Visa Fees in Cebu 2025: Updated Costs

For international students, expats, and long-term travelers staying in Cebu, understanding visa fees and extension procedures is crucial. The Philippines requires foreigners to maintain valid visas during their stay, and costs can add up depending on the length of time you remain in the country. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of visa extension fees, rules, and additional requirements in Cebu for 2025, based on the most recent updates.

Arrival Visa: The Starting Point

Most foreigners arriving in the Philippines enter with a 30-day tourist visa waiver (depending on nationality). This initial visa is free and stamped upon arrival. However, if you plan to study, work, or stay longer in Cebu, you will need to extend your visa.

At language schools such as 3D Academy, the staff assist students with the extension process. Passports are kept in the school office for safekeeping and visa extension handling. This ensures that students don’t miss deadlines and comply with Philippine immigration laws.

Visa Extension Procedures

Visa extensions in Cebu are processed through the Bureau of Immigration (BI). For students, the school usually facilitates the extension by coordinating with BI on your behalf.

• Passports are collected and submitted by the staff.

• You will be notified before the due date of each extension.

• Payment must be made before the deadline to avoid penalties.

• Fees are subject to change since they are determined by the Philippine government.

Breakdown of Visa Extensions (2025)

Below is a typical structure of visa extension fees in Cebu for students in 2025.

1st Extension (Stay Beyond 30 Days)

• The first extension generally allows you to stay up to 59 days in total.

• Fee: Varies depending on nationality and year, but typically includes processing charges.

2nd and 3rd Extension (Discounted Package Available)

• The 2nd and 3rd extensions can be applied for together, covering about two additional months.

• If paid separately, costs are higher.

• Discounted Rate (2025): When processed together, the total fee is 10,616 PHP (this already includes the ACR I-Card).

4th and 5th Extension (Discounted Package Available)

• Like the 2nd and 3rd, these can also be bundled together.

• Discounted Rate (2025): Only 4,240 PHP if you pay for both extensions at once.

6th Extension and Beyond

• For students or long-term residents staying more than 6 months, additional requirements apply.

• You will need to apply for a CRTV (Provisional Resident Visa), which costs 2,400 PHP.

ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration)

• All foreigners staying longer than 59 days in the Philippines must apply for an ACR I-Card.

• This card is an identification document issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

• The fee is 4,000 PHP, and it is usually charged during the 2nd visa extension.

• Students at 3D Academy and other schools will have this handled during their extension process.

ECC (Emigration Clearance Certificate)

For those staying 24 weeks (6 months) or longer, an ECC (Emigration Clearance Certificate) is required when leaving the country—if you have not left the Philippines at all during your stay.

• Cost: 500 PHP or 1,000 PHP depending on your length of stay.

• Issued by the Bureau of Immigration before departure.

• Schools typically assist students in processing this document.

Example Visa Extension Timeline for a 24-Week Student

To better understand the process, here’s an example of how visa extensions may look for a student studying in Cebu for 24 weeks (6 months):

1. Arrival – 30 days visa-free.

2. 1st Extension – Extends stay to 59 days.

3. 2nd & 3rd Extension (Bundled) – Adds 2 months, discounted at 10,616 PHP including ACR I-Card.

4. 4th & 5th Extension (Bundled) – Adds 2 more months, discounted at 4,240 PHP.

5. 6th Extension – Requires CRTV (2,400 PHP).

6. Before Departure – ECC required (500–1,000 PHP).

Important Notes for 2025

• Visa fees are set by the Philippine government and may change during your stay.

• Schools like 3D Academy provide reminders and assist in processing, but the responsibility to pay fees on time remains with the student.

• Failure to pay on time may result in fines or issues with immigration.

• The process is smoother if you bundle extensions together when available, as this reduces costs.

Estimated Total Costs (6-Month Stay Example)

Here is a rough calculation of visa-related expenses for a student in Cebu for 24 weeks:

• 1st Extension: Standard fee (varies, approx. 4,000–5,000 PHP).

• 2nd & 3rd Extension (Bundled): 10,616 PHP.

• 4th & 5th Extension (Bundled): 4,240 PHP.

