As a holder of a 13a Permanent Resient Visa, I’m required to check in with the Bureau of Immigration every year within the first 60 days of the new year. Having just moved here in August of 2012, this was my first time to go through the process.
It seemed like it was going to be a fairly easy process. The main issue I had heard about was the extra crowds at immigration due to this requirement. Many had told me to wait awhile, until the crowds settled. Actually, almost everyone I spoke to indicated that they waited, just for this reason. I decided, since I had plenty of time, to go the first day and see how it really was.
As it goes with most things regarding requirements here, I got conflicting information. There had been an article on the website of the Bureau of Immigration stating that all that was needed was my ACR-I card and my Certificate of Residence. Others had told me that I needed a CEDULA (sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Residence, but most commonly as a Community Tax Certificate). A fellow down the street that was interning at the local BI gave me a different list stating that I needed: 1) Filled out application form, 2) Copy of my passport bio page & Visa page, 3) Copy of my passport last entry page, 4) Copy of ACR-I card front & back.
The only thing that troubled me with the whole deal was the CEDULA. The CEDULA is a document that seems to be a bit of a mystery to most expats. It is a residence tax, that you pay at your barangay office. They will determine your fee based off your income, and in turn will give you the certificate upon payment. I didn’t have that particular document, and wouldn’t be able to get it until after all the holidays had passed. That wouldn’t allow me to be there the first day. I did attempt to get one, just in case, but ran into closed offices.
I did some further research and determined, at least in my mind, that I already had my Certificate of Residence. As part of my fees to get the ACR-I card, I had to pay P1400 for an ICR (Immigrant Certificate of Residence). My ACR-I card lists “Cert. of Res.” as the last item on the front, and has a number starting with ICR. The application form had a place for that, so I entered the number off my card there.
I decided to go into with what I had, and made the appropriate copies of the other items. I got to immigration bright and early, 8:00 a.m. by my watch, 8:30 a.m. by their clock. I wasn’t that surprised to find I was the second person at the office. This has been true each time I’ve gone. If I get there right when they open, there is almost nobody else there. I guess tourists and retirees like to sleep in?
Much to my surprise, and happiness I might add, they had a sign posted at the first window stating the requirements for the 2013 Annual Report. They were exactly what the fellow down the street had told me, and neither the CEDULA or Certificate of Residence were on it. I went straight to the window and handed them my documents. The officer kept looking at my copies, because evidently they are not use to you having all your copies, and their first action is to send you around the corner to get more photo copies. He finally agreed it was complete and asked me to take a seat.
Within a few minutes they came back with my file and asked me to sign it. At this point I’m feeling really good and thinking it’s a matter of minutes before I pay and head to coffee. Silly me.
Time went by, the office filled with foreigners requesting various items, and everyone waited. I kept looking at the lady at the payment window, but she called up no one. Finally after about an hour and half, she started calling people to pay. Being the first I expected I would be called relative to my place in line, and knowing that my check-in was basic, it should be quick. Well that didn’t happen. Many names were called before I went back up to the original window and asked why I hadn’t been called. That’s when I was informed of a computer problem with the Annual Reports. But they were working on it.
Another half hour went by and some of the people getting tourist renewals and other documents were getting their Official Receipts and leaving. I then went up to the payment window and asked, “is there a problem with the processing of the Annual Report?”. “Yes, sir, the system is down, I suggest you come back in the afternoon.” Well it wouldn’t do me a lot of good to head home, because I live no where near the BI and take the jeepney back and forth. I headed to Victoria Plaza for coffee, followed by lunch.
Having wasted an hour and a half there, I decided to check back at the BI. Good news, they were processing the Annual Reports now. I was able to pay (though I lost my place in line by leaving), only another half hour more and I had my Official Receipt. I placed this securely with every other document I’ve ever taken to or received from them. I don’t know if I need them, but they all go with me each time I go to the BI.
If I had gone into this without expecting something to go wrong, I might had been a bit upset. At worst I thought I might have to go to the barangay and get a CEDULA, so only spending half a day there, and not needing to come back another day felt like a victory. Not a big one, but all wins are good, right?
Will my experience reflect yours? Probably not if you don’t live in Davao, and no guarantee for me next year even at this same office. I’m glad it’s done and out of the way. Oh BTW, the fee is P310, as advertised.
RT Cunningham
Jan 06, 2013 @ 13:33:35
It’s much easier in Olongapo City. I just show up with my ACR I-Card and my passport (along with my exit clearance). I’m usually in and out within 15 minutes, only 310 pesos poorer. I don’t need copies of anything and I don’t need to sign anything. I just keep the receipt for the next year.
Randy C
Jan 06, 2013 @ 15:07:38
From what I’ve gathered, it’s a little different in each office.
It would have been pretty simple, once knowing the local requirements, and if the “system” hadn’t been down.
Dave Starr
Jan 07, 2013 @ 17:38:54
As I wrote not long ago, the real truth about the BI is that they are “Consistently Inconsistent”. In my six years “in country” I have only been here subject to the Annual Report one year (those here on Balik Bayan privilege stamp do NOT require the annual report).
It was handled automatically at the Clark Immigration Office when I renewed the tourist visa stamp I wa son at the time … just a separate item on the OR … actually two items, when you pay the P310, if you look closely, it’s P300 for annual registration and P10 for “research” I believe.
Anyway, never heard of requiring a CEDULA before … again, “Consistently Inconsistent”.
Once again I am glad I’m on a BB stamp.
Randy C
Jan 07, 2013 @ 19:09:02
You are correct (of course) about the fee being two charges. I was too lazy to get my receipt to get that info, so thanks for supplying that.
