Our 13(a) Spouse Visa application assistance provides a clear, legally compliant pathway for foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens to secure permanent residency in the Philippines. We guide you through every stage of the application process with careful attention to detail and reliable legal support.
What You Should Know About the 13(a) Spouse Visa in the Philippines
A 13(a) Spouse Visa, officially known as Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage, is granted to foreign nationals from countries with reciprocity agreements with the Philippines and who are validly married to Filipino citizens under Philippine law. It allows the visa holders to live, work, and build a life in the Philippines without the burden of frequent visa renewals.
13(a) Probationary Residency
The process begins with converting the foreign spouse’s tourist visa to a 13(a) Probationary Residency. Once approved, the applicant is granted a one-year probationary visa and an ACR I-Card, allowing lawful residence in the Philippines under probationary conditions.
13(a) Permanent Residency
After the probationary period, the visa may be upgraded to 13(a) Permanent Residency following re-evaluation. Applications are recommended three to four months before expiry. Upon approval, the holder receives a permanent visa and a renewable ACR I-Card valid for five (5) years.
Maintaining Residency
To maintain 13(a) status, the foreign national must continue residing in the Philippines and promptly report any changes in address or status to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
What Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Does
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law serves as a strategic partner in navigating the sensitive intersection of family and immigration laws. With years of experience and a strong record of successful approvals, we handle each petition with care and precision, managing the complete documentation and all Bureau of Immigration (BI) processes from start to finish.
Our 13(a) Spouse Visa Application Assistance
We provide comprehensive legal and technical assistance for both the probationary and permanent stages of the 13(a) Spouse Visa application:
Probationary Visa Filing
We handle the initial petition for the 13(a) Probationary Visa. We compile the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF), financial capacity evidence, and police clearances, and represent applicants throughout the Bureau of Immigration (BI) evaluation and interview.
Conversion to Permanent Residency
Three to four months before the probationary visa expires, we initiate the Amendment to Permanent Status. We ensure all updated clearances and joint affidavits are filed correctly to secure the indefinite residency without a gap in legal status.
ACR I-Card and Annual Reporting
We facilitate the capture of biometrics and the issuance of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card. We also assist with the mandatory Annual Report required for all registered aliens within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
How to Get Started
For inquiries on requirements, processes, and fees, contact Duran & Duran-Schulze Law at (+632) 8478 5826, (+63) 917 194 0482, or info@duranschulze.com, or simply complete the form on this page. Our office is located at 1210 High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2, 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Need to Consult a Lawyer?
You can book an online or in-person consultation with Atty. March. Choose a 30-minute or 1-hour session, fill out the form with your information and preferred schedule, pay the fee via PayPal, and meet with the attorney at the scheduled time.
Atty. Marie Christine Duran-Schulze
Managing Partner [Read Profile]
Business and Corporate Law, Family Law, Litigation, Immigration Laws, Real Estate, Labor Management, and HR Services
13(a) Spouse Visa FAQs
For your reference and guidance, here are some frequently asked questions about the 13(a) Spouse Visa in the Philippines:
No. The 13(a) Spouse Visa is only granted to foreign nationals legally married to a Filipino citizen under Philippine law. Applicants must provide a valid marriage certificate or contract as proof.
Most countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) have reciprocity with the Philippines. For countries that do not have, we can assist you in applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which offers similar spousal benefits.
Yes. Unmarried children under 21 years of age can be included as dependents in your 13(a) visa petition, granting them the same residency status as the parent.
Yes, the applicant may leave the country, but this may cause delays or the need for re-evaluation.
The 13(a) Visa is contingent on a valid marriage. In cases of annulment or legal separation, the status is typically cancelled. However, in the case of the Filipino spouse’s death, the foreign national may be eligible to retain the resident status under specific BI administrative remedies.
Typically, the process takes two (2) to three (3) months for the probationary stage. During this period, you must maintain a valid tourist visa until the 13(a) is implemented and stamped in your passport.
The visa itself remains valid as long as the marriage is intact, so it does not require renewal. However, the ACR I-Card is valid for five (5) years and must be renewed before expiration. Additionally, the foreign spouse must file an annual report in person at the BI within 60 days of each calendar year.
