How to Apply for Downgrading of Visa
Visa downgrading is the process of converting a special or working visa — such as a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa, 9(f) student visa, 47(a)(2) special economic zone visa, or other special non-immigrant visas — to a temporary visitor's visa (Section 9(a)) before departing the Philippines. This procedure is required by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) under Commonwealth Act No. 613, also known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. Foreign nationals whose employment, study, or authorized stay under a special visa has ended must apply for visa downgrading at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, or at designated BI satellite offices before they can leave the country.
When Is Visa Downgrading Required?
Under BI regulations, visa downgrading is required in any of the following circumstances:
- When your employment contract has ended or been terminated, and your 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa is no longer valid for its original purpose
- When your studies have concluded or you have withdrawn from your educational institution, making your 9(f) student visa no longer applicable
- When you are leaving the Philippines permanently and need to convert your special visa to a tourist visa (9a) before departure
- When your assignment or designation under a 47(a)(2) visa (PEZA/special economic zone) has been completed or revoked
- When you are changing visa status and need to first downgrade your current visa before applying for a new one
Who Needs to Downgrade Their Visa?
The following foreign nationals holding special or working visas are required to apply for visa downgrading before departing the Philippines:
- 9(g) Visa Holders: Foreign nationals with a pre-arranged employment visa whose employment contract has ended, been terminated, or not renewed
- 9(f) Visa Holders: Foreign students whose studies have concluded, who have graduated, or who have withdrawn from their educational institution
- 47(a)(2) Visa Holders: Foreign nationals working in PEZA-registered or special economic zone enterprises whose assignment or contract has been completed
- Other Special Visa Holders: Foreign nationals holding treaty trader visas, missionary visas, or other special non-immigrant visas whose authorized purpose of stay has ended
Requirements
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six (6) months validity (original + photocopy of data page and visa pages)
- Current valid visa (9g, 9f, 47a2, or other special visa) — photocopy of the visa stamp or visa approval order
- Letter from employer or school confirming the end of employment, contract, or enrollment (on company/school letterhead)
- Duly accomplished BI Application Form for Visa Downgrading (available at the BI office or downloadable from the BI website)
- ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card) — original for surrender
- Recent 2x2 ID photos (white background, 2 pieces)
Additional Documents
- Certificate of Employment with end date (for 9g visa holders)
- Certificate of Completion or Transcript of Records (for 9f student visa holders)
- PEZA Certification or endorsement letter (for 47a2 visa holders)
- BIR Tax Clearance or Certificate of Tax Compliance (may be required depending on visa type)
- Confirmed flight ticket or itinerary showing departure date from the Philippines
- Authorization letter and valid ID of representative (if application is filed by a third party)
Note: Requirements may vary depending on your specific visa type and circumstances. The BI may request additional supporting documents during the evaluation process. Always check the latest requirements on the official BI website or contact the BI directly before filing your application.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Apply for Visa Downgrading at the BI
Step 1: Secure all required documents
• Obtain a letter from your employer or school confirming end of employment/enrollment
• Prepare your passport, current visa, and ACR I-Card
• Get 2x2 ID photos and photocopy all documents
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 selected malls and cities
• Office hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (no noon break)
Step 3: File the application and submit requirements
• Get a queue number at the Information Counter
• Fill out the BI Application Form for Visa Downgrading
• Submit completed form with all supporting documents to the Visa Section
Step 4: Pay the required fees
• Proceed to the Cashier after your documents are assessed
• Pay the downgrading fee, legal research fee, and other applicable charges
• Keep the official receipt — you will need it for claiming
Step 5: Wait for processing and evaluation
• The BI will evaluate your application and verify documents
• Standard processing takes 7–10 working days
• Express lane processing is available for an additional fee (3–5 working days)
Step 6: Claim the approved Visa Downgrading Order and surrender ACR I-Card
• Return to the BI on the scheduled release date with your official receipt
• Receive the approved Visa Downgrading Order (immigration clearance)
• Surrender your ACR I-Card to the BI
• Your visa status is now downgraded to Section 9(a) temporary visitorExample Explained
Step 1: Before visiting the BI, gather all required documents. The most important document is the letter from your employer or school confirming that your employment contract has ended or your enrollment has concluded. This letter must be on official company or school letterhead and should include the date your employment/enrollment ended. Also prepare your passport (with at least 6 months validity), your current visa, your ACR I-Card, and two pieces of 2x2 ID photos with white background. Make photocopies of all documents.
