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
Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.
Fragomen news
Blog post
Immigration Manager Alice Heron examines Ireland’s updated employment permit salary thresholds taking effect in March 2026, including the reintroduction of graduate-specific Minimum Annual Remuneration bands and what these changes mean for employers planning graduate recruitment in 2026 and 2027.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.
Media mentions
Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.
Blog post
Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.
Fragomen news
Blog post
Immigration Manager Alice Heron examines Ireland’s updated employment permit salary thresholds taking effect in March 2026, including the reintroduction of graduate-specific Minimum Annual Remuneration bands and what these changes mean for employers planning graduate recruitment in 2026 and 2027.
Media mentions
Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.