Native-Born Immigrant Visa (13C)

The 13(C) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is for children born in the Philippines to a parent who already holds a valid 13-series permanent resident visa (such as a 13(A) for spouses of Filipinos or a 13(G) for former Filipinos). You must submit this application in person at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) while you are in the Philippines.

Step 1: Gather and Authenticate Documents

Before visiting the Bureau, you must compile a complete dossier. Ensure all documents are clear and valid.

• Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF): Download and complete BI Form 2014-00-003 Rev 0.
• PSA Birth Certificate: A birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Note that a copy from the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) is usually not sufficient unless it has been officially encoded by the PSA.
• Parent’s Proof of Status: Photocopies of the parent’s passport showing their valid 13-series visa, their Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), and their latest Certificate of Residence (ICR/NBCR).
• Child’s Passport: A valid passport for the child applicant.
• Affidavit of Support: A notarized document executed by the parent(s) guaranteeing financial support for the child.

Step 2: Pre-screening and Filing

Take your documents to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or a designated field office. An officer will review your dossier to ensure it is complete. If everything is in order, they will issue you an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).

Step 3: Payment of Fees

Take your OPS to the BI Cashier. You must pay the application and processing fees immediately. Keep your official receipts, as you will need them to track your application and attend your hearing.

Step 4: The Hearing

You and the petitioning parent will be assigned a date to attend a hearing or interview. This is a standard procedure where an immigration officer verifies the relationship and the child's eligibility. Ensure the child is present and the parent brings their original 13-series visa documents.

Step 5: Approval and Visa Implementation

Your application will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for a final decision. Once approved, you must return to the BI office to have the visa "implemented"—this means the visa sticker or stamp will be placed in the child's passport.

Step 6: ACR I-Card Issuance

After the visa is stamped, the child must be issued their own ACR I-Card (a microchipped identification card). This serves as proof of permanent residency and is required for travel and official transactions in the Philippines.

Note: The total cost varies based on the current USD to PHP exchange rate and whether you choose express processing. This estimate does not include costs for notarizing the Affidavit of Support, PSA document requests, or travel taxes paid at the airport.

• Standard Processing: Typically 2 to 4 months from the date of filing until the visa is implemented.
• Board Approval: The timeline depends heavily on the meeting schedule of the Board of Commissioners.
• ACR I-Card Delivery: Usually takes 1 to 2 weeks after the visa is implemented if express fees are paid.
• Document Validity: The child must remain unmarried and under 21 years of age throughout the entire process. If the child turns 21 before the visa is granted, they lose eligibility for this specific category.
• Maintenance: While the residency is permanent, the ACR I-Card must be renewed every 5 years, and the child must participate in the Annual Report (a brief check-in with the BI) within the first 60 days of every calendar year.