The Bureau of Immigration (BI) mandates that all registered foreign nationals in the Philippines complete the 2026 Annual Report (AR) between January 1 and March 1, 2026, as required under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 562, the Alien Registration Act of 1950, as amended. This in-person or virtual requirement applies to holders of valid Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) or paper-based ACRs, ensuring ongoing immigration compliance and monitoring. Failure to report can lead to fines, delays in visa renewals or Emigration Clearance Certificates (ECC-B), and potential administrative actions, making timely completion critical for work visa holders, investors, and long-term residents.
What Is the Annual Report and Why It Matters
The Annual Report serves as a mandatory annual registration process for registered foreign nationals, allowing the BI to update records, verify ongoing visa validity, and maintain accurate immigration data. It is not optional and forms a core compliance obligation for anyone holding an ACR I-Card.
Key reasons it matters include:
- Legal compliance: Directly mandated by RA 562; non-compliance affects all future BI transactions.
- Travel requirements: Departing nationals must complete it before obtaining ECC-B for re-entry.
- Visa renewals: Outstanding AR blocks extensions, conversions, or new applications.
- Penalties avoidance: Late filing incurs fines up to PHP 2,000 plus motion fees.
For work visa holders on 9(g), 47(a)(2), SIRV, or similar, completing the Annual Report promptly supports seamless professional and personal continuity in the Philippines.
Who Must Complete the 2026 Annual Report
Virtually all registered foreign nationals with an ACR I-Card or paper-based ACR must file the Annual Report, regardless of visa type (immigrant or non-immigrant), as long as they hold a valid visa and are physically present in the Philippines during the period. This includes work visa holders, investors, retirees, and family members.
Mandatory groups:
- Holders of 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visas, 47(a)(2) PEZA Special Non-Immigrant Visas, SIRV, and other long-term visas.
- Immigrant visa holders (13(a), 13(g), permanent resident retirees).
- Dependents on 9(g) derivative visas or similar.
- Anyone issued an ACR I-Card upon registration.
Notable exemptions from personal appearance (but still must report):
- Minors under 14 years old.
- Seniors aged 60 and above.
- Physically/mentally incapacitated individuals.
- Pregnant women or those with medical conditions (proof required).
Dual Philippine citizens are exempt entirely. Tourist/visitor visa holders without ACRs do not file.
Required Documents for Annual Report Compliance
Preparation is straightforward: foreign nationals need specific core documents to complete the Annual Report, whether in-person or virtually. Always bring originals and copies where specified.
Essential documents:
- Valid ACR I-Card (or original paper-based ACR if applicable).
- Valid passport (current, not expired).
- Official Receipt (OR) from the previous year’s Annual Report payment.
- Completed online registration form via BI e-services portal (printout or digital confirmation).
Additional for exemptions/representatives:
- Proof of exemption (medical certificate, birth certificate for minors).
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for authorized representatives (not for tourist visa holders).
Fees typically include a PHP 300 AR fee and a PHP 10 Legal Research Fee; virtual adds a PHP 1,000 Express Lane fee.Late filers pay extra (PHP 200/month delay, capped at PHP 2,000/year, plus PHP 1,510 for the Motion for Reconsideration).
In-Person Annual Report Locations and Process
For those who prefer or are required to report in person, BI designates convenient locations nationwide, with Metro Manila hubs designed for high volume. In-person reporting runs Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Primary Metro Manila sites:
- BI Main Office (Intramuros): Robinsons Place Manila, 3rd Level Center Atrium.
- Additional: SM Mall of Asia Government Service Express (GSE) Unit.
Regional BI offices nationwide handle local reports; check e-services.immigration.gov.ph for the full list.
Step-by-step in-person process:
- Complete online registration at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
- Pay fees online (Maya, GCash, credit card, Landbank) or on-site.
- Present documents at designated sites for verification and stamping.
- Receive confirmation; retain for records and future ECC/renewals.
Mobile reporting is available via formal request to the BI Commissioner for groups (subject to approval).
Virtual Annual Report: Convenient 24/7 Option
The BI’s virtual Annual Report system offers a fully online alternative, available 24/7 (including weekends/holidays) for eligible foreign nationals physically present in the Philippines with valid visas. This end-to-end digital process minimizes queues and travel.
Eligibility: Holders of valid visas/ACR I-Cards; excludes some short-term categories.
Virtual process:
- Visit e-services.immigration.gov.ph and create/book appointments.
- Upload/submit documents digitally (ACR, passport, prior OR).
- Complete a virtual interview if required.
- Pay fees online (adds PHP 1,000 Express Lane).
- Receive digital confirmation (print for records).
Ideal for busy professionals, remote workers, or those avoiding crowds; same compliance value as in-person.
Exemptions, Representatives, and Special Cases
While most must report, BI provides accommodations for vulnerable groups via exemptions from personal appearance or representative filing. Core obligation remains: complete registration and pay fees.
Exemption categories (personal appearance only):
- Children <14 (parents/guardians handle).
- Elderly ≥60.
- Incapacitated, pregnant, or medically excused (certificate needed).
Representative filing (with SPA):
- Proof of exemption.
- SPA, ACR I-Card, passport copies.
- Prior OR.
Special cases:
- Departing nationals: File first via online/virtual before ECC-B.
- Late filers: Pay penalties; motion for reconsideration required.
- Dual citizens: Exempt.
Work Visa Philippines can authorize representatives or handle clients.
Penalties for Non-Compliance and Late Filing
Skipping or delaying the Annual Report triggers escalating penalties, blocking travel, renewals, and status changes. Compliance prevents these issues.
Consequences:
- Fines: PHP 200 per month delay (max PHP 2,000/year).
- Motion fee: PHP 1,510 for late acceptance.
- ECC-B block: Cannot depart without settled AR.
- Administrative actions: Visa delays, deportation risks in severe cases.
Settle arrears before the new AR payment; early filing avoids all this.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Report
Follow this timeline to ensure a smooth Annual Report submission.
- Prepare (Now): Gather ACR, passport, prior OR; check exemptions.
- Register online (Jan 1+): e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
- Choose method: Virtual (24/7) or in-person (schedule).
- Pay fees: Online preferred.
- Attend/report: Documents ready.
- Confirm/retain: Proof for records/ECC.
Start early; volume peaks late February.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Annual Report deadline of March 1 is firm: complete it via BI’s in-person (Robinsons Manila/SM MOA), virtual 24/7, or representative options with ACR I-Card, passport, and prior receipt to maintain compliance, enable travel (ECC-B), and support visa renewals. Exemptions ease burdens for minors, seniors, and medically excused, but penalties for delays (PHP 200/month up to 2,000 + fees) underscore urgency—especially for departing or renewing nationals.
Don’t Risk Fines or Blocks
Let our team at Work Visa Philippines handle your 2026 Annual Report with expert virtual/in-person filing, document prep, exemption coordination, and penalty waivers:
- Contact Us Here
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- Call us at +63 (02) 8540-9623
