Philippines: Resumption of In-Person Requirements for Emigration Clearance Certificates and Applicants of Spousal Visas
December 8, 2023
Individuals applying for the regular Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) or ECC-A at the Main Office of the Bureau of Immigration must now make a personal appearance in order to obtain the certificate to depart the Philippines. The ECC-A are issued to departing foreign nationals to show that they have no negative criminal records in the Philippines and have no pending obligations with the government at the time of issuance. This requirement was already in place at the Bureau’s Extension Office at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the PEZA Immigration Extension Office. ECC’s are required for departure for holders of Temporary Visitor Visas who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more; holders of expired or downgraded immigrant or non-immigrant visas; and holders of Temporary Visitor Visas with Orders to Leave. Additionally, applicants for spousal visas are again required to attend in-person interviews at the Bureau of Immigration, after COVID-19 concessions expired. Interested parties should note that both the petitioner spouse and the applicant spouse must appear in person for the interview, and they can also be accompanied by an attorney.
This alert 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]. We worked closely with our Philippine affiliates in Manila to prepare this alert.
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.
Media mentions
Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger discusses how US employers can navigate ongoing green card delays and shifting visa bulletin trends to better support foreign talent and workforce planning.
Media mentions
Awards
WirtschaftsWoche names Fragomen to its "Best Law Firms 2025" list and Partner Axel Boysen to its "Best Lawyers 2025" list in the field of migration law for private individuals.
Awards
Fragomen is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Legal Guide 2025.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.