I know there is another post about the process of applying for a 13a visa but I just did this week and since my experience was vastly different I decided to start an updated thread. This will be a bit long.
So before going to immigration here is where I stood with everything. I have been in the country since September of last year, I have extended my 9a visa twice, Since I have been here for over 6 months I acquired an NBI clearance and PSA copies of our marriage contract, 2: 2x2 photos with white background and my wife's birth certificate. I downloaded the most current version of the application to convert to a 13a probationary visa and a checklist of items needed. We followed the directions and compiled two folders with all of the documents required. Beyond the listed items we gathered some other items just case they were needed such as a barangay clearance confirming cohabitation, bank records to prove income, and the original of our US marriage certificate(this is what was filed with PSA), and copies of my current ACR card. With all of this gathered and sorted we head to the main office in Manilla. I had called previously to confirm that to get a BI clearance as listed in the checklist I would need to do that before applying for my 13a so there would be at least two trips.
So trip one to the office to get my BI clearance. This took longer than I thought it would. We were there for a total of about 3 hours going through the application process. We started by submitting the application at window 21 and were told we need to be at window 23 in two hours. So we waited and went to the window as directed in 2 hours. I received my order of payment and sent down to window 14-16 to pay as directed. I paid the 1010 PHP for the clearance and was sent back to the previous window. I turned in my OR and was given a claim stub to return in three days. As were planning on returning a week later to process the 13a application I asked if we could claim it a few days late and they assured me this was fine. This leads to the interesting part of this adventure the day of application submission.
As I said we compiled the folders with the required documents as per the current checklist from the BI website. On the day of application everything changed so I am going to go through the list of requirements as per the form and the changes we experienced:
1.) Joint Letter of request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioning Filipino spouse. We typed this as requested and research said it did not need to be notarized. We were sent down the street to have this done. When we arrived at the attorney's desk behind the next building we were informed we needed multiple forms from him. They retyped our request and provided two copies plus an affidavit of guarantee with authenticity. We received two copies of each of these both notarized with our signatures (~1000PHP) and we returned to the BI office.
2.)Duly accomplished CGAF form. We got that moving on
3.)Marriage Certificate(PSA copy). Again we are good moving on
4,)Birth Certificate of Filipino spouse. We are good, we got this.
5.)Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay. We are good again this is flying by going to be a fast day
6.) Valid NBI Clearance. Still good moving on
7.) BI Clearance. We just picked it up so we are good but informed it is not needed and it is removed from the folder and handed back to us. We are told maybe we can use it for something else maybe, wasted 1010PHP and a day but ok.
8.) Medical Certificate. I do not need this so we are done with the requirements as per the checklist.
Now we enter the fun that is not on the checklist or process due to pandemic procedures. I am informed we need two color copies of every page of my passport and 2 copies of my most recent extension. I am pointed to the coping service onsite. Color copies cost 25PHP per copy so a bit high but we are here so let's do this. This came to 700PHP extra but ok moving on. We returned with all of this to the person at the front desk we have been working with, by the way, she was wonderful and helped us through every step. After arranging everything in the folder and fastening everything together I signed the log and was sent to the end of the counter to sign in and speak to another person behind the front desk area.
We started to walk back to speak with him and he said just one of us not both and that my wife could sit in the waiting area for me. We reviewed all the documents and asked the general questions as to why we decided to stay here and if I planned on taking my wife to the states. Also how we met, how long we have been together before marriage, etc. Normal immigration questions for immigration. He then requested proof that my wife was still a Filipino citizen. I went out and grabbed her passport and a color copy of it that we had with us, luckily she updated her passport after our marriage so that was not an issue with names. He sent us to the ACR application review window.
They received my application and then made sure the information on the screen was correct. The funny part of this is they ran the same check as the BI CLearance while I was standing there but there was no other charge for that so all is well. After they reviewed my file and had me check the information on the screen I was issued an order of payment and given the numbers for the next two windows I needed to visit.
First was window 14 for payment. I paid a total of 11,267PHP for the 13a application and new ACR. I moved to the next window to turn in the application. They reviewed both folders, my OR and kept the 13a folder and handed me back the ACR folder, and sent us to the second floor. There my ACR folder was reviewed and stamped and we were sent back to the first floor, this was quick thankfully as there is no AC in the hallway of the second floor where we waited. Upon arriving at the window on the first floor they did biometric capturing (picture and electronic captured fingerprints). I was handed a claim slip to return in a month for visa implementation and to receive my ACR but also watch the website as this can move faster.
So the major differences from the online information I found were the lack of need for a BI clearance, the extra notarized documents required, and the fact that there is no hearing or separate interviews to be scheduled. All in all, we were at the office for 3 hours on our application day. We arrived at 730a and left right at 1030a. In total, we had an extra 2700PHP in fees that could be lowered by being prepared with all the needed copies. I am not saying everyone's experience will be the same as mine but this is what I experienced at the main office this past week.
I hope this helps anyone submitting an application in Manilla soon and I will update this as to when I receive my visa and ACR.
