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
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.