Bureau of Immigration (BI) 2021 Annual Report for Registered Expatriate Visa and ACR I-card Holders in Philippines

By: Deeryl Jade Bantilan

Under the Republic Act No. 562 otherwise known as Alien Registration Act of 1950, registered aliens and holders of Alien Certificate of Registration – Identification Card (ACR I-card) are required to report in person with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Philippines not later than within first sixty (60) days of the calendar year.

On December 07, Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued an advisory requiring all Aliens with Immigrant and Non-immigrant visas to report in person to the BI Main Office at Intramuros, Manila or to the nearest participating BI field, satellite, or extension office within the first sixty (60) days of every calendar year or from January 2021 until March 2021. For aliens below fourteen (14) years old, their respective parent or legal guardian must initiate the reporting while Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) are exempted from personal appearance and may file through a representative with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

Furthermore, prior to proceeding to any BI office, the alien must schedule an appointment using BI online appointment system as they only accept and allow the entry of those who have an approved schedule. The said system can only be accessed thru BI official website or http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph. The reportee shall bring and present the following immigration documents:

1. Original ACR I-Card or original paper-based ACR;
2. Valid passport; and,
3. Three hundred ten (PhP310.00) for the annual report and legal research fee.

Failure to make the report shall subject the concerned alien to an administrative fine or to prosecution and upon conviction to be punished by a fine or imprisonment, or both.

Deeryl Jade L. Bantilan  is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resource Development and Management from POWER School of Technology – Tanza, Cavite at the top of her class as Cum Laude. She started her career as an HR Associate in an English Tutorial Center for Japanese professionals in Makati until she was promoted as HR Manager where she was widely exposed to different facets of HR functions such as on recruitment, compensation and benefits administration, policy implementation and development, and employee relates and performance management. She has the passion for teaching as she was formerly with the academe, her Alma Mater, handling subject related to her course and is currently the HR Manager and Visa Specialist at G. Pagaspas Partners & Co., CPAs, a Makati based full service arm accounting firm.

Disclaimer: This article represents personal views of the author intended for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred labor or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances.