In line with the government policy of streamlining procedures for efficient public service, this memorandum order shall now govern the revalidation of visas, Memorandum Order No. RBR-98-016 dated September 8, 1999 and Memorandum Order No. ADD-01-026 dated July 23, 2001, are hereby amended accordingly.

All visa applications for change of status from one nonimmigrant category to another and for extension of nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, approved by the Board of Commissioners (BOC) but not yet implemented because the applicants left the Philippines, may be revalidated, provided:

1. (a)   The applicant returns to the Philippines within three months with a valid entry visa;
   
   (b)   Request for revalidation is filed at the Executive Office within fifteen days from applicant's date of arrival;
   
   (c)   The BOC-approved visa is still valid at the time of filing of the request for revalidation; and
   
   (d)   The applicant is not among the class of excluded aliens under Commonwealth Act No. 613, Section 29, as amended.

Revalidation shall be disallowed in cases where the Commissioner of Immigration determines that:

(a)   Revalidation shall result in the circumvention of immigration laws, rules and regulations; or

(b)   The applicant poses or will pose a threat or menace to national security, public safety or public health.

The Executive Office shall ensure compliance with this Memorandum Order. Copies of this Memorandum Order shall be posted at conspicuous places in the Bureau.  A certified true copy of this Memorandum Order shall be transmitted to the U.P. Law Center for purposes of compliance with the publication requirements of Executive Order No. 292 (series of 1987).

This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.


(SGD.) ALIPIO F. FERNANDEZ, JR.
Commissioner