If you are a foreign national staying in the Philippines, the ACR I-Card fee often appears at the exact moment you are already paying for a visa extension, student visa, work visa, resident visa, or renewal. The amount can be confusing because the card fee is usually charged in US dollars, converted to pesos, and may appear beside other Bureau of Immigration fees such as visa extension fees, express lane fees, Legal Research Fees, Annual Report fees, ECC fees, or ACR registration fees. This guide explains what the ACR I-Card is, who pays for it, how much the common fees are, what documents to prepare, and what practical problems usually cause delays.

What is an ACR I-Card in the Philippines?

The ACR I-Card means Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card. It is a microchip-based, credit-card-sized identification card issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to registered foreign nationals. The BI describes it as an ID with biometric security features that can store and update data electronically. Foreign nationals under immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including temporary visitors who stay in the Philippines for more than fifty-nine days, are generally required to apply for one. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

In simple terms, the ACR I-Card is proof that the foreign national has been registered with the Bureau of Immigration. It is not the same as a visa, and it is not automatically an exit clearance, re-entry permit, or special return certificate. This distinction matters because many foreigners assume that having the physical card means they can leave or re-enter the Philippines without checking other immigration requirements. BI rules expressly state that an ACR I-Card does not serve as an Exit Clearance Certificate, Re-Entry Permit, or Special Return Certificate. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Common ACR I-Card categories include:

Tourist
Student
Worker
Permanent Resident
Probationary Resident
Native Born
Special Non-Immigrant
Treaty Trader
Voluntary Registrant

The category depends on your immigration status, not merely on how long you have stayed.

Legal basis for ACR I-Card fees and registration

The ACR I-Card system comes from the Philippines’ broader alien registration and immigration control laws.

The main legal bases are:

Legal basis	Why it matters
Commonwealth Act No. 613, the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940	Gives the Bureau of Immigration authority over the administration and enforcement of Philippine immigration laws. Immigration officers may examine foreign nationals regarding their right to enter or remain in the Philippines.
Republic Act No. 562, the Alien Registration Act of 1950	Requires aliens residing in the Philippines to register, authorizes the Commissioner of Immigration to issue rules, and requires registered aliens to show their certificate of registration when demanded by immigration or law enforcement officers.
BI ACR I-Card implementing guidelines	Set the practical process for application, payment through an Order of Payment Slip, biometric data capture, verification, issuance, and renewal. The guidelines state that the ACR I-Card fee is US$50.00 or its peso equivalent. (Supreme Court E-Library)
BI Memorandum Order No. MCL-10-004	Covers ACR I-Card issuance for certain temporary visitors, Special Study Permit holders, and Special Work Permit holders, including the US$50.00 issuance fee, PHP500 express lane fee, validity rules, and replacement rules. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Republic Act No. 562 is also the law behind the Annual Report requirement. It requires covered aliens to report in person within the first sixty days of each calendar year. The BI’s current Annual Report page lists the Annual Report fee at PHP300 plus PHP10 Legal Research Fee, for a total of PHP310, with a monthly fine of PHP200 for delayed reporting reckoned from March 2. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Who needs to pay ACR I-Card fees?

You usually encounter ACR I-Card fees if you are:

A tourist or temporary visitor whose stay will exceed 59 days;
A foreign student applying for or holding a student visa or Special Study Permit;
A foreign worker applying for or holding a 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa, Special Work Permit, or related work authority;
A foreign spouse, parent, child, or resident applying under an immigrant or resident visa category;
A foreign national renewing an existing ACR I-Card;
A foreign national replacing a lost, damaged, or amended card;
A foreign national leaving the Philippines while the card is pending and needing an ACR I-Card waiver or related airport clearance process.

For tourists, the important trigger is usually the extension beyond 59 days. BI rules for temporary visitors state that applications for extension beyond a total authorized stay of more than 59 days, and applications for Special Study Permit or Special Work Permit, should not be granted without proof of payment of all immigration fees and related charges, including the ACR I-Card issuance fee. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Current ACR I-Card fees in the Philippines

The ACR I-Card fee is commonly listed in US dollars but paid in Philippine pesos based on the exchange rate used by the Bureau of Immigration at the time of payment. BI rules provide that the Cash Section issues the authorized peso-dollar exchange rate for collection purposes. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Because the exchange rate changes, the peso amount may vary slightly from one visit to another. Always rely on the Order of Payment Slip, because that is the BI’s assessed amount for your specific transaction.

