How to Get a Philippine Work Visa (5 Steps)

Foreign nationals who plan to seek employment in the Philippines need to confirm the appropriate immigration status and employment-permit requirements before starting work. For a standard commercial pre-arranged employment visa under Section 9(g), a Philippine-based employer acts as the petitioner, and the Bureau of Immigration checklist includes an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

In this article, we provide an overview of the Philippine work visa application process by discussing common employment-related visa categories, the requirements for a commercial 9(g) visa application, visa application fees, and the steps to follow when applying. Read more to learn how to apply for a work visa for the Philippines.

Steps to Apply for a Philippine Work Visa

The application process can involve several steps that must be completed in the correct order. The steps below describe the Bureau of Immigration process for a commercial pre-arranged employment visa under Section 9(g). Requirements may differ for other visa categories and permits.

Step 1. Obtain a Valid Job Offer from a Recognized and Authorized Employer in the Philippines

For a standard commercial 9(g) application, you must be hired by a Philippine-based company that will act as the petitioner for your visa. The official Bureau of Immigration checklist requires a copy of the applicant’s AEP issued by DOLE, together with proof of publication or a certificate of publication. Under DOLE’s current rules, an employer intending to hire a foreign national must secure the appropriate AEP before the foreign national starts work, subject to any applicable exemption or exclusion. Employers should review the latest DOLE rules for the employment of foreign nationals.

Step 2. Secure a CGAF from the Bureau of Immıgration’s Office or Website

The next step is to secure and complete the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF). The Bureau of Immigration instructs applicants to obtain the form from the Public Information and Assistance Unit at the BI Main Office or from the official BI forms page. For a commercial 9(g) application, complete two original copies of the CGAF for a non-immigrant visa. Enter the required information in English using capital letters, write “N/A” when a question does not apply, and do not leave any item blank.

Step 3. Prepare the Necessary Documents

Prepare the documents required for your specific visa category and transaction. The official checklist for conversion to a commercial 9(g) visa is available on the Bureau of Immigration website. Review the validity of each document carefully and coordinate with your petitioning employer when preparing company records and employment documents.

Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit or to the frontline staff of another Immigration Office authorized to process the transaction. The applicant’s original valid passport must be presented for scanning during pre-screening and will then be returned.

Step 4. Pay the Visa Application Fee

After pre-screening, pay the required fees and submit a copy of the official receipt. Fees depend on the visa category, transaction type, validity period, whether the applicant is a principal or dependent, and other applicable factors. A separate ACR I-Card fee may also apply.

Step 5. Wait for the Approval and Submit Your Passport

After submitting the official receipt, attend the required hearing and proceed to the Alien Registration Division for image and fingerprint capture and the ACR I-Card application. You can check the status of your visa application through the BI eServices portal. If your visa is approved, submit your passport for visa implementation. The Bureau of Immigration FAQ states that processing of a commercial pre-arranged employment visa usually takes 40 days, depending on the number of applicants and whether the submitted documentary requirements are complete.

Documents Needed for a Philippine Work Visa

Once you determine the appropriate visa or permit type for your circumstances, check the official requirements carefully. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the application or lead to its dismissal. The exact requirements differ by category and transaction. For conversion to a commercial pre-arranged employment visa under Section 9(g), the Bureau of Immigration checklist includes the following documents:

• A joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioner
• Two original copies of the duly accomplished CGAF for a non-immigrant visa
• A photocopy of the applicant’s passport bio-page and latest admission showing a valid authorized stay
• A photocopy of the employment contract, Secretary’s Certificate of Election, appointment, assignment, or an equivalent document showing the applicant’s exact compensation, employment duration, and the nature and scope of the position
• A photocopy of the petitioner’s latest income tax return with corresponding proof of payment
• For a corporation or partnership: photocopies of the SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, and the current General Information Sheet stamped as received by the SEC; or, for a single proprietorship: photocopies of the DTI Certificate of Registration of Business Name and the mayor’s permit
• A photocopy of the AEP issued by DOLE and proof of publication or a certificate of publication issued by the publisher
• A notarized certification of the number of foreign and Filipino employees of the petitioning company
• A Special Temporary Permit from the Professional Regulation Commission if the applicant will practice a regulated profession
• A BI Clearance Certificate
• A Bureau of Quarantine medical clearance when applicable

The Bureau of Immigration may request additional supporting documents for verification and evaluation. Dependents must also submit the corresponding documents listed in the official checklist.

FAQs: Work Visa Applications for the Philippines

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