In case you are married to a Philippine Citizen and want to live in the Philippines, you can get a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage. Here’s our guide on How Foreigners can get a 13a Marriage Visa in the Philippines.
Foreign nationals whose country also grants permanent residency and immigration privileges to Filipinos can be given a visa due to their marriage to a Philippine Citizen. Dependents can also be granted visas. This is under Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Read more about getting a 13(a) marriage visa and being a permanent resident in the Philippines.
[box]Other articles you can read:
- How Foreigners Can Work in the Philippines: Alien Employment Permit
- Start-Up Business in the Philippines – How to Register your Business in DTI
- How Foreigners Can Get Married with Filipinas in the Philippines [Marrying a Foreigner in the Philippines]
- Philippines Entry Visa for Foreign Spouses, Minor Children of Filipinos
- Foreigner’s Guide to Commuting Around Metro Manila’s Rail Stations with MRT
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Who are eligible for a 13a Marriage Visa (Immigrant Permanent Visa)
- Has a valid marriage with a Filipino
- Marriage is recognized as valid under Philippine laws
- No record of derogatory information by an enforcement agency
- Without a dangerous or contagious disease
- Has the financial capacity to support a family and will not become a public burden
- Allowed entry to the Philippines and authorized to stay
- Citizen of the following countries:
Two Types of 13a Marriage Visa
Probationary
This is good for one year; then, you will need to have your visa amended to permanent
Permanent 13a Marriage Visa (Amendment to Permanent)
You will be a permanent visa holder. Both their requirements and steps are the same. However, for the biometrics for the permanent are:
- Biometrics data previously captured shall be used
- For aged 10 and below, biometrics are captured every here
- For applicants 11 and above, biometrics are captured every after 5 years
Requirements for a 13a Marriage Visa in the Philippines
1. Consolidated General Application Form – Duly accomplished
2. Checklist – please read this ahead
- For Probationary
- For amendment to permanent
3. Letter – addressed to the Commissioner from the Applicant and Filipino Spouse
4. Marriage Certificate or Marriage Contract
5. Birth Certificate of the Filipino Spouse – proving that s/he is Filipino
6. Copy of Applicant’s passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
7. BI Clearance Certificate
8. For those who have filed this 6 months or more from the date of the first arrival – valid NBI Clearance (You arrived on January 1 but filed for 13a Marriage Visa on July 1)
9. Original or certified true copy of the Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if you are from the following countries:
If with Dependent:
1. Information on Applicant’s Children
2. Consolidated General Application Form – Duly accomplished
3. Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
4. Proof of filiation with the main applicant – e.g., Birth Certificate or Adoption Papers
5. For those who have filed this 6 months or more from the date of the first arrival – valid NBI Clearance (You arrived on January 1 but filed for 13a Marriage Visa on July 1)
6. BI Clearance Certificate
7. Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if the applicant is a national of any of the countries listed above
13a Marriage Visa Fees
Step by Step Guide in Applying for 13a Marriage Visa
STEP 1: Gather all requirements for your application.
STEP 2: Go to the BI Main office or any office to process this kind of visa. Submit it to the staff in charge of the pre-screening. You will receive an Order of Payment Slip.
STEP 3: Pay the necessary fees. Get an official receipt and note of the schedule to come back.
STEP 4: Attend a hearing during your scheduled date—Ready your requirements for the ARC I-Card Application. Go to the registration division so that your biometrics will be captured.
STEP 5: To know if your visa and ACR I-Card has been approved, you may check the BI’s Website. If you are approved, you need to submit your passport so that a sticker will be pasted.
STEP 6: Claim both your passport and ACR I-Card
BI Offices Accepting 13a Marriage Visa
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Bureau of Immigration – Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
+632 8-547-3769, +632 8-465-2400
[email protected] or [email protected]
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District Offices
- Cagayan de Oro – receiving only
- Cebu – receiving and implementation only
- Davao – approval in main, implementation in here
- Iloilo
- San Fernando, La Union
- Tacloban – amendment
Field Offices
- Angeles
- Baguio City – will be transmitted to the main office of approval; afterward, they process visa implementation
- Batangas – Receiving, payment, hearing, and implementation only
- Dagupan
- Santa Rosa
- Vigan – receiving for probationary only
- Zamboanga –probationary
Others
- Makati Extension Office – for Top 1000 Corporations
- PEZA Extension Office – must have endorsement from PEZA
I hope this guide is helpful for you in getting a 13a Marriage Visa in the Philippines. Probationary visas are good for a year and then can be converted to a permanent one. I hope you enjoy living with your family in the Philippines!
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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