Introduction

The 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage is the principal residency visa in the Philippines for a foreign national who is legally married to a Filipino citizen and who seeks to live in the country on a long-term basis. It is commonly called the “13(a) marriage visa” or simply the “13a visa.”

In practice, it is one of the most important family-based immigration pathways under Philippine immigration law. It allows an eligible foreign spouse to remain in the Philippines as a resident, subject to compliance with immigration rules, documentary requirements, and post-approval obligations.

This article explains the legal basis, qualifications, documentary requirements, step-by-step application process, probationary period, permanent conversion, rights and limitations, common issues, special situations, and practical compliance points in the Philippine setting.

I. Legal Nature of the 13(a) Visa

The 13(a) visa is an immigrant visa granted to a foreigner on the ground of a valid marriage to a Philippine citizen. It is not a tourist extension, not a work visa, and not a temporary visitor permit. It is a form of residency.

Its key legal characteristics are:

it is based on a subsisting and valid marriage to a Filipino citizen;
it is issued only to a foreign spouse who is not otherwise disqualified under Philippine immigration laws;
it commonly begins as a probationary resident visa;
after the probationary period, it may be converted to permanent resident status;
it is distinct from visas issued to former Filipinos, retirees, workers, investors, missionaries, or treaty traders.

The 13(a) visa is typically handled by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) if the foreign spouse is already in the Philippines, or by a Philippine Foreign Service Post in certain cases abroad, depending on the procedure then in force.

II. Who May Apply

A foreign national may generally qualify for a 13(a) visa if all of the following are present:

A valid marriage to a Filipino citizen
The Filipino spouse retains Philippine citizenship
The marriage is recognized under Philippine law
The foreign spouse entered or stays in the Philippines lawfully, where local filing is made
The applicant is not within any class of excluded or undesirable aliens
The applicant can show genuine marital cohabitation or bona fide spousal relationship
The applicant has no derogatory criminal, immigration, or security record that would bar approval

The visa is meant for an actual marital union, not a marriage entered into solely to obtain immigration status.

III. Basic Eligibility Rules

A. Valid Marriage

The marriage must be legally valid. This usually means one of the following:

the marriage was celebrated in the Philippines and properly registered; or
the marriage was celebrated abroad and is valid where celebrated, and is recognized for Philippine purposes.

If the marriage occurred abroad, Philippine authorities usually require the corresponding civil document, often with authentication or legalization depending on the origin of the document and the documentary rules applicable at the time of filing.

B. Filipino Citizenship of the Petitioning Spouse

The Filipino spouse must be a Philippine citizen at the time relevant to the application. This is crucial. If the Filipino spouse has lost Philippine citizenship and has not reacquired it, the 13(a) route may fail because the statutory basis is marriage to a Filipino citizen.

Dual citizens and reacquired Filipinos are commonly treated as Filipino citizens, but the proof of citizenship must be clear and current.

C. Admissibility of the Foreign Spouse

The foreign spouse must not be disqualified under immigration law. Grounds that may prevent approval include:

prior deportation or blacklist issues;
fraud or material misrepresentation;
serious criminal history;
certain communicable diseases, depending on applicable health rules;
national security concerns;
moral turpitude issues in appropriate cases;
participation in sham marriage arrangements;
undocumented or unlawful stay status, where not first regularized.

D. Genuine Marital Relationship

Immigration authorities may examine whether the marriage is bona fide. They may assess:

cohabitation;
photographs and family records;
joint residence evidence;
consistency of statements;
history of the relationship;
presence of children, if any;
absence of indicators of marriage fraud.

A valid marriage certificate alone may not always be enough if there are signs of irregularity.

IV. Who Is Not Eligible

A foreign national may not qualify for a 13(a) marriage visa in situations such as these:

the marriage is void, voidable but annulled, or otherwise invalid;
the Filipino spouse is no longer a Philippine citizen;
the foreign spouse has a disqualifying criminal, immigration, or security record;
the applicant used fraudulent documents;
the marriage appears simulated solely for immigration purposes;
there is unresolved bigamy, prior undissolved marriage, or defective capacity to marry;
the applicant is illegally staying and has not regularized immigration status where required for filing.

A common problem arises where one spouse had a prior marriage not properly dissolved or recognized. Immigration authorities may require the civil status issue to be legally resolved before acting favorably.

