Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration updates Alien Certificate Registration application rules.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has just updated its rules for Alien Certificate Registration (ACR) I-Cards, clarifying that those who are applying for the ID aren’t allowed to leave the country.

Under the updated guidelines on ‘Addressing ACR I-Card and Related Issues at Entry and Exit,’ foreign nationals with valid visas but have pending applications for their ACR I-Cards are not allowed to leave the country as a general rule.

This includes foreign nationals who are applying for an ACR I-Card for the first time, those who have ACR I-Cards and are applying for extensions in their existing visas and those who have renewed their ACR I-Cards because of loss, damage or changes in information.

The updated guidelines also say that foreign nationals with valid visas but have not yet applied for ACR I-Cards or do not have proof of pending application for ACR I-Cards may risk abandoning their existing immigration status if they leave the country.

However, the BI clarified that foreign nationals who have waivers signed by the Commissioner of Immigration or a designated representative are allowed to leave the country. This waiver is only good for single departure and entry.

For more information, contact the BI help desk trunk line at (+632) 465 2400.