I. Introduction

A Joint Petition Letter is one of the core documentary requirements commonly submitted in support of a Philippine 13A Probationary Resident Visa application. In the Philippine immigration context, the 13A visa is the immigrant visa category available to a foreign national who is legally married to a Filipino citizen and who seeks residence in the Philippines on the basis of that marriage.

The Joint Petition Letter is not merely a cover letter. It is a formal written request addressed to the Bureau of Immigration, signed by both spouses, asking that the foreign spouse be granted a 13A probationary visa. It identifies the applicant, the Filipino petitioner-spouse, the legal basis of the application, the marital relationship, and the parties’ intention to reside together in the Philippines.

Although the Bureau of Immigration evaluates the entire application package, the Joint Petition Letter functions as the spouses’ unified statement that the application is being made in good faith and that the Filipino spouse supports the foreign spouse’s request for residence.

II. The 13A Visa in Philippine Immigration Law

The 13A visa is based on the Philippine Immigration Act, particularly the immigrant visa category available to the spouse of a Philippine citizen. In practical immigration usage, “13A” refers to the resident visa granted to a foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen.

A 13A visa is generally available when:

The applicant is a foreign national;
The applicant is legally married to a Filipino citizen;
The marriage is valid under Philippine law or recognized in the Philippines;
The Filipino spouse remains a Philippine citizen;
The couple can show a genuine marital relationship;
The foreign spouse is not disqualified under Philippine immigration laws;
The applicant can show capacity to live in the Philippines without becoming a public charge; and
The application is supported by the required civil, identity, immigration, and financial documents.

For most first-time applicants, the Bureau of Immigration grants the visa on a probationary basis, usually valid for one year. Before the probationary period expires, the foreign spouse may apply for amendment to permanent resident status, provided the qualifying marriage still exists and the requirements continue to be met.

III. Meaning of a Joint Petition Letter

A Joint Petition Letter is a written petition jointly made by the Filipino spouse and the foreign spouse. It is usually addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration or the appropriate Bureau of Immigration office.

Its purpose is to formally request the grant of a 13A probationary visa to the foreign spouse.

The letter usually states:

The full names of both spouses;
Their citizenships;
Their date and place of marriage;
The fact that the marriage is valid and subsisting;
The foreign spouse’s current immigration status in the Philippines;
The Filipino spouse’s support for the application;
The couple’s intention to live together in the Philippines;
The request that the Bureau of Immigration approve the application;
A list of attached supporting documents; and
The signatures of both spouses.

In many cases, the Joint Petition Letter is notarized. Notarization strengthens the formality of the document and confirms that the parties personally appeared before a notary public and acknowledged the document as their voluntary act.

IV. Why the Joint Petition Letter Matters

The 13A visa is marriage-based. The Bureau of Immigration must therefore be satisfied not only that a marriage exists on paper, but also that the Filipino spouse is genuinely petitioning for the foreign spouse.

The Joint Petition Letter helps establish several important points.

First, it confirms that the Filipino spouse is aware of and supports the application. A foreign spouse cannot realistically pursue a marriage-based resident visa without the Filipino spouse’s participation.

Second, it frames the legal basis of the application. It tells the Bureau that the application is being filed under the 13A category because of a valid marriage to a Filipino citizen.

Third, it assists the immigration officer in understanding the application package. A clear letter makes it easier to match the petition with the attached documents.

Fourth, it shows consistency. The facts in the letter should align with the marriage certificate, passports, visa status, residence information, and other supporting evidence.

Finally, it helps demonstrate good faith. While the Joint Petition Letter alone does not prove the authenticity of the marriage, it is part of the broader evidentiary picture.

V. Who Signs the Joint Petition Letter

The Joint Petition Letter should be signed by both:

The Filipino citizen spouse, often referred to as the petitioner; and
The foreign spouse, often referred to as the applicant or beneficiary.