V. Distinction Between Probationary and Permanent 13(a) Status

A 13(a) visa is commonly granted in two stages:

1. Probationary 13(a)

The foreign spouse first receives probationary resident status, usually for a period of one year. During this stage, immigration authorities expect the applicant to demonstrate:

continued validity of the marriage;
actual residence and compliance in the Philippines;
absence of disqualifying conduct;
continued eligibility for permanent resident conversion.

2. Permanent 13(a)

Before or upon expiry of the probationary period, the foreign spouse may apply for conversion to permanent resident status. Approval usually requires proof that:

the marriage still subsists;
the Filipino spouse remains a citizen;
the parties continue to live as spouses;
the applicant has not committed immigration violations or become otherwise disqualified.

This two-step system is important. Approval of the probationary visa does not automatically eliminate all future compliance obligations.

VI. Main Documentary Requirements

Document lists can vary by filing location and by administrative circulars, but the following are the standard core requirements usually associated with a 13(a) marriage visa application.

A. Application Forms and Petition

The applicant normally files:

the prescribed application form;
a joint letter request or petition signed by the spouses, or the form of petition required by the Bureau of Immigration;
passport-size photographs in the required number and format.

B. Proof of the Applicant’s Identity and Lawful Stay

Commonly required:

the foreign spouse’s passport, valid and with relevant visa/entry stamps;
photocopies of the passport’s bio page and latest admission or extension pages;
proof of current lawful immigration status in the Philippines, if filed locally.

C. Marriage Certificate

One of the most important documents:

PSA-issued marriage certificate if the marriage is registered in the Philippines; or
foreign marriage certificate, usually with proper authentication/legalization and, where applicable, registration or recognition documents acceptable in the Philippines.

If the marriage took place abroad, filing offices often scrutinize the document chain carefully.

D. Proof of Filipino Citizenship of the Spouse

This may include one or more of the following:

Philippine passport;
PSA birth certificate;
certificate of retention or reacquisition of Philippine citizenship;
identification documents showing Philippine citizenship;
other official proof accepted by immigration authorities.

E. Birth Certificates

Birth certificates of the spouses, and sometimes of common children, may be requested to establish identity, civil status, and family ties.

F. Clearance Certificates

These often include:

NBI clearance for the applicant if required by local filing rules;
police clearance or criminal record clearance from the applicant’s country of nationality or country of recent residence, depending on document rules and period of prior residence;
other law enforcement or intelligence clearances as may be required.

G. Medical Examination or Medical Certificate

A medical certificate may be required, often on an official or BI-recognized form, to show the applicant is not afflicted with a disqualifying condition.

H. Financial Capacity or Support Evidence

While the 13(a) is not fundamentally a wealth-based visa, immigration authorities may ask for evidence that the applicant will not become a public charge, such as:

proof of income of either spouse;
employment records;
pension documents;
bank records;
affidavit of support, when appropriate.

I. Proof of Bona Fide Marriage and Cohabitation

Depending on the case, authorities may request:

wedding and family photographs;
joint bills or lease;
evidence of shared address;
children’s birth certificates;
correspondence;
affidavits from the spouses.

J. Clearance on Immigration Records

The Bureau of Immigration may internally verify:

travel history;
prior overstays;
pending cases;
deportation records;
blacklist or watchlist issues.

K. Personal Appearance

Personal appearance of the applicant, and often the Filipino spouse, is usually required.

VII. Special Document Authentication Issues

A major practical issue in 13(a) applications is the treatment of foreign civil and police documents.

Depending on the country of origin and the rules then in force, documents may need:

official issuance from the competent authority;
authentication, apostille, consular legalization, or equivalent recognition;
English translation by a qualified translator if not in English;
notarization where required;
recent issuance date, especially for police clearances.

A document may be genuine but still rejected if it is stale, improperly authenticated, incomplete, or inconsistent with other records.

VIII. Where the Application Is Filed

A. If the Applicant Is in the Philippines

The application is commonly filed with the Bureau of Immigration. The applicant must generally be in lawful status at the time of filing. A person who entered as a tourist may later apply for conversion to 13(a), subject to BI rules and payment of applicable fees and penalties if there were immigration violations that must first be resolved.

B. If the Applicant Is Abroad

In some situations, the foreign spouse may process through a Philippine Embassy or Consulate, but actual practice depends on the applicable consular and immigration procedures at the time. Some applicants still end up entering first and then completing local immigration processing.

This is why practitioners distinguish between consular issuance and in-country conversion.

IX. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Ensure the Marriage and Civil Records Are in Order

Before filing, the spouses should confirm:

the marriage is legally valid;
the certificate is properly issued and registered;
the Filipino spouse’s citizenship proof is current and clear;
any prior marriages are lawfully dissolved and documented;
the foreign spouse’s passport and current stay are valid.

Civil registry errors often cause delay. Names, dates, citizenship entries, and prior civil status declarations must match across records.

Step 2: Gather Required Clearances and Supporting Documents

This is usually the most time-consuming stage. The applicant should obtain:

passport copies;
marriage certificate;
spouse’s proof of citizenship;
police and NBI clearances where required;
medical certificate;
photos;
additional relationship evidence;
forms and affidavits.

The key is consistency. Even minor discrepancies in names, suffixes, or dates of birth may trigger a request for explanation or correction.

Step 3: File the Petition and Pay Fees

The application is filed at the proper BI office or authorized filing venue. Government fees, legal research fees, certification fees, implementation fees, and card-related charges may apply. Amounts may change.

A receiving copy, official receipt, or case reference is typically issued.

Step 4: Attend Biometrics, Hearing, Interview, or Evaluation

The Bureau of Immigration may require:

biometrics capture;
fingerprinting;
photo capture;
interview of the spouses;
submission of original documents for comparison;
publication or posting requirements where applicable under then-current procedures.

The interview may focus on the genuineness of the marriage and the admissibility of the foreign spouse.

Step 5: Background Verification and Internal Clearance

Immigration authorities may coordinate internal checks involving:

records verification;
derogatory record search;
watchlist or blacklist screening;
case evaluation by legal or intelligence units.

This stage may significantly affect processing time.

Step 6: Approval of Probationary 13(a)

If approved, the foreign spouse receives probationary 13(a) resident status. The visa grant may be annotated in the passport or reflected in BI records, and the resident may be issued the relevant immigration identification documents.

Step 7: Post-Approval Registration and Compliance

After approval, the resident may need to secure or update:

Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card);
Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitors or resident registration equivalents, depending on the stage and document system in use;
Emigration clearance for certain departures, where applicable;
annual reporting compliance.

The exact documentary set can vary with BI administrative practice.

Step 8: Apply for Permanent Conversion

Before or around the end of the probationary year, the resident applies for conversion from probationary to permanent 13(a). This usually requires:

proof the marriage remains valid and subsisting;
updated clearances if required;
proof of continued residence;
proof that the Filipino spouse remains a citizen;
personal appearance and fees.

Failure to convert on time can create complications.

X. Common Fees and Government Charges

There is no single timeless schedule of fees because administrative charges change. But applicants should expect charges connected with:

filing fee;
visa implementation fee;
legal research fee;
certification fee;
ACR I-Card fee;
express lane or service fees where applicable;
fines or penalties if there are overstays or status irregularities.

Because fee schedules can be revised administratively, applicants should treat old fee quotations cautiously.

XI. Processing Time

Processing time is not fixed. It depends on:

completeness of documents;
nationality of the applicant;
presence or absence of derogatory records;
workload at the Bureau of Immigration;
need for additional clearances;
policy changes or temporary operational backlogs.

A straightforward application may move relatively smoothly; a case involving foreign divorce records, citizenship issues, or inconsistent civil documents may take much longer.

XII. Rights and Benefits of a 13(a) Visa Holder

A successful 13(a) resident generally gains the right to reside in the Philippines on a long-term basis. This is the principal benefit.

Other practical benefits often include:

freedom from repeated tourist visa extensions;
stronger immigration status for family life in the Philippines;
access to local administrative processes requiring resident status;
eligibility to remain while maintaining lawful resident registration;
greater stability for banking, leasing, utilities, and similar private transactions, subject to other institutional rules.

The 13(a) is fundamentally a residency privilege, not a grant of citizenship.

XIII. Does a 13(a) Holder Have the Right to Work?

This is a common area of confusion.

