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 initially granted under a Tourist Visa upon entering the Philippines. Foreign nationals are typically allowed to stay for 30 days, after which they must extend their visa to remain legally in the country. For students attending English language schools, this process is essential for stays longer than four weeks.

Visa extensions are usually paired with the Special Study Permit (SSP), which authorizes the student to attend classes legally. Students do not apply for Student Visas when attending ESL programs.

✅ Overview of the Philippine Tourist Visa

Most nationalities receive 30 days of visa-free entry automatically upon arrival.
Exceptions include:

• Brazil and Israel: 59 days granted upon arrival

• China, Yemen, and certain others: Pre-approved visa required

Since many language learners stay beyond 30 days, visa extension is mandatory. Most language schools assist with the application on behalf of their students after the SSP is issued.

✅ Extension Schedule and Frequency

Tourist Visas can be extended up to six times, allowing a maximum stay of 36 months.

Typical extension schedule for language students includes:

• 1st Extension (5–8 weeks): PHP 3,440 (valid for 59 days)

• 2nd Extension (9–13 weeks): PHP 4,616 + ACR-I Card fee (PHP 3,500)

• Alternative 2nd (9–17 weeks): PHP 5,616 (with ACR-I Card)

• 3rd Extension (17–20 weeks): PHP 2,830

• Alternative 3rd (17–24 weeks): PHP 3,240

Depending on the total stay, students may choose between 4- or 8-week increments for the 2nd and 3rd extensions.

✅ How Language Schools Typically Handle Extensions

Most English schools in the Philippines provide full assistance with the visa extension process.
Students usually only need to:

• Submit their passport

• Follow the timeline provided by the school based on course duration

There is no need to visit the Bureau of Immigration personally in most cases.

✅ Fees and Important Considerations

• The cost of extensions increases as you stay longer due to the inclusion of the ACR-I Card fee (typically during the second extension).

• Students staying longer than 6 months may also be required to apply for an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before departure.

✅ Important Notes

• The original passport is required for each extension and must be submitted for at least 3 business days.

• Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering the Philippines.

• Some nationalities, especially from Middle Eastern countries, may need to secure a pre-approved visa before entry.