How can I extend my stay in the Philippines?

How can I extend my stay in the Philippines?

Short Answer: If you plan to stay in the Philippines longer than 30 days, you must extend your tourist visa. 3D ACADEMY offers full support and will handle the entire process on your behalf—including paperwork, submission, and pick-up.

Initial Entry: 30 Days Only

Most students enter the Philippines visa-free or with a tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days from the day of arrival.

If you’re studying longer than 4 weeks, you’ll need to extend your visa through the Bureau of Immigration.

How Visa Extension Works at 3D ACADEMY

To make the process easy and safe:

• We hold your passport securely in our office until your final week of stay

• Our designated staff will check your visa schedule and process your extension on time

• We will notify you in advance of your extension date and request the fee payment

• Once completed, we return your passport and documents to you

❗ Visa fees are set by the Philippine government, and are subject to change without notice.

Sample Visa Extension Schedule

Fees may change slightly depending on exchange rate and government policy.

How to Pay

• You will be notified by our staff before each extension is due

• Please pay the visa extension fee before the deadline

• Payment is made directly to the school office in Philippine pesos (cash only)

ACR I-CARD (Alien Certificate of Registration)

All foreign nationals staying more than 59 days in the Philippines are required to get an ACR I-Card—a biometric ID issued by immigration.

• Fee: PHP 4,000

• Automatically included during your 2nd visa extension

• Valid for 1 year and used for ID verification and airport exit

What is CRTV?

If your stay goes beyond 6 visa extensions (i.e., more than approx. 6–7 months), you’ll be required to apply for a CRTV (Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitors).

• Fee: PHP 2,400

• Required for long-term extensions beyond 180+ days

• School staff will assist you with the process

✈️ ECC (Exit Clearance Certificate)

Students who stay 24 weeks or longer (without leaving the Philippines) must apply for an Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC) before departure.

• Fee: PHP 500–1,000 depending on immigration policy

• Required even if you’re on a tourist visa

• You’ll need to visit the Bureau of Immigration in person with our staff

• Includes fingerprint registration and photo

You’ll be required to miss about 2 hours of class for this process.
✉️ We will inform you personally when it’s time to apply.

Class Attendance During Visa/ECC Process

• You may miss up to 2 hours of class on the ECC appointment day

• No make-up classes will be offered for this absence

• If you return 15 minutes late for class after immigration, you may still join

• This absence will not count as a late or absence in your attendance record

Passport Handling Policy

• Your passport is kept safely in the school office to avoid any risks

• It will be returned to you:

  • If you’re planning a trip abroad (with advance notice)

  • Upon check-out / graduation

  • When required for immigration appointments

We ensure your documents are safe and handled professionally.

Visa Extension: Summary Table

Final Tips

• ✅ Check your passport validity before travel (6 months or more recommended)

• ✅ Pay extension fees on time to avoid penalties

• ✅ Don’t attempt to extend by yourself—our staff handles it efficiently

• ❌ Don’t lose or damage your ACR I-Card—it’s required for exit and identification

Need Help?

If you have questions about your visa, extension schedule, or ECC, please speak to our student affairs office. We’re happy to guide you every step of the way.

With 3D ACADEMY’s support, visa extensions are simple, safe, and stress-free.

About 3D ACADEMY

3D ACADEMY is an international English language school located in Cebu City, Philippines, offering a safe, practical, and supportive environment for students of all English levels—from absolute beginners to advanced learners.

Since its establishment in 2002, 3D ACADEMY has welcomed more than 20,000 students from over 25 countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Brazil, and more.

Our mission is simple:

To help every student build real English communication skills they can use in daily life, work, and travel.

Learn English by Using English

At 3D ACADEMY, English is not just studied — it’s used every day.

• ✔️ One-on-one (1:1) lessons for maximum speaking time

• ✔️ Small group classes to practice interaction and listening

• ✔️ Optional classes focused on vocabulary, pronunciation, or writing

• ✔️ Real-life English you can apply right away

Whether your goal is conversation, business, exam preparation, or working holidays, we customize your learning experience.

‍ Ideal for Beginners

No English? No problem.

Our programs are beginner-friendly, and our staff includes Japanese, Korean, and Chinese speakers who will guide you step-by-step through classes, orientation, immigration, and daily life.

You’ll never feel lost — even if it’s your first time abroad.

Comfortable Living & Learning

3D ACADEMY provides both on-campus dormitories and partner hotel accommodations, depending on your needs and budget.

All housing includes:

• Daily meals (Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Western)

• Free Wi-Fi, laundry, and room cleaning

• 24/7 security and front desk support

• Access to shopping, restaurants, and services within walking distance

We also offer free access to a gym and a quiet self-study space for your convenience.

Daily Medical Support

Student health is our priority. A licensed medical doctor visits the campus every weekday (Monday–Friday) to provide on-site consultations.

• Basic medical care available without leaving campus

• Cashless medical treatment possible with overseas insurance

• Multilingual staff assist with insurance forms and communication

This is a big reason why many first-time travelers choose 3D ACADEMY.

Global Community

You’ll study alongside classmates from across Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Europe. English is the common language in class, in the dorm, and during school events — helping you immerse in an international environment.

Cultural exchange and friendships are part of your learning journey.

✅ Why Choose 3D ACADEMY?

• Over 20 years of proven experience

• Affordable tuition and accommodation plans

• Flexible course length — from 1 week to 6+ months

• Daily 1:1 lessons and practical conversation focus

• Full support for SSP, visa extensions, and airport pickup

• Safe and supportive environment for English beginners

✈️ Your English Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re preparing for a working holiday, career change, or just want to grow as a global communicator — 3D ACADEMY is ready to support you.

You don’t need perfect English to start.
You just need the courage to take the first step.
We’ll guide you the rest of the way.