Philippines: Deadline Upcoming for Annual Report for Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card Holders
January 6, 2026
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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 by March 1, 2026, to avoid delays to renewal applications or fines.
- Foreign nationals can authorize their Fragomen immigration professional to assist with the online registration and accompany them to file the report.
The situation
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) has issued the 2026 Annual Report Guidelines for registered foreign nationals. The Annual Report remains a mandatory immigration compliance requirement and failure to comply may result in fines and/or or other administrative or legal consequences.
A closer look
- Applicability. The 2026 Annual Report applies to all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines who hold a valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card); or a valid paper-based ACR, and a valid immigrant or non-immigrant visa. Those with pending ACR I-Card applications may still comply, provided they present proof of filing, such as a claim stub with official receipt, at the time of reporting.
- Reporting period. The reporting window for the 2026 Annual Report runs from January 1, 2026 to March 1, 2026. Foreign nationals who fail to report within this period will be subject to late filing penalties, including fines and additional fees, and may encounter issues with future immigration transactions.
- Required documents. Foreign nationals must present the following during the Annual Report:
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- Completed online registration through the BI E-Services Portal to generate an Annual Report reference number;
- Original valid ACR I-Card or paper-based ACR; and
- Original valid passport.
- Completed online registration through the BI E-Services Portal to generate an Annual Report reference number;
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- Reporting methods.
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- In person. The 2026 venue is set at Robinsons Place Manila (3rd level Center Atrium, near Robinson’s Food Court) from 9:00 to 18:00 (local time), Mondays through Fridays except holidays, or any of the Immigration Offices as indicated in the Operations Order.
- Mobile report. On-site Annual Report services may be conducted upon approval by the BI Commissioner or Alien Registration Division (ARD) Chief subject to submission of a formal written request and compliance with BI requirements
- Virtual report. The BI continues to expand its Virtual Annual Report, which is available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, during the reporting period. This method requires online registration, virtual interview and online payment.
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- Exemption from personal appearance. Foreign nationals exempt from the personal appearance requirement for the AR include the following:
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- Those below the age of 14 or 60 or over;
- Mentally and physically incapacitated individuals (provided a Person With Disability identification card is presented); and
- Pregnant women and unwell foreign nationals (provided a Medical Certificate is presented).
- Those below the age of 14 or 60 or over;
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An additional PHP 1,000 fee applies for those opting to avail of the virtual annual report option.
- Report completion prior to issuance of Emigration Clearance Certificate-B (ECC-B). Departing foreign nationals with valid visas and ACR I-Cards must file their Annual Report through the online filing option first before an ECC-B (Re-Entry permit/Special Return Certificate) can be issued. International Port of Entry and Exit will not allow registered foreign nationals who fail to present proof of compliance with the 2026 Annual Reporting requirement to board their aircraft.
Impact
To minimize the risk of fines or delays to ongoing or future immigration filings including visa renewals and exit clearances, foreign nationals should complete their registration no later than March 1, 2026. Early compliance is particularly important for individuals with upcoming travel or pending immigration applications. Foreign nationals who anticipate challenges in meeting the reporting requirements or who require assistance are encouraged to notify their Fragomen professional promptly to ensure timely and coordinated support.
Foreign nationals who fail to report within the prescribed period will be subject to late filing charges, including a Motion for Reconsideration fee of PHP 1,510 and a fine of PHP 200 per month of delay, capped at PHP 2,000 per year. All outstanding arrears must be fully settled as a prerequisite before payment for the 2026 Annual Report will be accepted.
Background
The Annual Report requirement is implemented annually by the BI. The 2026 Annual Report Guidelines further support the government’s agenda by promoting the use of digital payments, expanded e-services and the BI’s broader automation and modernization initiatives.
Compared with prior years, the 2026 Guidelines introduce higher fees, stricter exit controls, and clearer enforcement measures, particularly for departing foreign nationals.
Looking ahead
Foreign nationals and employers are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure timely Annual Report compliance within the prescribed reporting period. This includes confirming eligibility for virtual versus in-person reporting, settling any outstanding Annual Report arrears in advance, and ensuring compliance prior to international travel. Fragomen will continue to monitor BI implementation practices and provide updates as additional guidance becomes available.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
