Do I Need to Visit Immigration in Person?

Do I Need to Visit Immigration in Person?

✅ Short Answer:

For most routine immigration procedures, you do not need to go to the immigration office in person. At 3D ACADEMY, our staff handles nearly all of your immigration paperwork on your behalf—including visa extensions, reminders, payment support, and documentation.

However, some procedures—like applying for the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) or the ECC (Exit Clearance Certificate)—do require your presence. In such cases, our staff will accompany you to the immigration office to guide you through every step of the process.

Why Immigration Procedures Are Important

Staying legally in the Philippines is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Overstaying your visa or failing to comply with immigration requirements can lead to fines, blacklisting, or even deportation. These rules apply to all international students, regardless of nationality.

That’s why 3D ACADEMY offers comprehensive immigration support, so you never have to worry about dealing with confusing paperwork, long queues, or misunderstandings at the Bureau of Immigration (BOI).

We monitor your status, notify you of upcoming deadlines, collect the appropriate fees, and process your documents on your behalf. Our system is designed to ensure that your immigration status remains valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Visa Extensions: No Visit Needed

When you enter the Philippines as a tourist, you’re usually given a 30-day visa. Since most study programs at 3D ACADEMY last longer than 30 days, you’ll need to extend your visa periodically.

The first extension will allow you to stay for an additional 29 days (making your total stay 59 days). After that, you’ll need further extensions every 30 days depending on your course duration.

Here’s how we help:

• We track your visa schedule and remind you before the deadline.

• You pay the extension fee at the school office.

• We submit your documents and passport to immigration for you.

• Your passport is stored securely and returned once processing is complete.

• You can continue attending classes with peace of mind.

Visa extension processing takes about 5 business days. During this time, you cannot travel because your passport is in the process. Therefore, we encourage you to plan your weekend trips accordingly.

ACR I-Card: Personal Visit Required

If you’re staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days, you are required by law to apply for an ACR I-Card—a foreigner identification card issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

The application requires biometric registration, including fingerprint scanning and a digital photo. This cannot be done by a third party, so you will need to go to the immigration office in person.

Here’s what happens:

• You’ll be scheduled for your appointment by 3D ACADEMY.

• A member of our staff will accompany you to the immigration office.

• The visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and usually occurs during weekday class time.

• The ACR I-Card fee is PHP 4,000, which is collected in advance.

The card will be ready a few weeks after your visit, and our staff will pick it up and return it to you.

✈️ ECC (Exit Clearance Certificate): For Students Staying 6+ Months

If your stay exceeds 6 continuous months, you will need to obtain an ECC before leaving the Philippines. This certificate proves that you have no pending immigration violations and that you are cleared to exit the country.

What to expect:

• The application must be made in person.

• Our staff will guide you through the process and join you at the immigration office.

• The visit typically includes fingerprinting, documentation review, and verification.

• The ECC is valid for 30 days after issuance, so timing is important.

You should apply at least 2–3 weeks before your departure to ensure you receive the ECC in time.

Special Case: WEG for Minors

If you are under 15 years old and traveling to the Philippines without your parents, you will need a WEG (Waiver of Exclusion Ground). This is a special permit that must be approved before entering the Philippines.

3D ACADEMY supports this process by issuing the required Enrollment Certificate, but we do not apply for the WEG on your behalf.

• You must apply for WEG at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

• Upon arrival in the Philippines, you’ll pay a PHP 3,120 fee at immigration.

• You must travel with an adult companion who will be responsible for you.

‍ Real Student Experiences

“I stayed for 5 months and never had to go to immigration for a visa extension. Everything was handled by the school staff. They even explained things in Japanese!”
— Reina from Japan

“For the ACR I-Card, the school booked the appointment and came with me. It was my first time at immigration, but it wasn’t scary at all.”
— Jayden from Korea

“I forgot that I needed an ECC because I was staying 6 months. Thankfully, the staff reminded me and got everything ready. I got my ECC just in time to leave.”
— Omar from Saudi Arabia

Summary Table

Final Reminders & Tips

• Do not make travel plans during visa processing.

• You must keep track of your visa validity even during holidays.

• Always follow instructions from the 3D ACADEMY office; delays in payment may affect your visa.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport and ACR I-Card in your wallet or phone, especially when traveling within the country.

• If you’re unsure about anything, our multilingual staff (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese-speaking) are here to help.

Study Without Stress

At 3D ACADEMY, we want your focus to be on improving your English, making new friends, and enjoying Cebu—not on worrying about immigration documents. With our full-service immigration support, you’ll always know what to expect and what to do.

Have more questions? Contact our support team or ask during orientation—we’re happy to help!