How to Report as a Foreign National (ACR I-Card)
The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is the official identification card issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to all foreign nationals who are staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days. Under Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, all aliens residing in the country are required to register with the Bureau of Immigration. The ACR I-Card serves as proof of registration and is mandatory for all foreign nationals — including tourists with extended visas, workers, students, missionaries, retirees, and other long-term visa holders.
Who Needs an ACR I-Card?
Under Commonwealth Act No. 613 and BI Memorandum Circulars, the following foreign nationals are required to obtain an ACR I-Card:
- Tourists who have extended their stay beyond 59 days from date of arrival in the Philippines
- Foreign workers holding a valid 9(g) work visa or Special Work Permit (SWP)
- Foreign students enrolled in Philippine educational institutions under a 9(f) student visa
- Missionaries and religious workers holding a 9(d) missionary visa
- Retirees under the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) program
- Investors and business owners holding a Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
- Spouses and dependents of Filipino citizens who hold a 13(a) permanent residence visa
- Any other foreign national whose stay in the Philippines exceeds 59 days regardless of visa type
Purpose of the ACR I-Card
The ACR I-Card is an essential document for foreign nationals in the Philippines. It serves the following purposes:
- Government-Issued ID: The ACR I-Card is a valid government-issued identification card that foreign nationals can use for various transactions in the Philippines
- Visa Extensions: The ACR I-Card is required when applying for visa extensions, conversions, or any immigration-related transactions at the Bureau of Immigration
- Banking & Financial Transactions: Banks and financial institutions in the Philippines require the ACR I-Card as a valid ID for opening accounts, remittances, and other financial services
- Employment: Foreign workers need the ACR I-Card to secure employment, process work permits, and comply with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) requirements
- Legal Transactions: The ACR I-Card is required for property leasing, contract signing, notarization of documents, and other legal transactions in the Philippines
- Travel within the Philippines: The ACR I-Card may be required when checking in at hotels, boarding domestic flights, or passing through security checkpoints
Requirements
Required Documents
- Passport with valid visa (original + photocopy of data page and latest visa stamp)
- Completed BI Application Form (available at the BI office or downloadable from the BI website)
- Recent passport-sized photos (2x2, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Proof of address in the Philippines (barangay certificate, lease contract, or utility bill)
Additional Requirements
- Order of Approval of visa extension (if tourist with extended stay)
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE (for foreign workers)
- School enrollment certification (for foreign students)
- Marriage certificate (for spouses of Filipino citizens applying under 13(a) visa)
- Previous ACR I-Card (if renewing or replacing a lost card)
Note: Requirements may vary depending on your visa type and specific circumstances. The Bureau of Immigration may request additional documents during processing. Always check the latest requirements on the official BI website or contact the BI office before visiting.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for an ACR I-Card
Step 1: Gather all required documents
• Prepare your passport with valid visa
• Get recent 2x2 photos (white background)
• Secure proof of address in the Philippines
• Obtain additional documents based on your visa type
Step 2: Visit the Bureau of Immigration main office or satellite office
• BI Main Office: Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila
• Satellite offices are located in major malls and cities
• Go during office hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Step 3: Get a queue number and fill out the application form
• Proceed to the information desk and request a queue number
• Fill out the BI Application Form completely
• Attach your passport-sized photos to the form
Step 4: Submit requirements at the designated window
• Wait for your queue number to be called
• Present all documents to the BI officer
• The officer will verify your documents and process your application
Step 5: Pay the required fees at the cashier
• Proceed to the cashier window after document verification
• Pay the ACR I-Card fee and other applicable charges
• Keep your official receipt — you will need it to claim your card
Step 6: Biometrics capture and card release
• Proceed to the biometrics station for fingerprint and photo capture
• The ACR I-Card is usually released on the same day or within 2–5 working days
• Return on the scheduled date to claim your ACR I-Card if not released immediatelyExample Explained
Step 1: Before visiting the Bureau of Immigration, gather all necessary documents. At minimum, you need your passport with a valid visa, recent passport-sized photos, and proof of address in the Philippines. Depending on your visa type, additional documents may be required — for example, foreign workers need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE, while students need school enrollment certification.
Step 2: Proceed to the Bureau of Immigration main office in Intramuros, Manila, or any BI satellite office. Satellite offices are conveniently located in major malls such as SM City Cebu, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Place Manila. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Step 3: Upon arrival, go to the information desk and request a queue number for ACR I-Card application. While waiting, fill out the BI Application Form. Provide accurate personal information including your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, nationality, visa type, address in the Philippines, and purpose of stay. Attach your 2x2 photos to the form.
Step 4: When your queue number is called, proceed to the designated window and submit all your documents to the BI officer. The officer will review your passport, verify your visa status, and check all supporting documents. If any document is missing or incomplete, you may be asked to return with the complete requirements.
Step 5: After your documents are verified, proceed to the cashier window to pay the required fees. The initial ACR I-Card fee varies depending on your visa type. Keep your official receipt safe as you will need to present it when claiming your card. Payment is typically accepted in cash (Philippine Peso).
Step 6: After payment, you will be directed to the biometrics station where your fingerprints and photo will be captured for the ACR I-Card. In many cases, the card is released on the same day. However, during peak periods, you may be asked to return within 2 to 5 working days to claim your card. Present your official receipt when claiming.
Complete Example: Applying for an ACR I-Card
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Takeshi is a Japanese businessman who arrived in the Philippines
on a 30-day tourist visa. He decided to stay longer and extended
his tourist visa twice (total of 4 months). He now needs an ACR
I-Card since his stay has exceeded 59 days.
