How Do I Apply for a 9G Work Visa in the Philippines?
Whether you’re a foreign professional looking to relocate for a job or a company planning to hire international talent, the 9G work visa Philippines is the primary route for legal employment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step guide to getting a 9G visa in the Philippines, including who qualifies, what documents are required, and how to navigate the application process.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
To apply for a 9G work visa in the Philippines, a foreign national must first secure local employment and have their Philippine employer sponsor the application. The process involves gathering specific documents, undergoing pre-employment checks, and submitting the application to the Bureau of Immigration. This visa is essential for foreigners planning to work legally in the country.
What Is a 9G Visa?
The 9G visa is a type of non-immigrant work visa issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who intend to work legally in the Philippines. It is typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the length of the employment contract.
It is the most common Philippines work visa application for foreign employees.
Who Can Apply for a 9G Visa?
To be eligible for a 9G visa, the applicant must:
- Be a foreign national legally employed by a Philippine-registered company
- Have a valid job offer and employment contract
- Hold relevant qualifications or experience
- Be sponsored by the employer (who handles most of the processing)
Why Is the 9G Visa Important?
This visa ensures that:
- Foreign nationals can work legally in the Philippines
- Employers are compliant with local labor and immigration laws
- It allows for multiple-entry travel
- It grants the right to stay and work for the duration of the employment
9G Visa Requirements
The following documents are generally required:
From the Employee:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
- Updated resume or CV
- Passport-sized photos
- Notarized employment contract
- Police clearance from the country of origin
- NBI clearance (once in the Philippines)
- Medical clearance certificate
From the Employer:
- Company registration documents (SEC/DTI, BIR, Mayor’s Permit)
- General Information Sheet
- Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
- Letter of request for 9G visa endorsement
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a 9G Visa in the Philippines
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Find employment with a company legally operating in the Philippines. The employer must be willing to sponsor your visa.
Step 2: Apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
The employer files for an AEP through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This document confirms the need to hire a foreign worker.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
The employee and employer must compile the required documents for the Philippines work visa application.
Step 4: File the Visa Application
Submit the full set of documents to the Bureau of Immigration. This includes filling out forms, paying fees, and submitting passport-sized photos.
Step 5: Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, the Bureau of Immigration may require the applicant to appear for an interview.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Approval
Processing can take 1 to 3 months, depending on the completeness of documents and BI workload.
Step 7: Receive Your ACR I-Card
Once the visa is approved, you will also be issued an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).
Can a Tourist Convert to a 9G Visa in the Philippines?
Yes. If you’re in the Philippines on a tourist visa and get a job offer, your employer can initiate the conversion to a 9G visa. However, it is highly recommended to do this legally and avoid overstaying your tourist visa.
Is It Easy to Get a 9G Visa in the Philippines?
The process is straightforward if your employer is experienced and the documents are complete. The most common delays happen due to:
- Incomplete submissions
- Inexperienced employers
- Delays in AEP issuance
Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Work with an immigration consultant
- Double-check all documents
- Follow up consistently with BI
- Ensure your employer has handled foreign hires before
Requirements for Hiring Foreign Workers in the Philippines
Employers must:
- Be a registered business with all permits
- Justify the need for a foreign national (skills not available locally)
- Apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
- Sponsor the 9G visa application
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to work legally in the Philippines, applying for a 9G work visa is your best route. With the right employer, complete documents, and a little patience, the process is manageable and worthwhile.
Whether you’re applying from abroad or converting your tourist visa, the key to success is preparation and compliance.
Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form below and let us help you through the 9G visa process with professional guidance and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a 9G visa in the Philippines?
To get a 9G visa, secure a job offer from a Philippine company willing to sponsor you, obtain an Alien Employment Permit, and submit your application to the Bureau of Immigration with all supporting documents.
Can a tourist convert to a 9G visa in the Philippines?
Yes, a tourist can convert to a 9G visa if they get employed by a registered business in the Philippines. The employer must initiate the visa conversion process.
What is the process of applying for a 9G work visa?
The process includes securing a job offer, obtaining an Alien Employment Permit, collecting the required documents, submitting to the Bureau of Immigration, and awaiting approval.
Is the 9G visa required for foreign employees in the Philippines?
Yes, all foreign nationals working in the Philippines need a 9G visa to work legally.
Who can apply for a 9G visa?
Foreign nationals who have secured local employment with a registered company in the Philippines can apply for a 9G visa, provided their employer sponsors the application.
What are the steps to get a work visa in the Philippines?
The steps include getting a job offer, securing an AEP, preparing required documents, applying to the Bureau of Immigration, and receiving your visa and ACR I-Card.