Philippines: Suspension of Filing of Motions for Reconsideration for Denied Visa Applications
June 25, 2024
The Philippines' Bureau of Immigration (BI) is no longer allowing individuals to file motions for reconsideration after their visa applications were denied for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas (except Philippine Economic Zone Authority Visas). It is not yet clear if this suspension is temporary or permanent. As a result of this new policy, individuals who have had their visa applications denied will need to file a new application that resolves the reason noted for denial in the Denial Order issued by the BI on the original application. They will also need to pay another application fee and the new application will be adjudicated in the regular processing time of two to three months. If approved, the individual’s new visa will be valid for the duration of their Alien Employment Permit. If the denial was for a renewal application and the Denial Order is issued after the original visa expires, they will need to submit a downgrading of visa (DG) application first, which, once approved, will return them to 9(a) status, and they can then file for the visa as noted above. Previously, the BI accepted motions for reconsideration for visa applications that were denied, which had a processing time of only three to four weeks and a fee of PHP 1,010, which allowed for a new decision much more quickly. Under the new policy, employers and applicants should ensure that all requirements have been met prior to the initial filing to avoid denials and the need for refiling, which will result in additional costs and longer processing times.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse
Media mentions
Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.
Awards
China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.
Awards
Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.
Awards
Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.
Blog post
In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter and Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala authored Zatrudnianie cudzoziemców po zmianach, a practical guide for navigating Poland’s new rules for hiring foreign workers.
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin breaks down Irish citizenship by descent, a popular pathway for individuals of Irish ancestry to secure Irish citizenship and passport.
Awards
Eight Fragomen professionals in Mexico City recognized in The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ 2026 edition for excellence in Immigration Law.
Blog post
Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse
Media mentions
Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.
Awards
China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.
Awards
Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.
Blog post
Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.
Fragomen news
Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.
Awards
Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.
Blog post
In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter and Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala authored Zatrudnianie cudzoziemców po zmianach, a practical guide for navigating Poland’s new rules for hiring foreign workers.
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin breaks down Irish citizenship by descent, a popular pathway for individuals of Irish ancestry to secure Irish citizenship and passport.
Awards
Eight Fragomen professionals in Mexico City recognized in The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ 2026 edition for excellence in Immigration Law.