What is a Visa Extension?【Visa & Permit for Studying in the Philippines】

✅ What is a Visa Extension?

A Visa Extension refers to the process of extending the stay period granted by a tourist visa upon entry into the Philippines. If you plan to stay for more than 30 days, this extension is required. For students attending English language schools in Cebu, instead of applying for a student visa, they apply for an SSP (Special Study Permit) and then extend their tourist visa in order to stay beyond the initial 30 days and continue studying legally.

✅ Basic Information about the Philippine Tourist Visa

Foreign nationals entering the Philippines with a tourist visa are generally granted an initial stay of 30 days automatically (exceptions: Brazil and Israel receive 59 days; China, Yemen, and certain other countries require pre-approval). Since most language school students stay beyond 30 days, visa extension is mandatory after arrival. Typically, the extension is handled by the school after the SSP is obtained.

✅ Extension Schedule and Frequency

A tourist visa can be extended up to six times, with a maximum allowable stay of 36 months for tourist visa holders. For language students, the general extension schedule is:

1st extension (5–8 weeks stay): 3,440 pesos (valid for 59 days)
2nd extension (9–13 weeks): 4,616 pesos + ACR-I Card fee (3,500 pesos)
Alternative 2nd extension (9–17 weeks): 5,616 pesos (includes ACR-I Card)
3rd extension (17–20 weeks): 2,830 pesos
3rd extension alternative (17–24 weeks): 3,240 pesos

Depending on the length of stay, students may choose to extend for about 4 or 8 weeks during the 2nd and 3rd extension periods.

✅ How 3D ACADEMY Handles Extensions

At 3D ACADEMY, our staff handles all visa extension procedures on behalf of the students. Students only need to submit their passports — there is no need to visit the Bureau of Immigration themselves. The timing of each extension will be guided by the school based on the student’s course duration.

✅ Fees and Key Considerations

Fees vary with each extension, but starting from the second extension, the ACR-I Card fee will be added, making long-term stays more expensive. If you plan to stay for more than six months, you will also need to apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC).

✅ Important Notes

Your original passport is required for each extension and must be submitted for at least 3 business days.
Overstaying your visa can result in penalties or deportation, so it’s essential to monitor your visa status closely.
Some nationalities (e.g., from Middle Eastern countries) may require a visa before entering the Philippines.