philippines work visa

Philippines Work Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Philippines Work Visa (9(g)) for Indian Nationals

  • Visa Type: 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

  • Purpose: Allows Indian citizens to work in the Philippines for a specific employer

  • Key Requirements:

    • Valid job offer from a Philippine employer
    • Authenticated documents (passport, birth certificate, diploma, police clearance, medical certificate)
    • Employer's 9(g) visa approval and Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

  • Application Process:

    • Employer obtains 9(g) approval and AEP
    • Employee submits visa application to the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India
    • Payment of fees and potential interview
    • Visa issuance and registration with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) upon arrival

  • Processing Time: Typically 1-2 months

  • Validity: Usually up to 1 year (renewable)

  • Resources:

 

Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Philippines Work Visa (9(g))
  2. Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals
  3. Detailed Requirements for 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
  4. Step-by-Step Application Process
  5. Fees Associated with the Application
  6. Processing Time and Validity of the Visa
  7. Post-Arrival Requirements in the Philippines
  8. Common Challenges and Solutions
  9. Glossary of Terms
  10. Official Resources and Contacts

1. Introduction of Philippines Work Visa (9(g))

The work visa is an endorsement that lets individuals enter the country to start working for an organization in the country. The permit can be issued for durations of one, two, or even three years depending upon the decision of the embassy. Since India does not have a visa-free arrangement with the Philippines, a Philippines work visa for Indian citizens is a mandatory document to be able to work in the country.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nationals

 Philippines Work Visa

  • Age: Typically 18-60 years old (some exceptions may apply)

  • Qualifications: Must meet the qualifications and experience required for the job

  • Job Offer: Must have a valid job offer from a Philippine-based employer

  • Health and Character: Must pass medical and character checks

  • No Overstaying: Must not have overstayed in the Philippines previously

3. Detailed Requirements for 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

Documents from the Employee (Indian National):

  • Passport:

    • Validity: At least 12 months beyond the intended stay
    • Blank Pages: At least two (2) blank pages
    • Renewal: Ensure the passport is renewed if it's due to expire soon


  • Completed Visa Application Form:

    • Source: Download from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate website in India or obtain in person
    • Instructions: Fill out accurately, avoiding any errors


  • Recent Passport-Sized Photos:

    • Quantity: Usually 2-3 photos
    • Specifications: Follow the Embassy/Consulate's photo guidelines

  • Birth Certificate:

    • Issuance: Local Civil Registrar or the National Statistics Office (NSO) in the Philippines (if born in the Philippines), or by the Indian authorities (if born in India)
    • Authentication: May require authentication by the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), Government of India, and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India


  • Diploma and Transcript of Records:

    • Highest Educational Attainment: Relevant to the job offer
    • Authentication: Authenticate by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India and the MEA, Government of India


  • Certificate of Employment (if currently employed):

    • Source: Current employer in India
    • Details: Include job position, tenure, and reason for leaving (if applicable)


  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

    • Source: Regional Passport Office or the concerned authorities in India
    • Authentication: Authenticate by the MEA, Government of India, and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India


  • Medical Certificate:

    • Inclusions: HIV test results
    • Source: A DOH (Department of Health, Philippines) accredited medical facility in India
    • Validity: Usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue

Documents from the Employer (Philippine Company):

  • Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (9(g)) Approval:

    • Issuance: Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines
    • Requirement: Must be obtained before the employee's visa application

  • Alien Employment Permit (AEP):

    • Issuance: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines
    • Requirement: Necessary for the employment of foreign nationals

  • Company Registration Documents:

    • SEC Registration Certificate: From the Securities and Exchange Commission
    • Business/Mayor’s Permit: Latest permit

  • Board Resolution:

    • Content: Authorizing the employment of a foreign national (the Indian employee)
    • Signing Authorities: Must be signed by the authorized personnel

  • Job Offer/Contract:

    • Details: Specify the terms of employment, salary, position, and duration
    • Signing: Must be signed by both the employer and the employee

