Eligibility Quiz
Are you a citizen of the People's Republic of China?
Application Process
The application for a Permanent Resident Visa under MCL-07-021 is a two-stage process. You must first apply for a Probationary status (valid for one year) before you can convert to Permanent status. All applications must be filed in person at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or at a BI field office that will forward your documents to the Main Office.
Stage 1: Probationary Resident Status
- Gather Documents: Collect your PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (marriage in the Philippines) or an authenticated/Apostilled foreign marriage certificate. Ensure you have the Filipino spouse’s PSA-issued Birth Certificate and your valid Chinese passport.
- Secure Clearances: Obtain a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance if you have been in the Philippines for six months or longer. You must also undergo a medical exam to receive a Medical Certificate from the Bureau of Quarantine.
- File the Application: Submit the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) (BI Form No. MCL-07-01) and a Verified Letter Request from your Filipino spouse at Window 1 of the BI Main Building.
- Pay Fees: Proceed to the BI Cashier to pay the filing and express lane fees. Keep your official receipts.
- Attend the Hearing: You and your Filipino spouse must attend a scheduled interview/hearing. Warning: If you do not show up, your application will be dismissed immediately.
- Biometrics and Implementation: Once the Board of Commissioners (BOC) approves your application, return to the BI for image and fingerprint capture for your ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration). Your passport will be stamped with the one-year probationary visa.
Stage 2: Amendment to Permanent Status
- Timing: You must file for the "Amendment to Permanent" status at least 60 days before your one-year probationary visa expires.
- Submission: Submit a new letter-request and updated clearances to prove the marriage is still valid and you remain in good standing.
- Final Approval: Once approved, your status is upgraded to Permanent, and you will receive a new ACR I-Card valid for five years.
Fees
| Item | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Principal Applicant Fee | PHP 8,620.00 |
| Dependent Spouse Fee | PHP 8,620.00 |
| Dependent Child Fee | PHP 7,870.00 – 8,370.00 |
| ACR I-Card Fee | USD 50.00 |
| I-Card Express Lane Fee | PHP 500.00 |
| Legal Research Fee | PHP 10.00 |
| General Express Lane Fee | PHP 500.00 – 1,000.00 |
Total Estimated Cost: Expect to pay between PHP 15,000 and PHP 20,000 for a single applicant.
Note: This total does not include costs for NBI clearances, Bureau of Quarantine medical exams, document translation/Apostille, or the mandatory 9(a) Tourist Visa extensions required while your application is pending.
Processing Time
- Initial Application: It typically takes 2 to 4 months from the date of complete submission to receive approval and your visa stamp.
- Probationary Period: You must hold the probationary visa for exactly 1 year before becoming eligible for permanent status.
- ACR I-Card Validity: While the Permanent Resident status does not expire, the physical ACR I-Card must be renewed every 5 years.
- Document Validity: Most clearances (NBI and Medical) are considered valid for 6 months from the date of issuance for immigration purposes.
- Annual Requirement: You must report in person to the BI for the Annual Report between January 1 and March 1 every year to keep your visa active.