The 13(a) is a resident visa, but the foreign spouse must still comply with Philippine labor and regulatory rules applicable to employment or business activity. In many cases, work authorization, alien employment permission, or other agency compliance may still be necessary depending on:

the type of work;
whether the activity is employment or self-employment;
the employer;
industry regulation;
current DOLE, BI, and special law requirements.

So the better legal view is this: residency does not automatically erase all labor law requirements.

XIV. Annual Reporting and Continuing Obligations

Resident aliens in the Philippines are generally subject to annual reporting before the Bureau of Immigration during the prescribed reporting period, unless exempt by law or current regulation.

A 13(a) holder must also keep immigration records updated, including:

change of address, where reportable;
passport renewal;
replacement of expired or lost ACR I-Card;
compliance with departure and re-entry rules;
update of civil status where relevant.

Failure to comply may result in fines, inconvenience, or complications in future applications.

XV. Travel, Re-Entry, and Departure Issues

A 13(a) holder who leaves the Philippines should ensure compliance with all required departure and re-entry documentation. Practical issues may include:

validity of passport;
validity of resident identification documents;
need for emigration clearance in certain situations;
absence from the Philippines for prolonged periods;
pending obligations with immigration authorities.

Not every resident departure requires the same documents in every circumstance, but residents should never assume that leaving and re-entering is identical to tourist travel.

XVI. Can the 13(a) Visa Be Lost or Cancelled?

Yes. A 13(a) visa is not absolute. It may be revoked, downgraded, cancelled, or rendered ineffective in several situations, including:

A. Death of the Filipino Spouse

The continued basis of the visa can become legally significant. Policy treatment depends on the stage of the visa and the circumstances. The holder may need to seek another lawful basis to remain.

B. Divorce or Annulment

If the marriage ceases to be valid or subsisting in a way recognized for immigration purposes, the 13(a) basis may be affected.

C. Legal Separation and Abandonment

These may trigger factual review, especially where the visa was based on spousal union and cohabitation.

D. Fraudulent Marriage

A sham marriage can lead to cancellation, deportation proceedings, blacklisting, and criminal exposure where applicable.

E. Loss of Filipino Citizenship by the Petitioning Spouse

If the Filipino spouse ceases to be a Philippine citizen and does not reacquire citizenship, the legal foundation of the 13(a) may be undermined.

F. Criminal Conviction or Immigration Violation

Serious offenses, misrepresentation, undocumented re-entry, or prohibited conduct can lead to adverse action.

G. Failure to Convert From Probationary to Permanent

Neglecting post-approval requirements may jeopardize status.

XVII. Effect of Death of the Filipino Spouse

This is one of the most sensitive areas.

A foreign spouse holding 13(a) status should not assume that residency automatically continues unchanged after the death of the Filipino spouse. The effect may depend on:

whether the visa is still probationary or already permanent;
whether there are children;
the current immigration policy;
the exact legal basis stated in the approval.

In many cases, a status review or conversion to another lawful category may become necessary. The safer legal position is that the holder should promptly regularize status rather than relying on indefinite continuation.

XVIII. What Happens if the Marriage Is Annulled, Declared Void, or Ends in Divorce?

Because the 13(a) is marriage-based, a later ruling that affects the validity or subsistence of the marriage can affect immigration status.

Important distinctions matter:

Void marriage: if the marriage was void from the beginning, the visa may have lacked a lawful basis from inception.
Annulment/nullity: once judicially recognized, this may terminate the foundation for the visa.
Foreign divorce: the immigration effect depends on whether the divorce has legal relevance in the Philippines and whether Philippine courts or civil registry recognition is required for local effect.

The immigration consequences often follow the civil-status consequences.

XIX. Can a Separated Couple Keep the 13(a) Visa Alive?

This depends on facts and legal treatment. A mere physical separation does not automatically produce the same legal effect as annulment or nullity, but it raises problems if the visa requires proof of a continuing, bona fide marital relationship.

If immigration authorities conclude that the marriage has effectively ceased as a real marital union, renewal or permanent conversion may be jeopardized.

XX. Can Children Be Included?

The 13(a) visa is fundamentally based on the foreign spouse’s marriage to a Filipino. Children are not simply “included” automatically in the same way some family-based systems elsewhere allow derivative residency.

