student visa in philippines

With each day that passes, more and more people around the world realize that overseas education is a great way to get ahead. One of the best places to study abroad is in the Philippines. The country offers numerous opportunities for students looking to advance their education, life and career. An overview of student visa in Philippines found on this website can help you better understand the aspects related to studying in this country.

Philippines is a country that offers an excellent range of opportunities to study, research and work. The social and economic changes have led to the growth of international students in the country. Students from various parts of the world come here to study, conduct research, receive training or even get married.

The Philippines has been a popular destination for students in recent years. While education is one of the most significant sectors of the Philippines economy, the nation is also one of the most progressive with further improvements set to come through.

If you’re looking for a student visa in the Philippines, you’ve come to the right place.

Touriago.com is a website dedicated to helping international students who are interested in studying abroad. We offer all kinds of information on how to apply for a student visa, as well as general information about studying in the Philippines.

We know how confusing it can be to navigate the process of applying for a student visa, especially if you’ve never done it before. That’s why we’ve created this website—to make it easy for you to find everything you need so that you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time in the Philippines!

Student visas are available for Filipino nationals who wish to study in the United States. This visa is not available to students who plan on studying at a college or university located within the Philippines.

To apply for a student visa, the following documents will be required:

1) A valid passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the United States;

2) A completed DS-160 application form;

3) One photograph of passport size taken within 30 days of application;

4) Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the United States (bank statements, etc); and

5) Proof of acceptance by an accredited school in the US (in this case, Texas State University).

First and foremost, you’ll need a fifty-nine day tourist visa. Many countries enjoy visa-free access to the Philippines for tourism. Even if your country is one such, you’ll still need to apply for a tourism visa. The only requirements for a Filipino tourist visa are, for the most part, proof of somewhere to stay – this doesn’t have to be a hotel – a passport valid for the duration of your intended stay and proof of intended exit. To fulfill this requirement, most international students buy a cheap plane or ferry ticket to Taiwan, Malaysia or Indonesia and then just don’t use it. 

Once in the country, you’ll need to get the ball rolling on a Special Study Permit (SSP) as soon as possible. You’ll need to do this in person at migration centers in Manila, Quezon City or Cebu. 

You’ll need to take along two passport-sized photos, proof of admission to a program and proof of financial self-sufficiency during your studies – bank statements, for example. Your documents will then be checked by an immigration officer. If everything is present and correct, then you’ll need to pay the fees; an application fee 4,740PHP ($100), a notarial fee of 300PHP ($6.20) and the compulsory registration card that forms part of your SSP application, a cost of 2,900PHP ($60). 

Applications can sometimes take a while to process. If yours does, then you can easily extend your tourist visa – also by visiting an immigration office. All you need to do is buy another cheap plane or ferry ticket to a nearby country. The cost is 1,420PHP ($30). 

You must extend your SSP every semester at a cost of 3,030PHP ($65), plus the 300PHP ($6.20) notarial fee. It’s important to note that the SSP doesn’t allow you to work or to earn money in any way during your time in the Philippines. You’ll need to have access to funds to cover the intended duration of your stay.

Compared to many other study abroad destinations, like the US and the UK, the permit application and visa conversion process is refreshingly straightforward in the Philippines.

Philippines Student Visa Required Documents

A successful Philippines student visa will be determined by how accurate your documents are. The consular officials don’t know you from anywhere. The only way to get to know you is through your documents. You should make sure you satisfy these requirements to hasten your application. Below are what will be required from you.

1. Personal appearance is the only way. Someone can not apply on your behalf.

2. Two originals of duly filled application form. Be honest and don’t make a mistake.

3. Original international passport. This must be valid not less than six months beyond intended period of study in the Philippines.

4. Two (2) passport photographs. Make it recent and clean.

5. Original and one photocopy of birth certificate, verified and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy.

6. Original and one (1) photocopy of affidavit of support executed by parent/s or legal guardian to be authenticated in the Philippine Embassy;

7. Two photocopies of parent/guardian’s passport data page;

8. Original and one photocopy of transcript of records authenticated at the Philippine Embassy;

9. Original and one photocopy of certificate of good moral character authenticated at the Philippine Embassy.

10. Original and one photocopy of police certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy.

11. Original and one (1) photocopy of medical examination reports, including X-ray film contained in an envelope authenticated at the Philippine Embassy.

12. Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms from the school concerned.

13. Original and one photocopy of comprehensive list of student’s possible contact persons in the Philippines;

14. Diploma is required for student applicant who will pursue graduate studies (authenticated at the Philippine Embassy).

READ ALSO: [How To Apply For Argentina Student Visa From Nigeria]

Others Things To Know About Philippines Student Visa

If you are going to apply for a normal Philippines Student Visa, you can get it from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in Abuja.

Processing of student visa applications takes about two (2) months from the date of receipt. The Philippine Embassy will then notify the student accordingly.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, don’t forget to secure your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for Temporary Students (CRTS). You can do this at the Bureau of Immigration, Intramuros, Manila. (Your school will likely help you with this).

Conclusion

Student visa in Philippines is an opportunity for those with the opportunity to pursue their career in the Philippines. It can be difficult and expensive to arrange the student visa however there are different agents who promise the ease of student visa and will do it very quickly. These agents would simply take your documents and passport on a certain cost and will process the student advance visa. The documents may include course transcript, financial support documents from parents, birth certificate etc. With these primary requirements, you would then forward your document to the processing agent for further evaluation. When approved, you will get a notice regarding your documentation status. With this, your passport would be forwarded to the Philippine embassy for processing while you wait for its release.

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