What is an SSP (Special Study Permit)?【Visa & Permit for Studying in the Philippines】

✅ What is an SSP?

The SSP (Special Study Permit) is a mandatory study permit issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to foreign nationals who wish to study at language schools in the Philippines. It is required in addition to a tourist visa, and it serves as official government permission to legally study at a language school while staying in the country. All foreign students staying on a tourist visa must obtain this permit.

✅ Why is it necessary?

Even if you enter the Philippines on a tourist visa, you must obtain an SSP in order to attend classes at a language school. It legally authorizes your study activities. Without it, attending classes may be considered illegal. In general, a Student Visa in the Philippines is reserved for long-term academic programs such as high school or university, lasting one to two years. For short-term English study, the SSP is required instead of a student visa.

✅ Application Process (at 3D ACADEMY)

At 3D ACADEMY, we apply for the SSP on behalf of our students during the first week of enrollment. All you need to do is submit the required documents (such as your passport), and our staff will handle the application with the Bureau of Immigration. The permit is usually issued within a few days. Once issued, students receive a copy of the SSP, which may be requested when leaving the Philippines, so be sure to keep it safe.

✅ Validity & Renewal

The SSP is valid for 90 days (approximately 3 months). If your study period exceeds 13 weeks, you will need to reapply before the 90-day period ends. For a 24-week stay, two SSP applications are required.

✅ Fees

At 3D ACADEMY, the initial SSP application fee is 10,540 pesos (as of 2025). For renewals, the fee is 6,800 pesos. This increase is due to the inclusion of the SSP-I Card, which became a mandatory component of the initial SSP application starting in 2024. The SSP-I Card is valid for one year and is not required again for subsequent renewals.

✅ Important Notes

If you transfer to another school, you will need to apply for a new SSP, as it is issued per school.
The SSP is not valid for purposes such as internships or employment.
The SSP is a different document from the ACR-I Card.
Holders of other visa types (e.g., SRRV or Student Visa) are exempt from SSP requirements.