Philippines Reciprocity Schedule


Visa Classification Fee Number of Applications Validity Period
A-1 None Multiple 60 Months
A-2 None Multiple 60 Months
A-3 [1] None Multiple 24 Months
B-1 None Multiple 120 Months
B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
B-1/B-2 None Multiple 120 Months
C-1 None Multiple 60 Months
C-1/D None Multiple 60 Months
C-2 None Multiple 12 Months
C-3 None Multiple 60 Months
D None Multiple 60 Months
E-1 [2] None Multiple 60 Months
E-2 [2] None Multiple 60 Months
F-1 None Multiple 60 Months
F-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-1 None Multiple 60 Months
G-2 None Multiple 60 Months
G-3 None Multiple 60 Months
G-4 None Multiple 60 Months
G-5 [1] None Multiple 24 Months
H-1B None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-1C None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-2A None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-2B None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-2R None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-3 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
H-4 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
I None Multiple 60 Months
J-1 [4] None Multiple 60 Months
J-2 [4] None Multiple 60 Months
K-1 None One 6 Months
K-2 None One 6 Months
K-3 None Multiple 24 Months
K-4 None Multiple 24 Months
L-1 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
L-2 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
M-1 None Multiple 60 Months
M-2 None Multiple 60 Months
N-8 None Multiple 60 Months
N-9 None Multiple 60 Months
NATO 1-7 N/A N/A N/A
O-1 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
O-2 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
O-3 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
P-1 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
P-2 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
P-3 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
P-4 None Multiple 60 Months [3]
Q-1 [6] None Multiple 15 Months [3]
R-1 None Multiple 60 Months
R-2 None Multiple 60 Months
S-5 [7] None One 1 Month
S-6 [7] None One 1 Month
S-7 [7] None One 1 Month
T-1 [9] N/A N/A N/A
T-2 None One 6 Months
T-3 None One 6 Months
T-4 None One 6 Months
T-5 None One 6 Months
TD [5] N/A N/A N/A
V-1 None Multiple 120 Months
V-2 None Multiple 120 Months [8]
V-3 None Multiple 120 Months [8]

Documents

Note

The National Statistics Office (NSO) is the central repository for civil records.  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is the central repository for criminal records.  Local civil records in many localities in the Philippines have been destroyed due to war and natural calamities.  Church records, while useful as secondary evidence, are frequently unavailable for the same reasons.  When a specific civil document is unavailable, it is advisable to obtain a certificate of non-availability from the National Statistics Office (NSO).  Local parishes usually issue similar certificates of non-availability. In the absence of primary and secondary evidence, substantiated by replies from civil or church authorities, affidavits from two persons who have personal knowledge of the birth, death, or marriage which is in question are generally accepted.

Preferred documents

Documents issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are preferred.  These agencies have branches and outlets throughout the Philippines.  Documents issued by these agencies are printed on paper with security features.  Documents from these sources are centrally registered and are considered more reliable than documents issued by local registrars. 

Applicants should request certificates that are issued with a “CDLI endorsement” (Court Documents and Legal Instruments).  This endorsement shows any amendments to the original document from marriages, annulments, name changes etc.  Unless a CDLI copy is requested, the requester will receive the unamended or original copy of the document. 

Document services for Filipinos abroad

Applicants abroad can obtain documents from the National Statistics Office (NSO) through the “e Census” website www.ecensus.com.ph or by calling NSO Information Center at (02)737-1111.   There are fees for these services.

Documents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can be obtained from Philippine embassies abroad. 

Filipinos abroad are required to submit records of births, marriage and deaths to their embassy so they may be recorded with the NSO.

Document Services to Other Posts

IV Manila can help posts interpret remarks on National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) police certificates and obtain additional clarification from the NBI when necessary.  Since fraudulent documents can be obtained easily in the Philippines, the consular officer may wish to consider referring suspect documents in doubtful cases to the Fraud Prevention Unit, U.S. Embassy Manila, for investigation.

Birth Certificates

Available. Applicants may obtain birth certificates at any NSO branch for a small fee.  Relatives in the Philippines may obtain these documents.  The NSO can also provide an index of all children born to an applicant. 

Birth certificates can also be ordered on the website www.ecensus.com.ph.   The site accepts credit cards issued in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong.  There is a flat fee for each document of $20.  The fee includes shipping by courier to the delivery address abroad.

