Do You Need a Student Visa to Study English in the Philippines?

One of the most frequently asked questions by those considering studying at our school is about visas. To give you a clear answer, the visa requirements depend on your nationality. For many people planning to travel to the Philippines, a tourist visa (usually valid for 30 days) is automatically issued upon entry, depending on their nationality. Some countries are eligible for visa-free entry and will receive this tourist visa, while others are not. However, there is no student visa for studying English in the Philippines. In this article, we will explain this point in detail.

What is a Student Visa in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, a student visa is a visa issued for students planning to attend local high schools or universities, and it must be applied for through the school. Typically, this student visa is valid for 2 years, and it may not be renewed based on attendance or academic performance, so caution is required.

However, for those studying English in Cebu, there is no specific student visa system. Instead, students generally enter the country with a tourist visa, apply for a Special Study Permit (SSP), and the English school handles the visa extension based on the SSP. The process of applying for a tourist visa differs depending on whether pre-application is required based on nationality, so we will explain this in more detail.

Countries That Don’t Require a Tourist Visa (Visa-Free Countries)

Many students from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Turkey, and Brazil travel to the Philippines, particularly to Cebu, for their studies. These countries are generally visa-free, meaning their citizens do not need to apply for a visa prior to entering the Philippines. A tourist visa is granted upon arrival for these countries.

The list below outlines these countries, with Brazil and Israel enjoying a visa-free period of 59 days, while other countries are allowed a 30-day stay.

• Andorra
  Angola
  Antigua and Barbuda
  Argentina
  Australia
  Austria
  Bahamas
  Bahrain
  Barbados
  Belgium
  Belize
  Benin
  Bhutan
  Bolivia
  Botswana
  Brazil*
  Brunei Darussalam
  Bulgaria
  Burkina Faso
  Burundi
  Cambodia
  Cameroon
  Canada
  Cape Verde
  Central African Republic
  Chad
  Chile
  Colombia
  Comoros
  Congo
  Costa Rica
  Cote d’Ivoire
  Croatia
  Cyprus
  Czech Republic
  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Denmark
  Djibouti
  Dominica
  Dominican Republic
  Ecuador
  El Salvador
  Equatorial Guinea
  Eritrea
  Estonia
  Ethiopia
  Fiji
  Finland
  France
  Gabon
  Gambia
  Germany
  Ghana
  Greece
  Grenada
  Guatemala
  Guinea
  Guinea Bissau
  Guyana
  Haiti
  Honduras
  Hungary
  Iceland
  Indonesia
  Ireland
  Israel*
  Italy
  Jamaica
  Japan
  Kazakhstan
  Kenya
  Kiribati
  Kuwait
  Kyrgyzstan
  Lao People’s Democratic Republic
  Latvia
  Lesotho
  Liberia
  Liechtenstein
  Lithuania
  Luxembourg
  Madagascar
  Malawi
  Malaysia
  Maldives
  Mali
  Malta
  Marshall Islands
  Mauritania
  Mauritius
  Mexico
  Micronesia
  Monaco
  Mongolia
  Morocco
  Mozambique
  Myanmar
  Namibia
  Nepal
  Netherlands
  New Zealand
  Nicaragua
  Niger
  Norway
  Oman
  Palau
  Panama
  Papua New Guinea
  Paraguay
  Peru
  Poland
  Portugal
  Qatar
  Republic of Korea
  Romania
  Russia
  Rwanda
  Saint Kitts and Nevis
  Saint Lucia
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  Samoa
  San Marino
  Sao Tome and Principe
  Saudi Arabia
  Senegal
  Seychelles
  Singapore
  Slovak Republic
  Slovenia
  Solomon Islands
  South Africa
  Spain
  Suriname
  Swaziland
  Sweden
  Switzerland
  Tajikistan
  Thailand
  Togo
  Trinidad and Tobago
  Tunisia
  Turkey
  Turkmenistan
  Tuvalu
  Uganda
  United Arab Emirates
  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
  United Republic of Tanzania
  United States of America
  Uruguay
  Uzbekistan
  Vanuatu
  Vatican
  Venezuela
  Vietnam
  Zambia
  Zimbabwe

Examples of Countries That Require a Visa

Among the countries sending a relatively large number of students to study in the Philippines, China is one where a visa must be applied for in advance. If China were to be included in the visa-free list, the Philippines and Cebu would likely see a large influx of Chinese students.

