The Philippines 9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the primary work visa for foreign nationals seeking paid employment in the country. Issued under Section 9(g) of the Philippine Immigration Act, this visa allows foreigners to legally work for a Philippine-registered employer for one to three years. This guide covers every step of the 9G visa process, from Alien Employment Permit (AEP) requirements to Bureau of Immigration fees, so you can plan your move with confidence.
What Is the 9G Pre-Arranged Employment Visa?
The 9G visa, formally called the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, is a non-immigrant work visa issued to foreign nationals who have secured a job offer from a company registered and licensed to operate in the Philippines. It is the most common work visa category used by expatriates in the country.
Holders of a valid 9G visa receive:
- Legal authorization to work in the Philippines for the sponsoring employer
- Multiple-entry privileges for travel in and out of the country
- Eligibility to open Philippine bank accounts
- Coverage for dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
The visa is tied directly to the sponsoring employer. You can only work for the company listed on your visa application. Changing employers requires a new 9G visa application filed by the new company.
Who Can Apply for a 9G Work Visa?
The 9G visa is available to foreign nationals who will occupy executive, technical, managerial, or highly confidential positions in a Philippine company. It also covers foreigners engaging in any lawful occupation where a genuine employer-employee relationship exists.
Common professions sponsored under the 9G visa include:
- Corporate executives and managers
- IT professionals and engineers
- Teachers and professors at educational institutions
- Doctors, nurses, and medical specialists
- Scientists and researchers
- Banking and finance professionals
- Specialized consultants
The employer must demonstrate that no Filipino worker is willing and competent to fill the position, and that hiring the foreign national serves the public interest.
9G Visa Requirements and Documents
For the Applicant
- Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Completed CGAF (Consolidated General Application Form) from BI
- Four passport-size photographs signed on the front
- Medical and physical examination report from an authorized physician (including chest X-ray, lab reports, and AIDS-free certificate)
- Police clearance from the applicant’s country of residence
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
For the Sponsoring Employer
- SEC or DTI registration documents
- Latest business permit from the local government unit
- Notarized certification of the number of foreign and Filipino employees
- Employment contract specifying position, salary, and duration
- Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
For Dependents
- Marriage certificate for accompanying spouse
- Birth certificates for unmarried children under 21
Step-by-Step 9G Visa Application Process
Step 1: Employer Secures Business Permits
The sponsoring company must have a valid local/city business permit before any visa processing can begin. This is a prerequisite for the AEP application.
Step 2: Apply for the Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
The employer files the AEP application with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The AEP certifies that the foreign worker’s employment is lawful and that no qualified Filipino is available for the role. Processing takes two to three weeks after submission of complete requirements.
Step 3: Obtain a Provisional Work Permit (PWP)
If the foreign employee needs to start working before the 9G visa is approved, the employer can apply for a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) at the Bureau of Immigration main office in Manila. The PWP requires a copy of the DOLE receipt for the AEP application, a Philippine TIN, and an employer letter committing to withhold and remit Philippine taxes. The PWP is valid for three months and is automatically cancelled once the 9G visa is issued.
Step 4: File the 9G Visa Application
The employer petitions the Bureau of Immigration on behalf of the foreign worker. The application includes all documentary requirements listed above. The petition must be filed at the BI Main Office or an authorized immigration office.
Step 5: Attend the Hearing
The applicant must appear at the Bureau of Immigration for a scheduled hearing as part of the visa adjudication process.
Step 6: Biometrics and ACR I-Card
After the hearing, the applicant proceeds to the Image and Fingerprint Capturing Counter of the Alien Registration Division (ARD) for biometric data collection and ACR I-Card application.
Step 7: Visa Approval and Implementation
Check the BI website for visa approval status. Once approved, submit the passport for visa implementation (stamping). After the ACR I-Card is approved, claim it from the Bureau of Immigration.
