If you are a foreign national living, working, retiring, or investing in the Philippines, you are required to file an Annual Report with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). It serves as your yearly “check-in” to maintain your legal status.
Under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 562, all registered foreign nationals are required to report to the BI within the first sixty (60) days of the calendar year or from January 1st until March 1st of the year. Failing to comply with this requirement could lead to fines and penalties, visa complications, or even inclusion in the BI’s derogatory list.
What is the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report?
The Annual Report is a mandatory requirement by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for all foreign nationals holding a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), except those with a Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa (9A).
This report must be filed once a year to ensure proper documentation and maintain an accurate record of foreign nationals residing in the Philippines. The reporting process allows the BI to verify each individual’s legal status and continued stay in the country, ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
What are the Requirements for the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report?
Below are the requirements for the annual report of the Bureau of Immigration (BI):
- Online Registration Form
- Original valid ACR I-Card of card holders or original paper-based ACR I-Card
- Original valid passport
- Official Receipt (OR) from previous year covering payment of annual report fee
- An affidavit undertaking to secure passport, if passport is expired
- An affidavit of no passport issued since birth with undertaking to secure passport, if native-born without a passport
- Proof of payment for ASIO re-stamping, if a visa holder with pending application for re-stamping
- Medical certificate, for pregnant woman, person with a disability, and individuals with a medical condition
How to File the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report?
An annual report may be processed in-person or through online. To be guided, follow this step-by-step guide:
Filing a Bureau of Immigration Annual Report In-Person
- Preparation of Requirements. To initiate the process, gather all the required documents for a smooth transaction with the immigration.
- Register Online. Visit the BI e-service portal to register online and secure a copy of your reference number. Ensure all required fields are filled out completely and correctly.
- Submission of Documents. Go to the BI office or any authorized office to submit your annual report form along with the required documents.
- Pay the Fees. Settle the necessary fees at the payment counter. Keep a copy of your Official Receipt, as this will be required for your next Annual Report filing.
- Receive Acknowledgement. Once your report is filed and fees are paid, the BI will issue an acknowledgement receipt or certificate. A new sticker will also be affixed to your ACR I-Card, proving that you have complied with the annual reporting requirement.
Please note that individuals who are under fourteen (14) years old and over sixty (60) years old are exempted from the personal appearance requirement.
Filing a Bureau of Immigration Annual Report Online
- Preparation of Requirements. To initiate the process, prepare all the necessary documents for a hassle-free transaction with the immigration.
- Register Online. Register at the e-service portal of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and secure a copy of your reference number. Ensure all required information is filled out accurately and completely.
- Attend the Online Appointment. On the day of your online appointment, attend the meeting link sent to your registered email address. Make sure to attend your appointment on time.
- Pay the Fees. Settle the applicable fees through online payment options such as Maya, GCash, credit card, or debit card.
- Receive Acknowledgement. Once your report has been filed and fees are paid, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt or certificate. A new sticker will also be issued for your ACR I-Card that proves that you have complied with the annual reporting requirement.
Please note that virtual annual reporting is only available for paper-based ACR I-Card holders in the Philippines.
Am I Still Required to File the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report Even If I Am Leaving the Philippines?
No, you are not required to file an Annual Report if you are leaving the Philippines. However, you must surrender your Certificate of Registration to the officer in charge of your registration at least twenty-four (24) hours before your departure. Upon surrender, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will issue either an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) or a re-entry permit, depending on your situation.
What Will Happen If I Fail to File the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report?
Failure to comply with the annual reporting requirements of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines can lead to serious consequences, including the following:
- Late Filing Fee. A penalty fee will be imposed for reports filed after the deadline. The amount may vary depending on the length of the delay and may be subject to the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s discretion based on the reason for the late filing. It is strongly recommended to report on time to avoid additional costs.
- Fines and Penalties. Aside from the late filing fee, the BI may impose further fines and penalties for late filings to enforce compliance.
- Revocation of Visa. Non-compliance may result in the cancellation or revocation of your visa, which can affect your legal stay in the country and make it difficult to apply for visa extensions or renewals.
- Deportation. If you consistently fail to comply with the annual reporting requirements, the BI may consider you as a threat or a risk to public safety, resulting in you being deported.
- Blacklist Order. Failing to meet immigration requirements can lead to being included on the BI’s derogatory list, which prohibits you from re-entering the country. Removing your name from the list requires legal assistance and a formal request for lifting the blacklist order.
Need further information and assistance regarding the Bureau of Immigration Annual Report? 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 +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
