Have you recently changed your citizenship or acquired a new nationality while living in the Philippines? If you are a foreign national holding an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), you may need to update your nationality or citizenship information with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Whether you are an expatriate residing in Angeles City, a foreign retiree living near Clark Freeport Zone, a long-term resident of Pampanga, or a foreign national living elsewhere in the Philippines, keeping your immigration registration accurate is important.
A change in citizenship or nationality can affect the personal information recorded in your passport, travel documents, and immigration records. If your ACR I-Card continues to reflect your previous nationality, you may need to request an amendment supported by official documentation.
The Bureau of Immigration provides a procedure for changing or amending nationality on an ACR I-Card, allowing eligible existing cardholders to request updates to their registered information.
This guide explains the documentary requirements, Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality, application steps, possible fees, and important considerations when updating nationality information in the Philippines.
What Is an ACR I-Card Nationality Amendment?
An ACR I-Card nationality amendment is an administrative process that allows a registered foreign national to request a change or correction to the citizenship or nationality information recorded in their Philippine immigration registration.
The ACR I-Card is an identification document issued by the Bureau of Immigration to qualifying foreign nationals. It contains personal identification details and information associated with the cardholder’s immigration registration.
When a foreign national legally acquires a different citizenship or discovers that the recorded nationality is incorrect, an amendment may be appropriate.
For example, a foreign national originally registered as a citizen of Country A may subsequently become a naturalized citizen of Country B.
If the person remains subject to Philippine alien registration requirements, the nationality recorded in their ACR I-Card may need to be updated to reflect the legally established change.
It is important to distinguish between acquiring citizenship and amending immigration records.
The Bureau of Immigration does not grant a person foreign citizenship merely by changing the nationality recorded on an ACR I-Card. The amendment records a nationality or citizenship status established through the appropriate legal authority.
Who Needs to Change Their Nationality on an ACR I-Card?
Foreign nationals who already hold an ACR I-Card may need to request an amendment when their registered nationality no longer accurately reflects their legally recognized citizenship.
Common situations include:
- A foreign national who has become a naturalized citizen of another country.
- An expatriate who has legally acquired a different nationality.
- A foreign retiree whose citizenship changed after the original ACR I-Card was issued.
- A foreign resident whose nationality was incorrectly entered during immigration registration.
- A person who needs to reconcile nationality information appearing in their passport and immigration records.
- A foreign national who holds more than one citizenship and needs clarification or correction of the nationality recorded in Philippine immigration records.
The appropriate procedure depends on the applicant’s citizenship circumstances, visa classification, and documentary evidence.
Acquiring an additional citizenship does not necessarily mean that the person has lost their original nationality.
Applicants with dual or multiple citizenship should ask the Bureau of Immigration how their particular nationality information should be recorded.
Requirements for Changing Nationality on an ACR I-Card
According to the Bureau of Immigration’s published documentary checklist for ACR I-Card re-issuance and amendment, applicants requesting a change in citizenship or nationality must provide two additional supporting documents:
- Official document proving the change of citizenship or nationality.
- Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality.
These are in addition to the general requirements for ACR I-Card re-issuance.
1. Official Document Proving Change of Citizenship or Nationality
The applicant must present official documentary evidence establishing the nationality or citizenship change.
The Bureau of Immigration’s Citizen’s Charter identifies a passport or travel document as an example of supporting evidence.
Depending on the circumstances, relevant documents may include:
- A valid passport issued by the applicant’s new country of citizenship.
- An official travel document establishing nationality.
- A certificate of naturalization.
- A citizenship certificate issued by the appropriate government authority.
- Other official documents recognized by the Bureau of Immigration as proof of the change.
The appropriate document depends on how the applicant acquired citizenship and the legal status of the documentation.
A newly issued passport may establish a person’s present citizenship but may not, by itself, explain every relevant aspect of the nationality change. Additional evidence may be requested.
Foreign-issued documents may also be subject to authentication, apostille, translation, or other verification requirements.
Applicants should confirm the applicable requirements before arranging documentary authentication.
2. Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality
An Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality is a sworn written statement describing the applicant’s nationality change.
It is expressly identified in the Bureau of Immigration’s documentary checklist for this type of amendment.
The affidavit generally explains the person’s previously registered nationality and the legal basis for the requested update.
It may contain:
- Full legal name of the applicant.
- Date and place of birth.
- Previously registered nationality.
- New or current nationality.
- Previous passport details, where relevant.
- Current passport details.
- Date of citizenship acquisition or change.
- Legal basis for the change.
- Supporting citizenship documentation.
- Declaration that the information provided is true.
The affidavit should accurately reflect the applicant’s citizenship circumstances and be properly executed.
Applicants may consult a qualified Philippine legal professional or notary public for assistance.
3. Accomplished ACR I-Card Application Form
Applicants must complete the prescribed Bureau of Immigration application form for re-issuance or amendment.
The official checklist identifies the ACR I-Card renewal or re-issuance application form.
The form should be completed using accurate personal information consistent with the applicant’s passport and citizenship documents.
4. Original ACR I-Card
The existing ACR I-Card is generally required for verification and processing.
Applicants should bring the original card and any photocopies required by the current checklist.
The card may need to be surrendered if the amendment is approved for re-issuance.
5. Passport and Visa Documents
The Bureau of Immigration’s published re-issuance checklist also identifies passport and visa documentation.
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their particular immigration classification, which may include:
- Photocopy of passport biographical page.
- Photocopy of visa implementation page, where applicable.
- Latest Philippine admission or arrival record.
- Evidence of valid authorized stay.
- Relevant visa approval or immigration registration records.
Applicants whose citizenship has changed should bring both current and previous passport records when required to establish their immigration history.
The processing office may request additional documents to reconcile the applicant’s old and new nationality information.
How to Change Your Nationality on an ACR I-Card in Angeles City: Step-by-Step Guide
The Bureau of Immigration provides a general application procedure for ACR I-Card re-issuance and amendments.
The following steps explain how a foreign national may prepare and submit a nationality amendment request.
Step 1: Confirm Your Current Citizenship Status
Before requesting an ACR I-Card amendment, determine your legally established nationality or citizenship status.
If you recently became a naturalized citizen of another country, review the official documents issued by that country’s government.
If you hold dual or multiple citizenship, determine which nationality information requires updating in your Philippine immigration records.
Step 2: Obtain Official Proof of the Nationality Change
Secure the official documents establishing your current citizenship.
Depending on your situation, this may include a new passport, certificate of naturalization, citizenship certificate, or another recognized government record.
Check whether the documents require an apostille, authentication, translation, or additional verification.
Step 3: Prepare an Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality
Arrange for the preparation of the required affidavit.
The affidavit should describe your previously registered nationality, current nationality, and the circumstances establishing the change.
Make sure the information is consistent with your official citizenship documents.
Step 4: Check Whether Your Visa Records Require Updating
A change in nationality may also affect how your passport and immigration records are maintained.
For example, an applicant whose visa was implemented in an old passport may need to ask the Bureau of Immigration whether additional record updates, visa transfer procedures, or related transactions are necessary.
Do not assume that amending the ACR I-Card automatically updates every immigration record.
Step 5: Complete the ACR I-Card Application Form
Obtain the prescribed application form from the Bureau of Immigration.
Complete the required information accurately and identify the appropriate amendment transaction.
Review the entries before signing.
Step 6: Organize Your Supporting Documents
Prepare your application form, original ACR I-Card, supporting passport documents, official proof of citizenship change, and notarized affidavit.
Follow the checklist issued by the processing immigration office.
Additional documentation may be requested depending on your circumstances.
Step 7: Visit an Authorized Bureau of Immigration Office
The Bureau of Immigration identifies its Main Office and other authorized immigration offices as processing locations for eligible ACR I-Card re-issuance applications.
Foreign residents in Angeles City, Clark, and nearby Pampanga communities may contact the Angeles Immigration Field Office to inquire about the appropriate processing location.
