The Bureau of Immigration grants quota immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals or citizens of a country that has diplomatic relations with the Philippines and grants the same immigration privileges to Filipinos under the principle of reciprocity. It is also available to applicants with special qualifications such as a high educational attainment, technical knowledge, special experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, professions or business which will contribute to the Philippine economy or be of national interest. The applicant may also own sustainable investments approved by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. The quota immigrant visa shall be granted to the principal’s dependents, including spouses or minor children who become lawful permanent residents of the Philippines. The quota immigrant visa is issued to fifty (50) applicants of any one nationality per year.
What are the benefits?
- Lifetime residence with minimal reporting means the holder practically becomes an Immigrant as he is granted not only a lifetime stay in the Philippines, but also a lifetime work entitlement. The holder obtains an 5-year validity ACR Card (it is then simply renewed). The holder also must pay for an annual report every year, however there are no other reporting requirements at all each time the holder leave the country (unlike other visas).
- The quota immigrant visa holder has the right to do business (in the sectors permitted under the laws of the Philippines) without needing to obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
- Upon exiting the country, the quota visa holder is automatically granted a re-entry permit. Unlike with other visas, no exit clearance or the associated fees are required no matter how long the holder has been in the Philippines.
Requirement checklist
- Letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant stating that he/she: is in possession of a valid passport (or equivalent document) with a valid visa at the time of filing the application; does not belong to any class of excludible or deportable foreign nationals enumerated under Sections 29 and 37 of the Philippines Immigration Act of 1940; possesses the qualifications, skills, scientific, educational or technical knowledge which will advance and be beneficial to the national interest of the Philippines or has sufficient capital for a viable and sustainable investment in the Philippines.
- Completed form CGAF (BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2).
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission that indicates valid authorized stay.
- Proof of applicant’s special qualifications such as academic degrees, awards, certificates of recognition, and other documents attesting to the applicant special qualifications, skills or knowledge, or proof of financial capacity or investment, including but not limited to: bank certification of inward remittances amounting to at least US$50,000.00 or equivalent in other foreign currency; documents proving ownership/purchase of a condominium (condominium units acquired within four (4) years prior to filing the quota immigrant visa may be considered) with corresponding proof that the amount invested came or was inwardly remitted from foreign sources; documents showing ownership of or investment in an existing corporation, enterprise or business concern (shares of stock or other equivalent proof of ownership in a corporation or business concern acquired within four (4) years prior of filing the application may be considered) with corresponding proof that the amount invested came or was inwardly remitted from foreign sources.
- Stamp issued by the Bureau of Quarantine appearing in applicant’s passport or travel document, if required, and a certification from a government health institution that the applicant is physically and mentally fit.
- Valid National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, if application is filed six (6) months or more from the date of first arrival in the Philippines.
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate.
Checklist of Documentary Requirements for EACH Dependent
- Completed form CGAF (BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2).
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay.
- Proof of filiation with the applicant.
- Stamp issued by the Bureau of Quarantine appearing in applicant’s passport or travel document, if required, and a certification from a government health institution that the applicant is physically and mentally fit.
- Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate.
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