What Is the Philippine Special Study Permit (SSP)?

Philippine English Language Study, Visa & SSP Regulations

To study English or participate in any learning activities in the Philippines under a tourist visa, a Special Study Permit (SSP) is mandatory.

SSP Issuance & Stay Regulations

Most students enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days and apply for an SSP locally before starting their studies. The SSP is separate from the stay visa.
Visa extension is required if staying longer than 30 days.
An ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) is required for stays exceeding 59 days.

The following cases are considered violations of Philippine immigration law and may result in deportation and re-entry bans:

• Staying in the Philippines without extending the visa
• Studying with only a tourist visa (9A) without an SSP
• Studying at an institution that does not issue SSPs

What Is an SSP?

Under Philippine immigration law, foreign nationals must obtain either a Student Visa (9F) or an SSP (Special Study Permit) in order to study in the Philippines.

SSP Validity Period
Elementary, middle, and high schools: Valid for 1 year (renewable annually)
Language schools: Valid for 6 months only

Valid only at the institution where the student is officially enrolled
Reapplication is required for programs longer than 6 months
SSP reissuance is mandatory when transferring from one language school to another

SSP Issuance & TESDA Accreditation

Students cannot apply for an SSP directly at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Only BI-accredited formal schools or TESDA-accredited language schools are authorized to submit SSP applications on behalf of students.

What Is TESDA Accreditation?

TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) accreditation confirms that the institution is a legally registered educational provider with qualified instructors approved by the Philippine government.

It clearly distinguishes accredited institutions from illegal private tutoring.
Therefore, studying with private tutors is considered illegal under Philippine immigration regulations.