What is a Quota Immigrant Visa ?
The Bureau of Immigration grants quota immigrant visas to nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with the Philippines and offer reciprocal immigration privileges to Filipinos. Additionally, applicants with exceptional qualifications—such as high educational attainment, technical expertise, special experience, or outstanding ability in the sciences, arts, professions, or business that can benefit the Philippine economy or serve national interests—are eligible. Applicants may also qualify if they own sustainable investments approved by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. The quota immigrant visa extends to the applicant's dependents, including spouses and minor children, who will become lawful permanent residents of the Philippines. Annually, fifty (50) applicants from any one nationality can receive this visa.
The Philippine Quota Visa: A Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Bureau of Immigration offers a limited number of Quota Visas (typically 50 per nationality) each year. These visas grant permanent residency to successful applicants, opening doors to a new life in the Philippines.
There are two main ways to qualify for a Quota Visa:
Reciprocity
This applies to citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines that offer similar immigration privileges to Filipinos.
Exceptional Qualifications
Applicants with outstanding skills or achievements can qualify based on high educational attainment, technical expertise, or exceptional abilities that benefit the Philippine economy or hold national interest. This could include contributions in science, arts, professions, or business. Additionally, ownership of sustainable investments approved by the Bureau of Immigration can also be a qualifying factor.
Benefits for Your Family
The good news is that Quota Visas extend benefits to your family. Spouses and minor children can be included in the application and become lawful permanent residents alongside you.
What are the Benefits of Quota Immigrant Visa?
Lifetime residence with minimal reporting:
The holder practically becomes an Immigrant as he is granted not only a lifetime stay in the Philippines, but also a lifetime work entitlement.
The holder obtains a 5-year validity ACR Card (it is then simply renewed).
The holder must pay for an annual report every year, however there are no other reporting requirements at all each time the holder leave the country (unlike other visas).
Rights of the holder:
It has the right to do business in sectors which are permitted under the laws of the Philippines without obtaining an Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
Upon exiting the country, the quota visa holder is automatically granted a re-entry permit.
Unlike with other visas, there is no requirement of exit clearance or associated fees no matter how long the holder has been staying in the Philippines.
