The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is implementing internal changes that will likely delay work permit and visa application processing times.

Summary of Internal Changes

The BI will revert to the previous practice of issuing Orders of Approval/Denial (in addition to approving Consolidated General Application Forms).
Hearing schedules for visa applications will go through a raffle regardless of what is indicated in the receipts. The results will be final and will be posted outside hearing officers’ rooms.
Pending applications endorsed by the Visa and Special Permits Task Force will now be sent to the Board of Commissioners for appropriate action.

Commissioner Siegfred Mison remains the BI Chief Commissioner and letter requests should still be addressed to him.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers and foreign workers should plan for longer work permit and visa application processing times in the near future.