How to Apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) certifying that a foreign national or a Filipino citizen has no pending derogatory record or criminal case and is cleared to leave the Philippines. It is required for certain categories of travelers as mandated under Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. The ECC ensures that departing individuals have complied with all immigration laws and regulations during their stay in the country.
Two Types of ECC
The Bureau of Immigration issues two types of Emigration Clearance Certificates depending on the applicant's situation:
- ECC-A (Emigration Clearance Certificate – A): Obtained at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or at any BI satellite office or field office. This must be secured before the date of departure and is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance. It is typically required for foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more.
- ECC-B (Emigration Clearance Certificate – B): Obtained at the immigration counter at the airport on the actual day of departure. This is available for certain categories of travelers who are not required to get an ECC-A, such as balikbayans who have overstayed their allowed period and tourists with certain visa conditions.
Who Needs an ECC?
The following categories of individuals are required to obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate before departing the Philippines:
- Foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or longer, regardless of visa type
- Foreign nationals holding immigrant visas (13(a), 13(b), 13(c), 13(d), 13(e), 13(g)) who are departing permanently
- Filipino balikbayans who have overstayed beyond the allowed one (1) year balikbayan privilege
- Holders of Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) who are leaving the country
- Foreign nationals whose visas have been downgraded or cancelled
- Any person flagged or required by the BI to secure an ECC before departure
Requirements
For ECC-A (BI Office)
- Valid passport (original + photocopy of data page)
- Photocopy of latest visa or visa extension stamp
- ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration), if applicable
- Certificate of Employment or proof of purpose of stay
- Official Receipt of visa fees and other BI transactions
- Confirmed flight booking or itinerary showing departure date
- 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background, recent)
- Duly accomplished ECC application form
For ECC-B (Airport)
- Valid passport (original)
- Confirmed boarding pass or flight ticket
- Photocopy of passport data page and latest visa stamp
- ACR I-Card (if applicable)
- Official Receipts of previous BI transactions
- Proof of payment of any outstanding immigration fees
Note: Requirements may vary depending on the applicant's visa category and length of stay. Additional documents may be required for holders of working visas, student visas, or special visas. Always verify the latest requirements at the BI Main Office or the official BI website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for an ECC-A at the BI Office
Step 1: Gather all required documents
• Prepare your passport, visa copies, ACR I-Card, and other requirements
• Ensure you have 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background)
• Secure a confirmed flight booking or itinerary
Step 2: Go to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or satellite office
• BI Main Office: Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila
• Satellite offices are available in major cities (Cebu, Davao, etc.)
• Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Step 3: Get and fill out the ECC application form
• Obtain the application form from the BI information counter
• Fill out the form completely with your personal details
• Indicate your visa type, purpose of stay, and departure details
Step 4: Submit your application and pay the fees
• Proceed to the ECC processing window
• Submit your completed form and all supporting documents
• Pay the ECC-A processing fee at the cashier
• Keep the official receipt as proof of payment
Step 5: Wait for processing and verification
• The BI will verify your immigration records and check for derogatory information
• Processing usually takes 1–2 hours for walk-in applicants
• Express lane processing is available for an additional fee
Step 6: Receive your ECC-A
• Once cleared, you will receive a sticker-type ECC affixed to your passport
• The ECC-A is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance
• You must depart the Philippines within the 10-day validity periodExample Explained
Step 1: Before visiting the BI office, prepare all the required documents. This includes your valid passport with at least six (6) months validity, a photocopy of your latest visa or visa extension stamp, your ACR I-Card (if you were issued one), and proof of your purpose of stay such as a Certificate of Employment. You will also need 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos with a white background and a confirmed flight booking showing your intended departure date.
Step 2: Proceed to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or to the nearest BI satellite office. The BI Main Office is the primary processing center for ECC applications. Satellite offices in Cebu, Davao, and other major cities also process ECCs but may have different processing times. Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially during peak travel seasons.
Step 3: At the BI office, go to the information counter and request an ECC application form. Fill it out completely with your personal information — full name, nationality, passport number, visa type, address in the Philippines, purpose and duration of stay, and intended departure date. Double-check all entries before submitting.
Step 4: Submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents at the designated ECC processing window. After the receiving officer checks your documents, you will be directed to the cashier to pay the applicable ECC-A fee. Retain the official receipt as you will need to present it when claiming your clearance.
Step 5: After payment, the BI will process your application by verifying your immigration records. The system checks for any derogatory information, overstaying violations, pending warrants, or unresolved immigration cases. Standard processing typically takes 1 to 2 hours for walk-in applicants, but this may take longer during busy periods. An express lane option is available for an additional fee.
Step 6: Once your records are verified and you are cleared, the BI will affix a sticker-type ECC on your passport. The ECC-A is valid for 10 days from the date of issuance, meaning you must depart the Philippines within that period. If you fail to depart within 10 days, the ECC expires and you will need to apply for a new one.
Complete Example: Getting an ECC Before Departure
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: James is a British national who has been working in the Philippines
for 2 years on a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa. His contract has
ended and he needs to return to the UK. Since he has stayed for more
than 6 months, he is required to obtain an ECC-A before departure.
