Guidelines for 2024 Annual Report for Foreign Nationals in the Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) mandates that all registered foreign nationals, including ACR I-Card holders, to complete the Annual Reporting (AR) process within the first sixty (60) days of 2024. The AR is a crucial requirement for foreign nationals residing in the country and is aimed at ensuring the government’s accurate records of foreign residents. Failure to comply may result in administrative fines, prosecution, or even imprisonment, as stipulated in relevant legal provisions (Section 10, paragraph 2 of R.A. 562, as amended by Section 2 of R.A. 578 and Section 5 of R.A. 751).

IMAGE from Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines Facebook page

Who Needs to File?

All foreign nationals registered with the BI must file the annual report, including those holding various types of visas and permits. The AR is required within the first 60 days of the calendar year, which typically spans from January 1 to February 29. It is a legal obligation, and non-compliance can have serious consequences.

Exemptions from Personal Appearance

While most foreign nationals need to appear in person for the AR, there are exemptions to this requirement. The following individuals are exempt from personal appearance:

1. Those below 14 years old.
2. Those who are 65 years old and above.
3. Those who are mentally or physically incapacitated with a valid PWD ID presented.
4. Pregnant women who are confined with a medical certificate provided.

Requests for exemption must be presented one week in advance to the filing.

Where to File

The 2024 AR will take place at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila, Level 3, Lower Foodcourt Area of Robinsons Manila, and the Government Service Express (GSE) of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. Reporting hours are from Mondays to Fridays (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those who are interested may also file at SM Aura and BOI Makati Immigration Extention Office, which are open rom Mondays to Fridays (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Additionally, a Virtual AR option is available for registered foreign nationals (except paper-based ACR holders present in the Philippines for the annual period with valid visas). This can be done through online registration at BI e-services, where clients can schedule their online interviews and settle fees promptly using various payment methods.

IMAGE from Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines Facebook page

Required Documents 

For personal appearance, foreign nationals must provide the following documents:

• Accomplished Online Registration: Begin the process by completing online registration, accessible through the BI e-services.
• Original ACR I-Card or Paper-Based ACR: Cardholders must present their original ACR I-Card, while those with pending ACR I-Card applications should provide the claim stub with the official receipt (OR).
• Original Valid Passport:
  • Foreign nationals with expired passports are required to submit an affidavit of undertaking to secure a passport to the Registration Officer (RO).
  • Native-born foreign nationals without passports should submit an affidavit of no passport issued since birth with an undertaking to secure a passport to the RO.
  • Refugees and stateless aliens must present an original ACR I-Card or paper-based ACR.
  • RA 7919 visa holders with pending applications for re-stamping of the new RA 7919 security visa imprint (ASIO re-stamping) must provide a Certification of pending application for ASIO re-stamping issued by the RA 7919 Unit.
• Official Receipt (OR): Include the OR covering the latest payment of the Annual Report Fee.

For authorized representatives filing on behalf of exempted foreign nationals, the following documents are required:

• Original ACR I-Card or original paper-based ACR.
• Applicant’s Valid Passport.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA) with a valid government-issued ID of the legal representative.
• Applicant’s PWD ID or medical certificate (if applicable).

The regular annual report fee is Php 300 plus a Legal Research Fee of Php 10. It is essential to pay the fees promptly to avoid any issues. Foreign nationals are encouraged to report early and avoid the deadline rush to prevent inconvenience.

A monthly fine of Php 200.00 is imposed for delayed annual reports, starting from March 2 of the current year. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the March 1 deadline to avoid penalties.

For any queries or further information, visit the Bureau of Immigration’s website at www.immigration.gov.ph. It’s essential to stay updated on any changes in regulations, as fees and requirements may change without prior notice.

Please note that the provided information is based on the guidelines available as of the provided date and may be subject to updates or changes in the future. It is recommended to verify the latest requirements and procedures with the Bureau of Immigration directly to ensure compliance with current regulations.