The Spouse Visa or Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) is offered to foreign nationals who are legally married to a Filipino citizen. The purpose of this visa is to grant the foreign spouses to live in the Philippines with their Filipino spouses. This type of visa is also offered to their dependents and/or their children who are below the age of twenty-one (21) and unmarried.
Additionally, visas help the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to track the purpose of foreign nationals on flying in the country and whether they comply with the country immigration regulations.
What are the Legal Requirements for Spouse Visa (13A) in the Philippines?
The following documents are the requirements for foreign spouses and their dependents who are unmarried and under twenty-one (21) years of age.
Requirements for Foreign Spouses
The following documents are the requirements for foreign spouses:
- Joint letter of request addressed to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner from the applicant and their petitioning Filipino spouse;
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) or BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2;
- Valid Marriage Certificate or Marriage Contract;
- Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate of the Filipino Spouse;
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay;
- Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, if application is filed six (6) months or more from the date of first arrival in the Philippines;
- BI Clearance Certificate; and
- Original and certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SNM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014.
Requirements for Dependent/s
The following documents are the requirements for their child/children who are unmarried and under twenty-one (21) years old:
- Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioner;
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) for Non-Immigrant Visa;
- Photocopy of the principal visa holder’s passport bio-page, visa implementation page, and latest admission with valid authorized stay;
- Photocopy of dependent’s passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay;
- Unmarried child’s proof of filiation with the petitioner, if applicable;
- Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate;
- Proof of filiation with the petitioner; and
- Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014.
How to Process a Spouse Visa (13A) in the Philippines?
To apply for a Spouse Visa in the Philippines, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Fill Out the Form. Secure the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) from either at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at Bureau of Immigration (BI) G/F Main Office or from the official BI website. Ensure that all given information is accurate and complete.
- Submission of Documents. Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or to the frontline officer or staff of other Immigration Offices able to process this transaction.
- Payment of Fees. Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) and pay the required fees. Additionally, submit a copy of the Official Receipt.
- Attend hearing. Please refer to the Official Receipt for the schedule and venue of the hearing and Image and Fingerprint Capturing.
- Biometric Capture. Proceed to Image and Fingerprint Capturing Counter of the Alien Registration Division (ARD) and submit the requirements for ACR I-Card application.
- Monitor Status. Check the website if the visa application is already approved.
- Approval. If the visa application is approved, you will be required to submit your passport for visa implementation. Additionally, you may also claim your ACR I-Card upon its approval..
How Much Does Spouse Visa (13A) Cost in the Philippines?
The fees may vary depending on the type of Spouse Visa (13A) you are applying for:
Type | Fee |
Principal | PHP 8,620.00 |
Dep-Spouse | PHP 8,620.00 |
Dep-B16 | PHP 8,370.00 |
Dep-B14 | PHP 7,870.00 |
There is an additional fee for ACR I-Card of US $50 equivalent for a year. Fees are updated as of March 6, 2014 and may change without prior notice.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Spouse Visa (13A) in the Philippines?
Processing a Spouse Visa (13A) usually takes two (2) to three (3) months or even longer. While the application is being processed, a Special Work Permit (SWP) is required if the applicant is employed in the country. The SWP is valid for three (3) months and renewable for another three (3) months. It is also recommended that the applicant is in the country while their visa application is being processed to avoid the need for re-validation.
Additionally, if the application is approved, the applicant will be given a 1-year probationary period to determine if the applicant is qualified for conversion to permanent resident status.
What are the Benefits and Privileges of Having a Spouse Visa (13A) in the Philippines?
The Philippines offers various benefits and privileges to Spouse Visa (13A) holders, which include:
- Permanent Residency. This type of visa allows the foreign spouse to stay in the Philippines with their Filipino spouse. Their child/children who are below twenty-one (21) years old are also eligible to apply for this visa with the same privileges.
- Work Opportunities. The 13A holders are granted to work in the Philippines. They can work in the country even without securing an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). However, if their visa application is still being processed, they are required to apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP).
- Property Ownership. Foreign nationals can own a property in the Philippines, but there are some restrictions. If they are married to a Filipino citizen, the land title must be in their spouse’s name, while their name is listed as a co-owner. On this matter, it is essential to consult a lawyer or law firm for legal advice.
- Investment. The Philippines is an ideal country for investment because of its continuous economic growth and different business industries in the country. Foreign nationals, even 13A holders, are allowed to engage in investment activities while in the country. Additionally, they may open bank accounts (i.e., either peso or dollar deposits).
- Access to Basic Services. Foreign spouses and their dependents are given access to education, healthcare, and other basic services in the public and private sectors.
Need further information and assistance regarding Spouse Visa (13A)? 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.
