Important Updates
Important Updates
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Registration Due March 1, 2021

December 23, 2020

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Foreign nationals holding a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), such as long-term work visa holders in the Philippines, must appear at a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office by March 1, 2021 to file their Annual Report (AR).
  • They can also authorize their Fragomen immigration professional to file the AR on their behalf, which would waive the foreign national’s personal appearance requirement.
  • Although no additional fines and monetary penalties will be imposed for the non-filing or late filing of the AR due to a temporary suspension of fines, Fragomen recommends that the AR registration be completed before March 1, 2021 to avoid other adverse immigration impacts such as delays to renewal applications.

The situation

Foreign nationals holding a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) and under a long-term work visa in the Philippines must appear at a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office by March 1, 2021 to file their Annual Report (AR). They can also authorize their Fragomen immigration professional to file the AR on their behalf, which would waive the foreign national’s personal appearance requirement.

A closer look

  • Documentary requirements. Foreign nationals or their representative must present the following documents at a BI office:
    • Original ACR I-Card;
    • Valid passport;
    • Official receipt evidencing payment of the PHP 310 AR fee;
    • Printed confirmation number issued via the online system (for foreign nationals who have not done so in the past); and
    • If filing through a representative, a Special Power of Attorney with a valid government-issued identification card of the legal representative.
  • Pending ACR I-Card applications. Foreign nationals whom are pending ACR I-Card issuance with “under application” status, are required to comply with the AR requirement.
  • Regulatory relief. Aside from the AR fee of PHP 310, no other amount will not be imposed even for the non-filing or late filing of the AR. In the past, non-filing or late filing of the AR subjected foreign nationals to fines and other penalties.

 

Impact

  • Immediate action required. To avoid any consequences in relation to their immigration status, affected foreign nationals should comply with the filing requirement as soon as possible. Employers and foreign nationals should notify their Fragomen immigration professional immediately if they require assistance.
  • Consequences for late filing. Although no additional fines and monetary penalties will be imposed for the non-filing or late filing of the AR, Fragomen recommends that the AR registration be completed before March 1, 2021 to avoid other adverse immigration impacts such as delays to renewal applications.

 

Background

  • Purpose of AR. The BI requires foreign nationals to file an AR in order to track their stay and status changes, if applicable, in the Philippines.
  • Worldwide reporting requirements. Foreign national reporting requirements are also a feature of immigration systems in Thailand, where foreign nationals must report their presence after 90 consecutive days of stay; and in Iraq, where employers must submit a monthly list of all foreign workers to the government.
  • Regulatory relief during COVID-19. The suspension of imposing fines and monetary penalties for non-filing, late filing and failure to comply with compulsory notification and other reportorial requirements is in line with the National Task Force Against COVID-19 directive to provide regulatory relief to promote continuity and capacity-building in all sectors of the economy during the pandemic.

 

Looking ahead

The Philippine government is likely to continue to provide regulatory relief for other immigration applications such as visa renewals and visa cancellations by relaxing deadlines for late filings of applications and the removal of monetary fines. 

Fragomen will report on relevant developments.

We worked closely with Follosco, Morallos & Herce in Manila to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.