Ever wondered why Disney fairy tales begin their narration with the phrase “in a far far far away land”? It is because Disney is in tune with the reality that your prince charming or your princess, whatever the case may be, is located in a different part of the globe. Fortunately, such “fairy tale” is no longer confined to one’s fantasies but rather can now turn into your reality and allow you to spend the rest of your life together with the person you love most.
Hence, if you are a foreigner wishing to marry a Philippine citizen, the Philippines offers a pathway to a shared life through Spousal Visa. However, be mindful that understanding your visa options as well as the immigration process are critical. Luckily for you, discussed below are the types of visas and other options that you may avail of should you intend to make the leap and make the Philippines your conjugal home.
I. Non-Immigrant Visa: Temporary Residence Visa
For foreigners hailing from countries without reciprocity agreements with the Philippines, the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the gateway to residing in this tropical paradise. The TRV is valid for one year, and can be extended every two years. The application process involves the following series of steps:
- Gather Essential Documents: Ensure a valid marriage, a clean criminal record, and an original passport.
- Application Submission: Fill out the CGAF form and submit it, along with the required documents, to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU).
- Payment Process: Pay the visa application fees and courier fees.
- Hearing Attendance: Attend the scheduled hearing.
- ACR I-Card Issuance: For visa extensions, biometric data is captured, and the ACR I-Card is renewed accordingly.
- Visa Approval: If approved, the Office of the Executive Director (OED) will implement the visa into the passport, and the courier will deliver the documents to you.
II. Immigrant Visa: 13(a) Visa or Permanent Resident Visa
Foreigners married to Filipino citizens from countries with reciprocity agreements can opt for the Permanent Residence Visa or 13(a) Visa. This visa leads to permanent residency in the Philippines. Listed below are the step-by-step process that you must complete:
- Documentation Preparation: Accomplish application forms, gather passport-sized photos, and obtain necessary documents such as birth and marriage certificates.
- Application Submission: Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or other immigration offices.
- Payment: Pay the required fees.
- Hearing and Capturing: Attend the scheduled hearing and proceed to the Alien Registration Division (ARD) for image and fingerprint capturing.
- ACR I-Card Issuance: After approval, the ACR I-Card is processed, and the website is checked for visa approval.
- Visa Implementation: Submit the passport for visa implementation, and once approved, claim the ACR I-Card.
III. Naturalization or converting into a Filipino citizen
For those dreaming of fully embracing Filipino citizenship, there’s a path through naturalization. In the Philippines, naturalization can be done administratively or judicially. Administrative Naturalization is for those who were born in the Philippines and have resided therein since birth. The qualifications and disqualifications as well as the process is outlined in Republic Act No. 9139.
If, however, you do not qualify under Administrative Naturalization, you may avail of Judicial Naturalization. The qualifications and disqualifications as well as the process is outlined in Commonwealth Act 473.
Author: Atty. Jahazielle Marie R. Dela Cruz