The child’s status must be analyzed separately based on:

whether the child is a Filipino citizen by descent;
whether the child is a foreign national needing a dependent or other visa;
legitimacy, recognition, and custody issues;
age and immigration status.

A child of a Filipino parent may in many cases be Filipino by law, but proof and civil registration remain critical.

XXI. Relationship With Philippine Citizenship

The 13(a) visa does not grant Philippine citizenship. It grants residency.

A foreign spouse seeking Philippine citizenship must follow the laws on naturalization or any special statutory mode that may apply. Marriage to a Filipino may be favorable in certain contexts, but it does not by itself automatically confer citizenship.

Rights reserved exclusively to Philippine citizens remain restricted, including many political rights and certain constitutionally protected economic rights.

XXII. Property Ownership Issues

Another common misconception is that a 13(a) resident can own land in the Philippines like a Filipino citizen. That is incorrect.

A 13(a) holder remains a foreigner for constitutional property purposes. As a result:

land ownership remains restricted, subject to narrow exceptions recognized by law;
condominium ownership may be possible within statutory and constitutional limits;
rights through the Filipino spouse differ from direct land ownership by the foreign spouse;
inheritance rules may produce limited rights in certain circumstances, but not unrestricted ownership.

Residency is not citizenship, and does not overcome constitutional nationality restrictions.

XXIII. Tax and Regulatory Considerations

A 13(a) holder living in the Philippines may acquire local tax obligations depending on:

residency for tax purposes;
source of income;
employment or business activity;
duration of stay;
treaty rules if applicable.

Immigration status and tax status are related but not identical. A 13(a) resident should not assume that immigration approval alone resolves tax compliance.

XXIV. Practical Documentary Problems Frequently Encountered

1. Marriage Certificate Not Yet Available From PSA

If the marriage was recent, delayed civil registration can stall the application.

2. Foreign Marriage Certificate Lacks Proper Authentication

Foreign documents often fail for formal reasons, not substantive ones.

3. Name Variations

Middle names, maiden names, suffixes, and transliteration differences can lead to requests for clarification.

4. Filipino Spouse’s Citizenship Is Unclear

This often arises where the spouse naturalized abroad and later reacquired Philippine citizenship.

5. Applicant Has Prior Overstay

Overstay penalties and status regularization may need to be resolved first.

6. Prior Marriage of Either Spouse

Undissolved prior marriages are a major source of denial.

7. Criminal Record Abroad

Even old convictions may require disclosure and legal assessment.

8. Immigration Suspects Marriage Fraud

Sparse evidence of cohabitation or inconsistent interview answers can be damaging.

XXV. Grounds for Denial

A 13(a) application may be denied on grounds such as:

invalid marriage;
failure to prove Filipino citizenship of the spouse;
submission of fraudulent or inconsistent documents;
derogatory criminal or immigration record;
inadmissibility under immigration law;
non-appearance at required proceedings;
lack of lawful admission or unresolved overstay issues;
inadequate evidence of bona fide marriage;
incomplete documentary submission.

A denial may come with consequences extending beyond the visa application itself, especially if fraud is found.

XXVI. Remedies After Denial

Depending on the reason for denial and the procedural posture, possible responses may include:

motion for reconsideration;
motion to reopen where supported by newly available evidence;
re-filing with corrected documents;
downgrading or conversion to another lawful visa category;
judicial review in appropriate extraordinary cases, subject to administrative law limits.

The correct remedy depends on whether the problem is factual, documentary, or legal.

XXVII. 13(a) vs. Tourist Visa Extensions

Many foreign spouses remain on tourist extensions for long periods before applying for 13(a). The differences are significant:

Tourist Status

temporary and discretionary;
requires repeated extensions;
more vulnerable to overstays and status lapses;
not intended for permanent family residence.

13(a) Resident Status

designed for long-term residence based on marriage;
more stable;
fewer repetitive extension burdens;
better aligned with actual family life in the Philippines.

For a genuinely qualified foreign spouse residing in the Philippines, the 13(a) is usually the more proper immigration category.

XXVIII. 13(a) vs. Balikbayan Privilege

A foreign spouse of a Filipino may sometimes enter under the Balikbayan privilege when accompanying or traveling with the Filipino spouse under the applicable rules. That privilege can allow a substantial temporary stay, but it is not the same as a 13(a) immigrant visa.

