The 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa is the residency pathway for a foreign national married to a Filipino citizen. It grants the right to live in the Philippines long-term and is one of the most straightforward routes to permanent residency for those with a Filipino spouse.
Who it’s for
Any foreigner in a valid, subsisting marriage to a Philippine citizen is generally eligible to apply. The marriage must be legally recognised in the Philippines. Applicants with certain criminal convictions or immigration violations may be disqualified — the Bureau of Immigration assesses each case individually.
Requirements
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (Philippine Statistics Authority-certified, or authenticated if contracted abroad)
- NBI Clearance (and home-country equivalent for recent arrivals)
- Medical certificate from a BI-accredited physician
- Proof of Filipino spouse’s citizenship (Philippine passport or PSA-issued documents)
- Birth certificate of any children (if applicable)
- Current photos and completed BI application forms
Requirements are subject to change — the BI may request additional supporting documents at its discretion.
The process
- File the 13(a) application at the Bureau of Immigration main office or an authorised BI field office
- Probationary visa issued — generally valid for one year; the holder receives an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card)
- Conversion to permanent — after one year (and subject to the marriage remaining valid), the holder applies to convert the probationary visa to a permanent 13(a)
- Annual reporting — all registered aliens must complete the Annual Report requirement with the BI each January
Processing times vary and are subject to BI workload. Chamberlain tracks your file and follows up proactively.
Work rights
A 13(a) holder may generally work or run a business in the Philippines without needing a separate work visa. An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE may still be required by specific employers or in regulated sectors — your employer’s HR team should confirm this. See our AEP page for details.
What Chamberlain does
We handle the 13(a) application from document checklist through BI filing, probationary issuance, and conversion to permanent status. Fixed pricing means you know the cost before we start.
Book a consultation to begin your 13(a) application, or review our transparent pricing. Explore the full Philippine Visas hub for other residency options.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a 13(a) visa?
A foreign national legally married to a Filipino citizen is generally eligible to apply for a 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa, subject to Bureau of Immigration approval and character requirements.
What are the two stages of the 13(a)?
The BI typically issues a probationary 13(a) for one year first. After that period, provided the marriage is ongoing and requirements are met, the holder can apply to convert to a permanent 13(a) resident visa.
Does a 13(a) visa allow the holder to work?
A 13(a) holder may generally engage in employment or business without a separate work visa. However, regulated industries and some employers may still require an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) — confirm with your employer and DOLE.