I was also too lazy (aren’t I supposed to have more time now) to look up who is required to do the Annual Report, but I also figured you would know. The 13a & 13g for sure. What about the SRRV? I’m thinking I was told by a friend that he didn’t need to. Anyway, I knew I needed to, that was good enough. Glad it’s over for the year.
Dave Starr
Jan 08, 2013 @ 07:20:09
@ Randy C:
Correct. One of the “selling points” of the SRRV is the freedom from annual reports … SRRV holders are exempt from BI annual reporting.
I just heard from several of my cronies in the military retirement community that that CEDULA story is making the royunds up and down the archepeligo this year.
Never has, that I have heard of, been such a requirement, it just ‘got started’ for some reason … someone fell of their bar stool or something and the rumor began. Oh well, next year I am sure there will be something different. “Consistently Inconsistent” 😉
MindanaoBob
Jan 12, 2013 @ 09:43:35
Having a Cedula is an absolute requirement at the GenSan BI office. So, for at least one office it is not a “story”. No Cedula… no annual report.
Gary
Jan 12, 2013 @ 06:21:52
The only trouble with going to BI for the annual report is the place is full of expats! Some of them get upset about the wait. One even wore shorts, he stayed outside. Hahaha. He was also the one that didn’t renew his tourist visa for a few years. That cost him 40,000 PHP fine.
Randy C
Jan 12, 2013 @ 06:50:01
Ouch, that had to hurt. Surprised that was all though. A few years? Seems they should have sent him out.
Dave Starr
Jan 12, 2013 @ 14:04:57
@ Mindanao Bob:
OK, I certainly stand corrected there. Thanks for the update. My mistake. Once again, “Consistently Inconsistent” … that’s our “friendly BI” for you.
Les H
Jan 29, 2013 @ 16:55:32
Annual report
I went to the Intramuros Immigration office at 8:00am Tues 29 Jan 13 expecting to be queueing up for a couple hours to process my annual report. Surprize, very big surprize. I was in and out in 5 minutes. Yes 5 minutes!!!
I entered the front door and stopped at the table on the right and asked the guy there where do I go first for my annual report. He asked me if I was a senior citizen and I said yes. He directed me to go to the row of tables to my left facing the main entrance where I had come in. I was told to go to the table at the left. The guy took my ACR card (the only document he wanted) and then gave me my ACR card and a receipt for P310 and told me to go to table 5 to pay the fee. I did this and got my receipt back. I asked the guy if that was it and he said yes. I thanked him profusely and told him how surprized I was that it had only taken a couple of minutes for the whole process.
Many thanks BI for the tremendous improvements you’ve made since this time last year. Keep up the good work.
Randy C
Jan 29, 2013 @ 17:12:58
Seems Manila is a little ahead of Davao in that regard. To me it should be just as you experienced.
The ACR-I is supposed to be an all-in-one card. It’s good to see them finally using it that way. Presenting it should be good enough. I can’t see why all the copies are needed here.
I might had been out pretty quick too, if the system hasn’t been down. I just expect the worse and if something like your situation happens, then I’m pleasantly surprised.
Gary
Jan 29, 2013 @ 17:51:50
The Davao office also asks for a Certificate of Residence . It is on you ACR-I card. I didn’t know what they needed last year so the lady showed me. Easy…
Randy C
Jan 29, 2013 @ 18:21:32
The only place the Certificate of Residence was required was on the application form. As you said it (and I wrote in the article), it’s on your ACR-I card. The only other requirements were photo copies, as shown in the photo of the sign at the first window.
At least that was my experience.
maybelle
Feb 14, 2013 @ 14:29:13
what to submit for the ACR???
I have been trawling the BI website and am confused. What is the difference between an ACR and ACR-I. If the foreigner is planning to stay in the Philippines to sort out a wedding what are the steps?
ACR first or Visa first?
Does the BI office issue both?
Is the ACR different for the ACR-I?
thanks for the help. Im getting lost in all these conflicting or reather confusing documentation requirements.
Bel
Randy C
Feb 14, 2013 @ 20:33:33
Hi Maybelle,
I’ll give a quick answer to some of the questions. The ACR is the old card, the ACR-I has replaced it and some more. So you only need to be concerned with the requirement for it.
The BI issues it.
I think you should worry about the visa first. The ACR-I is only required after a period of time.
Angus
Feb 14, 2013 @ 20:33:31
Three expats from Samal told me to expect to spend 3hrs+ for the annual report, so I went equipped with a book, my laptop and a PSP as back-up. I was in and out of there in less than 1hr 20mins.
I have made a habit now of collecting the forms a day or so in advance and arriving on the day with the form complete and all the photocopies ready, but even so, 1hr 20!
The driving licence though, is a totally different matter.
Randy C
Feb 14, 2013 @ 21:00:06
That’s not bad at all. It’s not ever fun going to the BI, but they are pretty nice there.
Be thankful you don’t need a Philippine passport. That process is absurd. My wife has to fly to Cebu or Manila to get CFO training because she wants to have the name on the passport changed. That after spending half the day there in SM DFA. Mind you this wasn’t required for our wedding.
maybelle
Feb 15, 2013 @ 11:26:53
Thanks Randy,
That is the most straight answer that I got. We will handle the visa first.
On another note, I am going over to the City Hall of Makati this weekend to check about the marriage license details as well.
Kind regards/
Maybelle
Randy C
Feb 15, 2013 @ 12:12:45
Glad it helped.
As with all things here, every office and person give you a different answer. That is why is is so difficult to get advice from others, because even though they did one thing, you may be required something else.
Frustrating!