For international students currently holding a Student Visa who wish to continue their studies in the Philippines, applying for an extension can be a seamless way to pursue academic goals without any disruption. This process allows students to extend the validity of their student visa, granting them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, traditions, and breathtaking tourist destinations for an extended period.
By taking advantage of this extension, students can fully embrace the unique experiences and countless possibilities that the Philippines has to offer. So, if you’re a foreign student seeking to prolong your stay in this captivating country, commence your application now and unlock a world of endless opportunities in the Philippines!
Eligibility Criteria
This extension is intended for foreign students already in possession of a Student Visa who desire to prolong their academic journey in the Philippines.
What are the Requirements Needed?
Please carefully review the checklist of documentary requirements for extending a student visa. Before proceeding with the completion of the necessary documents, kindly read the general instructions provided above.
1. A checklist containing all the necessary documentary requirements.
- A joint letter of request, on the school’s official letterhead and bearing the school’s dry seal, should be addressed to the Commissioner. This letter should be signed by both the applicant and the authorized representative of the petitioning school, certifying that the applicant meets the qualifications for the visa extension.
- The CGAF for Student Visa and Special Study Permit must be duly accomplished.
- Please include photocopies of the bio-page of your passport, the page with your visa implementation, and the most recent admission stamp indicating your authorized stay.
- Attach a copy of your latest transcript of records or certificate of grades for the two previous semesters.
- In the case of a transfer, please provide an honorable dismissal or a certificate of transfer from your previous school.
- If you are shifting courses or transferring to a different school, obtain an endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- Include a photocopy of the BI school accreditation ID of the registrar or the school representative.
- Submit a BI Clearance Certificate.
- If you are a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A, and you arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014, please provide the original or a certified true copy of the Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance.
2. An application form
BI FORM CGAF-003-Rev 2: GENERAL APPLICATION FORM FOR STUDENT VISA AND SPECIAL STUDY PERMIT
3. Any additional information regarding the applicant’s children (if required).
Where to Submit the Application?
- BI Main Office
- Other Immigration Offices
Here is how to apply for an extension of your student visa:
Step 1: Begin by obtaining the CGAF, or Consolidated General Application Form. This can be secured from the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) located at the Main Office of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) or downloaded from the official BI Website.
Step 2: Once you’ve gathered all necessary documents, proceed with the pre-screening process. This stage can be conducted either at the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or with any frontline officer or staff at other Immigration Offices capable of processing this transaction.
Step 3: Pay the requisite fees and retain a copy of the Official Receipt for your records.
Step 4: Attend the hearing scheduled for your visa extension application.
Step 5: If you have previously undergone biometric data capture during your visa conversion, this data will be used for the printing of your renewed ACR I-Card. However, for applicants aged ten (10) years and below, image and fingerprint capture will be required for every extension of visa. For those aged eleven (11) years and above, image and fingerprint capture will be required every five (5) years.
Step 6: To check on the status of your visa application, visit the official website. If your application has been approved, submit your passport for visa implementation.
Step 7: Finally, once your ACR I-Card has been approved, ensure to claim it promptly.
Also read: List of Visa Consultants and Agencies in Cebu
What is the Associated Fee?
Here are the detailed costs involved in the process of extending your Student Visa:
- Extension Fee – PHP 2, 000. 00
- Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee except Head Tax and Fines – PHP 20. 00
- Certificate Fee – PHP 500. 00
- Express Fee (Certification) – PHP 500. 00
- Express Fee (Filing) – PHP 500. 00
- Express Fee (I-Card Processing) – PHP 500. 00
Total – PHP 4, 020. 00
Note: There is an additional I-Card Fee (based on the current exchange rate) of $50.00.
7 Strategies for a Smooth and Effortless Extension of your Student Visa
- Start early: Begin the process of extending your student visa well in advance to avoid any unnecessary stress or delays.
- Research requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and documentation needed for the visa extension. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself informed about any changes or updates in the visa application process. Stay in touch with your university’s international student office for guidance.
- Maintain good academic standing: Ensure you meet the academic requirements set by your university to maintain your eligibility for a visa extension.
- Financial preparation: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during the extended period of study. Keep financial documents and statements ready for submission.
- Seek professional guidance: Consider consulting with an immigration advisor or lawyer who specializes in student visas to ensure you have a smooth and successful application process.
- Submit early: Submit your visa extension application well before the expiration of your current visa to allow ample time for processing and avoid any last-minute complications
Summary
Foreign students in the Philippines who hold a Student Visa can apply for an extension to continue their studies without interruption. This process allows them to extend the validity of their visa and explore the country’s culture and tourist destinations. The eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step application process are provided. The associated fees for the visa extension are also outlined.
Contact Information
- Address: Robinsons Galleria, 22 General Maxilom Ave Ext, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
- Phone: (+632) 8-524-3769,
- Email: xinfo@immigration.gov.ph, immigPH@gmail.com, binoc_immigration@hotmail.ph
