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In 2024, the annual report for foreigners includes all registered foreign people in the Philippines who have an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) or a paper-based Alien Certificate of Registration with a valid visa.
This yearly requirement carries great weight in ensuring that foreign residents fulfill their legal obligations while maintaining their status in the nation.
This exercise intends to update and validate personal information in the Bureau of Immigration’s database, assuring accurate records.
If you are a foreigner here, it’s super important to make sure you do it on time.
That way, you avoid getting into trouble with fines or confusing legal stuff.
By adhering to these guidelines, you are assisting in keeping things organized and secure in the Philippines, making it a better place for everyone, natives and expats alike!
Consider it a nice update to keep everything running smoothly and legally. It’s like sending them a polite wave to say, “Hey, I’m still here, enjoying the Philippines!” This ensures that your stay is legal and without complications.
In this article, we’ll go over the fundamentals so you can tackle it like an expert.
What is the Annual Report for Foreigners?
The Foreigner Annual Report is a bit like a ‘Hey, I’m still here!’ for all foreign folks who’ve been in the Philippines for at least 59 days in the past year.
Section 10 of Republic Act No. 562, generally known as the Alien Registration Act of 1950, requires all registered foreign nationals to attend in person at the Bureau of Immigration.
Mark your calendars from January 02, 2024, to March 01, 2024.
It’s a rule (thanks to Republic Act No. 562 and the Bureau of Immigration), and it helps the country keep tabs on who’s around.
Requirements: Annual Report For Foreigners
- Online Registration:
- Head to https://eservices.immigration.gov.ph and fill out the form.
- ACR I-Card and Visa:
- Keep hold of your ACR I-Card (or the paper-based one if you’re waiting for the card). If your passport expires, don’t worry; an affidavit or undertaking will suffice.
- Passport:
- Keep it valid, and if it has expired, submit an affidavit to sort things out.
- Official Receipt (OR):
- Don’t forget to show proof of your latest Annual Report Fee payment.
Processing Steps:
- Collection of Documents:
- Gather your Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card, passport, and proof of address.
- Visit to the Bureau of Immigration Office:
- Visit your nearest Bureau of Immigration office during their operating hours.
- Submission of Documents:
- Upon arrival, show your ACR I-Card, passport, and other supporting documents for verification and recording.
- Payment of Fees:
- Depending on your residency status, some offices may require a minor processing fee.
- Biometric Data Update:
- In some cases, provide updated biometric data for the ACR I-Card.
- Acknowledgment Receipt:
- After doing all the paperwork, you’ll get an acknowledgment receipt. Keep it safe—it is your proof that you’ve followed the rules.
Exemptions from Personal Appearance
- Age-Based: Individuals below 14 years old and those aged 60 and above are excused from personal appearance.
- Health Condition: Those mentally or physically incapacitated, provided they present a Person With Disability (PWD) ID or medical certificate, along with pregnant women, are exempt.
Representation for Exempted Individuals
- For those falling under exempted categories, representation during the Annual Report process is permissible.
- Representatives need to provide additional requirements, including proof of exemption and a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), except for accredited BI Liaison Officers.
Annual Report Period
The 2024 Annual Report is scheduled to span from January 1st, 2024, to March 1st, 2024.
This two-month timeframe gives registered foreign nationals plenty of time to complete their Annual Report duties.
Schedule of Fees / Fines
A nominal fee of Three Hundred Pesos (Php 300.00) along with an additional Ten pesos (Php 10.00) for the Legal Research Fee (LRF) is mandatory.
Fines for Delayed Reports
Foreign nationals failing to submit their Annual Reports within the stipulated period are subject to fines.
Skipping the Annual Report may appear insignificant, but it has serious consequences:
- Fines: Missing the deadline incurs fines starting at Php 200 per month of delay, potentially leading up to Php 2,000 per year.
- Inconvenience: Non-compliance complicates other official processes, like visa extensions and future immigration endeavors.
- Legal Consequences: Persistent disregard of regulations might result in severe actions, including potential deportation.
Complying with the Annual Report is more than simply paperwork; it is about honoring legal commitments and having a trouble-free stay in the Philippines.
Mobile Annual Report
The Commissioner has the authority to authorize on-site Annual Reports through the ARD Chief, subject to the following conditions:
- A minimum of twenty (20) foreign nationals are required to participate.
- An additional service fee of five hundred pesos (Php 500.00) per reporter is charged for this service.
- Requests for on-site AR must be filed at least five (5) working days before the preferred schedule.
Virtual Annual Report
Procedure for Virtual Annual Report
STEP 1: Registration
Annual Reporters classified under Section 9 must register on the BI E-Services website (http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph) and log in upon successful registration.
STEP 2: Setting up an Appointment
- Upon successful registration, clients select the transaction for the annual report and choose the interview date and time.
- An email confirms the transaction and provides the interview link and instructions.
STEP 3: Reporting
During the Google Meet interview, the applicant presents their valid passport and ACR I-Card to the Registration Officer.
STEP 4: Issuance of Order of Payment Slip
The Registration Officer assesses the fees and sends the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) via email.
STEP 5: Payment of Fees for Virtual Annual Report
Upon receiving the Order of Payment Slip (OPS), reporters are required to settle assessed fees promptly within twenty-four hours.
Conveniently, payment can be made through various channels, including:
- Gcash and Maya
- Credit Card (Visa and Mastercard)
- Landbank
It is critical to make timely payments through these easy methods to finish the Annual Report process efficiently and avoid penalties.
Annual Report Processing Locations in Metro Manila
If you’re around Manila, the BI Main Office is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
| Office (Location Name) | Address |
|---|---|
| Immigration Satellite Office at SM Aura | Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila |
| Bureau of Immigration Makati Extension Office | Makati City Hall Building II, Ayala Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila |
| Immigration Extension Office at PEZA | PEZA Main Office, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila |
| Immigration Satellite Office at SM North | EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila |
| Immigration Field Office in Las Pinas, Muntinlupa | Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas, Metro Manila |
| Immigration One Stop Shop Office at APECO | Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, Casiguran, Aurora |
| Student Visa Section Office at Quezon City Hall | Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila |
SUMMARY
The Annual Report for 2024 is a mandatory requirement for all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines.
This yearly obligation promotes the accuracy and legal conformity of immigration records. The 2024 reporting period runs from January 2nd to March 1st.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- All foreign nationals with valid visas who have Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) or paper-based ACRs must participate in the Annual Report.
- The process necessitates personal appearance, online registration, and the submission of essential documents such as valid passports and ACR cards.
- Certain categories, including minors, seniors, and individuals with health conditions, are exempted from personal appearances during the Annual Report.
- The Annual Report is subject to a minimal charge of Php 300, as well as a potential penalty of Php 200 per month for late submissions, up to a maximum of Php 2,000 per year.
- The Annual Report procedure is facilitated by various Immigration Offices and Satellite Offices located around Metro Manila and other region in the Philippines.
- In addition to in-person reporting, there are alternatives for virtual reporting via Google Meet and on-site reporting for convenience.
To avoid penalties, maintain legal standing, and simplify further immigration procedures, compliance with the Annual Report within the allotted timeframe is essential.
