Eligibility Quiz
Are you currently outside of your country of nationality or former habitual residence?
Requirements
Eligibility is divided into two distinct categories based on international conventions.
Refugee Status
You qualify for refugee status if you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country. This persecution must be linked to one of the following five grounds:
- Race
- Religion
- Nationality
- Membership in a particular social group
- Political opinion
To qualify, you must be outside your country of nationality and be unable or unwilling to avail yourself of that country's protection due to this fear.
Stateless Status
You qualify for stateless status if you are not considered a national by any State under the operation of its laws. This applies to individuals who lack a legal bond of nationality with any country, often due to gaps in nationality laws, conflict, or the dissolution of states.
Key Eligibility Principles
- Shared Burden of Proof: The Philippine government acknowledges that people fleeing persecution often leave without documents. Under Supreme Court guidelines, protection officers must assist you in clarifying your claims and give you the "benefit of the doubt."
- Unaccompanied Children: Minors separated from their parents or relatives can file for protection and naturalization through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
- Non-Discrimination: Your application cannot be denied based on race, religion, or gender.
Conditions & Warnings
Applicants should maintain their current visa validity while the RSPPU assesses the application.
Any change of address must be reported to the RSPPU within 7 days to avoid processing issues.
The Certificate of Pending Application (CPA) must be manually renewed before expiration to maintain protection from deportation.
Qualifications
No formal language requirement; interpreters must be provided by the DOJ during interviews if needed.
Fees
Status determination is free of charge. Naturalization fees are reduced by 50% for recognized refugees and stateless persons.