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Employer Applies for 9(g) Visa Approval and AEP

  • Submission to:

    • Bureau of Immigration (BI): For the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Approval
    • Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): For the Alien Employment Permit (AEP)


  • Documents Required for 9(g) Visa Approval (BI):

    • Duly Accomplished Application Form
    • Company’s Latest Income Tax Return
    • Certificate of Business Name Registration (from DTI or SEC)
    • Board Resolution Authorizing the Employment of a Foreign National
    • Job Offer/Contract (Specifying Terms, Salary, Position, and Duration)
    • Employee’s Bio-Data, Educational Background, and Work Experience


  • Documents Required for Alien Employment Permit (AEP) - DOLE:

    • Application Form (DOLE Form)
    • Company’s Business Permit/Mayor’s Permit
    • SEC Registration or DTI Certificate of Registration
    • Latest Audited Financial Statements
    • Proof of Inability to Find a Qualified Filipino for the Job (if applicable)
    • Employee’s Documents (Passport, Diploma, Transcript of Records, etc.)


  • Waiting Period:

    • Typical Duration: A few weeks (can vary based on the workload of the BI and DOLE)
    • Advice: Employers should apply well in advance of the employee’s intended start date

 

Step 2: Employee Prepares and Submits Visa Application

  • Submission to: The Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India


  • Requirements (Detailed in Section 3 of the Original Guide):

    • Passport
    • Completed Visa Application Form
    • Recent Passport-Sized Photos
    • Birth Certificate
    • Diploma and Transcript of Records
    • Certificate of Employment (if currently employed)
    • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
    • Medical Certificate (including HIV test results)
    • 9(g) Visa Approval and AEP from the Employer


  • Ensuring Completeness and Accuracy:

    • Double-Check: All documents for completeness and accuracy before submission
    • Authentication: Ensure all required documents are properly authenticated

 

Step 3: Payment of Fees

  • Visa Application Fee:

    • Amount: Approximately PHP 2,020 (or about INR 3,000, subject to change)
    • Payment Method: As specified by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (usually in cash, bank draft, or through designated payment portals)

  • Other Fees:

    • Authentication Fees: For documents authenticated by the MEA, Government of India, and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India
    • Medical Examination Fees: As per the DOH accredited medical facility’s rates
    • Travel Expenses: For travel to the Embassy/Consulate (if not applying through an authorized representative)

Step 4: Interview (if required)

  • Notification:

    • Source: The Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India
    • Method: Usually via email or phone, as provided in the application

  • Preparation:

    • Job Offer Details: Be familiar with the job offer, including terms, salary, and responsibilities
    • Qualifications and Experience: Be prepared to discuss how your qualifications and experience align with the job
    • Intentions in the Philippines: Clearly articulate your intentions to work in the Philippines and comply with the visa’s terms
    • Questions to Ask: Prepare a list of questions about the application process, visa requirements, and what to expect upon arrival in the Philippines

Step 5: Visa Issuance

  • Approval:

    • Outcome: If the application is successful, the visa will be approved
    • Notification: The Embassy/Consulate will notify the applicant of the approval

  • Collection:

    • Passport with Visa: Collect the passport with the affixed 9(g) visa from the Embassy/Consulate
    • Verification: Before leaving the Embassy/Consulate, verify that the visa details are correct

Step 6: Registration with the BI upon Arrival

  • Timeframe:

    • Deadline: Within 58 days from arrival in the Philippines
    • Advice: Register as soon as possible after arrival to avoid any complications

  • Purpose:

    • ACR I-Card: To obtain an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card), which is mandatory for all foreign nationals
    • BI Registration: This step is crucial for legal residence and work in the Philippines


  • Required Documents for BI Registration:

    • Passport with 9(g) Visa
    • ACR I-Card Application Form
    • Proof of Address in the Philippines
    • Payment for ACR I-Card Fee (approximately PHP 3,500, subject to change)

Additional Tips for a Smooth Application Process:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the official websites of the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India, BI, and DOLE for updates.

