Philippines: Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Registration Due March 1, 2024
January 2, 2024
Country / Territory
Share
At a Glance
- Foreign nationals who hold a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), such as long-term work visa holders, must file their Annual Report before March 1, 2024 to avoid delays to renewal applications or fines.
- For the first time, an online filing option is available to all registered foreign nationals who hold a valid visa (except those with paper-based ACR cards).
- Foreign nationals may also authorize their Fragomen immigration professional to accompany them to file the report.
The situation
Foreign nationals who hold a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), such as long-term work visa holders in the Philippines, must file their Annual Report (AR) by March 1, 2024.
A closer look
- Documentary requirements. Foreign nationals can appear at the Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s off-site venues at Robinson’s Place, Manila, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City and/or any of the BI participating offices, with their original ACR I-Card or original paper-based ACR (as applicable) and an original valid passport.
- Online filing option. An online filing option is available to all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines who hold a valid visa (except those with paper-based ACR cards). This option is only valid during the annual reporting period before March 1, 2024.
- Pending ACR I-Card applications. Foreign nationals with pending ACR I-Card applications must comply with the AR requirement. They will need to present proof of their pending application (claim stub with official receipt).
- Exemptions from filing. Foreign nationals exempt from personal appearance requirement for the AR include those below the age of 14 or 60 or over; mentally and physical incapacitated individuals (if a Person With Disability identification card is presented); and pregnant women and unwell foreign nationals (if a Medical Certificate is presented).
Impact
To avoid delays to renewal applications or fines, Fragomen recommends that the AR registration be completed by March 1, 2024. Foreign nationals should notify their Fragomen immigration professional immediately if they require assistance.
Background
The BI requires foreign nationals to file the AR to track their stay and immigration status changes, if applicable, in the Philippines.
Looking ahead
This marks the first time AR reporting can be completed online, in line with the government’s aim to make BI services more accessible. We anticipate more online accessibility initiatives such as more online application filings with the BI in the near future.
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].
