Immigration Requirements

OPTION A: Conversion of Tourist Visa to Student Visa or Special Study Permit in the Philippines

The Visayas State University will assist the student in the conversion of his/her current visa status to a student visa if the student has complied with the following requirements:

He/she is at least eighteen (18) years old;
He/she has the means enough for his/her education and support 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 VSU’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 VSU all the required documents along with the following requirements. Please take note that requirements must be authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post in the student's country of residence, with the Embassy's official stationery and diplomatic red ribbon and dry seal attached to each:
1. Scholastic records (2 copies), duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of origin or legal residence. "SEEN and NOTED" stamp is not acceptable;
2. 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;
3. Police Clearance/Report
4. 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, VSU 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, especially for those who desire to enroll in Medicine and Dentistry, and the above-mentioned documentary requirements.
The DFA shall endorse the said documents to the Philippine Foreign Service Post located in the student’s country of origin or legal residence for the issuance of the Student Visa after validating the student’s identity and admissibility.
The Philippine Foreign Service Post shall require the Foreign Student to appear in person before the Consular Officer for interview and compliance with additional consular requirement:
1. Original copy of the NOA containing a clear impression of VSU’s dry seal;
2. Original copy of the CEA issued by CHED if enrolling in Medicine or Dentistry;
3. 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;
4. 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 reports to the National Quarantine Office in Manila for his Quarantine Clearance, then he 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).
While in Manila, the student can request assistance from the VSU Manila Office located at 08 Lourdes Street, Pasay City.
After securing the above-required documents from the Bureau of Immigration, the student may proceed to VSU, Baybay City, Leyte and proceed with the enrolment process.