Stay in status
Your stay continues as a temporary visitor once the old visa has ended, without a gap in your record.
Visas & immigration
Visa Downgrade
A visa downgrade converts an immigrant or non-immigrant visa back to a temporary visitor (tourist) visa with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. It is the proper way to end a visa you no longer need, or to clear the way for a different one.
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- Who it is for
- Holders ending or changing a visa
- Government fee
- From PHP 5,520
- Processing time
- 1 to 2 months
- Filed at
- Bureau of Immigration, Manila
About the visa
Why downgrade properly
Downgrading is most often needed when the basis of a visa ends, for example after a resignation, a termination or the dissolution of the sponsoring company. Until the visa is downgraded, your immigration record still shows the old status, which can block a new application and cause problems when you leave the country.
Clear the way for a new visa
A new application, such as a 9G with a different employer, needs the previous visa closed first.
Lower fees if you act early
The government fee rises once the visa has expired, and again after 59 days.
A clean exit
A downgraded visa lets you obtain your exit clearance and depart without questions at the airport.
Closure for the employer
The sponsoring company's responsibility for the visa formally ends.
Who can apply
Who needs a visa downgrade
You need a downgrade if you hold an immigrant or non-immigrant visa and one of these applies.
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Your employment has ended through resignation, termination or the end of your contract.
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The company or organisation that sponsored your visa has been dissolved.
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You missed the deadline to extend your visa.
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You are moving to a different visa, or to a new employer.
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You no longer want or need the visa and plan to stay as a visitor or leave the Philippines.
How it works
Visa Downgrade Process
The exact requirements and timing depend on your circumstances, but most applications follow these stages.
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Status check
We review your visa, its expiry date and your ACR I-Card. Whether the visa has already expired determines the fee and how quickly you should file. -
Letter request and documents
We prepare the letter request to the Commissioner stating the reason for the downgrade, and gather the supporting documents for your visa category. -
Signing
You, and where relevant your employer or spouse, sign the request and supporting documents. -
Filing in Manila
The application is filed at the Bureau of Immigration main office. Downgrades are a Manila-only transaction, and we file wherever you are based. -
Assessment and payment
The Bureau assesses the fees according to the status of your visa and they are paid. -
Order and next step
Once the downgrade is approved you hold temporary visitor status, and we move on to your extension, new visa or exit clearance.
Support All the Way, From Documents to Approval
Our team prepares your documents, files your application and joins you at government appointments, so you always know what happens next.
- Itemized quote. Professional and government fees shown separately.
- Dedicated contact. A communications manager keeps you updated.
- Online payment. Every invoice can be paid securely online.
- In-person support. We meet you at government appointments when required.
In detail
Visa downgrade document checklist
All applicants
- Letter request addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration stating the reason for downgrading, such as resignation, termination, late filing of an extension or dissolution of the company
- Your address and contact numbers, where you file the request yourself
- Photocopy of your passport bio-page
- Photocopy of the front and back of your ACR I-Card, if you have one
- Photocopy of your visa implementation and latest admission stamp
- Copy of the approval order for your visa
- Proof of your current valid authorized stay
Additional documents by visa type
- Pre-arranged employment and missionary visas: certificate of employment or certification of missionary work from the petitioning company or congregation
- Immigrant visa by marriage or Temporary Resident Visa: a request from the applicant, the spouse or both, with their address and contact numbers, and the original PSA marriage certificate
- 47(a)(2) visas: a copy of the Department of Justice indorsement granting the visa and proof of notice of downgrading
- Special economic zone visas: the cancellation order from the economic zone authority
- 9(e) visas for foreign government officials: certificate of employment from the embassy, consulate or international organisation and an endorsement from the Department of Foreign Affairs
In detail
Visa Downgrade fees and processing time
Government fees
- Visa not yet expired: PHP 5,520
- Visa expired within the last 59 days: PHP 6,520
- Visa expired more than 59 days ago: PHP 7,530
Government fees can change without notice, and the amount assessed at filing is final. Our professional fee is separate and is quoted during your consultation.
How long it takes
A visa downgrade typically takes one to two months. It is filed only at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila.
FAQs
Visa Downgrade Frequently Asked Questions
It converts your immigrant or non-immigrant visa to a temporary visitor visa, so that your status matches your situation once the original basis for the visa has ended.
Typically one to two months from filing.
The Bureau of Immigration fee is PHP 5,520 if your visa has not expired, PHP 6,520 if it expired within the last 59 days and PHP 7,530 if it expired more than 59 days ago.
Either you or the company or organisation that petitioned for your visa. For a visa by marriage, the request comes from you, your spouse or both.
Yes. A 9G working visa is tied to the sponsoring employer, so it is downgraded before a new one is applied for under the new employer.
If your visa has ended and you are leaving, the visa is downgraded first and you then obtain an exit clearance (ECC).
The filing is done at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. We file on your behalf.
No, but the fee is higher and it should be dealt with promptly. If you have overstayed, a Motion for Reconsideration may also be needed.
Written and reviewed by the C&G immigration team. Last updated . Government requirements and fees change, so confirm the details for your case before filing.
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