How to Apply for an ACR I-Card in the Philippines for Foreign Spouses of Former Filipinos

Introduction

The Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) is a crucial identification document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines to all registered aliens who are granted immigrant or non-immigrant visas allowing stays exceeding 59 days. For foreign spouses of former Filipinos—defined as individuals who were natural-born Filipinos but lost their citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country and subsequently reacquired it under Republic Act No. 9225 (RA 9225), also known as the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003—the ACR I-Card serves as proof of legal residency and facilitates various administrative processes, such as banking, employment, and travel within the country.

This category of applicants benefits from specific provisions under Philippine immigration laws, recognizing the familial ties to reacquired Filipino citizens. The process intertwines with visa applications, particularly the probationary or permanent resident visa under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended), which is available to foreign spouses of Philippine citizens, including those who have reacquired citizenship. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the eligibility, requirements, procedures, fees, and related considerations for obtaining an ACR I-Card in this context, grounded in Philippine legal frameworks.

Legal Basis

The issuance of the ACR I-Card is mandated under the Alien Registration Act of 1950 (Republic Act No. 562, as amended), which requires all aliens residing in the Philippines for more than 59 days to register with the BI. For foreign spouses of former Filipinos, additional legal foundations include:

RA 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003): This law allows former natural-born Filipinos to reacquire Philippine citizenship without renouncing foreign citizenship, granting them dual citizenship status. Their foreign spouses do not automatically acquire citizenship but may qualify for derivative benefits, such as expedited visa processing or residency privileges.
Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (CA 613, as amended): Section 13(a) provides for non-quota immigrant visas for foreign spouses of Philippine citizens, enabling permanent residency. Upon approval, the ACR I-Card is issued as part of the registration process.
BI Operations Orders and Memoranda: Various BI issuances, such as Operations Order No. SBM-2015-007 on ACR I-Card issuance and Memorandum Circular No. AFF-08-003 on visa conversions, outline procedural details. These ensure compliance with international treaties like the United Nations Convention on the Nationality of Married Women (1957), to which the Philippines is a party, protecting spousal rights.
Balikbayan Program (Executive Order No. 408, series of 1960, as amended): Former Filipinos and their immediate family members, including foreign spouses, may initially enter visa-free for up to one year. However, for extended stays or permanent residency, conversion to a 13(a) visa and subsequent ACR I-Card application is necessary.

These laws emphasize family reunification, aligning with Article 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which upholds the family as the foundation of the nation.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an ACR I-Card as a foreign spouse of a former Filipino, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

Marital Status: The applicant must be legally married to a former Filipino who has reacquired Philippine citizenship under RA 9225. The marriage must be valid under Philippine law (Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 209, as amended) and recognized by the BI. Bigamous or void marriages disqualify applicants.
Visa Status: The foreign spouse must hold or be eligible for a 13(a) non-quota immigrant visa. This can be probationary (initially valid for one year) or permanent (upon fulfillment of conditions). Those entering under the Balikbayan privilege must convert their status before applying for the ACR I-Card if staying beyond the visa-free period.
Residency Intent: The applicant must intend to reside in the Philippines, either temporarily (under non-immigrant extensions) or permanently. Short-term tourists are ineligible.
Good Moral Character: No pending criminal cases or derogatory records in the Philippines or abroad that could pose a threat to national security, as per BI blacklisting rules.
Age and Dependency: While primarily for spouses, derivative applications may include unmarried minor children (under 21 years) of the former Filipino, who also receive ACR I-Cards.
Health Requirements: Applicants must be free from contagious diseases, as certified by a Department of Health (DOH)-accredited medical examination.

Ineligibility may arise from overstaying previous visas, deportation history, or failure to comply with prior BI registrations. Appeals can be filed under BI's administrative remedies.