A certified copy of a birth registration (less preferred) may be obtained from the local civil registrar at the place of birth. Local Civil Registrar records are often incomplete and it is often necessary to augment local birth certificates with baptismal certificates.  “Affidavits from two disinterested persons” are generally considered unreliable but may be useful in cases where pre-war records are not locatable. 

Frequently, certificates for births occurring since 1946 may also be obtained from the National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO), at the NSO East Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. Certificates of birth before 1946 are maintained at the National Archives Division at T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. Issuance of a birth certificate takes approximately five working days, for which there may be a fee, plus an additional fee if issuance is to take place within 24 hours, or if the document is to be printed on special security paper.

Marriage Certificates

Available.   Marriage Certificates are available at any NSO branch.  Procedures are similar to those for birth certificates.  CDLI endorsements (see birth certificates) apply to marriage Certificates also.  These documents are available at any local NSO branch for a fee

Marriage certificates can also be ordered on the website www.ecensus.com.ph.   The site accepts credit cards issued in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong.  There is a flat fee for each document of $20.  The fee includes shipping by courier to the delivery address abroad.

Certified copies of originals can be obtained from the local civil registrar of the place where the marriage occurred.  These are less preferred than Marriage Certificates issued by the NSO. 

Marriage Index Documents

Available. The NSO issues Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) certifying that an applicant was never married.  Certificates of Marriage (CEMAR) provide a chronological listing of all applicant’s marriages.   A CDLI endorsement should be requested. 

Marriage index documents can also be ordered on the website www.ecensus.com.ph.   The site accepts credit cards issued in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong.  There is a flat fee for each document of $25.  The fee includes shipping by courier to the delivery address abroad.

Divorce Certificates

Available.  Certified copies of the divorce certificate can be obtained from the appropriate court.  Divorce was recognized in the Philippines between March 11, 1917 and August 29, 1950; since the latter date, courts have been empowered to grant legal separation (annulment) but not divorce.  Even during the period of legal recognition, divorces were rare in the Philippines because of limited legal grounds for granting divorces.

Death Certificates

Available.  Death certificates can be obtained on security paper (preferred method) from the NSO or at www.ecensus.com.ph using the same procedures as birth certificates. 

Certified copies can be obtained from local civil registrars.  As in the cases of birth and marriage, certificates of deaths occurring since 1946 are obtainable from the National Census and Statistics Office. Death certificates before 1946 are maintained at the National Archives Division, National Library Building at T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila. Issuance of a death certificate takes approximately five working days for which there is a fee, for delivery, or if the document is to be printed on special security paper.

Police records

Available and reasonably reliable. Philippine-born immigrant visa applicants 16 years and over are required to furnish certificates issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).  The green NBI certificate annotated for travel abroad is the correct certificate.  Other colors are for local use only.  Foreign-born applicants who have resided in the Philippines for six months or more may be issued NBI clearances upon application either in person or by mail. Applicants should send requests for certificates together with certified checks or money orders for the fees and postage to the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Metro Manila, Philippines. The NBI has its own fingerprint charts and personal data forms that it will send to the requesting applicant for execution. Most applicants abroad find it more expeditious to have a relative or friend in the Philippines assist them in obtaining their certificates from the NBI. The applicant may also submit a copy of a prior NBI clearance to facilitate the processing of a new clearance. Posts are advised that not all arrests and convictions occurring outside of Manila are reported to the NBI. The Philippine criminal records database is not foolproof, and can be open to manipulation. Manila and major Philippine cities have computerized records. Fee: 150.00 pesos. Philippine Embassies abroad can assist Filipinos in obtaining NBI police clearances. 

Prison records

Available. Applications should be made to the Director, Bureau of Prisons, National Penitentiary, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.  Local police chiefs usually furnish details of jail terms upon request.

Military and Police Officer records

Available. Certificate of Prior Service can be obtained from the Office of the Adjutant General, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of National Defense at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.  Philippine National Police officers have a judicial system, similar records are available for former these officers from the Philippine National Police Headquarters, Camp Crane, Quezon City.

Special Clearance and Issuance Procedures

None.

Visa Issuing Post

Manila, Philippines
(Embassy)

Mailing Address:
Amembassy Manila
FPO AP 96515

Street Address:
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila City

Embassy Tel: (63-2) 301-2000

Consular Section Tel: (63-2) 301-6300

Fax: (63-2) 301-3242

Visa Services

All visa categories for all of the Phillipines and the areas listed below:

  • The Marshall Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Palau