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
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.