The Filipino spouse’s signature is especially important because the 13A visa is derived from the applicant’s marriage to a Philippine citizen. The foreign spouse’s signature is also important because the foreign spouse is the person requesting immigration benefits and affirming the truthfulness of the representations made.

If the letter is notarized, both spouses should personally appear before the notary public, present competent proof of identity, and sign the document in the notary’s presence, unless already signed and acknowledged in accordance with notarial rules.

VI. Proper Addressee

The letter is typically addressed to:

The Honorable Commissioner Bureau of Immigration Intramuros, Manila

For applications filed at a field office, the letter may still be addressed to the Commissioner, or it may be addressed through the relevant Bureau of Immigration office. A practical format is:

The Honorable Commissioner Bureau of Immigration Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila Through: [Name of BI Field Office, if applicable]

The addressee should be formal and respectful. Immigration petitions are official submissions, and the tone should reflect that.

VII. Essential Contents of the Letter

A strong Joint Petition Letter should be complete, accurate, and concise. It should include the following elements.

1. Title

The document may be titled:

JOINT PETITION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A 13A PROBATIONARY RESIDENT VISA

JOINT PETITION LETTER FOR 13A PROBATIONARY VISA APPLICATION

A formal title helps identify the document immediately.

2. Identification of the Parties

The letter should identify both spouses by their full legal names, citizenships, and addresses.

Example:

“We, Juan Dela Cruz, Filipino citizen, and John Smith, American citizen, both of legal age and presently residing at [complete address], respectfully petition the Bureau of Immigration for the issuance of a 13A Probationary Resident Visa in favor of John Smith.”

Names must match passports, marriage certificate, and other civil documents. If there are name variations, these should be handled carefully and supported by documentation.

3. Statement of Marriage

The letter should state the date and place of marriage.

Example:

“We were lawfully married on 15 June 2024 in Quezon City, Philippines, as evidenced by our Certificate of Marriage issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority.”

If the marriage took place abroad, the letter may refer to the foreign marriage certificate and, where applicable, the Report of Marriage registered with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate and recorded with Philippine civil authorities.

4. Filipino Citizenship of the Petitioner-Spouse

The letter should expressly state that the petitioner-spouse is a Filipino citizen.

Example:

“The petitioner-spouse, Maria Santos, is a Filipino citizen, as shown by her Philippine passport and/or other proof of citizenship attached to this petition.”

This matters because the 13A visa depends on marriage to a Philippine citizen. If the Filipino spouse has become a naturalized citizen of another country and lost Philippine citizenship without reacquiring it, eligibility may be affected.

5. Current Immigration Status of the Foreign Spouse

The letter should state the foreign spouse’s current status in the Philippines, such as tourist visa, Balikbayan admission, temporary visitor status, or other lawful stay.

Example:

“The applicant-spouse, John Smith, is presently in the Philippines under a temporary visitor status and has maintained lawful stay.”

The applicant’s lawful status is important. Overstay issues, if any, should be resolved before or during the application process as required by the Bureau of Immigration.

6. Request for 13A Probationary Visa

The central request should be direct.

Example:

“We respectfully request that the Bureau of Immigration grant the applicant-spouse a 13A Probationary Resident Visa pursuant to the applicable provisions of Philippine immigration law.”

The letter should not be argumentative or emotional. It should be clear, factual, and respectful.

7. Statement of Good Faith and Continuing Marriage

The letter may state that the marriage is genuine, valid, and subsisting.

Example:

“Our marriage is genuine, valid, and subsisting. We live together as husband and wife and intend to continue residing together in the Philippines.”

This statement should be truthful. False statements in immigration applications can create serious legal consequences.

8. Statement of Support and Financial Capacity

Some petitions include a statement that the spouses have sufficient means of support.

Example:

“We have sufficient means to support ourselves while residing in the Philippines and undertake to comply with all applicable immigration laws and regulations.”

