Changing Schools or Courses on a Student Visa: Immigration Compliance Requirements

Introduction

Foreign nationals admitted to the Philippines on a 9(f) student visa are authorized to pursue a specific course of study at a designated educational institution. The visa is institution-specific and program-specific, meaning any material change in school or course of study constitutes a change in the conditions of admission. Philippine immigration law requires prior approval from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) before such changes take effect. Failure to secure approval renders the student non-compliant, exposing them to administrative sanctions, visa cancellation, and possible blacklisting.

This article outlines the complete regulatory framework, procedures, documentary requirements, and consequences governing changes of school (transfer) and changes of course under a 9(f) student visa, based on the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (as amended), Bureau of Immigration Operations Orders, and implementing rules of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Legal Basis

The principal legal foundation is Section 37(a)(7) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which authorizes the exclusion or deportation of any alien who fails to maintain the conditions under which he was admitted. BI Operations Order No. SBM-2015-010 (as amended) and subsequent memoranda provide the operational guidelines for student visa holders.

CHED Memorandum Order No. 14, s. 2017 (Revised Policies, Standards and Guidelines on Student Visa) and TESDA regulations further require that any change in school or program must be reported to the BI through the educational institution, with prior endorsement by the appropriate regulatory body.

Distinction Between Change of School and Change of Course

• Change of School (Transfer) refers to enrollment in a different educational institution, whether at the same or different academic level.
• Change of Course refers to a change in program or major within the same educational institution.

The procedural and documentary requirements differ significantly between the two scenarios.

A. Changing Schools (Transfer to Another Institution)

A student visa holder may not enroll in or attend classes at a new school without prior BI approval. Unauthorized transfer is treated as a violation of visa conditions.

Requirements for Approval of Transfer

1. Academic Clearance from Current School
   The current school must issue a Certificate of Clearance confirming that the student has:

   • No outstanding tuition or other fees;
   • No pending disciplinary cases;
   • Satisfied all academic requirements up to the last completed semester/term.

2. Admission to the New School
   The new school must issue an official Letter of Acceptance addressed to the BI, confirming that the student has been accepted into a specific program.

3. New Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA)
   The new school must apply for and secure a fresh CEA from CHED (for college/university programs) or TESDA (for technical-vocational programs). The old CEA becomes invalid upon transfer.

4. Student’s Letter of Intent
   A notarized letter from the student addressed to the BI Commissioner explaining the reason for the transfer.

5. Proof of Financial Capacity
   Updated bank certificate or affidavit of support, especially if the transfer involves a change in program level or duration.

6. Valid Passport and Current ACR I-Card
   Photocopies of the passport bio-page, visa implementation page, and ACR I-Card.

7. BI Application Form
   BI Form No. M-2 (Application for Change/Amendment of Admission Status) duly accomplished.

Procedure for Transfer

1. The student submits the complete set of documents to the new school.
2. The new school endorses the application to the BI Student Desk (or the BI office having jurisdiction over the school).
3. The BI reviews the application and, if approved, issues an Order of Approval of Transfer and updates the student’s record.
4. The student pays the corresponding fees (Amendment Fee + Express Lane Fee, if availed).
5. The BI issues an updated ACR I-Card reflecting the new school and program.

Timeframe: The entire process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on completeness of documents and BI workload. Students are advised to initiate the process at least one month before the start of classes.

Note on Timing: Transfers are generally allowed only at the beginning of a semester or term. Mid-term transfers are rarely approved unless justified by exceptional circumstances (e.g., school closure, force majeure).

B. Changing Courses within the Same School

Changing course or major within the same institution is treated as less disruptive than a full school transfer, but it still requires BI notification and, in most cases, prior approval.

Requirements for Change of Course

1. School Endorsement
   The school must issue a Certificate of Acceptance into the new program and confirm that the student has met all prerequisites.

2. New CEA (if required)

   • If the change is to a program of the same academic level (e.g., BS to another BS), a new CEA is usually not required.
   • If the change involves a different academic level (e.g., bachelor’s to master’s, or diploma to degree), a new CEA must be secured from CHED or TESDA.

3. Student’s Letter Request
   A letter addressed to the BI Commissioner explaining the reason for the course change.

4. BI Form
   BI Form No. M-2 (Amendment of Admission Status).

5. Updated Financial Proof
   Required if the new course is longer or more expensive.

Procedure

1. The student submits the request to the school registrar.
2. The school endorses the application to the BI.
3. The BI reviews and approves the amendment.
4. The student pays the amendment fee.
5. The ACR I-Card is updated to reflect the new course.

Important: Minor changes (e.g., shifting from one engineering major to a closely related major) may be processed administratively by the school with subsequent BI notification. Major changes (e.g., from engineering to medicine, or from undergraduate to graduate level) require full BI approval before the student may begin the new program.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to secure prior BI approval for a change of school or course constitutes a violation of visa conditions and may result in:

• Visa Cancellation under Section 37(a)(7);
• Summary Deportation proceedings;
• Blacklisting (inclusion in the BI blacklist), preventing re-entry for a period of 1–10 years or permanently;
• Disqualification from future visa applications;
• Administrative fines (ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱50,000 or more);
• Possible criminal liability under Section 46 of the Immigration Act for misrepresentation or willful violation.

Schools that allow unauthorized enrollment or fail to report changes are subject to administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of their authority to accept foreign students.

Special Considerations

• Minors (under 18 years old): Parental or guardian consent (notarized and consularized if executed abroad) is mandatory for any change.
• Dependent Holders (9(f)-1 visa): Any change affecting the principal student’s status automatically affects the dependent’s visa.
• Bridging Programs / TESDA to CHED: Transitioning from technical-vocational to higher education requires a new CEA and full transfer procedure.
• Suspension or Leave of Absence: If a student is on approved leave, the visa remains valid, but any change of school/course during leave still requires BI approval.
• Post-Completion: Students who complete their program and wish to enroll in a new one must apply for a new 9(f) visa or conversion, not a mere amendment.

Conclusion

The Philippine immigration regime maintains strict control over student visa conditions to ensure that foreign students pursue the exact course and institution for which they were admitted. Both transfer to a new school and change of course within the same school require timely, documented application and prior approval from the Bureau of Immigration. Educational institutions serve as the primary gatekeepers and must actively coordinate with the BI. Compliance is non-negotiable; non-compliance carries severe and frequently irreversible consequences. Students, parents, and schools are strongly urged to consult the BI Student Desk or the school’s foreign student coordinator well in advance of any intended change.