BI: Study permit a must for foreign students

MANILA, Philippines -  The Bureau of Immigration (BI) urged yesterday all foreign students to secure a visa or study permit from the bureau before enrolling in any Philippine school.

Grace Lara, chief of the BI student desk, said those who wish to enroll in elementary and high school or those who want to take special courses such as language tutorials must also apply for a special study permit (SSP).

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. also reminded schools not to accept foreigners unless they have the required visas or study permits from the BI student desk.

“A school must be accredited or authorized by the BI before it could accept foreign students, or the school will be fined for violating the bureau’s regulations,” David added.

Foreigners who wish to apply for student visa should be at least 18 years old and must submit a notice of acceptance from his or her chosen school.

The school in turn should issue a written endorsement for conversion of the applicant’s status signed by the school registrar.

The applicant is also required to submit a medical certificate from a government medical institution and clearances from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the BI.

Those applying for SSP on the other hand must submit a certificate of acceptance issued by the learning institution duly accredited by the BI and a clearance from the BI.

In both cases, applicants should present their passports showing that their stay in the country is updated, the BI said.

Application fee for student visa is P6,550 and P4,740 for SSP.

David said foreign students should pay directly to the bureau’s cashiers to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous individuals.