The specific evidence of financial capacity is usually shown through supporting documents, such as bank certificates, employment records, pension records, business documents, or proof of income.

9. List of Attachments

The letter may include a documentary checklist.

Common attachments include:

Completed application form;
Joint Petition Letter;
Passport bio-page of the foreign spouse;
Latest admission stamp or visa implementation page;
Passport or government ID of the Filipino spouse;
PSA-issued marriage certificate, if married in the Philippines;
Report of Marriage and foreign marriage certificate, if married abroad;
Birth certificate or proof of Philippine citizenship of the Filipino spouse;
Clearance certificates, if required;
Bureau of Immigration clearance or NBI clearance, depending on circumstances;
Medical clearance, if required;
Proof of financial capacity;
Photographs;
Valid immigration status documents;
Other documents required by the Bureau of Immigration.

The exact documentary requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, place of marriage, current status, and Bureau of Immigration office practice.

10. Prayer or Closing Request

The letter should end with a respectful request.

Example:

“WHEREFORE, premises considered, we respectfully pray that the Bureau of Immigration grant the applicant-spouse a 13A Probationary Resident Visa.”

11. Signatures

Both spouses should sign above their printed names.

Example:

_____________________________
MARIA SANTOS
Filipino Petitioner-Spouse

_____________________________
JOHN SMITH
Foreign Applicant-Spouse

If notarized, the letter should include a proper acknowledgment or jurat prepared by the notary.

VIII. Recommended Tone and Style

A Joint Petition Letter should be formal but not overly complicated. It should read like a legal petition, not a personal love letter.

The best tone is:

Respectful;
Factual;
Clear;
Brief but complete;
Consistent with attached documents;
Free from exaggeration;
Free from unnecessary personal history;
Free from unsupported claims.

The letter should not contain irrelevant details such as private marital disputes, long relationship narratives, or emotional appeals unless specifically needed to explain a legal issue. The Bureau of Immigration is primarily concerned with eligibility, documentation, legal status, and compliance.

IX. Sample Structure of a Joint Petition Letter

A typical structure may look like this:

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
CITY OF ____________        ) S.S.

JOINT PETITION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A 13A PROBATIONARY RESIDENT VISA

The Honorable Commissioner
Bureau of Immigration
Intramuros, Manila

Dear Commissioner:

We, [Filipino spouse full name], Filipino citizen, and [foreign spouse full name], [citizenship] citizen, both of legal age and presently residing at [complete address], respectfully state:

1. We were lawfully married on [date] in [place of marriage], as evidenced by our [PSA Certificate of Marriage / Report of Marriage / Marriage Certificate];

2. The petitioner-spouse, [name], is a Filipino citizen;

3. The applicant-spouse, [name], is a foreign national holding passport number [passport number], issued by [issuing country], and is presently staying in the Philippines under lawful immigration status;

4. Our marriage is valid, genuine, and subsisting, and we intend to reside together in the Philippines;

5. The applicant-spouse seeks the issuance of a 13A Probationary Resident Visa as the spouse of a Filipino citizen;

6. We undertake to comply with Philippine immigration laws, rules, and regulations, and submit the required documents in support of this petition.

WHEREFORE, we respectfully pray that the Bureau of Immigration grant [foreign spouse full name] a 13A Probationary Resident Visa.

Respectfully submitted.

[City], Philippines, [date].

_____________________________
[Filipino Spouse Name]
Filipino Petitioner-Spouse

_____________________________
[Foreign Spouse Name]
Foreign Applicant-Spouse

This may then be followed by notarization.

X. Probationary Versus Permanent 13A Status

The Joint Petition Letter for a probationary 13A application should clearly request a probationary resident visa, not a permanent one, when it is the first application.

A first-time 13A applicant is usually granted probationary status for one year. Before expiration, the couple generally files another application to amend the status from probationary to permanent. That later application often requires another joint petition or request letter, updated documents, and proof that the marriage remains valid and subsisting.

