Philippines

Philippines Student Visa Requirements 

Procedures and Requirements for the Issuance of Student Visa Under Section 9(f) of the Philippine Immigration Law, as amended, and Executive Order No. 423

1. Policies

Any Philippine Higher Education Institution (HEI) recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is authorized to admit foreign students.

A bonafide foreign student must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment, possess sufficient means for education and support, and seek temporary entry to the Philippines for higher education.

Spouses, unmarried dependent children under 21 years old of permanent foreign residents, holders of valid working permits under Section 9(d), 9(g), and 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, personnel of foreign diplomatic and consular missions, personnel of accredited international organizations, holders of Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) and Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SRRV), and foreign students with 47(a)(2) visas are exempt from securing a student visa and Bureau of Immigration Special Study permit.

Certificate of Eligibility of Admission issued by CHED-Office of Student Services (OSS) is required only in courses with enrollment restrictions or quotas, such as Medicine and Dentistry.

1. Procedures in the Issuance of Student Visa

Step 1: Foreign students at least 18 years old contact a Philippine HEI, fulfill institutional requirements, and submit the following documents:

• Completed Visa Application Form (FA Form No. 2)
• Certified true copy of Personal History Statement
• Certified true copy of Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and CEA if necessary
• Medical Certificate (FA Form No. 11) and laboratory reports
• Chest x-ray plates and results
• Police clearance certificate
• Passport (valid for 6 months)
• $250.00 fee
• Six 2×2 photos

Step 2: HEI issues NOA to the student, submits original and photocopies to DFA, and is hand-carried to DFA by designated Liaison Officer.

Step 3: DFA endorses documents to Philippine Consulate General in student’s country of origin/residence for visa issuance. Requests from places other than the origin are not entertained.

Step 4: Consulate notifies the student, conducts an interview, and requires additional documents in triplicate:

• Completed Visa Application Form
• Certified true copy of Personal History Statement
• Certified true copy of NOA and CEA if necessary
• Medical Health Certificate and reports
• Chest x-ray plates and results
• Police clearance certificate
• Passport
• $250.00 fee
• Six 2×2 photos

Step 5: Upon arrival in the Philippines, student reports to accepting HEI for assistance in obtaining Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for Temporary Students (CRTS) from Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Step 6: DFA notifies HEI, with copies to CHED, BI, NICA, and NBI, of student visa issuance upon receiving a report from the issuing post.