What James Prepares:
• Valid UK passport (original + photocopy of data page)
• Photocopy of 9(g) visa stamp and all extensions
• ACR I-Card (original)
• Certificate of Employment from his company
• Official Receipts of all previous BI transactions
• Confirmed flight ticket: Manila to London, March 15
• 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background)
• Completed ECC application form
James's Timeline:
March 10, 7:30 AM — Arrives at BI Main Office, Intramuros
8:00 AM — Gets queue number and ECC application form
8:20 AM — Fills out the application form
8:45 AM — Submits documents at ECC processing window
9:00 AM — Pays PHP 1,210 (ECC-A fee) at the cashier
9:15 AM — Waits while BI verifies immigration records
10:30 AM — Records cleared; ECC sticker affixed to passport
Result: James receives his ECC-A!
The ECC sticker is valid until March 20 (10 days).
He departs on March 15 as planned with no issues at the airport.
Total Cost: PHP 1,210 (ECC-A fee)
Total Time: About 2–3 hours at the BI office
Validity: 10 days from date of issuanceECC Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (PHP) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| ECC-A (Regular) | PHP 1,210.00 | Obtained at BI office; valid for 10 days |
| ECC-B (Airport) | PHP 710.00 | Obtained at airport on departure day |
| Express Lane Fee | PHP 500.00 | Optional; for faster processing at BI office |
| Legal Research Fee | PHP 210.00 | Included in ECC-A fee; covers record verification |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Additional fees may apply for overstaying penalties, visa extension arrears, or other unresolved immigration obligations. Always confirm the latest fee schedule at the BI office or on the official BI website before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the ECC valid?
The ECC-A is valid for ten (10) days from the date of issuance. You must depart the Philippines within this 10-day window. If you fail to depart within the validity period, the ECC expires and you will need to apply for a new one, paying the full processing fee again. The ECC-B, on the other hand, is obtained and used on the same day — your actual departure date — so it does not have an extended validity period.
Q: What happens if I am overstaying when I apply for an ECC?
If you have overstayed your visa, you will be required to pay overstaying penalties and fines before the ECC can be issued. The Bureau of Immigration imposes penalties for each month (or portion thereof) of overstay. The exact amount depends on your visa type and the duration of the overstay. In some cases, you may also be required to pay for a visa extension to cover the overstayed period. It is strongly recommended to settle all immigration obligations before applying for an ECC to avoid delays.
Q: Can I apply for an ECC online?
As of the latest BI guidelines, the ECC application is primarily processed in person at the BI Main Office or satellite offices. The BI has introduced online appointment scheduling to reduce waiting times, but the actual application, document submission, and biometrics capture must still be done on-site. Check the official BI website or social media pages for the latest updates on online services and appointment scheduling.
Q: What is the difference between ECC-A and ECC-B?
The main difference is where and when they are obtained. ECC-A is obtained at the BI Main Office or any satellite office before your departure date and is valid for 10 days. It is required for foreign nationals who have stayed for 6 months or more. ECC-B is obtained at the airport immigration counter on your actual departure day. It is typically available for certain categories of travelers, such as balikbayans who have overstayed. The ECC-A fee (PHP 1,210) is higher than the ECC-B fee (PHP 710) because it involves more thorough record verification.
Q: Do minors (children) need an ECC?
Yes, foreign minors who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more are also required to obtain an ECC before departure. The application for a minor must be filed by a parent or legal guardian. In addition to the standard requirements, you may need to present the minor's birth certificate and the parent's or guardian's valid ID. If the minor is traveling with only one parent, a DSWD Travel Clearance or an affidavit of consent from the other parent may also be required.
Q: What happens if my ECC application is denied?
An ECC application may be denied if the applicant has pending criminal cases, unresolved immigration violations, outstanding warrants, or derogatory records. If your application is denied, the BI will inform you of the specific reason. You will need to resolve the issue before reapplying — this may involve paying penalties, settling legal matters, or coordinating with relevant government agencies. In some cases, you may need to seek legal counsel to address the underlying issue. You cannot leave the Philippines without a valid ECC if you are required to have one.
Important Reminders
- Apply for your ECC-A at least 5–7 days before your scheduled departure to allow enough processing time and avoid last-minute complications
- The ECC-A is valid for 10 days only — if you fail to depart within 10 days, you must apply for a new ECC and pay the fees again
- Ensure all your immigration fees and visa obligations are fully settled before applying for an ECC — unresolved fees or penalties will delay or prevent the issuance of your clearance
- Bring original documents plus photocopies — the BI will keep the photocopies and return your originals
- If you hold an ACR I-Card, you must surrender it to the BI when obtaining your ECC if you are departing permanently
- Beware of fixers outside the BI office — all transactions should be done directly at the official BI counters and cashier windows
- For ECC-B at the airport, arrive at least 4 hours before your flight to allow time for processing at the immigration counter
- Keep all official receipts from BI transactions as proof of payment — you may be asked to present them at the airport immigration counter upon departure
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.