• 6th Extension (with CRTV): 2,400 PHP.

• ECC Fee (before departure): 500–1,000 PHP.

Total (approximate): 21,500–22,500 PHP for a 6-month stay.

This does not include SSP (Special Study Permit) fees, which are required separately for foreign students attending English schools.

Why Schools Handle Visa Extensions for Students

At English language schools in Cebu, like 3D Academy, visa extension support is part of their student services. Since the process can be complicated for new arrivals, the school:

• Safely holds your passport.

• Prepares documents for submission to immigration.

• Informs you of fees and deadlines.

• Ensures compliance with immigration rules.

This system helps avoid penalties and keeps students focused on their studies rather than bureaucratic processes.

Conclusion

Visa extensions are an unavoidable part of staying in Cebu for more than 30 days. While the fees may seem complicated at first, Cebu schools like 3D Academy simplify the process by assisting with applications and reminders. In 2025, discounted packages for multiple extensions, the mandatory ACR I-Card, and the ECC requirement for long-term stays remain the key points to remember.

By understanding the updated visa fees and rules, you can plan your budget effectively and ensure a smooth, worry-free study or travel experience in Cebu.

FAQ

What visa do I have upon arrival in the Philippines in 2025?

Most visitors receive an initial 30-day stay on arrival (depending on nationality). This is your starting point. If you plan to study or remain in Cebu longer than 30 days, you must extend your stay through the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Schools can coordinate this for enrolled students.

Who handles visa extensions if I am studying at a language school in Cebu?

At schools like 3D Academy, designated staff manage the process. Your passport is securely kept in the school office until check-out, deadlines are monitored, and the assigned staff member files the paperwork and pays the government fees on your behalf after collecting your payment.

How will I know when to pay for my next extension?

The school will notify you ahead of each due date. You must settle the extension fee on or before the stated deadline so the staff can submit the application in time. Late payments can lead to penalties from the Bureau of Immigration and may disrupt your study plan.

Are visa fees fixed, or can they change during my stay?

Visa fees are set by the Philippine government and may change without prior notice. While this FAQ reflects current school practices and typical 2025 rates, actual amounts charged by BI at the time of filing prevail. Always follow the latest notice from your school coordinator.

What happens during the first extension after my initial 30 days?

The first extension typically brings your authorized stay to 59 days in total. The exact fee varies by policy and year, and includes government charges and processing. Your school will inform you of the current amount due before filing with the Bureau of Immigration.

Can I bundle the 2nd and 3rd extensions to save money?

Yes. The 2nd and 3rd extensions can be processed together (covering about two more months). When bundled, the current reference amount is 10,616 PHP, and this total already includes the ACR I-Card fee. Bundling reduces both time and cost compared with paying each extension separately.

Do I still pay separately for the ACR I-Card if I bundle the 2nd and 3rd extensions?

No. When the 2nd and 3rd extensions are bundled, the ACR I-Card cost is already included in the 10,616 PHP total. If you do not bundle, the ACR I-Card (normally paid at the 2nd extension) is 4,000 PHP, collected alongside that individual filing.

What is the ACR I-Card and who needs it?

The Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) is a mandatory ID for foreigners staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days. All nationalities who pass the 59-day mark must obtain it. In standard processing, it is paid at the 2nd extension (4,000 PHP) or included when you bundle 2nd–3rd.

Is there also a discount if I bundle the 4th and 5th extensions?

Yes. The 4th and 5th extensions may be filed together with a discounted combined total of 4,240 PHP. Bundling minimizes both trips and costs. Your school coordinator will advise when you are eligible and will arrange the payment and filing schedule for you.

What if I will stay longer than six months—do extra requirements apply?

Yes. From about the 6th extension onward, long-stay students typically need to apply for CRTV (a provisional resident stay document). The school will guide you on timing and forms. The reference fee for CRTV is 2,400 PHP, charged when this requirement first applies.

What is the ECC and when do I need it?

The Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is required before departure if you have stayed 24 weeks or more without leaving the Philippines during that period. The government fee is typically 500 or 1,000 PHP, depending on your circumstances. Your school staff will help you obtain it ahead of your flight.

