General and Specific Functions of the Bureau

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

  1. Act as the primary enforcement arm of the Department of Justice and the President of the Philippines in ensuring that all foreigners within its territorial jurisdiction comply with existing laws.
    [Ledesma, An Outline of the Philippine Immigration and Citizenship Laws, 2006 Rv., p.12]

  2. Assist local and international law enforcement agencies in securing the tranquility of the state against foreigners whose presence or stay may be deemed threats to national security, public safety, public morals and public health.
    [Ibid.]

  3. Act as chief repository of all immigration records pertaining to entry, temporary sojourn, admission, residence and departure of all foreigners in the country.
    [Ibid.]

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS


        In the discharge of its broad functions, the Bureau through its Board of Commissioners, exercises administrative and quasi-judicial powers to;
  1. Regulates the entry (arrival), stay (sojourn), and exit (departure) of foreign nationals in the country. Monitors the entry and exit of Filipino citizens, in compliance with Philippine laws and other legal procedures.

  2. Issues immigration documents and identification certifications on the following visa categories:
    • Non-immigrant Visas
    • Immigrant Visas
    • Special Non-immigrant Visas

  3. Issues special permits in relation to the enforcement of immigration laws (e.g. Special Work Permit (SWP), Provisional Permit to Work (PPW), Special Study Permit (SSP), re-entry permits, clearances, etc.)

  4. Extends the stay of temporary visitors and implements applications of changes of statuses as provided by law
     
  5. Administrative determination of citizenship and related statuses.

  6. Investigates, hears, decides, and executes orders pertaining to exclusion, deportation, and   repatriation of aliens.

  7. Monitors and executes the implementation of the Bureau of Immigration Alert Lists (Watchlist, Blacklist, Hold Departure Orders)

  8. Cancels immigration documents upon violation of immigration laws and procedures.

  9. Investigates, arrests, and detains foreigners in violation of immigration regulation and other Philippine laws.

  10.  Accreditation of schools and learning institutions that can officially accept and enroll foreign students.

  11. Accreditation of law firms, liaison officers, travel agencies, and other individuals and organizations transacting with the Bureau of Immigration.