OPTION A: Conversion of Tourist Visa to Student Visa or Special Study Permit in the Philippines
- If the student meets the following qualifications, Samar State University will assist him or her in converting his/her existing visa status to a student visa:
- He/she must be at least eighteen (18) years old;
- He/she has sufficient funds for his/her education and assistance in the Philippines.
- He/she does not belong to any class of excluded foreign nationals nor any ground for deportation exist against him/her; and
- He/she has complied with all the documents required in the Checklist of Documentary Requirements for Conversion to Student Visa, or Checklist of Documentary Requirements for Special Study Permit (SSP).
- The student has to submit all the required documents and necessary fees to SSU’s International Affairs Office so that the Liaison Officer will process the student’s visa conversion or application for an SSP at the Bureau of Immigration.
*Note that the Tourist Visa extension is still required for students who will apply for the Special Study Permit.
OPTION B: Student Visa Application while Student is in his/her Home Country
- The student has to send to SSU all the needed documents along with the requirements listed below. Please keep in mind that requirements need to be authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post in the student’s mother-country, with the Embassy’s official stationery and diplomatic red ribbon and dry seal attached to each:
- Scholastic records (2 copies), duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s mother-country or legal residence. “SEEN and NOTED” stamp is not acceptable;
- A notarized Affidavit of SUPPORT and proof of adequate financial support (such as bank certificates) or notarized Notice of Grant for Institutional scholars to cover the expenses of the student while studying;
- Police Clearance/Report
- Photocopy of the student’s passport showing his name, photo, birthdate and birthplace, and birth certificate or its equivalent duly authenticated by Philippine Embassy.
- Upon receipt of the above documents, SSU shall issue a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) to the student and submit a duplicate copy to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), with certified true copies of the CHED’s Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) when necessary and the above-mentioned documentary requirements.
- After validating the student’s identification and eligibility, the DFA shall endorse the abovementioned papers to the Philippine Foreign Service Post situated in the student’s place of origin or legal residence for the issuing of the Student Visa.
- The Philippine Foreign Service Post will need the Foreign Student to appear in person before the Consular Officer for an interview and to comply with the following consular requirements:
- Original copy of the NOA containing a clear impression of SSU’s dry seal;
- Original copy of the CEA issued by CHED if enrolling in Medicine or Dentistry;
- Police clearance issued by the national police authorities in the student’s country of origin or legal residence, authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post having consular jurisdiction;
- Medical Certificate issued by an authorized physician including, but not limited to, standard-size chest x-ray, and Hepatitis B clearance.
- Upon arrival in the Philippines, the student proceeds to the Bureau of Immigration (Student Desk) at Intramuros, Manila for registration and for the issuance of his Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) and Certificate of Temporary Residence for Students (CTRS).
- After securing the above-required documents from the Bureau of Immigration, the student may proceed to SSU, Catbalogan, City and proceed with the enrolment process.
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
http://immigration.gov.ph/services/special-permits/special-study-permit
http://immigration.gov.ph/visa-requirements/non-immigrant-visa/temporary-visitor-visa/visa-waiver