Step 2: Proceed to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office at Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila. The BI Main Office handles all visa downgrading applications. Some BI satellite offices in selected malls and cities may also accept downgrading applications — verify this with the BI beforehand. Arrive early, as the office can get very busy. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with no noon break.
Step 3: At the BI, get a queue number from the Information Counter. When your number is called, request the BI Application Form for Visa Downgrading. Fill out the form completely with your personal information, passport details, current visa information, reason for downgrading, and intended departure date. Submit the completed form along with all supporting documents to the Visa Section for assessment.
Step 4: After the Visa Section staff assesses your documents and confirms they are complete, you will be directed to the Cashier to pay the required fees. These include the visa downgrading fee, legal research fee, and certification fee. If you opt for express lane processing, an additional fee applies. Keep all official receipts as you will need them when claiming your approved order.
Step 5: The BI will process and evaluate your application. Standard processing takes approximately 7 to 10 working days. During this time, the BI verifies your documents, checks your immigration records, and ensures you have no derogatory records or pending cases. Express lane processing can reduce the waiting time to 3 to 5 working days for an additional fee.
Step 6: On the scheduled release date, return to the BI with your official receipt and claim stub. You will receive the approved Visa Downgrading Order, which serves as your immigration clearance. At this point, you must surrender your ACR I-Card to the BI. Your visa status is now officially downgraded to Section 9(a) temporary visitor, and you are cleared to depart the Philippines.
Complete Example: Korean English Teacher Downgrading a 9(g) Visa
Real-World Scenario
Scenario: Mr. Park is a Korean national who worked as an English
language teacher at an academy in Makati City. He held a
9(g) pre-arranged employment visa. His 2-year contract has
ended and he plans to return to South Korea permanently.
He needs to downgrade his 9(g) visa to a 9(a) tourist visa
before he can depart the Philippines.
What Mr. Park Prepares:
• Valid Korean passport (expiry: 2028)
• 9(g) visa stamp and Visa Approval Order
• Certificate of Employment from the academy with end date
• Letter from employer confirming contract completion
• ACR I-Card (original, for surrender)
• BI Application Form for Visa Downgrading
• 2 pcs. 2x2 ID photos (white background)
• Confirmed flight ticket to Seoul (departure in 3 weeks)
Mr. Park's Timeline:
Day 1 — Obtains Certificate of Employment and end-of-contract letter from the academy
Day 2 — Goes to BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila
8:30 AM — Arrives at BI and gets queue number
9:00 AM — Fills out the Visa Downgrading application form
9:30 AM — Submits form and all documents to the Visa Section
10:00 AM — Documents assessed; directed to the Cashier
10:15 AM — Pays PHP 3,830 (downgrading fee + legal research fee + certification fee)
10:30 AM — Receives claim stub; told to return in 7 working days
Day 11:
9:00 AM — Returns to BI with official receipt and claim stub
9:30 AM — Visa Downgrading Order approved and released
9:45 AM — Surrenders ACR I-Card to the BI
Result: Mr. Park's visa is downgraded from 9(g) to 9(a)!
He is now cleared to depart the Philippines.
• 9(g) working visa → downgraded to 9(a) tourist visa
• ACR I-Card surrendered to the BI
• Immigration clearance obtained
Total Cost: Approximately PHP 3,830 (standard processing)
Total Time: About 7–10 working days
Office: Bureau of Immigration Main Office, Intramuros, ManilaVisa Downgrading Fees
| Fee Type | Amount (PHP) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Downgrading Fee | PHP 2,530 | Main processing fee for converting the visa to 9(a) |
| Legal Research Fee | PHP 500 | Mandatory fee for legal research and verification |
| Certification Fee | PHP 500 | For the issuance of the Visa Downgrading Order |
| Application Fee | PHP 300 | Filing fee for the application |
| Express Lane Fee (Optional) | PHP 1,500 – 2,000 | Optional — reduces processing to 3–5 working days |
Note: Fees are subject to change. The amounts listed above are approximate and based on the latest published BI fee schedule. Additional charges may apply for penalties, overstay fees, or other immigration violations. Always confirm the current fees at the BI Cashier before filing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does visa downgrading take?
