Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card or ACR I-Card is a microchip based, credit card-sized, identification card issued to all registered aliens whose stay in the Philippines has exceeded fifty-nine (59) days. It also has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically.
Who is Eligible to Apply for an ACR I-Card?
Foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas including holders of Temporary Visitor’s Visa, who have stayed for more than fifty-nine (59) days on the Philippines are required to have an ACR I-Card.
What Happens if I Don’t Have an ACR I-Card?
If a foreign national needs to leave the country, but do not have an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card or ACR-I Card, they are not allowed to leave the country. If the issuance of the ACR-I Card is pending, the individual shall visit the Bureau of Immigration (BI) office to be issued with a waiver.
According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Waiver can be availed of as a remedy for emergency departures of foreign nationals from the Philippines pending release of their ACR I-Cards.
What are the Requirements for ACR I-Card Waiver?
The following are the list of requirements needed to process the ACR I-Card Waiver as stated in the checklist provided by the Bureau of Immigration website:
- Letter request addressed to the Commissioner. Request must include applicant’s address and contact number, signed by the applicant/ authorized representative
- Photocopy of claim stub or official receipt of the ACR I-Card transaction/ renewal
- Photocopy of the applicant’s passport bio-page and latest arrival/ visa implementation
- Photocopy of plane ticket showing date of departure
- No derogatory record stamp
- Duplicate copy of the applicant fees for Waiver and ECC with RP/ SRC
- Assessment of Fees
How to Process an ACR I-Card Waiver?
To process an ACR I-Card Waiver, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Submit the Documents. Submit all the documentary requirements to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU). All applications must be filed at least forty-eight (48) hours before the applicant’s scheduled flight.
- Receive and Assess. The CRU shall receive and assess the completeness of the application and requirements.
- Pay Fees. Pay the assessed fees at the Cash Section.
- Verification. Verify the status of the application.
What are the Needed Requirements Upon Departure?
After securing the ACR I-Card Waiver, the following documents shall be presented at the airport upon departure:
- Passport with a Valid Visa
- Official Receipt of the ACR I-Card Waiver Application Fee
- Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
- Returning Permit (RP) or a Special Resident Certificate (SRC), whichever is applicable
Need further information and assistance regarding the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) Waiver? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
