9G Work Visa Application in the Philippines (Employer’s Guide)

Running a business in the Philippines can be rewarding but challenging. As you expand your operations, launch new projects, or implement advanced technology, you may find that certain expertise is not available locally, making it imperative to hire foreign professionals to stay competitive and achieve your business goals. 

Hiring a foreign employee in the Philippines, however, requires more than just recruitment. You must comply with legal requirements, including securing the proper visas and permits. The 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is the primary work visa for foreign hires, and understanding its process, requirements, and your responsibilities as an employer is essential for a smooth, compliant hiring process that allows you to leverage global talent effectively.

What is a 9G Work Visa?

Generally, a work visa is a legal authorization that allows a foreign national to enter, stay, and engage in gainful employment in another country. In the Philippines, the 9(G) Work Visa—also known as the 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa or simply 9G Visa—is the most common type issued to foreign nationals for their local employment.  

Foreign nationals who intend to work in the Philippines under a local employer—whether in a professional, technical, or skilled role—must obtain a 9(G) Work Visa.

9G Work Visa Benefits and Privileges

The work visa allows the holder to live and work in the country for the duration approved by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), in line with the employment contract. The visa also permits multiple entries and exits while valid, and the holder may open local bank accounts or purchase property, such as a condominium unit.

9G Work Visa Requirements

To apply for a 9G Work Visa in the Philippines, you and your foreign employee applicant need to prepare and submit the following documentary requirements:

For the Employer

1. Joint letter request addressed to the Commissioner from the applicant and the petitioner
2. 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
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificate of Registration of Business Name and Mayor’s Permit (for sole proprietorships)
6. Actual publication of the applicant’s approved AP or, in the absence thereof, a Certificate of Publication issued by the Publisher
7. Notarized certification number of foreign and Filipino employees from the petitioning company

For the Foreign Employee

1. Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) for Non-Immigrant Visa
2. Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
3. Photocopy of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 
4. Special Temporary Permit for an applicant practicing a regulated profession under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), if applicable
5. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate
6. Original or certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if the 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

For the Foreign Employee’s Dependents

1. Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) for Non-Immigrant Visa
2. Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay
3. Proof of filiation with the applicant
4. Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate
5. Original and certified true copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if the 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

How to Apply for a Foreign Employee’s 9G Work Visa in the Philippines (Step-By-Step Guide for Employers)

When hiring a foreign national in the Philippines, you, as the employer or petitioner, are typically responsible for facilitating the 9G (Pre-Arranged Employment) Visa application. While the process may be handled by either you or the foreign employee, it’s more practical for you to manage it since most of the required documents and endorsements come from your company.

1. Secure and Fill Out the Application Form.

Your foreign employee applicant should begin the process by accomplishing the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF). This can be downloaded from the Bureau of Immigration’s website or requested from the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at the BI Main Office. 

2. Prepare and Submit the Required Documents. 

Before filing the application, gather all supporting documents for both your company and the foreign employee. These include your company registration papers, business permits, and a letter of guarantee, along with the employee’s passport, employment contract, Alien Employment Permit (AEP), and other identification documents. Once everything is complete, submit the documents for pre-screening at the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or any authorized BI field office.

3. Pay the Applicable Fees. 

After pre-screening, you will receive an Order of Payment Slip (OPS). Proceed to the cashier to pay the required visa application fees, then keep the Official Receipt (OR) as proof of payment. The OR will also indicate the schedule for the next step in the process.

4. Attend the Scheduled Hearing.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) may schedule a hearing to verify your application. You or your authorized company representative, together with the foreign employee, should attend the hearing on the date and at the venue stated in the Official Receipt. During this session, BI officers may ask for clarifications or additional documents to support your petition.

5. Process the Biometric Capture and ACR I-Card Application.

After the hearing, your foreign employee must proceed to the Alien Registration Division (ARD) for image and fingerprint capturing. This step is necessary for the issuance of the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card), which serves as the employee’s official identification while working and residing in the Philippines.

6. Monitor Your 9G Visa Application.

You should regularly check the Bureau of Immigration’s official website to monitor the status of your employee’s visa application. It’s also wise to coordinate with a BI liaison officer or accredited consultant to stay updated and avoid processing delays.

7. Wait for the Approval and Visa Implementation. 

Once the 9G Visa is approved, submit your foreign employee’s passport to the Bureau of Immigration for visa implementation or stamping. The ACR I-Card may also be released at this stage, completing your employee’s legal documentation to work and stay in the Philippines.