Confirm that the office accepts nationality amendment transactions before visiting.
Step 8: Submit Your Application for Evaluation
Present the completed application and supporting documents to the designated receiving personnel.
The Bureau of Immigration will review the documentary requirements and the applicant’s immigration records.
Additional verification may be necessary where the nationality change affects existing registration or visa information.
Step 9: Obtain the Order of Payment Slip
After the relevant evaluation, the Bureau of Immigration may issue an Order of Payment Slip identifying the applicable charges.
Review the assessment before payment.
Step 10: Pay the Required Fees
Pay the assessed fees through the officially designated payment channel.
Keep the official receipt and any transaction documents provided by the immigration office.
Step 11: Complete Final Processing
Once the application has been evaluated and approved, the Bureau of Immigration may proceed with the amendment and issuance of a corrected ACR I-Card.
Follow any additional identification, record verification, or biometric instructions issued by the processing office.
Step 12: Claim Your Amended ACR I-Card
When the corrected card becomes available, follow the office’s collection instructions.
Present the necessary identification documents and claim stub.
Check that your nationality and other personal details are accurate before completing the transaction.
How to Amend Your ACR I-Card After Acquiring a New Citizenship in Angeles City?
Foreign nationals who obtain citizenship in another country may need to update their Philippine immigration registration.
For example, a British citizen living in Angeles City may later become a Canadian citizen through naturalization.
If the person’s nationality changes and the individual remains subject to alien registration in the Philippines, the ACR I-Card may need to reflect the appropriate citizenship information.
The applicant should obtain official proof of Canadian citizenship, prepare the required affidavit, and inquire with the Bureau of Immigration about updating the nationality associated with their existing immigration records.
The precise documentary requirements depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
Where the individual retains British citizenship alongside Canadian citizenship, the amendment may involve dual nationality considerations rather than a simple replacement of one nationality with another.
Can Dual Citizens Change Their Nationality on an ACR I-Card?
Foreign nationals who acquire a second citizenship may have questions about which nationality should appear in their ACR I-Card records.
Holding dual citizenship does not always mean that the original citizenship has been relinquished.
The legal effect of acquiring another nationality depends on the citizenship laws of the countries involved.
For this reason, a dual citizen should not simply select a preferred nationality without considering the documentation and immigration status under which they are registered in the Philippines.
Applicants should consult the Bureau of Immigration about how their citizenship circumstances affect their ACR I-Card and visa records.
What If You Acquire or Reacquire Philippine Citizenship?
Acquiring or reacquiring Philippine citizenship requires special consideration.
The Bureau of Immigration provides separate procedures relating to the retention or reacquisition of Philippine citizenship and cancellation of alien registration in applicable circumstances.
For example, a former Filipino citizen who reacquires Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 may have different documentation and registration requirements from a foreign national merely changing from one foreign nationality to another.
In such cases, the correct procedure may involve cancellation of alien registration rather than amendment of nationality on an ACR I-Card.
Applicants should confirm their citizenship status and the appropriate Bureau of Immigration transaction before applying.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Nationality on an ACR I-Card?
The photographed Angeles Field Office Citizen’s Charter displays the following reference amounts for ACR I-Card amendments:
| Transaction | Amount Displayed |
|---|---|
| ACR I-Card with Amendments | ₱3,020 |
| Administrative Fine | ₱200 per month, where applicable |
These amounts come from the supplied office notice and have not been confirmed as the current fee schedule.
The Bureau of Immigration’s online re-issuance service page also displays older fees dated March 6, 2014.
Applicants should request the latest official assessment before payment.
An administrative fine should not be assumed to apply automatically to every nationality amendment.
How Long Does an ACR I-Card Nationality Amendment Take?
Processing time depends on the completeness of the application, immigration record verification, and the nature of the citizenship change.
A straightforward correction of incorrect registration information may require different evaluation from an amendment involving naturalization, dual citizenship, or changes to visa records.
Additional documentation or verification may extend the process.
Applicants should ask the authorized immigration office for the applicable processing and card release schedule.
