An Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card or ACR I-Card is an official identification card issued by the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines to the foreign nationals (aliens) in the country. Application for ACR I-Card is required to all foreign nationals who have stayed for more than 59 days in the Philippines.
This card displays the important information of the foreigner such as his/her picture, full name, home country, place and date of birth among others. In addition, the biometric security data of the foreigner are also stored in the card through an embedded microchip. Its has a size similar to a credit card or a driver’s license that can comfortably fit into one’s wallet.
Photo Courtesy of Stan Jones on Facebook
If you are a foreign national who are living in the Philippines for over 59 days, you are required by the Bureau of Immigration to get an ACR I-Card. It includes foreigners who are holders of immigrant and non-immigrant visas as well as holders of temporary visitor’s visa.
An ACR I-Card is usually applied along with the visa extension or application. For example, you are a holder of tourist visa and you have been traveling inside the Philippines for over 59 days but you wish to extend your stay here. Upon your application for visa extension, you are required to apply also for an ACR I-Card.
Another case when this card is required is during the time of your application for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC). An ECC is required when you are leaving the Philippines given that you have stayed in country for over 6 months. A valid ACR I-Card is required before you can apply for ECC.
Some people say that an ACR I-Card puts you under the radar of the government. You can’t do much on your own without it. It is needed when you open a bank account, acquire properties and perform necessary transactions in government and non-government offices in the Philippines.
ACR-I Card Requirements
- Accomplished ACR I-Card Application Form
- Passport with Visa
- Birth Certificate
- Valid ID
If you want to voluntarily apply for your ACR I-Card, the general requirements above are a good to start. However, there are specific requirements the Bureau of Immigration are asking. Here’s the checklist of complete documentary requirements .
Before going to the Bureau of Immigration Office, it’s better to contact them first so that you’ll know what you really need to comply.
ACR-I Card Fees
- I-Card Fee – $50
- Express Fee – ₱500
How to get ACR-I Card
- Go to the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or BI Other Offices near you, bring your documentary requirements and cash for the fees. Please be advised to wear proper attire since you are doing a transaction in a government office. Don’t wear a sando or slippers.
- Proceed to the designated window for ACR I-Card Application. You may ask someone in the office to give you an application form in case you want to fill it up in the office. However, it’s recommended to download the form online, print and fill-it up before hand. This can save you time.
- Submit your requirements to the person-in-charge. Your name shall be checked in the BI Database for any derogatory record.
- If no issues found, you shall be given an Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
- Proceed to the cashier window for the required payments. See fees above.
- Get the Official Receipt and submit it to the person-in-charge.
- Since it is now a digitized card with added electronic security features, it takes a couple of weeks to process. The Bureau of Immigration shall send a notification via Text Message if your ACR I-Card is ready to be claimed.
That was the general guide on how to get your ACR I-Card in the Philippines. Should you have questions, you may contact the Bureau of Immigration. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
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