The Section 13 Quota Immigrant Visa — often called simply the quota visa — is a permanent resident visa issued under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613). It is one of the oldest pathways to permanent residency in the Philippines and one of the most limited by volume.
Who it’s for
The quota visa is available to nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic reciprocity with the Philippines — meaning their home country extends equivalent immigrant visa rights to Filipino nationals. It does not require marriage to a Filipino, investment, or employer sponsorship. It is, in effect, a general immigrant category — but competition for slots is fierce.
Typical applicants include long-term Philippines residents who do not qualify for marriage-based (13(a)) or investment-based (SIRV) visas, and those who want unconditional permanent resident status.
Requirements
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- NBI Clearance (Philippines) and police clearance from country of origin
- Medical certificate from a BI-accredited physician
- Proof of financial capacity to support yourself in the Philippines
- Completed Bureau of Immigration application forms
- Applicable government fees
The BI may request additional documentation. Requirements are subject to change.
The process
- Confirm slot availability — with only 50 slots per nationality per year, the first step is verifying whether quota slots remain open for your nationality in the current year
- File the application with the Bureau of Immigration
- BI review and approval — the BI evaluates character, health, and financial standing
- Permanent visa and ACR I-Card issued — on approval, the holder receives permanent immigrant status and an ACR I-Card
- Annual reporting — all registered aliens must complete the BI Annual Report each January
Because quota slots are finite, timing matters. Applications for popular nationalities may face waiting periods or be deferred to the following year.
Comparing to other permanent residency routes
If you are married to a Filipino, the 13(a) marriage visa is generally the faster route. If you are investing capital, the SIRV or SRRV may be more appropriate. The quota visa is best suited to those who don’t fit neatly into those categories and want outright permanent residency.
What Chamberlain does
We advise on quota availability, prepare the full application, and manage the BI filing process. Given the limited annual supply, early engagement is critical.
Book a consultation to check availability for your nationality, or review our transparent pricing. Explore the full Philippine Visas hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the quota immigrant visa?
The Section 13 quota immigrant visa is a permanent resident visa available to nationals of countries with diplomatic reciprocity, subject to a strict annual numerical cap per nationality set under the Philippine Immigration Act.
How many quota visas are issued each year?
The annual quota is set by Philippine law at 50 immigrants per nationality per year. Demand from certain nationalities routinely exceeds supply, making this one of the most competitive immigrant visa categories.
Does a quota immigrant visa allow work?
Yes. As a permanent immigrant visa, the Section 13 quota visa generally allows the holder to live, work, and engage in business in the Philippines without additional work permits, though some regulated professions have their own licensing requirements.