Philippines Family Reunification Visa
The Philippines Family Reunification Visa, officially the Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage, or 13(a) Visa, is issued under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613) to a foreign national who has contracted a valid marriage with a Philippine citizen. According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), this visa also extends to the dependent, unmarried children under 21 years of age of the foreign applicant, who may join or accompany the applicant upon sufficient proof of blood relationship. Under Foreign Service Circular No. 21-10, this visa category generally requires that the applicant’s country of citizenship also grants permanent residence and immigration privileges to Filipino citizens (an immigration reciprocity requirement), and some nationalities carry additional conditions. As with all Philippines Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Philippine consular and immigration authorities.
Eligibility
Based on official BI and DFA guidance, applicants for a 13(a) Family Reunification (Marriage) Visa must generally:
- Have contracted a valid marriage with a Philippine citizen, recognised as valid under existing Philippine laws.
- Be a national of a country that has an immigration reciprocity agreement with the Philippines (granting comparable permanent residence privileges to Filipino citizens), per Foreign Service Circular No. 21-10.
- Have no record of derogatory information from relevant law enforcement agencies.
- Be of good physical and mental health.
- Have sufficient funds to support their family, evidenced through financial documentation.
- Note: some countries carry specific conditions — for example, certain nationalities require the visa applicant to be male and married to a female Philippine citizen, or have minimum marriage-duration requirements.
Government Visa Fees
Fees vary by the specific Philippine Embassy or Consulate processing the application, and by whether the applicant later converts or extends their status with the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines.
| Fee Type | Amount |
| 13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage (consular application fee) | Varies by Philippine Embassy or Consulate; confirm with the relevant mission |
| Conversion/extension fees with the Bureau of Immigration (if entering on a tourist visa first and converting status) | Varies; confirm with the Bureau of Immigration |
| INR Equivalent | Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances |
Fees are generally payable by money order (cash and personal checks are typically not accepted at consulates abroad) and are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Processing Time
According to official Philippine Consulate guidance, applicants are advised to lodge their 13(a) visa application at least one and a half months prior to their intended travel to the Philippines. The interview requires the presence of both the applicant and the Filipino spouse, and a decision is generally communicated immediately after the interview. Alternatively, some applicants first enter the Philippines on a Temporary Visitor’s Visa and then apply for probationary conversion to non-quota immigrant status with the Bureau of Immigration; this route has its own separate processing timeline, and the applicant may remain on probationary status for three consecutive years before applying for a permanent, non-probationary 13(a) visa in the fourth year.
Required Documents Checklist
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Applying for a Philippines Family Reunification Visa requires accurate documentation, a genuine family relationship, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Philippine authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with family reunification visa application forms, passport documentation, proof of relationship, sponsor documents, accommodation details, financial documents, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable immigration requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Philippines Family Reunification Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Philippine immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Philippines Family Reunification Visa application with confidence.