THE ACR I-CARD PROJECT
The ACR I-Card Project automates the entire process of alien registration and integrates the issuance of various paper-based alien documentations into a microchip-based identification card called the ACR I-Card.
THE ACR I-CARD
The ACR I-Card is a microchip-based credit card-sized identification card issued to registered alien replacing the paper-based ACR. It has an embedded computer chip with biometric security features capable of data management and can be updated electronically. It is fraud and tamper-proof/resistant with the following data:
- Personal information such as name, age, date of birth, place of birth, etc.
- Photograph
- Date and status of admission
- Visa type granted/date granted/date issued/
expiry date - Biometric information (2 digitalized fingerprint templates)
- Signature
- ACR and ICR/NBCR/CRTV/CRTT/CRTS and CRPE numbers
- Travel details
- Payment of immigration fees details
The ACR I-Card likewise serves as the Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), Re-entry Permit (RP) and Special Return Certificate (SRC) of the holder upon payment of the required fees.
Hereunder is the complete reproduction of the ACR I-Card showing its front and back:


ADVANTAGES AND CONVENIENCE OF ACR I-CARD
To the ACR I-Card Holders:
- They are provided faster processing time at the ports of entry and exit with a maximum of 10 seconds for the verification process.
- They are assured that they are holding a genuinely issued ACR.
- They receive faster and more efficient service at the BI offices for immigration requirements.
- They are provided incomparable convenience as they are holding only one immigration document. No more paper-based ACR and ICR/NBCR/CRTV/CRTT/CRTS/CRPE, ECC, SRC and RP.
- Online payment of immigration fees.
- Quick verification of information.
- Eliminates illegal and unwarranted detention of alien residents. The implementation of the ACR I-Card Project will prevent and eliminate instances where aliens are indiscriminately accosted, harassed and detained on mere suspicion of possessing fake or fraudulent immigration documents.
- It decreases the cost of transacting business with the Bureau of Immigration as the ACR I-Card Project will eliminate fixers, illegal middlemen and syndicates issuing falsified documents.
To The Bureau of Immigration:
- Automates process of alien registration.
- Eliminates fraud in all aspects of alien registration as well as in the immigration entry/exit points in the country.
- Reduces the resources needed for manual passport checks and encoding of pertinent data while drastically improving immigration process time.
- Achieves higher revenues for the Bureau and the national government through increase in number of aliens who will register and improved efficiency in collection of fees.
- Enhances security of national borders against entry or exit of terrorists and transnational criminals; eliminates human smuggling activities.
- Increases efficiency of services to the resident aliens.
- Improves internal governance by eliminating fixers and illegal personnel issuing falsified documents.
| |
COVERAGE OF THE ACR I-CARD
All registered aliens, including their dependents, who have been duly issued paper-based ACRs are required to replace their ACRs with the hi-tech microchip-based ACR I-Card.
All aliens who have been duly issued immigrant or non-immigrant visa and all other aliens who are required to register under the Alien Registration Act are required to register and apply for the ACR I-Card. They are the following:
- Native-Born
- Permanent residents under:
- a. Section 13 and its sub-sections
- b. Republic Act Nos. 7919 and 8274 (Alien Social Integration Act of 1995)
- c. Executive Order No. 324 (series of 1988)
- d. Note Verbale No. 903730 dated Sept. 17, 1990 between Philippines and India
- Temporary residents under:
- a. BI Law Instruction No. 33 (Series of 1988)
- b. BI Law Instruction No.13 (Series of 1988)
- c. BI Law Instruction No. 48 (Series of 1988)
- d. BI Memo Order No. ADD-01-038 (series of 2001)
- e. BI Memo Order No. ADD-02-015 (series of 2002)
- Temporary visitor under Section 9(a), PIA –one who is coming for business or pleasure or for reasons of health if his stay exceeds six (6) months
- Treaty trader under Section 9(d), PIA
- Temporary student under Section 9(f), PIA
- Pre-arranged employee under Section 9(g), PIA
- Such other aliens as may be required by law to register
- For those who are required to register but exempted from immigration fees, they may opt to avail of the ACR I-Card subject to payment of the card fee.
PLACE OF APPLICATION/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Applications for issuance of ACR I-Card shall be made at the Main Office, Bureau of Immigration, Intramuros, Manila.
For those residing outside Metro Manila, applications may be made at the following district offices:
- San Fernando, La Union
- Aparri, Cagayan
- Subic
- Batangas
- Legaspi
- Iloilo
- Cebu
- Tacloban
- Zamboanga
- Cagayan De Oro
- Surigao, and
- Davao
If circumstances warrant and upon request of special arrangement, applications and data capturing may be made at the residence of the visa holder in view of his/her physical incapacity.
REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ACR I-CARD RENEWAL OR RE-ISSUANCE
RENEWAL
A. Expiration of one (1) year validity of the card
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
- Photocopy of passport (datapage, latest arrival stamp)
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
- Photocopy of passport (datapage, downgrading and visa implementation page
- BOC Order
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
RE-ISSUANCE
A. Lost ACR I-Card- Duly filled-up application form
- Letter request
- Affidavit of Loss
- Police Report
- Publication ( two consecutive weeks )
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
- Letter request
- Duly filled-up application form
- Original ACR I-Card
Name
- Duly filled-up form for Change/Correction of Name
- Copy of passport/Court Order
- NSO-issued Birth Certificate
- Affidavit for change/correction of name
- Duly filled-up form for change of nationality
- Original copy of passport/naturalization documents
- Affidavit for change of nationality
- Duly filled-up form for change of civil status
- NSO-issued Marriage Certificate/Certified True Copy of the Court Order nullifying the Marriage/Certified True Copy of the Death Certificate
- Affidavit for amendment of civil status
- Duly filled-up form for Change of Address
- Submit application with the required documents for evaluation, assessment of fees and OPS issuance at Counter 36, G/F CCPF Bldg.
- For payment of fees, proceed to the Cashier Counters 1 to 7, G/F BI Main Bldg.
- For recommendation of the Registration Officer (RO)/implementation of the requested amendment/s, proceed to Counter 42, G/F CCPF Bldg.
- For evaluation and approval of the application, proceed to 3/F CCPF Bldg.
- Card releasing at Counter 21 G/F, BI Main Bldg.
REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR ANNUAL REPORT PAYMENT
(Payment should be made within the first sixty (60) days of every year)- Original ACR I-Card.
- For payment, proceed to the Cashiers Counters 1 to 7 at G/F BI Main Bldg.
- For implementation, proceed to Counter 42 at G/F CCPF Bldg.
ACR I-CARD CANCELLATION
The ACR I-Card may be cancelled on the following grounds:
- Death of the holder (death certificate required)
- Adoption of Filipino citizenship by the holder
- Termination of Visa of the holder
- Cancellation of Visa
- Voluntary Cancellation by the holder




