For foreign employees, completing the 2027 Annual Report is an important part of staying compliant with Philippine immigration rules. Missing a reporting period may lead to fines or other issues with a person’s immigration record. It may also cause issues when applying for an extension, leaving the country, or completing other immigration transactions.
Foreign nationals who live or work in the Philippines must follow the country’s immigration rules. One important yearly requirement is the BI Annual Report. This report helps the government keep its records of registered foreign nationals up to date.
The Annual Report is separate from a work visa renewal. A foreign employee may have a valid 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa and still need to complete the Annual Report. Likewise, completing the report does not extend the person’s visa or work permit.
What Is the 2027 Annual Report in the Philippines?
The Annual Report is a yearly immigration reporting requirement for registered foreign nationals in the Philippines. It is based on Section 10 of Republic Act No. 562, also known as the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended.
Under the law, registered foreign nationals must report to the BI within the first 60 days of every calendar year. The report helps the government update and check the records of foreign nationals who hold immigration registration documents.
The 2027 Annual Report will apply to foreign nationals who fall within the BI’s coverage for that year. The exact filing dates, procedures, and requirements should be confirmed through the BI’s official 2027 guidelines once released.
Foreign employees should not confuse the Annual Report with other immigration requirements. It is different from:
- Visa renewal: An application to extend or renew an immigration status.
- AEP renewal: A labor permit process handled by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), when applicable.
- ACR I-Card renewal: A process involving the foreign national’s immigration registration card.
- Annual Report: A yearly reporting requirement for covered registered foreign nationals.
Each process has its own purpose. Completing one does not automatically satisfy the others.
Who Must Complete the Annual Report 2027?
The Annual Report generally applies to registered foreign nationals who hold an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card or paper-based ACR and have a valid immigration status, subject to the BI’s rules.
Foreign employees with 9(g) visas are commonly covered. Other registered foreign nationals holding immigrant or non-immigrant visas may also need to report.
The following groups may be covered, depending on their immigration status and the final BI guidelines:
- Foreign employees working in the Philippines.
- Foreign nationals holding 9(g) employment visas.
- Foreign nationals holding other registered non-immigrant visas.
- Foreign nationals holding immigrant visas.
- Registered foreign nationals with ACR I-Cards or paper-based ACRs.
Temporary Visitor’s Visa or tourist visa holders are generally excluded from the Annual Report requirement under the BI’s published service guidance. However, they must still follow the rules for their authorized stay and visa extensions.
Foreign nationals should check their visa category instead of assuming that all foreign visitors have the same reporting duties.
What Are the Requirements for the 2027 Annual Report?
The BI releases annual reporting guidelines that explain the documents and procedures for each reporting year. Since the specific 2027 guidelines have not yet been confirmed, applicants should use the latest official BI instructions when preparing their documents.
The requirements in recent annual reporting periods have included the following.
1. Online Registration
Foreign nationals have been required to complete an online registration through the BI e-services portal before reporting.
The online registration helps create a reference number for the transaction. Applicants should complete the form carefully and check that the information matches their immigration records.
The official BI e-services portal is:
https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph
The 2027 instructions should be checked to confirm whether the same registration process will be used.
2. Original ACR I-Card or Paper-Based ACR
The ACR I-Card is an immigration registration card issued to covered foreign nationals. It contains information used by BI to identify and track the person’s registration.
For recent Annual Report periods, applicants have been required to present their original valid ACR I-Card or original paper-based ACR.
Foreign nationals with a pending ACR I-Card application may be allowed to report if they present the required proof of pending application, such as a claim stub and official receipt, when permitted by the applicable guidelines.
Applicants should check whether the 2027 rules will allow the same arrangement.
3. Valid Passport
A valid passport is another common requirement. It helps BI confirm the foreign national’s identity and immigration history.
Applicants should check their passport expiration date before the reporting period. If the passport has expired, they should review the BI’s instructions for the applicable affidavit or undertaking.
The final 2027 guidelines should be followed for any special cases involving expired passports, native-born foreign nationals without passports, or other situations.
4. Previous Annual Report Payment Receipt
Recent BI guidelines have required applicants to present the official receipt covering the previous Annual Report fee.
This may help BI confirm that the foreign national has completed the previous reporting obligation. Applicants should keep their payment records instead of relying only on online transaction history.
If a foreign national believes a previous payment was made but the BI record does not show it, the person should prepare the official receipt for verification.
When Is the Annual Report Deadline?
The Annual Report is required within the first 60 days of each calendar year under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 562, as amended.
For the 2026 reporting period, the BI announced January 1 to March 1, 2026. The specific dates and any changes to the procedure for 2027 should be confirmed through the official BI announcement.
Foreign employees should not wait until the final days to complete the report. Delays may occur because of missing documents, payment problems, or a high number of applicants.
A practical approach is to:
- Check the BI announcement once the 2027 guidelines are released.
- Prepare the passport and ACR documents before January.
- Complete online registration as early as the BI allows.
- Confirm the reporting method and payment instructions.
- Keep the reference number and official receipt.
The reporting period is separate from the employee’s visa expiration date. Even if the 9(g) visa remains valid throughout the year, the foreign national may still need to complete the Annual Report.
How Can Foreign Nationals Complete the Annual Report?
The BI has offered in-person and virtual reporting options in recent years. The available options for 2027 should be confirmed when the BI releases its official guidelines.
1. In-Person Annual Report
Foreign nationals who report in person may need to complete the online registration first and then visit a BI office or an authorized reporting location.
