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The 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is designed for foreign professionals seeking to work in the Philippines. It allows for multiple entries and is directly tied to your Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and subsequent issuance of an ACR‑I card.
Depending on your job title and level of responsibility, you may qualify for a Certificate of Exemption or a Certificate of Exception—which streamline the documentation process. If you do not meet these criteria, you must follow the standard AEP process.
Note: Prior to filing your AEP, your employer is required to run a job advertisement for 15 consecutive days in a newspaper of general circulation. Moreover, if you are already in the Philippines, you must hold a valid tourist visa; otherwise, you may need to downgrade your current visa status.
For high‑level executives and specialized roles, the government provides two alternative pathways that ease the visa application process:
Reserved for top‑level executives with strategic roles. Qualifying candidates bypass the full AEP process, provided they can demonstrate that their expertise is critical and that no suitable Filipino candidate is available.
Ideal for: CEOs, senior managers, and key decision‑makers.
Designed for executives who do not fully qualify for an exemption but still benefit from a simplified process. Although some documentation is required, the overall burden is reduced compared to the standard AEP procedure.
Ideal for: Mid‑level executives or specialists in critical roles.
Your employer must publish a job vacancy ad in a newspaper of general circulation for 15 consecutive days. This mandatory step demonstrates that no qualified Filipino applicant is available. Only on the 16th day can the employer file the AEP application with DOLE.
If you do not qualify for a Certificate of Exemption or Exception, your employer must secure an AEP on your behalf. The AEP confirms that the position could not be filled by a Filipino candidate and is typically valid for one year (or the duration of the employment contract), renewable as needed.
Once your AEP is approved, you will apply for the 9(G) visa at the Bureau of Immigration. The visa allows multiple entries and is linked to your AEP. Finally, you must obtain an ACR‑I card, which serves as your official long‑term identification in the Philippines.
Q: Who qualifies for a Certificate of Exemption?
A: High‑ranking executives with strategic roles, where the employer can demonstrate that no qualified Filipino can fill the position, may qualify for a Certificate of Exemption.
Q: What is the processing timeline for the AEP?
A: The AEP typically takes 15 to 20 days to process once all documentation is complete. The 9(G) visa application may take an additional 2 to 3 months.
Q: What happens if I do not have a valid tourist visa?
A: Applicants in the Philippines must hold a valid tourist visa at the time of filing their AEP. If not, a visa downgrade is required before the process can continue.
Q: Can I change employers while on a 9(G) visa?
A: The 9(G) visa is employer‑specific. Changing employers requires a new visa application along with a new AEP.
Don’t let the complexities of visa requirements hold you back. Our dedicated immigration experts are here to guide you step‑by‑step—from the mandatory 15‑day job ad to securing your AEP, applying for your 9(G) visa, and obtaining your ACR‑I card. Book your free consultation today and unlock your future in the Philippines!
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