9G Visa Fees (Philippine Bureau of Immigration)
Non-Top 1,000 Corporations
| Validity | Principal | Dependent Spouse | Dependent (16+) | Dependent (under 16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | Php 10,130 | Php 8,120 | Php 7,870 | Php 7,370 |
| 2 Years | Php 17,170 | Php 13,960 | Php 13,710 | Php 13,210 |
| 3 Years | Php 24,210 | Php 19,800 | Php 19,550 | Php 19,050 |
Top 1,000 Corporations
| Validity | Principal | Dependent Spouse | Dependent (16+) | Dependent (under 16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | Php 10,630 | Php 8,620 | Php 8,370 | Php 7,870 |
| 2 Years | Php 18,170 | Php 14,960 | Php 14,710 | Php 14,210 |
| 3 Years | Php 25,710 | Php 21,300 | Php 21,050 | Php 20,550 |
Additional ACR I-Card Fee
- 1 Year validity: US $50
- 2 Years validity: US $100
- 3 Years validity: US $150
Fees listed above are for the initial 9G visa conversion. Extension fees differ and are generally lower. All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
9G Visa Processing Time
The complete 9G visa process, from AEP application to visa stamping, typically takes two to three months. Key timelines:
- AEP processing: 2 to 3 weeks
- Provisional Work Permit (PWP): approximately 2 weeks
- 9G visa adjudication: 4 to 8 weeks
- ACR I-Card issuance: 2 to 4 weeks after visa approval
Processing times vary depending on the Bureau of Immigration’s caseload and the completeness of submitted documents.
9G Visa Extension
Existing 9G visa holders who wish to continue their employment must apply for a visa extension before the current visa expires. The extension process follows similar steps to the initial application but generally requires fewer documents and lower fees.
Extension fees for Non-Top 1,000 Corporations:
| Validity | Principal | Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | Php 7,060 | Php 6,360 each |
| 2 Years | Php 13,100 | Php 11,700 each |
| 3 Years | Php 19,140 | Php 17,040 each |
Holders promoted to a higher position within the same company are exempt from downgrading to a tourist visa and reapplying, provided they obtain a new AEP for the new position and extend their 9G visa with the updated AEP.
Other Philippine Work Visa Options
Special Non-Immigrant 47(a)(2) Visa
Issued by authority of the Philippine President, this visa covers foreign personnel in supervisory, technical, or advisory roles at export processing zone enterprises, Board of Investments (BOI)-registered companies, and special government projects. Valid for one year and renewable annually.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Visa
Available to foreign nationals employed by companies registered with PEZA. The employer must obtain authority to employ foreign nationals from PEZA before the visa application.
Special Visa for Employment Generation
Targets foreign nationals who invest in or establish businesses that generate employment for Filipinos.
Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa (9D)
Available to nationals of countries with which the Philippines has a bilateral treaty, engaged in substantial trade or investment activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 9G visa cost in the Philippines?
The principal applicant pays Php 10,130 to Php 25,710 depending on visa validity (1 to 3 years) and company classification. Additional costs include the ACR I-Card fee (US $50 to $150), AEP application fees, and medical examination costs. Total expenses including all government fees and documentation typically range from Php 30,000 to Php 60,000.
How hard is it to get a work visa in the Philippines?
The 9G visa process is straightforward but document-intensive. The main challenge is that the employer must prove no qualified Filipino is available for the position. Processing takes two to three months. Having complete and properly authenticated documents from the start significantly speeds up approval.
What is the difference between a 9G and 9A visa?
A 9A visa is a temporary visitor visa for tourism or short-term business activities. It does not authorize employment. The 9G visa is specifically for pre-arranged employment and grants legal work authorization.
Can I change employers on a 9G visa?
No. The 9G visa is employer-specific. If you change jobs, your new employer must file a fresh 9G visa application. You may need to downgrade to a tourist visa during the transition period.
Do I need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?
Yes. The AEP is a mandatory prerequisite for the 9G visa. It is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and certifies that your employment is lawful under Philippine labor regulations.
Can my family join me in the Philippines on a 9G visa?
Yes. Your legal spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as dependents on your 9G visa. Each dependent pays a separate visa fee and requires their own ACR I-Card.