Transaction	BI-listed ACR I-Card fee	Other listed charge	Practical note
Initial ACR I-Card issuance	USD50.00	PHP500 additional / express fee	Commonly charged with the visa application or extension that triggers the card. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Voluntary ACR I-Card application	USD50.00	PHP500 express fee	For a foreign national who voluntarily applies for an ACR I-Card. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Renewal of ACR I-Card	USD50.00	PHP500 express fee	Often relevant to resident, student, worker, and other long-stay categories. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Re-issuance, not lost card	USD20.00	PHP500 express fee	Applies to re-issuance situations other than lost card. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Lost ACR I-Card re-issuance	USD20.00	PHP1,000 express fee	BI rules also require a police report and Affidavit of Loss for lost card replacement. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines) (Supreme Court E-Library)
ACR I-Card waiver	PHP510 application fee	PHP500 express lane fee	Total listed fee is PHP1,010. Application must be filed at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Annual Report for ACR I-Card holders, except tourists	PHP300	PHP10 Legal Research Fee	Total listed fee is PHP310, excluding penalties for late reporting. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Why your total bill may be higher than USD50 plus PHP500

The ACR I-Card fee is only one part of the bill. Your receipt may also include:

Visa extension fee;
Application fee;
Alien Certificate of Registration fee;
Certification fee;
Legal Research Fee;
Visa sticker fee;
Head tax, if applicable;
ECC or Certificate of Exemption fee, if applicable;
Express lane fees for the visa transaction;
Separate express fee for the I-Card.

For example, the BI’s temporary visitor extension page lists separate visa extension charges and then separately lists ACR I-Card for Tourist: US$50.00 plus Express Fee for I-Card: PHP500.00 for extensions beyond 59 days. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

This is why two foreigners may both say they “paid for the ACR I-Card” but have different total receipts. One may be paying only for renewal of the card, while the other is paying for a tourist visa extension, ACR registration, certification, visa sticker, express fees, and the ACR I-Card all at the same time.

ACR fee vs. ACR I-Card fee: do not confuse them

A common source of confusion is the difference between:

ACR fee or Alien Certificate of Registration fee; and
ACR I-Card fee.

They sound similar, but they may appear as separate line items. In tourist visa extension tables, the BI lists an Alien Certificate of Registration Fee and separately lists the ACR I-Card for Tourist fee of US$50 plus the I-Card express fee. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

In practice, this means you should not assume that paying an “ACR fee” already covers the physical ACR I-Card. Read the Order of Payment Slip line by line before paying.

How to apply and pay ACR I-Card fees

The exact process depends on your visa category and the BI office handling your application, but the usual flow is as follows.

Identify the transaction that triggers the card. This may be a tourist extension beyond 59 days, student visa conversion, 9(g) visa implementation, resident visa application, renewal, re-issuance, or voluntary registration.
Get the correct BI checklist and application form. The BI service pages usually link to a checklist and application form for each transaction. Use the checklist for your exact visa category, not a generic list.
Prepare your passport and supporting documents. For most transactions, you should bring your original passport, photocopy of the passport bio page, latest arrival stamp, latest visa extension or implementation page, current visa order or approval if applicable, and previous official receipts if relevant.
Submit the application at the BI Main Office or an authorized BI office. The BI’s ACR I-Card issuance page states that applications may be filed at the BI Main Office or other authorized immigration offices. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)
Wait for assessment and issuance of the Order of Payment Slip. The OPS is important because it itemizes the actual charges. Check whether the ACR I-Card fee, express fee, visa fees, and other charges are correctly listed.
Pay at the cashier or through an available BI payment channel. For online transactions, the BI eServices portal notes that online payment methods may carry an additional processing charge from the payment service provider. (Bureau of Immigration)
Keep the Official Receipt. The receipt is often needed for claiming the card, proving payment, resolving mismatches, applying for waivers, or dealing with airport verification issues.
Complete biometric data capture if required. BI guidelines refer to data capture such as picture, fingerprint, and signature as part of ACR I-Card processing. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Claim the card and check the details immediately. Check your full name, nationality, date of birth, gender, visa category, and validity period. If the error came from the information you wrote in the application form, replacement may be charged to you.