The probationary period allows the Bureau of Immigration to verify the continued existence of the qualifying marriage and the foreign spouse’s compliance with immigration rules.

XI. Common Supporting Documents Connected to the Letter

The Joint Petition Letter should not stand alone. It should be supported by documentary evidence.

A. Marriage Documents

If married in the Philippines, the strongest document is usually the PSA-issued Certificate of Marriage.

If married abroad, the couple may need:

Foreign marriage certificate;
Authenticated or apostilled copy, if applicable;
English translation, if the document is in another language;
Report of Marriage filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate;
PSA copy of the Report of Marriage, when available.

B. Identity and Citizenship Documents

For the Filipino spouse:

Philippine passport;
PSA birth certificate;
Philippine government-issued ID;
Certificate of reacquisition or retention of Philippine citizenship, if dual citizen;
Other proof of Filipino citizenship.

For the foreign spouse:

Passport bio-page;
Latest arrival stamp;
Visa extension receipts or orders;
ACR I-Card, if applicable;
Current visa status documents.

C. Financial Capacity Documents

Financial support may be shown through:

Bank certificate;
Bank statements;
Certificate of employment;
Income tax documents;
Pension statements;
Business permits;
Proof of remittances;
Property records;
Affidavit of support, where appropriate.

The Bureau wants assurance that the foreign spouse will not become a public charge and that the couple has means to support themselves.

D. Clearance Documents

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, clearances may be required. These may include:

NBI clearance if the applicant has stayed in the Philippines for a certain period;
Police clearance from the applicant’s country of residence;
Bureau of Immigration clearance;
Other security or law-enforcement clearances.

E. Photographs and Relationship Evidence

Although not always the core requirement, some applicants prepare additional evidence, such as:

Photos together;
Joint lease;
Joint bank account;
Birth certificates of children;
Travel records;
Correspondence;
Shared bills;
Proof of cohabitation.

These can be helpful if the Bureau requests additional evidence or if the marriage circumstances require clarification.

XII. Notarization

Notarization is commonly used for Joint Petition Letters because it gives the document formal legal character. A notarized petition is treated as a public document for many evidentiary purposes.

A notarized Joint Petition Letter usually includes:

Venue;
Names of the affiants or petitioners;
Statement that they personally appeared;
Identification documents presented;
Acknowledgment that they executed the document voluntarily;
Notarial register details;
Notary public’s signature and seal.

The spouses should not sign a notarized document without understanding its contents. They should also not sign blank forms.

XIII. Use of Affidavit Format

Some couples prepare the Joint Petition Letter in affidavit form. This is acceptable in many practical settings, provided the document contains the necessary petition language.

A petition-style document emphasizes the request for visa approval. An affidavit-style document emphasizes sworn factual statements. A combined format is often effective:

“Joint Petition and Affidavit”

This format allows the spouses to both petition the Bureau and swear to the truth of the facts stated.

XIV. Legal Capacity and Validity of Marriage

The Joint Petition Letter should be based on a valid marriage. The Bureau of Immigration may scrutinize the marriage if there are irregularities.

Potential issues include:

Prior marriage of either spouse;
Lack of annulment, divorce recognition, or death certificate from a former spouse;
Marriage celebrated without proper authority;
Inconsistent names or birth dates;
Foreign marriage not properly recorded;
Proxy marriage or online marriage issues;
Same-sex marriage issues under Philippine law;
Bigamous or void marriage concerns.

Where the marriage has legal complications, the Joint Petition Letter should not attempt to conceal them. The parties should resolve the civil-status issue before filing or attach proper legal documents explaining the situation.

XV. Special Considerations for Marriages Abroad

When the Filipino and foreign spouse were married outside the Philippines, the Bureau may require proof that the marriage is recognized under Philippine law.

