9(g) Work Visa: Pre-Arranged Employment Visa for Foreign Workers in the Philippines

Our 9(g) Work Visa Processing Service

We, at FilePino, assist companies and businesses in hiring foreign talents upon processing their work permits and visas with the concerned labor and immigration agencies. We provide consultations, document preparation and filing, and other post-approval services. 

Client Consultation

We ensure that our clients understand in detail all aspects of the transaction — the qualifications, requirements, processes, timeliness, fees, etc. — so we conduct client consultations before anything else.   

Document Preparation, Filing, and Monitoring

After finalizing all details, we proceed immediately to document preparation and filing with the government agency. For a 9(g) work visa, an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) must be obtained first from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Other work permits may also be required depending on the circumstances. The final phase of the processing involves filing the application with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).    

Other Post-Approval Services

Other than 9(g) work visa application, we also process visa and other work permit renewals and extensions and other immigration compliances. Check our Visa and Immigration Services page for more details. 

9(g) Work Visa FAQs

What Is a 9(g) Work Visa?

The 9(G) Work Visa, or also known as the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, is the most common type of work visa availed by foreign nationals engaged in legal and gainful employment with a company duly registered, licensed to operate, and existing under Philippine laws. 

What Are the Types of 9(g) Work Visas?

There are two (2) major types of 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa:

• The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Commercial is granted to foreign nationals pursuing lawful occupation, whether for wages or salary, or for other forms of compensation under legitimate employer-employee relations. 
• The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Non-Commercial (Missionary Visa) is granted to foreign nationals who are engaged in missionary, social, rehabilitation, and medical missions. 

What Are the Benefits and Privileges of a 9(g) Work Visa?

The work visa entitles the holder to work and stay in the country for a duration approved by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which also corresponds with the employment contract. Equally, the holder may make multiple entries and exits into and out of the country while the visa is valid. The holder may also open local bank accounts or purchase properties, such as a condominium unit.

What Are the General Conditions for the Issuance of Visa?

The issuance of the work visa is anchored on:

• 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. It is also strictly company and position specific

What Work Permits Are Required for the Visa?

Before applying for the actual 9(G) Visa, the foreign national must first secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and a Special Temporary Permit (STP) from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for practice of regulated profession. If required to work immediately while the work visa is being processed, the applicant should also apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

What Are the Documentary Requirements?

Documentary requirements for 9(g) visa application usually include a joint letter request from the employer and petitioner, employment contract, latest Income Tax Return (ITR) of the petitioner, business registration documents, Alien Employment Permit (AEP), valid passport and visa, and application forms. 

How Is the Application Processed?

Before filing the documentary requirements with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the applicant must first obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) form the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

How Long Does the Application Take?

The whole visa processing, including the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application usually takes two (2) to three (3) months. 

What Is the Validity of the 9g Work Visa?

The work 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 duration of the employment contract. This validity cannot exceed the period granted under the AEP issued by the DOLE.

What Will Happen in Case of Change of Employment Status?

In case of a change of employer, the status is downgraded to a tourist visa, and the holder is required to make a new work visa application. Once the foreign national loses employment,  the right to stay and reside using the 9(g) visa is also lost. 

Why Do You Need Expert Assistance in a 9(g) Work Visa Application?

Foreign nationals need expert assistance due to the complex regulations, specific documentation requirements, and detailed compliance needed with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Visa and immigration specialists help streamline the process, avoid common pitfalls, and reduce the risks of delays and denials.