MANILA, December 19 ------ The Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially launched its online student visa and permit application. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the move puts the bureau closer to its 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," said Viado in the launch held inside Intramuros.
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 BI's e-services website at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
The system, according to Viado, is the BI's contribution to the country’s efforts to make the Philippines a leading education hub in Asia. The student visa system was in the headlines earlier this year over a supposed influx of Chinese students in Cagayan province, which hosts Naval Base Camilo Osias and Lal-lo Airport — both sites covered by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that allows US troops to use and preposition supplies in selected Philippine military facilities.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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