The couple should usually prepare:

Marriage certificate from the country where the marriage occurred;
Apostille or authentication, depending on the issuing country;
Certified English translation, if needed;
Report of Marriage filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate;
PSA-issued copy of the Report of Marriage, if already available.

The Joint Petition Letter should identify the foreign marriage clearly.

Example:

“We were married on [date] in [city, country]. Our marriage was reported to the Philippine Consulate General in [place], as evidenced by the attached Report of Marriage.”

If the PSA copy is not yet available, the couple may need to explain the status and attach proof of filing, but acceptance depends on Bureau practice.

XVI. Dual Citizenship Issues

A 13A visa requires the petitioner-spouse to be a Filipino citizen. If the spouse was born Filipino but later became a naturalized citizen of another country, the petitioner may need to show reacquisition or retention of Philippine citizenship under Philippine dual citizenship law.

In that situation, the Joint Petition Letter should avoid vague statements such as “former Filipino” or “Filipino by birth” unless supported by current citizenship proof. The better statement is:

“The petitioner-spouse is a Filipino citizen, having reacquired Philippine citizenship on [date], as evidenced by the attached Identification Certificate/Oath of Allegiance.”

Without current Philippine citizenship, the 13A basis may be unavailable.

XVII. Balikbayan Status and 13A Applications

Some foreign spouses enter the Philippines under the Balikbayan privilege. This may allow a one-year stay without the need for regular tourist visa extensions.

A foreign spouse admitted as a Balikbayan may still pursue a 13A visa if otherwise eligible. The Joint Petition Letter may state the current status as:

“The applicant-spouse is presently in the Philippines under Balikbayan admission valid until [date].”

The applicant should ensure that the 13A application is filed while the stay is still lawful.

XVIII. Timing of Filing

The 13A probationary visa application should be filed while the foreign spouse has valid immigration status in the Philippines. Filing close to the expiration of the authorized stay can create practical problems, especially if additional documents are required.

A prudent applicant should prepare the Joint Petition Letter only after confirming that the supporting documents are complete or nearly complete. The date on the letter should be reasonably close to the date of filing.

Old petition letters may be rejected or questioned, especially if they no longer reflect the applicant’s current address, visa status, or circumstances.

XIX. Personal Appearance and Interview

The Bureau of Immigration may require personal appearance by one or both spouses. The Joint Petition Letter should therefore be consistent with what the spouses are prepared to answer during any interview.

Possible interview topics include:

How the spouses met;
Date and place of marriage;
Current residence;
Employment or source of support;
Prior marriages;
Children;
Immigration history;
Future residence plans;
Authenticity of the relationship.

The Joint Petition Letter should not include facts that either spouse cannot honestly confirm.

XX. Common Mistakes in Joint Petition Letters

Common errors include:

Addressing the letter to the wrong agency The petition should be addressed to the Bureau of Immigration, not the Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Statistics Authority, or local civil registrar.
Requesting the wrong visa type First-time applicants should usually request a 13A probationary resident visa, not permanent status, unless the circumstances clearly support a different request.
Omitting the Filipino spouse’s citizenship The letter should clearly state that the petitioner is a Filipino citizen.
Using inconsistent names Names must match passports, marriage certificates, and IDs.
Failing to mention the marriage date and place These are essential facts.
Overly emotional writing The letter should be formal and factual.
Submitting an unsigned letter Both spouses should sign.
Not notarizing when expected While practice may vary, notarization is commonly expected for formal petitions.
Using a generic template without editing Template errors can create inconsistencies.
Including false or exaggerated statements Misrepresentation can seriously harm the application.
Ignoring prior marriage issues If either spouse had a previous marriage, proper proof of termination or legal capacity may be needed.
Failure to update address or visa status The letter should reflect current facts at the time of filing.

XXI. Legal Effect of the Joint Petition Letter

The Joint Petition Letter does not automatically grant immigration status. It is a request, not an approval. The Bureau of Immigration retains discretion to evaluate the application and determine whether the applicant meets all legal and documentary requirements.

