Who is Eligible to Apply for Non-Immigrant Visa (13A) by Marriage?
Under Foreign Service Circular No. 21-10, the Non-Immigrant Visa by (13A) Marriage is granted to foreign nationals who have relations with Filipino nationals or to former Filipino citizens who have obtained citizenship in another country. In particular, spouses and their child/children under twenty-one (21) years old who are Filipino citizens, as well as former Filipinos and their spouses, are eligible for this kind of visa. This visa category aims to facilitate family reunification and provide opportunities for former Filipino citizens to maintain connections with their homeland.
How to Process a Non-Immigrant Visa (13A) by Marriage?
A foreign national seeking a Non-Immigrant Visa (13A) by Marriage must apply in person. The Visa Officer or Consul will conduct an interview with the applicant, and an appointment is necessary for this purpose. It is imperative for applicants to ensure that all visa requirements are complete, as incomplete submissions will not be accepted, potentially leading to delays or denial of the application.
In this regard, a 13A applicant is required to submit a proof of their relationship with their Filipino citizens’ spouses and their child/children under age of twenty-one (21), such as a marriage license or birth certificate. Former Filipino nationals, along with their spouses and minor children, must submit documentation of both their foreign and Philippine citizenship, such as a passport or other official documents.
Additionally, the applicant must provide the necessary documents to prove his/her marriage with a Filipino citizen, including a marriage contract that is recognized under the Philippine Law and absence of any adverse information about the applicant in relevant law enforcement records. The applicant must also be in good physical and mental health, and has sufficient funds to support his/her family.
Furthermore, the 13A permits an individual to live and work in the Philippines for an unrestricted amount of time. Once he/she has lived in the Philippines for a predetermined amount of time, he/she might also be qualified to petition for citizenship. However, 13A holders may still be subject to certain restrictions and obligations, such as obtaining a work permit or paying taxes, and he/she must still abide by Philippine laws and regulations.
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Can Help!
For both corporate and individual clients, Duran & Duran-Schulze Law always maintains complete transparency. Eventually, these inquiries will adjust to reflect new legislation. In this regard, we change our approach to meet the needs of our clients. Our goal is to provide our clients with the most effective solution for every obstacle while making every effort to explain present circumstances in a non-legalistic manner.
Provide Assistance in Visa Application
At Duran & Duran-Schulze Law, our competent lawyer will assist you secure a visa in order to live and work in the Philippines. In addition, a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa holder might be qualified to petition for citizenship once they have lived in the Philippines for a predetermined amount of time. In this regard, we also offer assistance with citizenship applications and naturalization.
Offer Legal Counsel
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law is committed to offering legal counsel and support to our clients by providing information about the visa application procedures and the necessary requirements, and helping them solve their problems to prevent any delays.
Follow Up and Monitor
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law monitors the progress of the visa application and follows up with immigration authorities as needed to expedite the process. We keep our clients informed of any updates or developments regarding their application status. In case of visa denials or delays, we assist our clients in exploring legal remedies, including appeals or administrative reviews, to challenge unfavorable decisions or address any issues that may arise during the application process.
Need further information and assistance regarding Non-Immigrant Visa (13A) by Marriage? 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.