Individuals who are going through the visa downgrade procedure must understand how this could affect their immigration status both in the present and in the future. Duran & Duran-Schulze Law is a full-service visa and immigration law firm that offer services to foreign nationals residing in more than 40 countries, including Filipino individuals living abroad. We can assist you whether you want to apply for a certain type of visa or if you already have a visa and need help renewing it.
Visa Downgrade
Visa downgrade is when a foreign national required to change their current visa to another type of visa due to various reasons, such as losing or leaving a job, or when they cannot longer meet the qualifications and requirements of their current visa.
Downgrading a visa is necessary to prevent any immigration consequences and fines for violating the immigration policies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for visa downgrade?
Foreign nationals who need to reverse their immigration visa to temporary visitor or tourist visa to continue to legally stay in the Philippines.
What are the requirements for visa downgrade?
The following documents are required to be submitted:
- Letter request addressed to the Commissioner stating the reason for downgrading
- Photocopy of passport biopage, front and back portions of ACR I-Card (if applicable), visa implementation and latest admission with valid authorized stay
Additional requirements per visa category:
- For Pre-Arranged Employee Commercial Visa and Non-Commercial Visa (Missionary) holders, requests must be accompanied by a Certificate of Employment/Certification of Missionary Work from the petitioning company/congregation.
- For Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) holders, requests must come from the applicant and/or their spouse providing their residential address, contact number/s, photocopy of marriage certificate.
- For PEZA 47 a2 Visa holders, requests must be accompanied by a copy of the DOJ Indorsement granting the visa and proof of notice of downgrading from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- For Special Visa holders, requests must be accompanied by a Cancelation Order from the Special Economic Zone authorities.
- For 9E Visa holders (Accredited Foreign Government Officials), requests must be accompanied with a Certificate of Employment from the Embassy/Consulate/International Organization, Endorsement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and a copy of Embassy’s Note Verbale, if applicable.
How to downgrade a visa?
To process the visa downgrade, you must submit a letter of request for downgrading. After submitting the request, you must receive an Order of Payment Slip and pay the required fees. You must also acquire an Official Receipt and submit it along with the other requirements. If approved, you must present your valid passport and claim your passport stamped with the downgraded visa.
What will happen if I do not downgrade my visa?
You could face immigration consequences if you will not downgrade your visa when required by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). In this regard, you will be included in the BI’s blacklist system, or in any enforcement derogatory records in ports of exit, under Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 613. You may also be deported and will be required to pay the necessary fines. In this case, you will need to seek legal assistance to guide and assist you in lifting your name.
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law Can Help
Visa Downgrade Assistance
Duran & Duran-Schulze Law provides efficient and hassle-free services. We offer assistance by handling the pickup of requirements, organizing and processing the paperwork, and delivering the visa to our client.
Legal Counsel
We provide legal counsel and professional help to our clients in managing the complexities of the visa downgrade procedure. We also thoroughly explain to our clients the impact of downgrading their visa and the benefits they will possess with their new visa.
Resolve Visa Concerns
With our expertise and knowledge, we can identify potential problem that may arise during the process and provide practical solutions to resolve them. We ensure that there will no be any delays and keep our clients informed about their applications.
