Foreign nationals who are entering the Philippines are required to obtain an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), given that they will stay in the country for more than fifty-nine (59) days. It is also a requirement when leaving the country, along with an Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC).
Renewal of an ACR I-Card is necessary when it expires after the one year validity, change of visa status, re-registration of a minor child upon reaching fourteen (14) years old, or required for replacement of the card. It can also be used as a valid ID and ensures that you remain in compliance with immigration.
What is an ACR I-Card?
An Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a microchip-based credit card-sized identification card issued to registered foreign nationals to replace the paper-based ACR that was issued to them before. It has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically. Additionally, an ACR I-Card serves as proof of registration and identity of its holders, providing a secure and tamper-proof way to manage and update their immigration status and records.
Eligible to Apply for a Renewal of an ACR I-Card in the Philippines
The following foreign individuals are required to renew their ACR I-Card in the Philippines:
Native-born immigrants or foreigners born in the Philippines;
Foreign nationals whose visa is granted with a permanent residence;
Temporary visitors who come to the country for leisure, business or medical treatment;
Foreign nationals who are employed in the Philippines;
Holders of Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa (9d);
Foreign nationals who are required to register but exempted from immigration fees; and
Other individuals may be required by law to register.
Exempted to Process a Renewal of an ACR I-Card in the Philippines
Personal appearance is required when processing a renewal of the Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card since applicants must bring their original or paper-based ACR I-Card along with their valid passport. Additionally, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) no longer allows representatives to process the annual report on behalf of the ACR I-Card holder.
However, the following foreign individuals are exempted from the required personal appearance:
Aged below fourteen (14) years old and above sixty (60) years old;
Hold a Person with a Disability (PWD) ID;
Pregnant; and
Have a medical condition.
Please note that individuals who have a medical condition must provide a medical certificate.
Reasons for Renewal of ACR I-Card in the Philippines
Complying with Philippine immigration regulations is crucial to avoid any fines, violations, and implications when applying for a visa or any immigration-related requirements. Renewing an ACR I-Card is one of the mandatory requirements for foreigners in the country due to various reasons, including:
Expired Validity. The ACR I-Card is only valid for one (1) year therefore renewing it is essential to maintain your legal status in the country.
Re-registration for Minors. If the registered minor has turned fourteen (14) years old, it is required to renew the ACR I-Card to update their status accurately.
Change of Visa Status. If you change or downgrade your visa status, you must renew your ACR I-Card to reflect these changes accurately in your records.
Required for Replacement. An ACR I-Card may need to be replaced if the circumstances fall under the Alien Registration Act of 1950 or Republic Act No. 562.
Color Code of ACR I-Card in the Philippines
An ACR I-Card has a significant color code depending on your visa status, which are as follows:
Light Yellow is for foreign nationals who hold a permanent residence visa. This includes quota immigrants, foreign spouses, minor children, and children born abroad whose mother is a Filipino citizen.
Bronze is issued to foreign individuals who were born in the Philippines.
Dark Purple is given to special non-immigrants and executives of regional headquarters.
Blue is intended for foreign employees with commercial or non-commercial visas.
Light Purple is for foreign nationals who hold a probationary residence and a temporary resident visa.
Red is given to foreign tourists who are visiting for less than fifty-nine (59) days.
White is offered to temporary foreign visitors, particularly holders of a Special Work Permit or study permit, who are staying longer than 59 days.
Aqua Blue is for foreign students.
Gray is intended for international treaty traders.
Green is offered for Filipino veterans.
Where to Apply for Renewal of ACR I-Card in the Philippines
The application for renewal of an ACR I-Card must be processed at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office in Intramuros Manila, or at any other authorized immigration office. For your convenience, you may check out the list of authorized offices here.
Renewal of ACR I-Card Requirements in the Philippines
To initiate the process of your ACR I-Card renewal, you must provide the following documents:
Duly accomplished application form (BI Form 204-08-010 Rev 0)
Original ACR I-Card, which should be surrendered
Photocopy of passport bio-page, visa implementation page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
Moreover, additional documents are required depending on the type of Philippine visa you possess.
For holders of Immigrant Visa, MCL 07-021, MCL 08-003 – Amendment from Probationary to Permanent Resident Visa, Temporary Resident Visa, Treaty Trader’s Visa, and Pre-Arranged Employee Visa (Commercial/Missionary)
Photocopy of the Board of Commissioners (BOC)’s Order of Approval
For holders of PEZA Visa or 47(a)(2)
Photocopy of Endorsement from the Department of Justice (DOJ)
For holders of Special Subic/Clark Investors Visa, Special Subic/Clark Working Visa, Cagayan Economic Zone Investor/Working Visa
Photocopy of Endorsement from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)/Clark Development Corporation (CDC)
For holders of Student Visa
Photocopy of the Student Desk-approved Order granting a Student Visa extension
For re-Registration of Dependents
Certified true copy of the Board of Commissioners (BOC)’s Order, for a non-immigrant applicant
Photocopy of parent’s passport bio-page and passport page bearing the visa implementation as well as the ACR I-Card (front and back portions)
Two (2) pieces of 2×2 colored photograph with white background and must be taken within the last three (3) months from the date of application
For foreign individuals who are born in the Philippines and granted with a permanent residence
Birth Certificate
Certified true copy of ACR I-Card and Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR) issued by the Records Section for internal verification purposes, if applicable
Photocopy of front and back portions of parent’s ACR I-Card and Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ICR)
Renewal of ACR I-Card Application Process in the Philippines
To process the renewal of the ACR I-Card, you may follow this procedure to be guided:
Seek Assistance. To make your renewal application easier, it is advisable to seek assistance from a service provider. They can assist you in gathering the required documents and provide practical solutions in case any challenges or difficulties arise along the way, ensuring that your application will be processed successfully.
Prepare and Submit the Requirements. To initiate the application, prepare all the necessary documents and fill out the application form. Submit the application form along with the supporting documents at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office or any designated immigration office.
- Check for Derogatory Record. The submitted documents will then be cross-checked against the immigration database to ensure that you do not have derogatory records associated with your profile. If you are found to have a derogatory record with the BI, you will need to lift your name from the list in order to be issued with a renewed ACR I-Card and to re-entry the Philippines.
Pay the Fees. Upon the evaluation process, you will receive an Order of Payment Slip (OPS) detailing the fees required for the renewal of your ACR I-Card. Once paid, you must submit a copy of the Official Receipt as proof of payment.
- Evaluation Process. The BI will evaluate your application for approval. This may take longer depending on the numbers of applications received by the BI.
- Issuance of Renewed ACR I-Card. Once your application has been evaluated and approved, the BI will issue your renewed ACR I-Card.
- Claim Your Renewed ACR I-Card. To claim your renewed ACR I-Card, present the claim stub and your valid ID to verify your identity.
Importance of ACR I-Card in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the ACR I-Card is an important requirement for foreign nationals because of the following reasons:
Proof of Registration. The ACR I-Card verifies that a foreign national is legally registered with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Identity Verification. It acts as a secure form of identification for various transactions and interactions within the Philippines.
Secure Storage of Information. The card contains biometric data and is electronically updated, ensuring the accuracy and security of the holder’s information.
Streamlined Processes. Holders of an ACR I-Card benefit from expedited immigration procedures, including special immigration booths at ports of entry.
Requirement for Annual Report. Foreign nationals with an ACR I-Card are required to report annually to the BI, and the card facilitates this process.
Need further information and assistance regarding the Renewal of ACR I-Card? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law in BGC, Metro Manila, Philippines 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.
