Introduction
Foreign nationals in the Philippines holding an Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ARC I-Card are required to file their 2025 Annual Report (AR) before the 1st March 2025. This applies to all registered foreign nationals holding a valid visa (excluding those with a paper based ACR). Failure to complete the AR within the time frame could result in delays to renewal applications or fines.
Impact:
High
Action required
All foreign nationals holding a valid ACR I-Card are required to complete the Annual Report by 1st March 2025. This includes long term work and permanent resident visa holders. This forms part of the Philippines Bureau of Immigrations requirements to track the stay and immigration status of foreign nationals.
Those required to complete the Annual Report must appear in person at the Bureau of Immigration with their original ACR I-Card or original paper based ACR (if applicable) and their original valid passport. Those foreign nationals who are registered and hold a valid visa (excluding those with the paper-based ACR) are able to submit the AR online. The online option is only possible during the annual reporting period on or before the 1st March.
Additional points:
- Foreign nationals under 14 years of age or over 60, who are physically or mentally incapacitated, or are pregnant women or unwell (subject to provision of a Medical Certificate) are exempt from filing the AR.
- Foreign nationals departing the Philippines with valid visas and ACR I-Cards must file their AR through the online filing option before the Re-Entry Permit or Special Return Certificate (ECC-B) can be issued.
- Foreign nationals with pending ACR I-Card applications are also required to complete the AR requirement and provide evidence of their pending application.
What to expect /impact?
Failure to complete the Annual Report within the timeframe may lead to fines and delays with renewal applications.
What you need to do:
For further information on immigration requirements for the Philippines, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team at immigration@sterlinglexicon.com.
Leanne Cottrell
As Head of Immigration with Sterling Lexicon, Leanne leads a team of specialists who are responsible for ensuring the entire immigration process is smooth and stress-free for clients, assignees and their accompanying family members. She brings over fifteen years of experience in strategic immigration management, planning and consultation to her role, and has cultivated invaluable knowledge and experience in processing countless global migration applications. As a trusted partner, she consults with clients on everything from policy considerations and cost or efficiency improvements, to the impact of opening offices in new locations. Leanne is a frequent presenter and author on global immigration topics and trends, and currently serves as a member of the Worldwide ERC (WERC) Immigration Advisory Council.
US
