Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen Visa (13g)

The 13(g) visa is a permanent residency option for former natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship. The process is typically handled as a "conversion" of status, meaning you enter the Philippines as a visitor and then apply to change your stay to a permanent immigrant visa. While the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is moving toward digital tracking, you must still submit physical documents and attend an in-person hearing in Manila.

Step 1: Entry and Preparation

Enter the Philippines using your foreign passport. You can enter on a standard 9(a) tourist visa or via the Balikbayan (Returning Filipino) program, which grants a one-year stay. Ensure your stay is valid and authorized throughout the application process.

If you have been in the Philippines for six months or longer, you must obtain an NBI Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation before filing.

Step 2: Document Gathering

Collect and organize your application folder. All foreign documents must be apostilled (officially authenticated for international use) by the Philippine Foreign Service Post in the country where they were issued. You will need:

• Letter Request: A formal letter addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration expressing your intent to reside permanently.
• CGAF (BI Form CGAF-001-Rev 2): Two original copies of the Consolidated General Application Form.
• Proof of Former Citizenship: Your PSA-issued Birth Certificate or an expired Philippine passport.
• Proof of Naturalization: Your foreign naturalization certificate.
• BI Clearance Certificate: Obtained directly from the Bureau of Immigration.

Step 3: Submission and Payment

Go to the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila.

1. Submit your documents at the designated window for pre-screening.
2. Once cleared, you will receive an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
3. Pay the required fees at the BI Cashier and keep your Official Receipt, as your hearing date is often printed on it.

Step 4: The Hearing and Biometrics

Attend your scheduled hearing at the BI office. This is a formal interview to verify your intent and qualifications. Following the hearing, proceed to the Alien Registration Division (ARD) to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card).

Step 5: Approval and Implementation

Monitor the Bureau of Immigration website for the "Agenda" or approval list. Once your name appears:

1. Bring your passport back to the BI Main Office for "Implementation"—this is when the visa sticker is placed in your passport.
2. Claim your ACR I-Card, which serves as your official residency ID.

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately Php 12,000 – Php 15,000 per adult applicant (including the USD-denominated card fee).

Note: This does not include costs for apostille services, NBI clearances, medical clearances from the Bureau of Quarantine (if required), or travel taxes for future international trips.

• In-Country Conversion: Expect the process to take 1 to 3 months. This timeline depends on the Board of Commissioners' meeting schedule, as they must formally approve every 13(g) conversion.
• Consular Processing: If you apply at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad before traveling, the visa is typically issued within 5 to 10 working days.
• Document Validity: Your NBI Clearance is generally valid for 6 months to 1 year. Ensure it is current at the time of your filing, as the BI is strict regarding expired clearances during pre-screening.
• Annual Requirement: Once your visa is granted, you must report in person to the BI during the first 60 days of every calendar year (January to March) for the Annual Report.