Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has came out with stricter rules in processing the student visa applications following reports that many non-student aliens got the papers to prolong their stay in the country, it was learned yesterday.
BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued a memorandum order prescribing new guidelines in the issuance of student visa and special study permit (SSP) to foreigners enrolled in various schools of the country.
Student visa is issued to foreigners, at least 18 years old, who will be taking up a course higher than high school at a university, seminary, college, or school duly authorized to admit foreign student.
On the other hand, special study permits (SSPs) are issued to foreign student below 18 who will study in the elementary, secondary, tertiary levels and those who will enroll in a special course of less than one year. (Jun Ramirez)