How to secure an ACR I-Card in the Philippines: A step-by-step guide

What is an ACR I-Card?

The ACR I-Card, meaning Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card, is essentially a key identification document for foreigners residing in the Philippines. It’s implemented by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines, given to registered aliens (foreign citizens) whose length of stay in the country surpasses 59 days. The I-Card refers to the Identity Card in the Philippines, used primarily as an identity proof for foreigners.

This document isn’t just any regular identification card. It’s a credit card-sized document packed with advanced technological features for heightened security. This includes an embedded microchip with biometric security provisions.

The ACR card in the Philippines comes with impressive data management capabilities. The card’s built-in technology allows it to store, manage, and process crucial data of the cardholder. Moreover, this information is easily updatable electronically, making the ACR I-Card an up-to-date record of the holder’s identity, registration, and immigration status in the Philippines.

Who are required to get an ACR I-Card?

In the Philippines, it’s mandatory for foreigners with immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including Temporary Visitor Visa holders, to obtain an alien certificate of registration if they stay beyond 59 days. This rule applies to all international visitors regardless of their official visa status.

The ACR I-Card in the Philippines comes in various color codes representing different immigration statuses or categories:

1. Light yellow cards: These are for foreigners or Filipino citizens who live here permanently. This covers several categories like quota immigrants, spouses or minor children of Philippine citizens, and children born abroad to permanent resident mothers.
2. Bronze cards: These are given to those who were born in the Philippines.
3. Dark purple cards: These are for special non-immigrants and executives of regional headquarters.
4. Blue cards: These are for foreign workers with commercial or missionary visas.
5. Light purple cards: These are for foreigners on probationary residence, including those under a temporary resident visa.
6. Red cards: These are for foreigners who volunteered to register or are visiting for less than 59 days, like tourists and economic visa holders.
7. White cards: These are for foreigners who are temporary visitors staying longer than 59 days, including those with special work or study permits.
8. Aqua blue cards: These are for foreign students.
9. Gray cards: These cards are intended for international treaty traders.
10. Green cards: These are for Filipino veterans.

Understanding the color code corresponding to one’s status can help foreigners in the Philippines better understand their immigrant visa and alien registration category.

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Checklist of documentary requirements for ACR I-Card application

Applicants seeking an ACR I-Card in the Philippines must meet specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for the alien identification card as per the Bureau of Immigration (BI) website:

Essential requirements:

1. A fully completed ACR I-Card application form.
2. Refer to the provided checklist for the requirements. Please note that voluntary applicants should follow a special checklist.
3. A photocopy of your passport’s bio-page, as well as the pages displaying your valid visa implementation and latest admission, encompassing your authorized stay.
4. Two passport-size photographs (2×2) taken within the last three months with a white background. However, this requirement doesn’t apply to voluntary applicants.

Additional requirements for new applicants:

1. A certified true copy issued by the records section demonstrating the Board of Commissioners (BOC)’s order granting the visa. This copy is for internal verification purposes.
2. If you’re applying for a student visa, present a certified true copy of the commissioner’s order of approval granting the student visa.
3. Photocopies of official receipt(s) indicating payment for applicable fees.

Extra requirements for paper-based ACR I-Card holders or late-filing permanent residents:

1. A written letter of explanation detailing the reasons for the delay in filing.
2. Original alien certificate of registration (to be surrendered).
3. Photocopy of either Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ICR) or Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR).
4. A printed copy of index card imaging from the fingerprint section.
5. A letter of undertaking in case of a passport expired – original and photocopy of the new passport, to be presented within 15 days from its issuance.

Additional documents required for voluntary applicants:

1. A letter stating the reasons for opting for voluntary registration.
2. Photocopy of an identification document from the concerned agency – PRA, BOI, PEZA (if applicable).
3. Photocopy of marriage certificate or birth certificate for Balikbayan.
4. Original paper-based ACR, if applicable.

Fees for the ACR I-Card

Here is a list of fees you will need to pay to get an ACR I-Card in the Philippines:

• I-Card Fee: ₱ 2,800 ($48.97)
• Express Fee: ₱ 500 ($8.75)

Remember that the ACR card in the Philippines processing time is at least three months, but once all the required documents are submitted correctly, the process should operate smoothly.

