Requirements for Obtaining a Spouse Visa in the Philippines

Query: What are the requirements for a foreigner to apply for a spouse visa in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, a spouse visa, officially known as the 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa, is issued to the legally married non-Filipino spouse of a Filipino citizen. This visa allows the holder to enter and reside permanently in the Philippines, provided they meet specific requirements set by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. Here are the essential requirements and steps involved in the application process:

Basic Requirements

1. Marriage Validity: The applicant must be legally married to a Filipino citizen. The marriage must be recognized as valid under Philippine law.

2. Marriage Certificate: An authenticated marriage certificate or a certified true copy must be provided. If married abroad, the marriage must be registered with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where the marriage took place.

3. Passport: The foreign spouse must have a valid passport with a validity that extends at least six months beyond the date of entry into the Philippines.

4. Personal Appearance: The foreign spouse must appear personally at the Bureau of Immigration for the hearing of the visa application.

5. Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant are required.

Supporting Documents

1. Biographic Data: Personal and biographical data forms provided by the Bureau of Immigration.

2. Birth Certificate: Certified true copy of the Filipino spouse’s birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

3. NBI Clearance: An NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance for the Filipino spouse, and a police clearance from the foreign spouse’s country of origin, which should be valid and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.

4. Medical Examination: A comprehensive medical examination report, including chest x-rays and laboratory tests from an accredited clinic.

5. Proof of Financial Capacity: Evidence of financial capacity, such as bank statements, employment certificates, or documents supporting pension or investments, to show that the couple can financially support themselves in the Philippines.

Application Process

1. Filing of Application: The application and all required documents are filed at the Bureau of Immigration’s main office or designated district offices.

2. Payment of Fees: The applicant must pay the required legal fees, which cover the filing, processing, and issuance of the visa.

3. Interview and Hearing: The foreign spouse must attend an interview and hearing at the Bureau of Immigration, where the legitimacy of the marriage and the documents submitted will be verified.

4. Visa Issuance: Once approved, the 13(a) visa is stamped in the foreign spouse’s passport, allowing them to reside permanently in the Philippines.

Renewal and Reporting

• Annual Report: Visa holders are required to report annually to the Bureau of Immigration during the first sixty days of the calendar year.
• Renewal of ACR I-Card: The ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card), which is a mandatory ID card for foreign nationals in the Philippines, must be renewed every five years.

Conclusion

The process for obtaining a spouse visa in the Philippines requires thorough preparation and strict compliance with the Bureau of Immigration’s requirements. Prospective applicants should prepare their documents carefully and follow all procedural guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. Consulting with legal experts or visa professionals in the Philippines can provide additional guidance and help streamline the application process.