Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

The Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is designed for foreign nationals who have been offered a job by a Philippine employer or have been hired by a company to work on a specific project in the Philippines. This visa allows employers and proprietors in the Philippines to hire foreign citizens with skills, qualifications, and experience that may be in short supply in the country.

To obtain a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, the employer or sponsoring company must first obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The AEP is issued to the employer and authorizes them to employ the foreign national in a specific position for a specified period of time.

Once the AEP has been obtained, the employer or sponsoring company will send a copy of the permit to the foreign national, who can then apply for the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate. The foreign national will need to provide a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a medical certificate, and proof of financial support during their stay in the Philippines.

The processing time for a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa varies depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the employer, but typically takes several weeks to a few months. Once the visa has been approved, the foreign national can enter the Philippines and begin working for their employer.

The Pre-Arranged Employment Visa provides a valuable opportunity for foreign nationals with specialized skills and expertise to work in the Philippines and contribute to the country's economy. It also allows Philippine companies to recruit talented individuals from around the world and fill critical positions that may be difficult to staff locally.

However, obtaining a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa can be a complex and challenging process, requiring extensive documentation and coordination between the employer, the foreign national, and the Philippine government. It is important for both employers and foreign nationals to carefully review the application requirements and seek professional assistance as needed to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Eligibility Requirements for Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

To be eligible for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Job Offer from a Philippine Employer:

Applicants must have a job offer from a registered company or employer in the Philippines. The job offer must state the position, salary, and duration of the employment contract.

Skills and Qualifications:

Applicants must possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience required for the position they have been offered. The Philippines government prioritizes job positions that require specialized skills and knowledge, which are in short supply in the country.

Valid Work Permit and Alien Employment Permit:

Before applying for a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, applicants must first secure a valid work permit and Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines. These permits allow foreigners to work legally in the Philippines.

Good Health and Character:

Applicants must be in good health and have no criminal record. They may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin.

Financial Capacity:

Applicants must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in the Philippines. They may be required to provide evidence of their financial capacity, such as bank statements or a letter of sponsorship from their employer.

Valid Passport:

Applicants must have a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay in the Philippines.

Meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval of the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa. The Philippines government reserves the right to reject any visa application if it deems the applicant ineligible or poses a threat to national security.

How to Apply for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

To apply for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, the applicant must follow these steps:

Secure a job offer from a Philippine employer.

The Philippine employer must submit an application for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The AEP is a requirement for the issuance of a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa.

Once the AEP is approved, the Philippine employer must submit the following documents to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for the issuance of a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa:

  • Duly accomplished application form for the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Photocopy of the applicant's passport, with at least six months' validity
  • Copy of the approved AEP from DOLE
  • Medical certificate issued by a Department of Health-accredited medical facility in the applicant's country of origin, indicating that the applicant is not afflicted with any contagious or communicable disease
  • Police clearance certificate issued by the national police authority in the applicant's country of origin, or by the appropriate police authority in the Philippines, if the applicant has resided in the Philippines for at least six months prior to the application
  • The BI will then evaluate the application and, if approved, issue a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa.

The applicant must then travel to the Philippines and present the Pre-Arranged Employment Visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. The immigration officer may ask for additional documents to verify the applicant's identity and eligibility to enter the Philippines.

Once the applicant is admitted into the Philippines, the employer must register the employee with the BI and obtain an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).

It is recommended that applicants consult with the Philippine embassy or consulate in their home country to confirm the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa.

Required Documents for Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

If you are interested in working in the Philippines, you may need to apply for a Pre-Arranged Employment Visa. Here are the documents you will need to submit as part of your application:

Application Form: This should be duly accomplished, printed, and personally signed by the applicant or parent(s)/guardian(s) for minors.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay in the Philippines. You should also include photocopies of the data page, date of issue, and expiration date.

Photo: You need to submit two (2) passport size colored photos taken within the last six (6) months.

National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy: If your country of residence and citizenship are different, you must submit a residence permit card.

Joint Letter Request Addressed to the Commissioner from the Applicant and the Petitioner: This should explain the purpose of your application and provide details about your intended employment in the Philippines.

Photocopy of Employment Contract or Equivalent Document: You need to include details of your exact compensation, duration of employment, and a comprehensive description of the nature and scope of your position in the company.