The letter is also a formal representation to a government agency. False statements can expose the applicant or petitioner to immigration denial, cancellation of visa, deportation proceedings, blacklisting, or other legal consequences, depending on the nature of the misrepresentation.

Because the Filipino spouse joins the petition, the Filipino spouse should understand that they are affirming the truth of the facts stated and supporting the foreign spouse’s residence application.

XXII. Relationship Between the Joint Petition Letter and Affidavit of Support

The Joint Petition Letter and Affidavit of Support are related but not identical.

The Joint Petition Letter asks the Bureau to grant the visa.

An Affidavit of Support focuses on financial support and may be executed by the Filipino spouse or another qualified sponsor, depending on the circumstances.

Some applicants combine support language into the Joint Petition Letter, but if financial capacity is a major issue, a separate Affidavit of Support may be useful or required.

XXIII. Where the Joint Petition Letter Fits in the Application Package

A typical 13A probationary application package may be organized as follows:

Cover page or checklist;
Application form;
Joint Petition Letter;
Passport copies;
Proof of valid stay;
Marriage documents;
Filipino spouse’s citizenship documents;
Clearance documents;
Financial documents;
Photos and supporting relationship evidence;
Receipts or payment documents;
Other Bureau-required forms.

The Joint Petition Letter is often placed near the front because it explains the purpose of the submission.

XXIV. Language of the Letter

The letter should be in English. English is widely used in Philippine legal and administrative documents, including immigration filings.

If any supporting documents are in a foreign language, certified translations may be required. The Joint Petition Letter should refer to translated documents clearly.

XXV. Formatting Guidelines

A well-prepared Joint Petition Letter should follow these formatting practices:

Use clean white bond paper;
Use a formal font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or similar;
Use readable font size, usually 11 or 12;
Include margins;
Use numbered paragraphs;
Avoid decorative formatting;
Include complete names;
Include date and place of execution;
Sign in blue or black ink;
Attach notarization, if required;
Avoid handwritten corrections;
Ensure all pages are complete.

If the letter is more than one page, each page may be initialed by both spouses as a precaution.

XXVI. Substantive Issues the Letter Should Not Try to Cure

A Joint Petition Letter cannot cure certain legal defects by itself.

It cannot cure:

An invalid marriage;
Lack of Philippine citizenship of the petitioner;
A subsisting prior marriage;
Fraudulent documents;
A serious immigration violation;
A criminal disqualification;
Lack of required clearances;
Ineligibility under immigration law;
A foreign marriage that is not recognized under Philippine law;
Failure to maintain lawful stay, unless properly resolved.

The letter supports the application, but eligibility must come from the law and supporting evidence.

XXVII. Practical Drafting Principles

The best Joint Petition Letters follow five principles.

1. Accuracy

Every fact must be true and verifiable.

2. Consistency

The letter must match all attached documents.

3. Completeness

It should include all essential facts without becoming unnecessarily long.

4. Formality

It should be written in a respectful legal-administrative tone.

5. Clarity

The request should be unmistakable: the foreign spouse is applying for a 13A probationary resident visa based on marriage to a Filipino citizen.

XXVIII. Model Joint Petition Letter

Below is a more polished model suitable for adaptation.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
CITY OF ________________    ) S.S.