Additionally, Yemen, which was previously visa-free, now requires a visa for entry. Furthermore, countries like Afghanistan, which have recently inquired about study opportunities, are also not included in the visa-free list, so visa applications are required.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the SSP (Special Study Permit) and the visa extension procedures specific to studying in Cebu, Philippines.

SSP (Special Study Permit)

SSP (Special Study Permit) is a special study permit for foreign students in the Philippines. It is an essential visa that students coming to the Philippines to learn English must have. By obtaining an SSP, students can legally study and stay in the Philippines.

Below is some basic information about the SSP:

1. When SSP is Required

When participating in an English language program in the Philippines, especially for short-term language courses (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 3 months), SSP is mandatory. However, if you are applying for a student visa, SSP is not required. Student visas are primarily related to long-term degree programs or enrollment in Philippine high schools or universities.

2. When SSP is Not Required

If you already hold an SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa), a student visa (for high school or university enrollment), or a 9G (work visa), you do not need to apply for an SSP. SSP is only necessary for those staying on a tourist visa while attending an English school. If you already have any form of visa, SSP is not required.

How to Extend Your Visa at 3D ACADEMY

At 3D ACADEMY, we have dedicated immigration staff who handle students’ visa extension processes. These staff members securely store students’ passports and will assist with visa extensions before the expiration date. An important factor in this process is the SSP (Special Study Permit). The immigration office will verify the SSP application status when the school staff processes the visa extension. Therefore, it is essential to apply for an SSP to complete the visa extension process, so please be aware of this requirement.

Visa Extension Fees at 3D ACADEMY

Upon arrival: A 30-day visa is issued (for Brazil and Israel, the visa is valid for 59 days). For those who have already applied for a visa, the duration of that visa applies.

1st Extension: For stays between 5 and 9 weeks – 3,440 pesos (valid for 59 days from the day after arrival)

2nd Extension: For stays between 9 and 13 weeks – 4,616 pesos (valid for 89 days from the day after arrival) + ACR-I Card 3,500 pesos (see details below)

3rd Extension: For stays between 13 and 17 weeks – 3,240 pesos (valid for 119 days from the day after arrival)

4th Extension: For stays between 17 and 21 weeks – 2,830 pesos (valid for 149 days from the day after arrival)

5th Extension: For stays between 21 and 25 weeks – 2,830 pesos (valid for 179 days from the day after arrival)

The 2nd and 3rd extensions can be completed simultaneously for a 2-month period, offering a discount.

Currently, if you pay for both the 2nd and 3rd extensions together, the total is 9,116 pesos (including the ACR-I Card fee).

Similarly, if you pay for both the 4th and 5th extensions at the same time, the total will be discounted to only 3,240 pesos.

ACR-I Card (Alien Certificate of Registration)

All foreigners staying for more than 59 days must apply for this card. The cost of the ACR-I Card is 3,500 pesos, which must be paid during the 2nd visa extension. Additionally, you will need to visit the immigration office with one of our staff members to complete fingerprint registration and other necessary procedures.

Reasons to Choose 3D ACADEMY for Your Study Abroad in Cebu, Philippines

3D ACADEMY is not only known for its exceptional cost performance but also for providing comprehensive support to each student. The academy is especially recognized for its thorough assistance with visa extension procedures, with dedicated staff ensuring proper management of students’ passports and visa renewals. This ensures that students can focus on their studies without worrying about the administrative tasks, allowing them to fully enjoy their study abroad experience in the Philippines.

Furthermore, 3D ACADEMY welcomes students from various countries around the world, creating an international environment that serves as a motivational factor for learning. The opportunity to learn English while experiencing different cultures is one of the major attractions of the academy. Interacting with students from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, and many other countries provides not only English practice but also a chance to broaden cultural understanding and gain a global perspective.

In addition, 3D ACADEMY offers flexible learning plans tailored to each student’s needs. In addition to the general ESL (English) course, we also provide specialized programs such as IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL preparation, and business English strengthening programs, enabling students to pursue their specific learning goals. We ensure that students feel the progress in their learning and offer support based on their individual pace, helping them achieve meaningful results.

Located at the convenient JY Square Mall, the academy is surrounded by necessary facilities for daily living. The great transportation access within Cebu City ensures a comfortable stay, making it easy for students to enjoy their study abroad experience.

Studying at 3D ACADEMY offers not only the opportunity to improve your English skills but also to immerse yourself in the culture and society of the Philippines, gaining invaluable global experience. With our reliable support, it is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a fulfilling and comfortable study abroad journey.