Required Documents

The application requires a comprehensive set of documents to substantiate eligibility. These must be original or certified true copies, with English translations if in a foreign language, notarized and authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Key documents include:

Duly Accomplished Application Form: BI Form No. 2014-08-019 (ACR I-Card Application Form), available on the BI website or at BI offices.
Valid Passport: With at least six months validity, including the page showing the latest admission stamp or visa.
Marriage Certificate: Issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) if married in the Philippines, or authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if married abroad. For marriages post-RA 9225, proof of the spouse's reacquired citizenship (Oath of Allegiance and BI Order) is required.
Proof of Spouse's Citizenship: RA 9225 Oath of Allegiance, Identification Certificate, and Order of Approval from the BI.
Visa Approval Documents: Notice of Approval for the 13(a) visa or conversion order from Balikbayan status.
Birth Certificate: Of the applicant, authenticated if foreign-issued.
Medical Certificate: From a DOH-accredited clinic, confirming absence of prohibited diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV under certain conditions per DOH guidelines).
Police Clearance: From the applicant's country of origin and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines if residing for over six months.
Affidavit of Support: From the Filipino spouse, guaranteeing financial support.
Photographs: Two (2) recent 2x2 colored photos with white background.
Additional for Derivatives: Birth certificates of minor children, proving relationship.

Incomplete submissions lead to denial; applicants should verify updates via BI advisories.

Application Procedure

The process is handled by the BI's Main Office in Manila or accredited satellite offices nationwide. Steps are as follows:

Preparation and Submission: Gather documents and submit the application at the BI's Alien Registration Division (ARD) or via the BI's e-services portal for online pre-filing (if available). Pay the required fees upon filing.
Biometrics Capture: Attend in person for fingerprinting, photographing, and signature capture, essential for the microchip-embedded ACR I-Card.
Interview and Verification: Undergo an interview with a BI officer to confirm marital authenticity and intent. The Filipino spouse may be required to appear.
Approval and Issuance: Upon verification, the ACR I-Card is printed and issued. Processing typically occurs at the BI headquarters, but collection can be at regional offices.
Conversion from Balikbayan: If entering visa-free, apply for visa conversion within the one-year period at the BI, then proceed to ACR I-Card application.

Applications can be filed jointly with the 13(a) visa petition if not yet approved. Legal representation is optional but recommended for complex cases.

Fees and Costs

Fees are subject to periodic adjustments but generally include:

ACR I-Card Fee: PHP 2,500 (approximately USD 50) for the card itself.
Visa Application/Conversion Fee: PHP 8,000–10,000 for 13(a) probationary, plus express lane fees if expedited.
Annual Report Fee: PHP 300 per year for registration.
Legal Research Fee: PHP 10–20.
Biometrics Fee: Included in the ACR fee.

Payments are made via bank deposit or at BI cashiers. Exemptions or reductions may apply for indigent applicants under BI discretion.

Processing Time

Standard processing takes 2–4 weeks from submission, excluding visa approval which may add 1–3 months. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee, reducing time to 1–2 weeks. Delays occur due to incomplete documents or security checks.

Renewal and Validity

The ACR I-Card is valid for one to five years, aligned with the visa validity. Renewal must be filed 60 days before expiration at the BI ARD, requiring updated documents like a new medical certificate and proof of continued marriage. Failure to renew results in fines (PHP 200–2,000 per month) and potential deportation under Section 37 of CA 613.

Additional Considerations

Annual Reporting: Holders must report annually to the BI within the first 60 days of the year, submitting a Sworn Declaration.
Change of Status: Notify the BI of address changes, marital dissolution, or other alterations within 30 days.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Overstaying or non-registration incurs fines up to PHP 500,000, imprisonment, or deportation.
Rights and Privileges: ACR I-Card holders enjoy work rights (with Alien Employment Permit from DOLE), property ownership limits under the Constitution, and access to social services.
Path to Citizenship: After five years of continuous residence, foreign spouses may apply for naturalization under Commonwealth Act No. 473, as amended, requiring good moral character and integration.
COVID-19 and Recent Updates: Post-pandemic, BI has implemented online services and health protocols; check for extensions on reporting deadlines.
Appeals and Remedies: Denied applications can be appealed to the BI Commissioner within 15 days, with further recourse to the Department of Justice or courts.

This process underscores the Philippines' commitment to family unity while safeguarding immigration integrity. For personalized advice, consulting a licensed immigration lawyer is advisable.