would it be easier to obtain a tourist visa or visa extension in the Phillipines? Also, he is not in the best of health-diabetes is not under control. Have you ever seen a visa get denied due to medical reasons?
Hi Rebecca, As a US citizen, the easiest option would be for your father to
Sorry to hear about your father’s health, but no. I have not heard of a 13a being denied for medical reasons. If he needs help with his visa application, we can help.
Thank you very much for all the information!
You’re welcome.
how to apply for a 13A visa and how long does it take to claim the 13A?
Hi Troy, the steps and the duration depend on where you are going to be applying from. Will you file in the Philippines or in your home country?