Applying for an E-Arrival Card in the Philippines

The e-arrival card application in the Philippines is an online process streamlining foreigners’ entry into the country. They should apply for an e-arrival card before their trip to the Philippines. It verifies bio-details and checks for any security risks. To apply, go to eTravel and upload the necessary personal information and travel documents, and once it’s approved, they will receive the e-arrival card electronically.

6 steps to get an ACR I-Card in the Philippines

Obtaining an alien registration certificate is done simultaneously with a visa application. Here are six steps for getting an ACR I-Card in the Philippines:

1. Compile all essential documents required for your application.
2. Take your documents to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) office responsible for processing your visa or permit; the specific locations can be found in the Directory of Transactions. Hand over your documents to the person charged for pre-screening.
3. Pay the appropriate fees and keep the Official Receipt (OR). Mostly, you will be given a scheduled date to come back.
4. On your scheduled day, be sure to attend the hearing. Afterward, proceed to the registration division, as you may also apply for your alien identification card at the same time. You’ll need your fingerprints and photo taken for the card, and your application can then be handed in.
5. Wait for your visa and alien registration certificate to be approved. Following the approval, you may be required to submit your passport for stamping.
6. Finally, you can collect your passport and ACR I-Card. Note that the alien identification card is valid for one year only.

Renewing your ACR I-Card

The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card must be renewed under several circumstances:

• The card has expired.
• The cardholder has reached the age of 14.
• The visa status has changed.
• The card needs to be replaced as mandated by the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended.

Here’s what you’ll need to renew your alien registration certificate:

Primary documents:

1. ACR I-Card application form.
2. Renewal checklist.
3. Current ACR I-Card (this will need to be surrendered).
4. Copies of the bio-page of the passport, visa implementation page, and page showing the latest admission with valid stay.

Additional documents:

If you possess an Immigrant Visa, a Temporary Resident Visa, a Treaty Trader’s Visa, a Pre-Arranged Employee Visa (Commercial/Missionary), or have MCL 07-021 (Permanent resident visa for Chinese) or MCL 08-003 (Permanent resident visa for Koreans):

• Provide a photocopy of the Board of Commissioners (BOC)’s order of approval

If you fall under sec. 47(a)2 or Special Non-Immigrant Visa:

• Supply a photocopy of the Department of Justice (DOJ) endorsement

For Special Subic/Clark investors visa, Special Subic/Clark working visa, or Cagayan economic zone investor/working visa:

• Submit a photocopy of the endorsement from either the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) or the Clark Development Corporation (CDC)

For student visa:

• Give a photocopy of the student desk-approved order that granted a student visa extension

Re-registering dependents will require:

• A certified true copy of the BOC’s Order for a non-immigrant applicant
• Photocopies of the bio-page of the parent’s passport, the page bearing the visa implementation, and both sides of the alien identification card
• Two 2×2 colored photos, recently captured with a white background

Philippine Born (Permanent Residents) will need:

• Birth certificate
• A certified true copy of the ACR and, if applicable, the Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR) issued by the records section for verification purposes
• Photocopies of a parent’s ACR (front and back) and the Immigrant Certificate of Residence (ICR)

Reissuance of ACR I-Card

The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) can be reissued under several circumstances, including losing the card, damage, changes in personal details, or card rejection due to incorrect applicant-provided information.

To obtain a reissued card, one must undertake a specific procedure. This process initiates with filing the alien registration certificate renewal/re-issuance application form and includes presenting the original ACR I-Card unless misplaced.

In addition, copies of the bio-page of the passport, visa implementation page, and the page indicating the latest admission with valid authorized stay are necessary. For verification purposes, a certified copy of the Board of Commissioner (BOC)’s order that approved the visa will be provided, along with the ACR or the Immigrant Certificate of Residence.

A letter requesting re-issuance for lost cards will be submitted, accompanied by a letter of loss and a police report. In case of a damaged card, official payment receipts for the applicable fees will be required.

Amendments require specific documents for name changes, such as a court order or a birth certificate. Official documents must prove the citizenship, nationality, or civil status change. A residence certificate from the barangay captain and a copy of the ACR I-Card is necessary to change the address.

Apply for an ACR I-Card with Own Property Abroad

Do you want to apply for the alien registration certificate in the Philippines? Knowing the regulations and laws in the Philippines can be challenging, especially for foreigners. Own Property Abroad can assist you through the process, saving you time, money, and effort.

You can drop your details below or write us at [email protected]. We are ready to help you turn your dreams into reality!

Get help with your ACR I-Card application

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)