What Takeshi Prepares:
• Japanese passport with tourist visa stamps and extensions
• Order of Approval for visa extensions (from previous BI transactions)
• Completed BI Application Form
• 4 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background, recent)
• Proof of address: lease contract for his condominium in Makati
Takeshi's Timeline:
Day 1 — Arrives at BI Main Office in Intramuros at 8:30 AM
8:45 AM — Gets queue number at the information desk
9:00 AM — Fills out BI Application Form while waiting
9:30 AM — Queue number called; submits documents at Window 5
10:00 AM — Documents verified; proceeds to cashier
10:15 AM — Pays PHP 3,600 (ACR I-Card fee + processing)
10:30 AM — Biometrics capture (fingerprint + photo)
11:00 AM — Told to return in 3 working days to claim card
Day 4:
9:00 AM — Returns to BI Main Office with official receipt
9:30 AM — ACR I-Card released! Card is valid for 1 year
Result: Takeshi receives his ACR I-Card!
He can now use it for:
• Opening a Philippine bank account
• Signing lease contracts and legal documents
• Future visa extension transactions at BI
• Valid government ID for daily transactions
Total Cost: ~PHP 3,600 (ACR I-Card fee + processing charges)
Total Time: About 3–5 working days
Validity: 1 year (must be renewed annually with Annual Report)ACR I-Card Fees
| Transaction | Fee (PHP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial ACR I-Card | PHP 3,000 – 3,600 | For first-time applicants; includes card fee and processing charges |
| Annual Report / Renewal | PHP 310 – 1,500 | Due every January; late filing incurs additional penalties |
| Replacement (Lost/Damaged) | PHP 3,000 – 4,000 | Requires Affidavit of Loss and police report if stolen |
| Express Processing | PHP 500 – 1,000 | Additional fee for expedited processing (same-day or next-day release) |
Note: Fees are subject to change based on BI Memorandum Circulars. The amounts listed above are approximate and may vary depending on the BI office and specific visa type. Always confirm the exact fees at the BI cashier before transacting. Payment is accepted in Philippine Peso (cash).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to renew my ACR I-Card?
The ACR I-Card must be renewed annually through the Annual Report process. All registered foreign nationals are required to report to the Bureau of Immigration every year during the month of January (or within the first 60 days of the year). During the Annual Report, your ACR I-Card validity is extended for another year. Failure to comply with the Annual Report requirement results in penalties and fines.
Q: What is the penalty for not having an ACR I-Card?
Foreign nationals who fail to register and obtain an ACR I-Card when required may face penalties including fines, deportation proceedings, and blacklisting. Under Commonwealth Act No. 613, unregistered aliens are in violation of Philippine immigration law. Penalties for late registration typically range from PHP 200 to PHP 2,000 per month of delay, depending on the BI office. It is strongly advised to comply with the registration requirement as soon as your stay exceeds 59 days.
Q: Can I use the ACR I-Card as a valid ID in the Philippines?
Yes. The ACR I-Card is a government-issued identification card and is widely accepted as a valid ID in the Philippines. You can use it for banking transactions, opening accounts, signing contracts, hotel check-ins, domestic travel, and other transactions that require a valid government ID. It is considered one of the primary identification documents for foreign nationals in the country.
Q: What should I do if my ACR I-Card is lost or stolen?
If your ACR I-Card is lost or stolen, you must immediately report the loss to the Bureau of Immigration and apply for a replacement card. You will need to submit the following: an Affidavit of Loss (notarized), a police report (if stolen), your passport with valid visa, recent 2x2 photos, and the replacement fee. The BI will process a new ACR I-Card with the same details. Processing time for replacement cards is typically 5–10 working days.
Q: What is the Annual Report requirement for ACR I-Card holders?
All foreign nationals holding an ACR I-Card are required to file an Annual Report with the Bureau of Immigration every year during the month of January (or within the first 60 days of the calendar year). This is a mandatory requirement under Commonwealth Act No. 613. During the Annual Report, you must present your ACR I-Card and passport, pay the Annual Report fee, and update your personal information if there are any changes. Failure to file the Annual Report on time results in a penalty of PHP 200 per month of delay.
Q: Do tourists need an ACR I-Card?
Tourists who stay within the initial visa-free period (typically 30 days for most nationalities) or within the 59-day threshold do not need an ACR I-Card. However, if a tourist extends their visa and their total stay exceeds 59 days, they are required by law to obtain an ACR I-Card. The ACR I-Card application is usually processed together with the visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration. It is important to note that the 59-day count begins from the date of arrival, not from the date of the last visa extension.
Important Reminders
- The ACR I-Card must be obtained within 30 days after your stay exceeds 59 days — late registration incurs penalties and fines
- Always carry your ACR I-Card and passport when going out — immigration officers may conduct random checks and you are required to present your registration documents
- The Annual Report must be filed every January — failure to comply results in a penalty of PHP 200 per month of delay plus possible legal consequences
- When leaving the Philippines permanently, you must surrender your ACR I-Card to the Bureau of Immigration at the airport or BI office and obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
- Beware of fixers — always transact directly with Bureau of Immigration personnel and pay fees only at the official cashier window
- If your personal information changes (address, civil status, employer), report the changes to the BI and apply for an updated ACR I-Card
- The ACR I-Card is non-transferable and must not be used by anyone other than the registered foreign national — misuse is a violation of Philippine immigration law
- For inquiries, you may contact the Bureau of Immigration at (02) 8524-3769 or visit the official BI website at immigration.gov.ph
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the Bureau of Immigration you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest Bureau of Immigration first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.