  • Seek Professional Help: If unsure about any part of the process, consider consulting with immigration lawyers or experts.
  • Plan Ahead: Apply early to account for any unexpected delays in the application process.

5. Fees Associated with the Application

  • Visa Application Fee: Approximately PHP 2,020 (about INR 3,000, subject to change)

  • Authentication Fees: For documents authenticated by the MEA, Government of India, and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in India

  • Medical Examination Fees: As per the DOH accredited medical facility's rates

  • Travel Expenses: For travel to the Embassy/Consulate and the Philippines (if applicable)

6. Processing Time and Validity of the Visa

  • Processing Time: Typically 1-2 months (but can vary depending on the circumstances)

  • Visa Validity: Usually up to 1 year (renewable based on the employer's sponsorship and compliance with Philippine laws)

7. Post-Arrival Requirements in the Philippines

  • Registration with the BI:

    • Timeframe: Within 58 days from arrival
    • Requirement: Obtain an ACR I-Card

  • Reporting to the Employer:

    • Requirement: Report to work as per the employment contract
    • Compliance: Ensure compliance with all terms of employment

  • Annual Reporting:

    • Requirement: Annual reporting to the BI as a 9(g) visa holder
    • Compliance: Ensure timely reporting to maintain visa validity

8. Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Solution

Incomplete Documents

Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.

Authentication Issues

Verify the authentication process with the MEA and the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in advance.

Visa Application Delays

Apply well in advance of the intended travel date and follow up with the Embassy/Consulate if necessary.

Difficulty in Finding a Job

Utilize job portals, recruitment agencies, and network within your industry to find job opportunities in the Philippines.

9. Glossary of Terms

  • 9(g) Visa: Pre-Arranged Employment Visa for foreign nationals.

  • AEP: Alien Employment Permit, required for the employment of foreign nationals.

  • ACR I-Card: Alien Certificate of Registration, issued to registered foreign nationals.

  • BI: Bureau of Immigration, responsible for immigration policies in the Philippines.

  • DOH: Department of Health, responsible for health policies in the Philippines.

  • DOLE: Department of Labor and Employment, responsible for labor policies in the Philippines.

  • MEA: Ministry of External Affairs, responsible for external affairs of the Government of India.

  • NSO: National Statistics Office, responsible for statistical data in the Philippines.

  • SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission, responsible for corporate registrations in the Philippines.

10. Official Resources and Contacts

  • Philippine Embassy in India:

  • Bureau of Immigration Philippines:

  • Department of Labor and Employment Philippines:

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Extend My Philippines work permit?

Unlike the short duration permits, the work pass may be extended as per your contract. You can do this by visiting the immigration department in the Philippines and applying for an extension. However, the possibility of an extension depends on the status of your sponsor. If you do not receive an extension, you must leave the country immediately. 

After Expiring My work Visa for the Philippines, How Long Can I Stay?

Once your work permit has expired, you are not allowed to stay back. There is no stay back period allowed for the work permit. Staying back in the country after expiry is considered as an offence and can lead to fines and even deportation in certain cases.  

What is the Medical Test for the Philippines work permit?

As per the work permit requirements, there is no need for a medical test from India. However, certain other nationalities may have to submit medical test certificates. Either way, it is suggested that you get a medical test done before travelling to a foreign country. 

How Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a Philippines work permit?

The embassy requirements do not necessitate a specific amount required for applying for the work visa. As per the requirements, you are simply expected to possess sufficient funds to support yourself. You must also make sure that the funds are easily accessible to you and that your transaction history is stable. 

How many months before the trip should I apply for a work visa for the Philippines?

Since the Filipino embassy tries to adhere to its processing time as strictly as possible, you can expect the visa to take about 10 days. As a result, you are expected to apply with sufficient time left. As per the recommendation, you must apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date. However, your employer will have to apply for the approval in the Philippines much more time in advance. You may need to start the entire application about one month before the travel date.

 

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