In a move to bolster security and streamline processes, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced a collaboration with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to verify the identities of foreign students applying for visas to study in the Philippines. This partnership was unveiled during the launch of the BI’s new Student Visa and Special Study Permit (SSP) E-Services in Manila, led by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.
BI deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac explained that the names of all foreign student applicants are sent to NICA for thorough checks. The applications are initially prepared by the educational institutions themselves, which must coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) before forwarding them to immigration.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval noted that the entire application process could take approximately two to three weeks, especially if there are any matches found in NICA’s database, which would trigger further scrutiny.
Mabulac emphasized the robustness of their security measures, highlighting the system’s integration with Interpol’s database. This integration ensures automatic vetting of students upon their entry into the country, with their passports being checked against Interpol’s records at the airport.
The new SSP E-Services initiative is part of the BI’s broader strategy to modernize its operations through automation. Commissioner Viado stated that this project is designed to simplify and secure the visa application process for international students, aligning with the Philippines’ ambition to become a premier education destination in Asia.
The e-services platform, accessible at e-services.immigration.gov.ph, enables schools to submit applications directly, reducing paperwork and enhancing efficiency. This system reflects the BI’s commitment to facilitating easier access to education for foreign students while maintaining stringent security protocols.