Requirements for Foreign ESL Students
A. Entry Requirements
Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country to apply for a tourist visa. For prior information, you may refer to the Philippine website at www.dfa.gov.ph.
Requirements for Tourist Visa:
- Completed application form
- Passport size photo
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the maximum stay being applied for )
- Return airline ticket
- Proof of financial capacity
- Waiver of exclusion for minors 14 yrs. old and below
- Any other documents as may be required by the consular officer
- Visa Fee - $30
B. Special Study Permit (SSP)
The Philippine Government, through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) requires all foreign tourists who wish to enroll in a non-degree course for less than one (1) year (which include short English courses) to secure a Special Study Permit (SSP) upon arrival in the Philippines.1) Requirements for SSP Application
- Letter of request prepared by the applicant enrollee
- Affidavit of support prepared by the applicant enrollee or by parent/guarantor duly notarized by an attorney together with a bank certification (with English translation) in dollars and a minimum deposit of $800.
- Parent or guarantor stating financial support for the applicant enrollee (for applicant below 18 years old)
- Self support stating the applicant enrollee's financial capacity to shoulder related expenses (for applicants 18 years old and above)
- Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant's valid stay
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Acceptance from the school. Note: The school must be authorized by BI to accept foreign students. A list of BI-authorized schools may be secured from the Philippine Embassy in your country.
- Any other document as may be required
- SSP Fee - P3,730 or $68 (approximate)
2) Procedure for SSP Application:
- Prepare all the required documents.
- Present documents to your preferred school or Philippine tour operator to check if all documents are in order.
- Submit application with supporting documents to the Bureau of Immigration or thru the school or tour operator. SSPs are issued within one (1) week upon application.
C. Visa Extension
Holders of tourist visa are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 59 days. Extension may be applied with the Visa Extension Section of the Bureau of Immigration.
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Photocopy of photo, data, and latest arrival pages of the passport
- Visa extension fee - $ 65 (approximate)
Note: Nationals who enjoy 21-day visa-free stay may apply for another 38-day extension. Visa waiver application fee is $37 (approximate)