Where to Apply for an ACR I-Card Nationality Amendment in Angeles City
Foreign nationals residing in Angeles City, Clark, Mabalacat, and nearby communities may contact the Angeles Immigration Field Office for information about nationality amendment applications.
Bureau of Immigration – Angeles Immigration Field Office
Address: Ground Floor, Metro Supermarket, MarQuee Mall, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City, Pampanga 2009
Telephone: (045) 404-0215
Email: [email protected]
Published Office Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Official Website: https://immigration.gov.ph
The office’s published information does not guarantee that every nationality amendment can be processed at this location.
Contact the office before visiting to confirm transaction availability, fees, and documentary requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Nationality
Submitting a Passport Without Sufficient Supporting Evidence
A new passport may establish current citizenship, but the Bureau of Immigration may require additional evidence explaining how the nationality changed.
Prepare the documents necessary to support the particular amendment.
Confusing Dual Citizenship with Change of Citizenship
Acquiring another nationality does not necessarily eliminate an existing one.
Applicants should accurately describe their citizenship circumstances.
Failing to Prepare the Required Affidavit
The Bureau of Immigration expressly lists an Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality as a supporting requirement.
Assuming the Amendment Automatically Changes Visa Status
Changing nationality information on an ACR I-Card does not automatically extend or convert a visa.
Any necessary changes to visa records should be addressed separately.
Applying for an Amendment When Alien Registration Cancellation Is Required
Individuals who have acquired or reacquired Philippine citizenship may need to follow a separate procedure.
Using Unverified Fee Information
Always request the current official fee assessment before making payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACR I-Card Nationality Amendments
Can I change my nationality on an ACR I-Card in the Philippines?
Yes. The Bureau of Immigration recognizes changes in citizenship or nationality as grounds for ACR I-Card amendment or re-issuance, subject to the applicable documentary requirements.
What documents are required to change nationality?
The Bureau of Immigration identifies official proof of the citizenship or nationality change and an Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality as additional supporting documents. General application and immigration documents are also required.
Can I use my new passport as proof of nationality?
The Bureau of Immigration’s Citizen’s Charter identifies a passport or travel document as examples of official nationality evidence. Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances.
Is an affidavit required?
Yes. The published amendment checklist identifies an Affidavit of Change of Citizenship or Nationality as a supporting requirement.
Can I amend my ACR I-Card if I have dual citizenship?
Dual or multiple citizenship situations may require an individual assessment. Contact the Bureau of Immigration to determine how your citizenship should be reflected in your registration.
Do I need to update my visa after changing nationality?
A nationality change may require additional review or updating of visa-related records. The exact requirements depend on your immigration classification and personal circumstances.
What happens if I become a Philippine citizen?
A person who acquires or reacquires Philippine citizenship may need to follow a procedure for cancellation of alien registration instead of a standard nationality amendment.
Can I apply in Angeles City, Pampanga?
You can inquire with the Angeles Immigration Field Office, but confirm whether it is authorized to process your particular transaction.
How much is the nationality amendment fee?
The photographed office notice lists ₱3,020 for ACR I-Card amendments. The current applicable fee must be confirmed directly with the Bureau of Immigration.
Can I submit my application through a representative?
The Bureau of Immigration’s published checklist provides general requirements for applications filed through authorized representatives. Additional authorization documents and personal appearance requirements may apply.
Important Reminders for Foreign Nationals in the Philippines
Changing your nationality or citizenship is a significant legal event that may affect more than the information printed on an ACR I-Card.
Foreign nationals requesting an amendment should ensure that their citizenship documents are valid, that their affidavit accurately describes the change, and that any related visa or registration requirements are properly addressed.
Applicants with dual citizenship, newly acquired Philippine citizenship, or unusual nationality circumstances should verify the correct procedure before submitting an application.
For official application forms, documentary checklists, fees, and processing information, visit the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website at https://immigration.gov.ph.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Citizenship laws, immigration classifications, fees, documentary requirements, and application procedures may vary or change. Always confirm the current requirements with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration or an appropriately qualified legal professional.
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