Are you planning to leave the country any time soon? Whether you are going out of the country temporarily, or you are not coming back permanently, one must need to secure an Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC).

What is an Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)?

An Exit Clearance, otherwise known as Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), is a type of document which proves that the foreign national has neither derogatory records nor no pending obligations in the country.

What are the Two Types of Exit Clearance?

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), there are two types of Exit Clearance: ECC-A and ECC-B. 

Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)-A

Prior to departure, the following foreign nationals must have an ECC-A: 

• Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (also referred to as tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more; 
• Holders of expired or downgraded Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas; 
• Holders of valid Immigrant or Non-Immigrant Visas but are leaving for good; 
• Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time; 
• Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa with Orders to Leave; and
• Bona fide seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more and have a duly approved discharge from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)-B

The ECC-B is issued to foreign nationals who are temporarily leaving the country and have Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa with valid ACR I-Card.

When Can I Apply for an Exit Clearance?

A foreign national may apply for an Exit Clearance at least seventy-two (72) hours before leaving the Philippines. This can be used from the date of issue for one (1) month. However, it can only be used once. 

What are the Requirements Needed to Process an Exit Clearance?

The following documents are required to process the application of the Exit Clearance: 

• Application Form
• Original and photocopy of ACR I-Card
• Photocopy of the passport of the foreign national comprising the bio page, visa page, and latest arrival date
• Photocopy of the latest visa extension receipt
• Photocopy of the order of downgrading, if applicable
• 6 copies of 2×2 ID picture of the applicant

How to Process an Application for Exit Clearance?

To secure an Exit Clearance, the applicant must follow these procedures: 

• Submission of Documents. Submit the required documents to the nearest Bureau of Immigration Office in your location and ensure that the application form has been duly filled out. 
• Pay Fees. After submitting the requirements, get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) and pay the required fees. 
• Obtain a Claim Stub. Wait for a claim stub to be issued to you. This is important as this will be your proof for your scheduled appointment. 
• Visit the BI Office. Once you have a scheduled date and time or return, show the claim stub to claim your Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) and receipts.
• Issuance. Once the duplicate copy of the Certificate has been signed, you may now obtain the original copy of your ECC and receipts. 

Additionally, in processing an ECC-A, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) shall be in charge of processing of the application. However, for those foreign nationals who fall under ECC-B, they can have their clearance certificate processed at the airport. 

Need further information and assistance regarding Exit Clearance or Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)? 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.

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