Required documents commonly needed

Requirements vary by visa type, but the following are commonly requested in ACR I-Card-related transactions.

Situation	Documents commonly needed
Tourist extension beyond 59 days	Passport, accomplished BI form, photocopy of bio page, latest arrival stamp, latest extension, official receipts, and required photos if the office requires them.
Student or work-related application	Passport, school or employer documents, visa application documents, BI forms, proof of payment, and prior immigration receipts.
Renewal	Passport, current or expired ACR I-Card, current visa documents, application form, photos or biometrics if required, and official receipts.
Lost card	Passport, Affidavit of Loss, police report, application form, proof of previous card or visa status, and payment for re-issuance. BI rules specifically mention Police Report and Affidavit of Loss for replacement of a lost card. (Supreme Court E-Library)
Correction or amendment	Passport, existing ACR I-Card, proof of correct information, application form, and amendment/re-issuance fees.
Waiver before departure	Passport, proof of approved and implemented visa, flight details, proof that ACR I-Card is pending or unavailable, official receipts, and other documents required by the BI office.

For documents executed abroad, such as foreign civil registry documents or foreign notarized authorizations, the practical requirement is usually apostille or consular authentication, depending on the issuing country and the document’s use. Documents not in English may also need certified translation.

How long does ACR I-Card processing take?

The BI’s older implementing rules for certain temporary visitors, Special Study Permit holders, and Special Work Permit holders refer to release periods of 48 hours from approval for connected BI offices and 60 hours from approval for offices without the required BI-WAN/VIMS setup. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In practice, processing time can still vary because of:

Incomplete documents;
Name spelling mismatches;
Derogatory record “hits” requiring clearance;
Delayed visa approval or implementation;
Courier or printing delays;
Filing at a field office that must transmit documents to the main processing center;
High-volume periods, especially around holidays, school enrollment, or Annual Report season.

Do not treat the service time as a guarantee that the physical card will be ready before an urgent flight. If you need to travel and the card has not been released, check the ACR I-Card waiver or ECC/RP/SRC requirements early.

Leaving the Philippines while the ACR I-Card is pending

If you have an approved and implemented visa but your ACR I-Card is still pending, lost, expired, or not reflected in the BI system, your departure may require extra handling.

The BI’s ACR I-Card Waiver page states that waiver applications must be filed at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight and lists a total fee of PHP1,010. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

BI entry and exit guidelines also state that departing registered foreign nationals present valid travel documents such as passport, implemented visa, and boarding pass, while ACR I-Card validity may be verified in the BI’s Border Control Information System. If payment or validity is not reflected, the ACR I-Card or official receipts may be presented as supplemental proof.

A practical rule: keep your Official Receipts with your passport, especially if your card is pending, recently renewed, or recently replaced.

Annual Report: a separate obligation for many ACR I-Card holders

The Annual Report is separate from the ACR I-Card issuance fee. The BI Annual Report requirement applies to registered aliens and ACR I-Card holders except Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa holders. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

For 2026, the BI announced online registration through the BI eServices portal and stated that qualified foreign nationals physically present in the Philippines with valid visas may use a virtual Annual Report system and pay through channels such as Maya, GCash, credit card, or Landbank. BI also emphasized that departing registered foreign nationals must settle Annual Report obligations before issuance of ECC-B. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Missing Annual Report can cause problems later, especially when applying for ECC-B, renewing immigration documents, or leaving the Philippines.

Common real-life scenarios

Tourist extending past 59 days

A tourist who entered visa-free and later decides to stay beyond 59 days may suddenly see a much higher bill than the first extension. This is usually because the extension beyond 59 days may trigger the ACR I-Card for tourist, plus visa extension charges and other immigration fees.

Foreign student whose card is delayed

Foreign students often rely on school liaison officers. Delays may happen when enrollment documents, school accreditation documents, or BI student desk processing are incomplete. If the student must travel before card release, the school and student should check waiver requirements early instead of waiting until the week of departure.

9(g) worker changing employers

A foreign employee changing employers may have to deal with visa downgrading, new work visa processing, ACR I-Card update or re-issuance, and possible ECC issues. The ACR I-Card should match the current implemented visa status.

Resident visa holder with expired card

A permanent or probationary resident should not assume that an expired physical card is harmless. It can create problems during Annual Report, ECC-B, RP/SRC payment, re-entry, or airport verification.