JOINT PETITION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A 13A PROBATIONARY RESIDENT VISA

The Honorable Commissioner
Bureau of Immigration
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros
Manila, Philippines

Dear Commissioner:

We, [FULL NAME OF FILIPINO SPOUSE], Filipino citizen, and [FULL NAME OF FOREIGN SPOUSE], citizen of [COUNTRY], both of legal age, married to each other, and presently residing at [COMPLETE ADDRESS], respectfully state:

1. We were lawfully married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE] in [PLACE OF MARRIAGE], as evidenced by the attached [PSA Certificate of Marriage / Report of Marriage / Marriage Certificate];

2. The petitioner-spouse, [FULL NAME OF FILIPINO SPOUSE], is a Filipino citizen, as shown by the attached proof of Philippine citizenship;

3. The applicant-spouse, [FULL NAME OF FOREIGN SPOUSE], is a citizen of [COUNTRY], holder of Passport No. [PASSPORT NUMBER], issued by [ISSUING COUNTRY], valid until [EXPIRY DATE];

4. The applicant-spouse is presently staying in the Philippines under lawful immigration status, with authorized stay valid until [DATE], as shown by the attached immigration documents;

5. Our marriage is valid, genuine, and subsisting, and we intend to reside together as spouses in the Philippines;

6. The applicant-spouse seeks the issuance of a 13A Probationary Resident Visa as the spouse of a Filipino citizen;

7. We have sufficient means to support ourselves and undertake to comply with all applicable Philippine immigration laws, rules, and regulations;

8. In support of this petition, we submit the required application forms, identity documents, marriage documents, proof of citizenship, immigration documents, clearances, financial documents, and other supporting papers.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, we respectfully pray that the Bureau of Immigration grant [FULL NAME OF FOREIGN SPOUSE] a 13A Probationary Resident Visa.

Respectfully submitted this ___ day of __________ 20__ in [CITY], Philippines.

_____________________________
[FULL NAME OF FILIPINO SPOUSE]
Filipino Petitioner-Spouse
Passport/ID No.: ______________

_____________________________
[FULL NAME OF FOREIGN SPOUSE]
Foreign Applicant-Spouse
Passport No.: ______________

A notarial acknowledgment may be added after the signatures.

XXIX. Model Notarial Acknowledgment

A notary public usually prepares the acknowledgment. A simplified example is:

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
CITY OF ________________    ) S.S.

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public for and in the City of ____________, personally appeared:

Name: ______________________
Government ID: ______________
Date/Place Issued: ___________

Name: ______________________
Government ID: ______________
Date/Place Issued: ___________

known to me and to me known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing Joint Petition, and they acknowledged that the same is their free and voluntary act and deed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal this ___ day of __________ 20__ at ____________, Philippines.

Notary Public

The actual notarial wording should comply with Philippine notarial rules and the notary’s standard form.

XXX. When a Lawyer May Be Needed

Many straightforward 13A probationary visa applications are filed without a lawyer. However, legal assistance may be advisable where there are complications, such as:

Prior marriage of either spouse;
Annulment, divorce, or recognition of foreign divorce issues;
Late registration of marriage;
Missing PSA records;
Foreign-language documents;
Overstay or visa violation;
Criminal record;
Previous deportation or blacklist issue;
Discrepancy in names, dates, or citizenship records;
Filipino spouse with dual citizenship complications;
Marriage abroad with incomplete consular reporting;
Same-sex marriage or marriage recognition concerns;
Separation or marital conflict during the application;
Financial capacity concerns;
Bureau of Immigration request for additional explanation.

In these cases, the Joint Petition Letter may need to be carefully drafted to avoid admissions or inconsistencies that could prejudice the application.

XXXI. Final Legal Observations

The Joint Petition Letter is a central narrative document in a Philippine 13A probationary visa application. It introduces the spouses, states the legal basis of the request, confirms the Filipino spouse’s support, and asks the Bureau of Immigration to grant the foreign spouse probationary resident status.

Its strength lies in accuracy and consistency. A simple, truthful, well-organized petition supported by complete documents is usually more effective than a lengthy letter filled with unnecessary details.

For Philippine 13A purposes, the essential point is this: the foreign spouse is not applying in isolation. The Filipino spouse is jointly petitioning the Philippine government to recognize the foreign spouse’s right to reside in the Philippines by virtue of a valid and continuing marriage to a Philippine citizen.