Section 13(a) Visa Information Guide

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Section 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa Guide

In this post, I want to provide a clear overview of the rights and obligations of an immigrant who holds a Section 13a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage. Specifically,  the information on the right to work, the right to apply for a business permit, and, in particular, a list of the circumstances under which the visa can be revoked and thus invalidated.

ACR I-Card Permanent Resident Philippines 2026
ACR I-Card Permanent Resident Philippines 2026

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Please Read Carefully: I am not a lawyer, legal professional, or official government expert. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is based on the best available knowledge as of 2026. Immigration laws and fees are subject to frequent changes without prior notice. Every individual is solely responsible for their own legal status. You must ALWAYS verify all requirements, procedures, and fees directly through the Official Bureau of Immigration Website or by consulting with a licensed legal professional before taking any action.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the rights, obligations, and revocation grounds for the Section 13(a) visa, as well as the requirements for permanent conversion and annual reporting.

1. Rights and Privileges

  • Indefinite Residence: Right to live in the Philippines without periodic stay extensions.
  • Right to Work: Exempt from the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) under DOLE Department Order No. 146-15, August 20, 2015:
    Section 2. Exemption: The following categories of foreign nationals are exempt from securing an employment permit: f) Permanent resident foreign nationals and probationary or temporary resident visa holders under Section 13 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.)
  • Business Ownership: May apply for DTI/SEC permits, subject to the Foreign Investment Act “Negative List.”
  • Multiple Entry: Validity for re-entry provided Re-entry Permit (RP) fees are paid before departure.

2. Mandatory Obligations

  • Annual Report: Must report to the Bureau of Immigration within the first 60 days of every calendar year.
  • ACR I-Card Renewal: The physical identity card must be renewed every five (5) years.
  • Notification of Change: Must report change of address or marital status within 30 days.

3. Grounds for Revocation and Invalidation

The following circumstances can lead to the cancellation of your immigrant status:

  • Marital Dissolution: If the marriage is annulled, declared void, or legal separation is granted (as the visa is contingent on the marriage).
  • Fraud: Discovery of a “sham” marriage or use of falsified documents (CENOMAR, Marriage Contract).
  • Criminality: Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or being a fugitive from justice.
  • Undesirability: Involvement in human trafficking, illegal drugs, or threats to national security.
  • Abandonment: Remaining outside the Philippines for an extended period without proper documentation or intent to return.

4. Required Documents for Visa Amendment (Probationary to Permanent)

Must be filed within 60 days prior to the expiration of the one-year probationary period.

  • BI Form CGAF-001: Consolidated General Application Form.
  • Joint Letter-Request: Notarized letter from both applicant and Filipino spouse.
  • PSA Documents: Original Marriage Certificate and Spouse’s Birth Certificate (issued by PSA).
  • NBI Clearance: Required if the applicant has resided in the Philippines for 6 months or more.
  • Photocopy of Passport: Bio-page, visa page, and latest arrival stamp.
  • Proof of Financial Capacity: Bank certificates or evidence of steady income.

5. 2026 Annual Report Requirements

  • Reference Number: Generated via the BI E-Services Portal.
  • Original ACR I-Card: Must be presented during the report.
  • Original Valid Passport: Showing the 13(a) visa status.
  • Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the previous year’s Annual Report.
  • Note: If you do the Online Annual Report an express lane fee of ₱ 1000.- is added to the fee of ₱ 310.- (as of 2026).

6. Official Legal Sources and PDF Checklists

As the links of the legal sources are changing very often, or are not longer valid, I have downloaded and stored some PDF (please read my disclaimer on the top of this page):

Commonwealth Act No. 613 (Philippine Immigration Act)
Executive Order No. 209, July 6, 1987 (The Family Code of the Philippines)
BI Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2014-009 (Revocation Guidelines)
DOLE Department Order No. 146-15, August 20, 2015