EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 188 July 13, 1994
GUIDELINES ON THE ENTRY AND STAY OF FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTER-AGENCY COMMITTEE FOR THE PURPOSE
WHEREAS, an increasing number of foreigners have expressed their desire to enter and study in the Philippines, and graduate from Philippine schools, colleges and universities;
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the government to promote the Philippines as a center for education in the region by (i) encouraging foreign students to study in the Philippines, (ii) developing awareness of the Philippine educational system by neighboring countries, and (iii) allowing duly accepted foreign students to avail of the facilities of the Philippine educational system; and
WHEREAS, the current procedure and guidelines governing the entry and stay of foreign students in the Philippines need to be updated and simplified, in support of this policy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by law, do hereby order:
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Executive Orders
Guidelines on the Entry and Stay of Foreign Students in the Philippines and the Establishment of an Inter-Agency Committee For the Purpose
Executive Order No. 188
Summary of Executive Order No. 188 on Guidelines for Foreign Students in the Philippines
Basic Policies and Procedures (Sec. 1):
- Acceptance of Foreign Students:
• Philippine schools recognized by DECS can accept foreign students. (A.1)
• Schools may launch campaigns to solicit applications from foreign students. (A.1)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) from DECS required for certain courses like medicine and nursing due to facility shortage. CEA valid for course duration if student attends classes and maintains grades. (A.2)
• DECS to determine courses requiring CEA within 60 days and update the list as needed. (A.3)
• DECS to provide schools with foreign educational system equivalences. (A.4)
• Enrollment requires completion of lower level education. (A.5)
• Spouses and children of certain categories like permanent residents, working permit holders, diplomats, and SIRV/SRRV holders treated as Philippine nationals for enrollment. (A.6)
- Issuance of Visas (B.7):
• Minimum documentation required for student visa application at Philippine Foreign Service Establishments (PFSE):
a) School acceptance notice and CEA (if applicable)
b) Proof of financial support
c) Authenticated scholastic records
d) Police clearance certificate
e) Medical examination results
f) Other documents required by consular officer
• PFSE to issue student visa if requirements are met, without assessing scholastic fitness.
- Arrival and Stay in the Philippines (C):
• Process for entry, stay, and issuance of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for authorized foreign students to be facilitated. Stay period consistent with course duration. (C.8)
• Schools to report to Bureau of Immigration foreign students who fail to register or are absent from final exams. (C.9)
• Arrangements for conversion to student visa for foreigners already in the Philippines under other visas, if prerequisites are met. (C.10)
- Security Matters (D):
• Authorities may check activities of foreign students deemed inimical to state security. (D.11)
• Agencies to apprehend foreign students violating immigration laws and regulations, e.g., employment leading to visa cancellation and deportation proceedings. (D.11)
• Agencies to safeguard national security without encumbering foreign student application process. (D.12)
Establishment and Composition of Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students (Sec. 2)
Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee (Sec. 3):
• Promulgate simplified procedures and guidelines within 60 days. (3.1)
• Monitor and coordinate implementation. (3.2)
• Meet regularly to assess progress and ensure effective promotion of the Philippines as an education center. (3.3)
• Request attendance of other agency/private sector representatives as needed. (3.4)
Repealing Provision and Effectivity (Sec. 4 & 5)
• Repeals Executive Order No. 104 of 1967 and other inconsistent issuances.
• Takes effect immediately.
Basic Policies and Procedures (Sec. 1):
- Acceptance of Foreign Students:
• Philippine schools recognized by DECS can accept foreign students. (A.1)
• Schools may launch campaigns to solicit applications from foreign students. (A.1)
• Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) from DECS required for certain courses like medicine and nursing due to facility shortage. CEA valid for course duration if student attends classes and maintains grades. (A.2)
• DECS to determine courses requiring CEA within 60 days and update the list as needed. (A.3)
• DECS to provide schools with foreign educational system equivalences. (A.4)
• Enrollment requires completion of lower level education. (A.5)
• Spouses and children of certain categories like permanent residents, working permit holders, diplomats, and SIRV/SRRV holders treated as Philippine nationals for enrollment. (A.6)
- Issuance of Visas (B.7):
• Minimum documentation required for student visa application at Philippine Foreign Service Establishments (PFSE):
a) School acceptance notice and CEA (if applicable)
b) Proof of financial support
c) Authenticated scholastic records
d) Police clearance certificate
e) Medical examination results
f) Other documents required by consular officer
• PFSE to issue student visa if requirements are met, without assessing scholastic fitness.
- Arrival and Stay in the Philippines (C):
• Process for entry, stay, and issuance of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for authorized foreign students to be facilitated. Stay period consistent with course duration. (C.8)
• Schools to report to Bureau of Immigration foreign students who fail to register or are absent from final exams. (C.9)
• Arrangements for conversion to student visa for foreigners already in the Philippines under other visas, if prerequisites are met. (C.10)
- Security Matters (D):
• Authorities may check activities of foreign students deemed inimical to state security. (D.11)
• Agencies to apprehend foreign students violating immigration laws and regulations, e.g., employment leading to visa cancellation and deportation proceedings. (D.11)
• Agencies to safeguard national security without encumbering foreign student application process. (D.12)
Establishment and Composition of Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students (Sec. 2)
Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee (Sec. 3):
• Promulgate simplified procedures and guidelines within 60 days. (3.1)
• Monitor and coordinate implementation. (3.2)
• Meet regularly to assess progress and ensure effective promotion of the Philippines as an education center. (3.3)
• Request attendance of other agency/private sector representatives as needed. (3.4)
Repealing Provision and Effectivity (Sec. 4 & 5)
• Repeals Executive Order No. 104 of 1967 and other inconsistent issuances.
• Takes effect immediately.