Balikbayan

temporary privilege;
entry-related benefit;
not permanent residence;
dependent on qualifying travel circumstances and rules.

13(a)

resident immigrant status;
intended for long-term settlement;
formal application and approval process.

The Balikbayan route may be useful for entry, but it does not replace the 13(a) for permanent residency purposes.

XXIX. 13(a) vs. Resident Retiree’s Visa or Other Resident Categories

The 13(a) is specifically marriage-based. Other visa categories have different legal bases:

retirement-based;
employment-based;
investment-based;
former Filipino-based;
special statutory categories.

An applicant who qualifies for several categories should consider which one best fits long-term plans, but each category has different costs, documentary burdens, and consequences.

XXX. Interview Preparation and Evidence Assessment

Immigration interviews in marriage-based cases often focus on credibility. Questions may cover:

when and where the spouses met;
wedding details;
home address and cohabitation;
children or family relationships;
employment and finances;
prior marriages;
travel history;
daily life as spouses.

The key legal principle is consistency. Falsehoods, exaggerations, or evasive answers can do more damage than an imperfect but honest record.

XXXI. Compliance After Permanent Conversion

Even after permanent 13(a) status is granted, the holder should continue to observe:

annual reporting rules;
ACR I-Card validity and renewal/replacement;
passport validity;
re-entry and departure requirements;
address and civil status updates where required;
labor, tax, and local regulatory compliance.

Permanent resident status does not eliminate all reporting obligations.

XXXII. Important Civil Law Issues That Often Affect 13(a) Cases

A. Recognition of Foreign Divorce

Where the Filipino spouse had a prior marriage or where the marital history includes divorce abroad, Philippine legal recognition may matter.

B. Nullity of Marriage

If a later court decision declares the marriage void, the immigration basis may collapse.

C. Legitimacy and Parentage Records

Where children are part of the family profile, inconsistent birth records can complicate proof of family relationship.

D. Use of Foreign Names and Aliases

Discrepancies between passport names and civil registry names need explanation.

Immigration law in marriage-based cases often becomes inseparable from family law and civil registry law.

XXXIII. Best Practices for Applicants

From a legal and procedural standpoint, a strong 13(a) application is usually one that shows:

a clearly valid marriage;
complete and consistent civil records;
strong proof of Filipino citizenship of the spouse;
lawful immigration status upon filing;
no hidden criminal or immigration issues;
a credible, well-documented marital relationship;
complete compliance with post-approval obligations.

The weakest cases usually involve documentary shortcuts, undeclared prior marriages, or attempts to use the 13(a) category for convenience rather than genuine marital residence.

XXXIV. A Practical Checklist

A foreign spouse preparing for a 13(a) application should usually ensure the following are ready:

valid passport;
lawful current stay in the Philippines if filing locally;
application form and petition documents;
PSA marriage certificate or properly recognized foreign marriage document;
proof of Filipino citizenship of spouse;
birth certificates where required;
NBI/police clearances where required;
medical certificate where required;
photographs;
proof of residence and bona fide marriage;
official receipts for fees paid;
readiness for personal appearance and interview;
calendar tracking for probationary-to-permanent conversion.

XXXV. Final Legal Observations

The 13(a) marriage visa is one of the most practical and important residency mechanisms for foreign spouses in the Philippines, but it is often misunderstood. It is not merely a benefit flowing automatically from marriage. It is a formal legal status that depends on:

a valid and subsisting marriage,
the Filipino citizenship of the spouse,
the admissibility and good faith of the applicant,
proper documentation,
and continuing compliance with immigration rules.

Its structure is deliberately cautious: first probationary, then potentially permanent. That design reflects the government’s interest in verifying that the marriage is genuine and that the applicant is fit for resident status.

For that reason, the strongest approach is always to treat the 13(a) not as a simple filing, but as a combined immigration, civil registry, and family-law compliance matter. A successful case usually depends less on any single form than on the coherence of the entire legal record: identity, marriage, citizenship, admissibility, and continuing marital status.

Because documentary requirements, fees, and filing procedures may be updated administratively, no applicant should rely blindly on old checklists. The governing principle remains the same, however: a bona fide foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen, with valid documents and no legal disqualification, is the intended beneficiary of the 13(a) marriage visa regime in the Philippines.