Visas & ImmigrationReviewedVerified

Visa re-stamping and changes to immigration documents

What visa re-stamping means at the Bureau of Immigration, the practical preparation (and why you should never hand over your passport without a receipt), and the typical BI sequence.

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Community-written and moderated by volunteers. Based on real experiences and official sources — offices may interpret rules differently.

Processes may vary by office, city or province. Always confirm with your local agency before traveling.

Summary

What visa re-stamping means at the Bureau of Immigration, the practical preparation (and why you should never hand over your passport without a receipt), and the typical BI sequence.

Key facts

What you'll need
Costs
Timing
Where[]

What you'll need

    Steps

      Costs

      ItemApprox. cost

      Timing

      Local variations

      []

      This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.

      Common issues

        What re-stamping means

        A visa re-stamping transaction may be needed when an approved visa or immigration change must be implemented in a passport. It should not be confused with simply renewing a passport, extending a tourist stay, or replacing a lost ACR I-Card.

        The correct process

        The correct process depends on the immigration order or approval behind the request.

        Practical preparation

        • Current passport
        • The BI order or approval
        • Application and supporting documents
        • Current immigration records
        • Payment receipts

        Critical warning

        Never hand over your passport without a written receipt or official acknowledgement. Check whether the passport must remain with BI during implementation and ask how collection is handled.

        Typical BI sequence

        • Submit the requirements.
        • Receive an Order of Payment Slip.
        • Pay the assessed charges.
        • Claim the approved order.
        • Submit it with the passport for implementation.
        • Collect the passport later.

        Fees

        The published fee table may include legal research, implementation and express charges. Verify the current amount directly on the BI page or Order of Payment Slip.

        ¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Reporta un error · Revisado por última vez: 11 agosto 2026. ¿Algo incorrecto o desactualizado? Report an error · Last reviewed: 11 August 2026.

        Distinction: verified information is based on official sources; community experience reflects what expats lived through. Both are valuable, but different in nature.

        Frequently asked questions

        Quick answers to the most common questions about this process.

        No — re-stamping implements an approved visa or immigration change in your passport. Renewing a passport, extending a tourist stay and replacing a lost ACR I-Card are separate transactions.

        Only with a written receipt or official acknowledgement. Ask how collection works and keep the acknowledgement until your passport is returned.

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        1. v1Published
          26d ago

          Initial draft from official sources.

          ATby Archipelago Team
          EN: Original onlyES: Reviewed translation

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