Republic of the Philippines · family · Leads to settlement
13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Permanent-residence immigrant visa for a foreign national married to a Filipino citizen.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Probationary for the first year, then permanent on conversion once the marriage is confirmed subsisting.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage is granted to a foreign national on the basis of a valid and subsisting marriage to a Philippine citizen, under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. It is a non-quota route, meaning it is not subject to the annual numerical limit. It is usually issued first on a probationary basis for one year before conversion to permanent status. As an immigrant visa it confers indefinite residence in the Philippines.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A valid and subsisting marriage to a Philippine citizen.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓The applicant's country grants reciprocal residence rights to Filipino spouses, where this condition applies.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓No record of a disqualifying crime or excludable condition.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ✓Ability to support the household without becoming a public charge.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Common blockers
- !A marriage that is not valid, or is no longer subsisting.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- !A disqualifying criminal record or excludable health condition.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- !Failure of the reciprocity condition where it applies to the applicant's nationality.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Marriage certificate and proof the marriage is subsisting.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Proof of the Filipino spouse's citizenship.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
- ·Police clearance and supporting financial documents.Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the marriage to a Filipino citizen is valid and subsisting and that any reciprocity condition is met.
Build the evidence pack
Gather the marriage certificate, the spouse's citizenship proof, clearances and financial documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the 13(A) petition with the Bureau of Immigration at the main office or an authorised office.
After approval
Receive the probationary 13(A), then apply to convert to permanent status once the qualifying period passes.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage.
Bureau of Immigration (Philippines) · verified
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Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)
The Philippines' numerically limited immigrant visa, capped per nationality each year, for applicants who can contribute to the country.
9(A) Temporary Visitor Visa
Short-term non-immigrant visa for tourism, business meetings or short visits to the Philippines.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 13(A) visa permanent straight away?+
It is usually issued first on a probationary basis for one year, then converted to permanent status once the Bureau of Immigration is satisfied the marriage remains valid and subsisting. Confirm the current probationary and conversion rules on the official Bureau of Immigration page.
Does every nationality qualify for the 13(A)?+
The 13(A) can carry a reciprocity condition, meaning the foreign spouse's country must grant comparable rights to Filipino spouses. Check whether this applies to your nationality on the official Bureau of Immigration page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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