Immigration Service Philippines

Immigrating to the Philippines offers many opportunities, but the process involves extensive documentation, strict requirements, and detailed legal procedures. Our immigration services help manage visa applications, permits, and registrations by providing clear guidance, preparing documents and ensuring compliance with Bureau of Immigration rules.

With professional support, the process becomes more efficient and less stressful, giving individuals and families confidence as they begin their new chapter in the Philippines.

About Our Visa and Immigration Law Firm

Ligan & Uy Law is fully equipped to handle complex and multifaceted immigration matters. Accredited by the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Labor and Employment, our established Immigration Lawyers in Manila provide up-to-date and tailored immigration strategies for our clients, including individuals, small businesses, and large corporations.

With the Philippines being an economic hotspot in Southeast Asia, it attracts foreign individuals and international companies to invest in the country. This results in the influx of foreign nationals seeking local employment. Through these various situations, our law firm takes pride in playing a pivotal role in helping them navigate through immigration laws that address their specific needs.

As a trusted Immigration Lawyer in the Philippines and Filipino Immigration Lawyer, we work with our clients to provide strategic, expert, and practical advice in all aspects of visa application preparation, risk management, and compliance, making the process easy to understand, including working visas and permits, visas by marriage, investor visas, and dependent visas.

Our Immigration Services

Visa Assistance

We assist foreign nationals in applying for and renewing all major visa types, ensuring a smooth process for your stay. This comprehensive service includes:

• Work Visas: Obtain the required employment status with well-organized documentation and guidance.
• Student Visas: Navigate educational requirements with support that ensures proper eligibility and compliance.
• Temporary Visitor Visas: Benefit from efficient processing for tourism or short-term stays.
• Retirement Visas: Establish long-term residence through a structured and reliable application process.
• Investor Visas: Set up or manage business operations with assistance that clarifies regulatory and documentary requirements.
• Spousal Visas: Formalize residency status with complete support for compliance and documentation accuracy.

Residency Support

For foreign nationals planning an extended or permanent stay, we can help streamline the path to legal status. We will assist you in applying for and maintaining various long-term or permanent residency visas, ensuring you establish and keep your legal foothold in the Philippines effortlessly.

Legal Advice and Representation

Philippine immigration law can be complex, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. We provide clear legal guidance, prepare and file all necessary appeals, and represent you before the Bureau of Immigration to help resolve issues efficiently and with minimal disruption.

Document Preparation and Compliance

We prepare and organize all required documents, including certificates, clearances, and passports, to ensure full compliance with immigration rules. This thorough approach helps prevent delays, fines, or the risk of visa denial.

Who We Serve

We provide expert, tailored immigration services to ensure a smooth transition and legal compliance for a diverse range of clients moving to or operating within the Philippines:

• Foreign Professionals – We assist individuals relocating for work, securing the necessary employment visas, permits, and residency documentation to start their careers seamlessly.
• Spouses of Filipino Citizens – We guide foreign nationals married to a Filipino citizen through the application for long-term residency visas, such as the non-quota immigrant visa (13A), enabling permanent life with their spouse.
• Foreign Students – Individuals pursuing education or training can rely on our support for student visa applications, efficient renewals, and maintaining full compliance throughout their academic stay.
• Local Employers Sponsoring Foreign Workers – Companies hiring or transferring foreign employees can utilize our corporate immigration services to manage all necessary visas and compliance for their workforce.
• Foreign Retirees – We facilitate applications for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), granting retirees from abroad the right to comfortably make the Philippines their second home.
• Foreign Investors – We support investors in obtaining the Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), meticulously ensuring their applications are compliant so they can focus entirely on growing their businesses while residing in the country.

Our Immigration Lawyer in the Philippines

Jessamyn H. Uy-Ligan

Ms. Uy earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a Certificate in Business Law from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2021. She represents a wide range of clients, including foreign nationals seeking immigration support. Her background in corporate practice has also led to increasing engagement from international clients, including multinational companies that value our Firm’s quality of service.

FAQs About Immigration

How can I extend my tourist visa in the Philippines, and how often is it allowed?

Tourist visa extensions are processed at the Bureau of Immigration. After your initial stay, you may apply for an additional 29-day extension or choose a 1-, 2-, or 6-month extension depending on your needs. Foreign nationals may extend their stay up to a cumulative maximum of 36 months if they are from visa-free countries, and up to 24 months if they are from visa-required countries.

What should I do if I have overstayed my visa in the Philippines?

If you have overstayed your visa, you should report to the Bureau of Immigration as soon as possible to settle the corresponding fees and penalties. Overstaying is a serious violation and may lead to additional consequences if not addressed promptly. Consulting a Philippine immigration lawyer can help you navigate the process efficiently and reduce the risk of further complications.

What happens if I accidentally lose my visa documents or ACR I-Card?

If you lose your visa documents or ACR I-Card, you will need to file a notarized affidavit of loss explaining when and how the items went missing. The loss should also be reported to the Bureau of Immigration promptly so the necessary replacements or updates can be processed.

Can I remain in the Philippines if my marriage to a Filipino citizen ends?

If your marriage to a Filipino citizen ends, your 13A spousal visa is no longer valid because it is dependent on the existence of the marital relationship. The visa may be revoked, and you may be required to leave the Philippines or change your immigration status.

If you wish to remain in the country, you must apply for an alternative visa that fits your circumstances. Common options include the 9G (work visa), the SRRV (retirement visa), or the SIRV (investor visa). Professional guidance can help determine the most suitable pathway and ensure a smooth transition.

Contact Us

The best relationships start with a good conversation. We are always ready to give you the best advice, so contact us today.