As remote work reshapes the global job market, the Philippines is rising as a hotspot for digital nomads and skilled professionals, thanks to its low cost of living, friendly atmosphere for expats, and stunning natural landscapes.
Whether you are an expat worker or a sponsoring employer, this blog offers a complete guide to 9G Visa application in the Philippines, covering the benefits and privileges, documentary requirements, application process, and some frequently asked questions. Read on and tell us how we, at Tele HR Solutions, can help you with your visa or global workforce management needs!
What is a 9G Visa?
There are two types of 9G Visas issued by the Philippine government to foreign nationals: the Commercial and Non-Commercial (Missionary) 9G Visas.
9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa – Commercial
Between these two, the 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa – Commercial is more common and issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals pursuing lawful occupation in the Philippines—whether for wages, salary, or other forms of compensation— under legitimate employer-employee relations.
The issuance of a 9G Visa is anchored on the following conditions:
- existence of an employer-employee relationship where a locally registered company is willing to serve as the petitioner;
- no local talent shows interest or is able to perform the role offered to the foreign employee; and,
- the foreign employee is engaged in a lawful occupation and receives compensation for the work.
Holders of Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), Treaty Trader Visa 9(D), and Special Non-Immigrant Visas must also apply for a 9G Visa if planning to work in the country.
9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Non-Commercial (Missionary)
The other less common — the 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Non-Commercial (Missionary) — is issued to foreign nationals who come to the Philippines for missionary work, social projects, or rehabilitation (and not for business purposes).
Benefits and Privileges of a 9G Visa
A 9G Visa entitles the holder to legal employment and residency in the Philippines for a duration approved by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which typically corresponds to the duration of the employment contract. Apart from these, the holder may also make multiple country entries and exits, open local bank accounts, and purchase properties (e.g., condominium units).
9G Visa Application Requirements
To apply for a 9G Visa in the Philippines, the following documentary requirements must be prepared and submitted:
- Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioner (company or employer);
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) for Non-Immigrant Visa;
- Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay;
- Photocopy of Employment Contract, Secretary’s Certificate of Election, Appointment or Assignment of applicant, or equivalent document, with details of exact compensation, duration of employment, and comprehensive description of the nature and scope of the applicant’s position in the company;
- Photocopy of petitioner’s latest Income Tax Return (ITR) with the corresponding proof of payment (official receipt, bank teller’s validation slip, BIR’s eFPS payment details print-out, or other similar evidence);
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation, and General Information Sheet (GIS) for the current year stamped received by the SEC (for corporations and partnerships);
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificate of Registration of Business Name and Mayor’s Permit (for sole proprietorships);
- Photocopy of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and actual publication of the applicant’s approved AP or, in the absence thereof, a Certificate of Publication issued by the Publisher;
- Notarized certification number of foreign and Filipino employees from the petitioning company;
- Special Temporary Permit for an applicant practicing a regulated profession under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), if applicable;
- Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate;
- Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicant is a national of any of the countries listed under Annex “A” of Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-14-059-A, who arrived in the Philippines on or after June 2014; and
- Other additional documents for dependents.
Other Work Permits for 9G Visa
Depending on circumstances, additional work permits must also be secured while there is an ongoing 9G Visa application (or as an alternative to the work visa):
Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
An Alien Employment Permit (AEP) is the primary prerequisite work permit issued by the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and can be applied for either by the worker-applicant or the employer. It is valid for one (1) to three (3) years, depending on the employment contract.
Special Work Permit (SWP)
A Special Work Permit (SWP) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who will be working in the country for only six (6) months or less or rendering services outside of an employment arrangement under a tourist visa (9A).
Special Temporary Permit (STP)
A Special Temporary Permit (STP) is a prerequisite permit for obtaining an AEP and is granted to foreign nationals, allowing them to practice their regulated professions in the country under the permit from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Provisional Work Permit (PWP)
A Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is a temporary work permit issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who have started or plan to start local employment and who have a pending AEP or 9G Visa application.
Other Special Permits
Foreign nationals who are intending to work in specialized industries, such as geoscience, mining, nationalized, and partially nationalized industries, must apply additional work permits with the respective agencies, e.g., the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Justice (DOJ), etc.
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How to Apply for 9G Visa in the Philippines
The application for a 9G Visa in the Philippines may be filed either by the foreign worker as the principal applicant or the employer as the sponsor or petitioner with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Here’s an overview of the application process:
1. Secure the Job Offer Documents and AEP.
Before you start with your 9G Visa application, ensure that you already have an official job offer from your employer and obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
2. Submit the Accomplished CGAF Along with the Supporting Documents.
Fill out the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) with your accurate information and start compiling all required supporting documents. You may submit them to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for pre-screening.
3. Pay the Required Fees.
During your filing, you must also settle all government-mandated processing and visa fees at the cashier or designated payment centers. Submit a copy of the official receipt (OR) to the CRU for them to start the actual processing.
4. Attend the Scheduled Hearing and Undergo Biometrics Capture.
Take note of the schedule of hearing and personal interview indicated in the official receipt. During the appointment, your biometrics (i.e., photo and fingerprints) will also be taken at the Alien Registration Division (ARD) for record and identification purposes.
5. Monitor the Status of Your Application.
The processing may take weeks or months. You may check the status of your 9G Visa application through the bureau’s online tracking system on its official website from time to time or coordinate directly with the agency.
6. Submit Your Passport for Visa Implementation.
Once your 9G Visa application is approved, you will be required to present your passport to have the visa stamped. Finally, claim your BI Approved Order and Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card)—which serves as your official identification while working in the Philippines. The entire visa processing, including the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application, usually takes two (2) to three (3) months.
What is the Validity of a 9G Visa?
Once issued, the 9G Visa is valid for an initial period of one (1), two (2), or three (3) years, and can be extended up to three (3) years at a time for multiple times depending on the validity of the employment contract.
The 9G Visa holder is also allowed to change employers; however, he or she must secure a new work permit and visa under the new employer. If the employment is suddenly terminated, the 9G visa also becomes invalid, and to avoid immigration issues, the foreign national must leave the country or apply for a different visa.
9G Visa Application Assistance
Because of the complex regulations, strict documentation, and additional compliances, it is highly recommended to seek expert assistance.
We, at Tele HR Solutions, and our sister law firm, Duran & Duran-Schulze Law, can help you streamline the application process, avoid common pitfalls, and reduce risks of delays and denials. Our immigration and labor specialists can provide you with consultations, document preparation and filing assistance, and other post-approval services.