13A Non Quota Immigrant Visa Spouse Philippines for Expats
The 13A visa is the standard path to permanent residency for foreign spouses of Filipino citizens. It works in two stages: a one-year probationary period, then conversion to permanent status. This guide covers the documents needed (PSA marriage certificate, NBI clearance, medical certificate), the probationary-to-permanent process, and how to keep your ACR I-Card current.
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
The 13A visa is the standard path to permanent residency for foreign spouses of Filipino citizens. It works in two stages: a one-year probationary period, then conversion to permanent status. This guide covers the documents needed (PSA marriage certificate, NBI clearance, medical certificate), the probationary-to-permanent process, and how to keep your ACR I-Card current.
Key facts
What you'll need
- 1Valid marriage to a Filipino citizen (PSA marriage certificate)
- 2Passport valid for at least 6 months
- 3ACR I-Card (or application in progress)
- 4Joint affidavit of support from the Filipino spouse
- 5NBI clearance (foreigner) and police clearance from home country
- 6Medical certificate from a BI-accredited clinic
- 7Photos and completed BI forms (CGAF + 13A application)
Steps
- 1
File the 13A application at the Bureau of Immigration with all supporting documents.
- 2
Pay the filing, legal research, and ACR I-Card fees.
- 3
Receive the probationary 13A visa (valid for 1 year).
- 4
Within the probationary period, file for conversion to permanent 13A status.
- 5
Claim your updated ACR I-Card reflecting permanent resident status.
Costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| 13A filing (probationary) | PHP ~10,000–15,000 + USD 300+ in immigration fees |
| Conversion to permanent | additional fees apply |
| ACR I-Card | USD 50 + PHP fees |
| NBI / medical / photos | PHP ~2,000–4,000 total |
Timing
Probationary visa is usually issued in 1–2 months. Conversion to permanent status is filed near the end of the probationary year.
Local variations
Filing at the BI main office (Intramuros) is most common. Some regional offices accept 13A filings; confirm before traveling.
This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.
Common issues
- A probationary 13A must be converted — it does not auto-convert to permanent.
- If the marriage is annulled, the 13A status is affected.
- Travel during processing is restricted; check with BI before booking flights.
Overview
The 13A visa is the standard route to permanent residency for the foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen. It is granted in two stages: a probationary period of one year, then permanent status after conversion.
Probationary vs permanent
During the probationary year you are a lawful resident but your status is conditional. You must affirmatively file for conversion — it does not happen automatically.
Documents
The PSA marriage certificate is the anchor document. The NBI clearance and medical certificate add time, so start them early.
After approval
You will receive an updated ACR I-Card reflecting your permanent resident status. Keep this current — renew annually.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this process.
A probationary 13A must be converted — it does not auto-convert to permanent.
If the marriage is annulled, the 13A status is affected.
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Edit history
1 revisions · every change is recorded and reversible
- v1CurrentPublishedAug 22, 2024
13A visa guide for spouses of Filipino citizens.
ATby Archipelago TeamEN: Original onlyES: Reviewed translation