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Browse our 2 legal questions about Dependent Visa in Philippines and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
The Dependent Visa in the Philippines allows spouses and children of foreign nationals with a long-term visa (like a work visa) to live in the country. This visa is also applicable to the dependents of Filipino citizens who have re-acquired their Philippine citizenship under the Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act. A foreign national can get a dependent visa for his/her spouse and children who are unmarried and under 21. The law and process in Makati City are consistent with the national immigration law of the Philippines.
Engaging a lawyer for Dependent Visa processing can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, the laws and regulations can be complicated to understand, and misinterpretation can lead to errors on your application, causing delays or even rejection. Secondly, lawyers with expertise in immigration laws can advise you on how to properly document your relationship with the primary visa holder, an integral requirement in the process. Finally, legal assistance is particularly helpful if you have any situations outside the norm, like a previous denial of visa, a need for waiver, or other legal intricacies.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) oversees the issuance of Dependent Visas in Makati City, in line with the national immigration laws of the Philippines. Validity of the dependent visa is linked to the principal's valid visa. The Dependent visa holder must enter and exit the country with the primary visa holder. If spouse or/and children wish to independently travel, they will need an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), applied separately. The dependent children's visa is valid until they reach 21 years of age, after which they must apply for a different visa category.
No, the dependent visa does not permit the holder to work in the Philippines. If employment is desired, a separate work visa application is required.
Approximately, it can take about 2-3 months. However, this varies depending on individual cases and the complexity of documents involved.
Yes, the holder of a dependent visa can apply to change his/her visa status to a different category if eligible.
Dependent visa holders are typically required to enter and exit the country with the primary visa holder. However, with an ECC, independent travel may be possible.
If your dependent visa application is denied, you might consider seeking legal advice. The lawyer can help understand the reasons for denial and navigate through the appeal procedures.
You may consult the Bureau of Immigration's official website to stay updated with the latest immigration policies and procedures. Other helpful resources include the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
If you plan to apply for a Dependent Visa or need legal assistance concerning one, it will be useful to hire a lawyer experienced in immigration law. They can guide you through the application process, help with documentation, and provide consultations on any difficulties or queries you might encounter.