Standard processing for visa downgrading takes approximately 7 to 10 working days from the date of filing. If you opt for express lane processing, the turnaround time can be reduced to 3 to 5 working days for an additional fee. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications at the BI and the complexity of your case. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned departure date — at least 2 to 3 weeks before your flight.
Q: Can I leave the Philippines without downgrading my visa?
No. If you hold a working or special visa (such as 9g, 9f, or 47a2), you are required to downgrade your visa to 9(a) before departing the Philippines. Attempting to leave without downgrading may result in being offloaded at the airport by immigration officers, fined, or blacklisted from re-entering the Philippines. The Bureau of Immigration checks your visa status at the point of departure, and an active working visa without proper downgrading will raise a flag in the system.
Q: What is the difference between visa downgrading and visa cancellation?
Visa downgrading converts your current special or working visa to a temporary visitor's visa (Section 9a), allowing you to remain in the Philippines briefly as a tourist before departing. Visa cancellation, on the other hand, completely cancels your visa and immigration status, and may require you to leave the country immediately. Downgrading is the standard procedure for foreign nationals who want to depart orderly after their employment or study has ended. Cancellation is typically initiated by the BI or by the visa holder in cases of abandonment or deportation proceedings.
Q: Is my employer responsible for filing the visa downgrading?
In many cases, the employer or sponsor is responsible for initiating and assisting with the visa downgrading process, especially for 9(g) and 47(a)(2) visa holders. The employer is typically required to provide the end-of-contract letter and may file the application on your behalf or through a designated immigration liaison officer. However, you can also file the application personally at the BI. If your employer is uncooperative or has ceased operations, you may file the application yourself with a notarized affidavit explaining the circumstances.
Q: What happens if I overstayed on my work visa before downgrading?
If your work visa has expired or your employment ended but you did not immediately apply for downgrading, you may be subject to overstay penalties and fines. The BI imposes monthly overstay fees, and the longer you delay, the higher the accumulated penalties. In some cases, extended overstaying may lead to a show cause order, deportation proceedings, or blacklisting. It is strongly recommended to apply for visa downgrading as soon as your employment or authorized stay ends to avoid these complications.
Q: Can I apply for a new work visa after downgrading?
Yes. After your visa has been downgraded to 9(a), you may apply for a new work visa (such as a 9g) if you find new employment in the Philippines. Your new employer will need to file a petition with the BI for your new work visa. The downgrading process does not prevent you from obtaining a new visa in the future, provided you have no derogatory immigration records and meet all the requirements for the new visa category. Some foreign nationals choose to downgrade, depart briefly, and then return on a new work visa.
Important Reminders
- Apply for visa downgrading as soon as your employment, study, or authorized purpose of stay ends — delays may result in overstay penalties and fines
- File your application at least 2 to 3 weeks before your planned departure date to allow sufficient processing time
- You must surrender your ACR I-Card to the BI upon approval of the downgrading — failure to surrender the ACR I-Card may result in penalties or hold departure orders
- Bring original documents plus photocopies — the BI will keep the photocopies and return your originals after verification
- Attempting to depart the Philippines on an active working or special visa without downgrading may result in being offloaded at the airport, fined, or blacklisted
- If your employer is uncooperative or has closed, you may file a personal application with a notarized affidavit explaining the situation
- Keep all official receipts and the approved Visa Downgrading Order — you may need to present these at the airport immigration counter upon departure
- After downgrading to 9(a), your allowed stay as a tourist is limited — ensure you depart before the authorized period expires to avoid further overstay issues
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.