Recent procedures have required applicants to present the reference number, original ACR I-Card or paper-based ACR, and original passport.
Applicants should check the BI’s list of participating offices and confirm the location, operating hours, and requirements before traveling.
The BI may also issue an Order of Payment Slip (OPS) for the applicable fees. Applicants should pay through the authorized channels and keep the official receipt.
2. Virtual Annual Report
The BI also offers an online Annual Report process for qualified foreign nationals who have valid immigration status in the Philippines.
For the 2026 reporting period, the BI announced that eligible applicants could register online, complete the required steps, and pay using supported digital payment methods.
However, the virtual option may have eligibility rules and may not be available to every foreign national. Applicants should check the 2027 instructions before choosing this method.
A virtual reporting process should not be assumed to be available simply because it was offered in a previous year.
3. Reporting Through an Authorized Representative
Foreign nationals are generally expected to report in person. However, BI rules may allow some individuals who are exempt from personal appearance to send an authorized representative instead.
Recent guidelines have identified categories such as:
- Foreign nationals below 14 years old.
- Foreign nationals aged 60 and above.
- Persons with qualifying physical or mental incapacity.
- Pregnant women or foreign nationals with qualifying medical conditions.
The required proof of exemption and representative documents depend on the applicable BI guidelines. A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) may be required for a representative who is not a family member, subject to the rules.
Applicants should not assume that a representative can report on their behalf without meeting the exemption requirements.
How Much Does the Annual Report Cost?
The cost of the Annual Report depends on the BI’s current fee schedule and the applicant’s circumstances.
The BI’s published Annual Report service page lists an Annual Report fee of ₱300 and a Legal Research Fee of ₱10, for a total of ₱310. However, the BI notes that its published fees may change without prior notice.
Applicants should confirm the actual assessment for 2027 before paying.
Additional charges may apply when the foreign national has missed a reporting period. BI’s published guidance and Operations Order No. 2025-007 refer to a Motion for Reconsideration fee and monthly delay fines, subject to the applicable limits and assessment.
The total amount may depend on:
- The number of months of delay.
- Previous unpaid Annual Report obligations.
- The applicable BI fee schedule.
- Other immigration charges, if any.
Foreign nationals should request an official assessment and pay only through authorized BI channels. They should keep the official receipt as proof of payment.
What Happens if a Foreign National Misses the 2027 Annual Report?
Missing the Annual Report deadline may lead to fines or other penalties under immigration rules.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has warned that those who fail to comply may face administrative fines or legal action. The actual penalties will depend on the person’s situation and the rules in effect.
A foreign employee who misses the deadline should not ignore the problem. The person should contact BI to check the immigration record and ask about the proper procedure for completing the report late.
The employee may need to:
- Complete the required online registration.
- Present the required passport and ACR documents.
- Pay the assessed Annual Report fee.
- Pay applicable delay fines.
- Submit a Motion for Reconsideration or other document, if required.
Late reporting should be handled as soon as possible. Waiting longer may increase the amount assessed or create problems with other immigration transactions.
Does the Annual Report Affect a 9(g) Visa Renewal?
The Annual Report and 9(g) visa renewal are separate immigration transactions. Completing the Annual Report does not renew the employee’s visa or extend the approved employment period.
A foreign employee with a 9(g) visa should monitor both the Annual Report deadline and the visa expiration date.
For example, a foreign employee whose 9(g) visa expires in February 2027 may need to complete both the Annual Report and the visa extension process. The company should check the requirements for each one and remember that completing one does not mean the other is also done.
Employers should also monitor the employee’s AEP validity, if applicable. The AEP is issued by DOLE and is separate from the BI visa and Annual Report.
Keeping these dates in one tracking system can help employees and employers avoid missed deadlines.
What Should Employers Do to Help Foreign Employees Comply?
Employers have an important role in helping foreign employees maintain proper immigration records. While the Annual Report is the foreign national’s legal reporting obligation, company support can help prevent missed deadlines.
Employers should:
- Keep a record of foreign employees’ visa and ACR I-Card details.
- Remind employees of the annual reporting period.
- Check whether the employee has completed the report.
- Keep copies of relevant receipts and confirmations, where appropriate.
- Coordinate with the employee or immigration service provider when help is needed.
- Monitor visa and AEP expiration dates separately.
A yearly compliance calendar can help the company track the Annual Report, visa renewals, AEP renewals, and other immigration obligations.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Annual Report is an important immigration requirement for certain foreign nationals in the Philippines. Foreign employees, including many 9(g) visa holders, should check the official Bureau of Immigration (BI) guidelines and complete the report within the required period.
The Annual Report is different from a visa renewal, AEP renewal, or ACR I-Card transaction. Foreign nationals should prepare their passports, ACR documents, registration details, and proof of payment based on the latest BI guidelines.
The rules for the 2027 Annual Report may change. Applicants should check with the Bureau of Immigration for the reporting dates, available options, fees, and required documents. Preparing ahead and keeping records up to date can help foreign employees avoid late reporting and other immigration issues.
Is Assistance Available?
Annual reporting is one part of maintaining immigration compliance in the Philippines. Foreign employees must also keep their visas and work permits valid and follow the conditions of their approved status.
Work Visa Philippines can help foreign nationals and employers understand immigration requirements, prepare documents, and manage work visa applications and renewals. If you need help checking your immigration obligations for 2027, proper guidance can help you prepare and avoid common errors.
Contact us today for an initial consultation:
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