The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is partnering with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) in processing the applications for student visas of foreign nationals looking to study in the country.
“All the names of the foreign students, we forward it to the NICA for verification,” BI deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said in a press conference after the launch of the BI’s Student Visa and Special Study Permit (SSP) E-Services in Manila on Wednesday.
Mabulac said the applications would be prepared by the schools.
“Even before they reach immigration, the school will prepare the application and they have to coordinate with CHED (Commission on Higher Education),” he said.
On the other hand, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the process of applications will take a few weeks.
“The application, if ever there is a hit from NICA (database), the person will be pulled out. The processing of the applications would take some weeks, probably two to three weeks,” Sandoval said.
Meanwhile, Mabulac assured that their system has layers of security, noting that they also have processes for identifying those who have fraudulent identities.
“Our system is connected with the Interpol (International Police). Upon their entry, the vetting process is automatic. When they enter the airport, after their passports have been swiped, it is connected with the Interpol,” Mabulac said.
“Once a student submits his/her application to the BI office with the endorsement from the school, the vetting process starts, and we have several layers of vetting.”
Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the SSP E-Services project is one step closer to the BI’s goal of modernization through automation of services.
“This is a priority project of the BI to make things easier and more secure for foreign students to apply for their visas and permits,” he said.
The system allows schools to apply directly to the BI, removing unnecessary paperwork and adding convenience by making applications online.
The service may be accessed via the bureau’s e-services website at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
Viado said the system is the BI’s contribution to the country’s efforts to make the Philippines a leading education hub in Asia. (PNA)