Lost ACR I-Card close to travel date

A lost card shortly before travel is stressful because replacement requires documents and payment. At minimum, prepare an Affidavit of Loss, police report, passport, visa documents, and receipts. If departure is urgent, ask the BI office about waiver or airport verification requirements immediately.

Practical tips before paying

Ask for the Order of Payment Slip and review the line items. Do not rely only on a verbal estimate.
Separate the card fee from the visa fee in your mind. The US$50 ACR I-Card fee may be only one of several charges.
Bring extra photocopies of your passport bio page, arrival stamp, visa implementation, and receipts.
Keep all Official Receipts. They may be useful for card claiming, annual reporting, ECC processing, or airport verification.
Check the spelling on your application form carefully. Errors caused by the applicant can result in replacement costs.
Do not wait until your flight week. Waiver applications, ECC, annual reporting issues, and system mismatches can take time to fix.
Use the same name format consistently. Passport name, BI forms, school or employer documents, and notarized documents should match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the ACR I-Card fee in the Philippines?

For most issuance and renewal transactions, the BI-listed ACR I-Card fee is USD50.00, plus a PHP500 express fee. The dollar amount is converted to pesos using the BI’s applicable exchange rate at the time of payment. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Is the ACR I-Card fee included in my tourist visa extension fee?

Not always. For tourist extensions beyond 59 days, the BI fee table lists visa extension charges separately from the ACR I-Card for Tourist: US$50.00 and the Express Fee for I-Card: PHP500.00. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Do all tourists need an ACR I-Card?

A temporary visitor or tourist generally encounters the ACR I-Card requirement when staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days. Short visits below that period usually do not trigger the tourist ACR I-Card.

How often do I renew my ACR I-Card?

The renewal period depends on your visa category and the card validity. BI’s original ACR I-Card guidelines state that renewal is done yearly simultaneous with payment of the Annual Report fee. For certain temporary visitors, SSP, and SWP holders, BI rules state that the card is co-terminus with the visa or permit granted but not exceeding one year. (Supreme Court E-Library) (Supreme Court E-Library)

What happens if I lose my ACR I-Card?

For a lost ACR I-Card, the BI-listed re-issuance fee is USD20.00 plus PHP1,000 express fee. BI rules also require a Police Report and Affidavit of Loss for replacement of a lost card. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines) (Supreme Court E-Library)

Can I leave the Philippines if my ACR I-Card has not been released?

Possibly, but you may need an ACR I-Card waiver or other BI clearance depending on your visa and travel situation. The BI ACR I-Card Waiver page requires filing at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight and lists a total fee of PHP1,010. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Does my ACR I-Card prove that my visa is still valid?

Not by itself. The ACR I-Card is proof of registration and a transaction card, but it is not a substitute for a valid visa, ECC, Re-Entry Permit, or Special Return Certificate. BI rules state that it does not serve as an Exit Clearance Certificate, Re-Entry Permit, or Special Return Certificate. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Do tourists have to file the Annual Report?

The BI Annual Report page states that the Annual Report applies to all registered aliens and ACR I-Card holders except Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa holders. (Bureau of Immigration Philippines)

Why did my friend pay a different ACR I-Card amount?

The base card fee may be the same, but the total receipt can differ because of visa type, age, nationality classification, extension length, penalties, express lane fees, Legal Research Fees, Annual Report obligations, ECC requirements, or exchange rate at the time of payment.

Key Takeaways

The ACR I-Card is the Philippine Bureau of Immigration ID for registered foreign nationals; it is not the same as a visa or exit clearance.
The common BI-listed ACR I-Card issuance or renewal fee is USD50.00 plus PHP500 express fee, converted to pesos at the applicable rate.
Re-issuance is commonly USD20.00, with a higher express fee for lost cards.
Tourist extensions beyond 59 days commonly trigger ACR I-Card charges in addition to regular visa extension fees.
Always review the Order of Payment Slip because it controls the actual fees assessed for your transaction.
Keep your Official Receipts, especially if the card is pending, lost, renewed, or needed for airport verification.
Many non-tourist ACR I-Card holders must comply with the Annual Report requirement within the first 60 days of the year.
If you plan to travel while the ACR I-Card is pending or unavailable, check waiver, ECC-B, RP, or SRC requirements before your flight week.