Photocopy of Petitioner's Latest Income Tax Return (ITR): This should be accompanied by the corresponding proof of payment, such as an official receipt, bank teller's validation slip, or other similar evidence.

For Corporations or Partnerships: You must submit photocopies of the 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 Single Proprietorships: You must submit photocopies of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificate of Registration of Business Name and Mayor's Permit.

Photocopy of Alien Employment Permit (AEP): This must be issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the actual publication of the applicant's approved AEP or, in the absence thereof, a Certificate of Publication issued by the Publisher.

Notarized Certification of the Number of Foreign and Filipino Employees from the Petitioning Company.

Special Temporary Permit for an Applicant Practicing a Regulated Profession under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), if applicable.

BI Clearance Certificate.

Original or Certified True Copy of Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance: This is required 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.

Documents for Each Dependent: If you are bringing any dependents with you, you must submit their application form, photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay, proof of filiation with the applicant, BI Clearance Certificate, and an original or certified true copy of the Bureau of Quarantine Medical Clearance, if applicable.

Make sure to submit all required documents, as failure to do so could result in your application being delayed or denied.

Processing Time for Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

The processing time for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa typically ranges from 1 to 15 calendar days, depending on the visa application country. However, it is important to note that the processing time may be extended in certain circumstances, such as if additional documentation is required or if the applicant is subject to background checks.

It is recommended that applicants submit their visa application well in advance of their intended travel date to allow for ample processing time. Additionally, applicants may be able to expedite the processing of their visa application by paying an additional fee for expedited processing, if available.

Applicants are advised to regularly check the status of their visa application through the appropriate channels, such as the online visa application portal or the embassy/consulate where the application was submitted.

It is important to note that the processing time for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa may be impacted by factors outside of the control of the applicant or the Philippine government, such as unforeseen events, changes in immigration policies, or global pandemics. As such, it is recommended that applicants stay informed of any updates or changes to the visa application process and prepare accordingly.

Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa Fee

It is important to note that the visa fee for the Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and country of submission. The fee for the Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is 400 USD. 

In addition to the visa fee, there may be other costs associated with obtaining the visa, such as fees for document translations, notarization, and courier services. These costs can vary depending on the applicant's location and the specific requirements of their application.

It is also important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all required documents and information are submitted accurately and on time to avoid delays or potential denials.

It is recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or specialist to ensure that all fees and costs associated with the application process are understood and accounted for.

Benefits of Obtaining a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

Obtaining a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa can offer numerous benefits for foreign citizens seeking employment opportunities in the Philippines. Some of the benefits include:

Opportunity for employment: The visa allows employers and proprietors in the Philippines to employ foreign citizens with skills, qualifications, and experience that may be in short supply in the country.

Legally working in the Philippines: With the visa, foreign citizens can work legally in the Philippines without fear of deportation or other legal issues.

Validity of visa: The visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three years.

Opportunity for permanent residency: After working in the Philippines for two years, foreign citizens can apply for permanent residency, which allows them to live and work in the country permanently.

Opportunity to gain international work experience: Working in the Philippines can provide foreign citizens with the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience, which can enhance their career prospects in the future.

Exposure to a new culture: Working in the Philippines can expose foreign citizens to a new culture, language, and way of life, which can broaden their horizons and enhance personal growth.

Travel opportunities: The Philippines is a beautiful country with a diverse range of tourist attractions, including beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks. With a valid visa, foreign citizens can explore the country and experience its rich culture and history.

In summary, obtaining a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa can offer foreign citizens numerous benefits, including the opportunity for employment, legally working in the Philippines, validity of visa, opportunity for permanent residency, gaining international work experience, exposure to a new culture, and travel opportunities.

FAQ

The Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa allows employers or proprietors in the Philippines to employ foreign citizens with skills, qualifications, and experience that may be in short supply in the Philippines.

The eligibility requirements for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa include a valid passport, an employment contract, an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other supporting documents.

The required documents for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa include a duly accomplished application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, a national identity card and resident permit/visa copy (if applicable), a joint letter of request, a photocopy of the employment contract or equivalent document, a photocopy of the petitioner's latest income tax return, and other supporting documents.

The average processing time for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is 1-15 calendar days, depending on your visa application country.

The fee for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is 400 USD, but it may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

The benefits of obtaining a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa include the ability to work legally in the Philippines, access to opportunities in a growing economy, and the chance to gain valuable international work experience.

 

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