How long does each extension take to process?

Processing time can vary depending on BI workload and policy. Plan on several business days as a general guide. To avoid any risk of overstaying, your school begins filing before your current stay expires and will advise you on expected turnaround for each step.

What happens if I miss a payment deadline?

Overdue extensions may incur government penalties and could cause complications, including possible interruptions to your classes or travel plans. Always pay by the date communicated by your coordinator so your application can be filed on time and your status remains fully compliant.

Can I travel domestically while my passport is held by the school for processing?

Domestic travel usually requires only local ID checks, but carrying a passport photocopy and your school’s contact details is prudent. If you plan to fly domestically or internationally, coordinate in advance so the school can schedule filings and release your passport when needed.

If I briefly exit the Philippines, do I still need an ECC later?

ECC rules focus on long continuous stays. If you leave the country and re-enter during your program, requirements may reset for ECC purposes. However, re-entry itself has separate conditions (valid visa or visa-exempt status, return ticket, etc.). Always consult your coordinator before making travel plans.

Are government fees refundable if my plans change?

Government charges are generally non-refundable once filed. If you anticipate a schedule change (for example, ending earlier than planned), inform your coordinator before payment or filing so they can adjust the extension plan and avoid unnecessary costs where possible.

Do students of all nationalities follow the same extension path?

Core steps (extensions, ACR I-Card after 59 days, possible CRTV, ECC for long stays) are similar, but entry conditions and documentary requirements can vary by nationality. Provide accurate personal details and follow your coordinator’s instructions to ensure your filing matches current BI rules.

Is the SSP included in visa extension fees?

No. The Special Study Permit (SSP) is separate from visa extensions and is required for foreign students attending language schools. At many schools, the SSP is processed on enrollment; fees are distinct from visa costs. Ask your coordinator for the latest SSP price and validity period for your course.

What payments do I make directly to the school, and what goes to the government?

You remit visa-related amounts to the school by the deadline; the school consolidates and pays the Bureau of Immigration. Your receipt will reflect the government fees and any school handling charges disclosed to you. Always keep copies of receipts and notices shared by your coordinator.

Can I extend multiple months at once beyond the 5th extension?

The school follows BI’s allowable extension windows. In practice, 2nd–3rd and 4th–5th are the common bundled segments with defined discounts. After that, you continue on the standard cycle, adding CRTV when triggered. Your coordinator will map the best schedule based on your intended total stay.

What documents does the school typically need from me?

Your valid passport, completed forms (prepared by staff), and the required fees are the essentials. The school may also request additional details (e.g., local address, contact number). Respond quickly to information requests to keep filings on schedule and avoid any processing delays.

Where are Cebu visa extensions processed?

Extensions are filed with the Bureau of Immigration, Cebu District Office. Because office locations and counters can change, the school manages the routing and submission for you. This avoids confusion and ensures filings are made at the correct office under the current setup.

What is a safe budget estimate for a 24-week stay’s visa steps?

While actual totals depend on government schedules and any policy changes, a representative path includes: first extension to 59 days, bundled 2nd–3rd (10,616 PHP, ACR included), bundled 4th–5th (4,240 PHP), CRTV at the 6th (2,400 PHP), and ECC before departure (500–1,000 PHP). Your coordinator will confirm the live amounts before filing.

How do bundling discounts actually help me?

Bundling reduces total outlay and consolidates filings, lowering both cost and administrative time. Paying the 2nd–3rd and 4th–5th extensions together (when eligible) means fewer individual payments and visits, while ensuring you remain well within valid stay windows throughout your program.

What is the school’s role versus my responsibility?

The school: keeps your passport secure, tracks due dates, prepares forms, submits to BI, and informs you of amounts. Your responsibility: pay on time, provide accurate information promptly, follow travel guidance, and keep copies of official receipts/notices. Compliance is a shared effort.

Any final compliance tips for 2025?

Pay by deadlines, use the available bundle options, expect fees to be updated by the government, and communicate travel plans early. Keep digital scans of your passport, receipts, and notices. When in doubt, ask your coordinator—quick clarification today prevents costly issues later.