Philippines Special Non-Immigrant Visa

The 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa is a type of visa designated for foreign personnel or executives of regional or area headquarters, regional operating headquarters, or multinational companies in the Philippines. This visa is also commonly known as the Special Working Permit (SWP).

The 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa is specifically intended to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth in the Philippines. It allows multinational companies and regional headquarters to employ foreign executives or personnel with specialized skills and knowledge that are not readily available in the local labor market. This visa also facilitates the transfer of technology and knowledge from foreign companies to the Philippines, helping to develop the country's industries and increase employment opportunities for Filipinos.

To be eligible for the 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa, the foreign executive or personnel must be sponsored by a registered regional or area headquarters, regional operating headquarters, or multinational company in the Philippines. The sponsoring company must also meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum paid-up capital and employing a certain number of Filipino workers.

Once granted, the 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for an initial period of one year, and may be extended for up to five years at a time. The visa holder is allowed to work only for the sponsoring company and in the specific position and location indicated in the visa.

The application process for the 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa involves submitting several documents, including a valid passport, a certificate of employment, and a certificate of registration of the sponsoring company with the appropriate government agency. The visa application is then evaluated by the Bureau of Immigration, which may request additional documents or information before making a decision.

Overall, the 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa provides a significant benefit for both multinational companies and the Philippines as a whole. It allows for the transfer of skills and knowledge, promotes economic growth and development, and provides employment opportunities for Filipinos.

Eligibility requirements for Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa

To be eligible for a Philippines Special Non-Immigrant Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a foreign national who will work as an executive, manager, or specialist in a multinational company with an office in the Philippines, or a regional or area headquarters or regional operating headquarters established in the country.
• Must have been employed by the multinational company for a minimum of one year before being assigned to the Philippines.
• Must have a valid employment contract from the multinational company.
• Must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines.
• Must not have any criminal record or history of immigration violations in the Philippines or other countries.
• Must have sufficient funds to support their stay in the Philippines without engaging in any employment or business activity outside of the scope of their visa.
• Must comply with other immigration regulations and requirements imposed by the Philippine government.

It is important to note that meeting the above requirements does not guarantee approval of the Special Non-Immigrant Visa application. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration reserves the right to deny or reject any application that does not meet their standards or requirements. Applicants are advised to submit complete and accurate documentation and comply with all immigration regulations to increase their chances of a successful application.

Documents required for Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa application

The following documents are required for a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa application:

Passport

The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the applicant's intended stay in the Philippines. It should have at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.

Visa Application Form

The visa application form must be completed and signed by the applicant.

Two Passport-size Photos

• The photos should be clear and of high quality, with no blurs or distortions.
• The background should be plain and light-colored, without any patterns or designs.
• The photos should show the full face of the applicant, with the head centered and squared to the camera.
• The applicant's facial expression should be neutral, with both eyes open and clearly visible.
• The applicant should not be wearing glasses or any headgear, except for religious purposes.

National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

If the applicant's country of residence and citizenship are different, they must provide a national identity card and a copy of their resident permit or visa. This document serves as proof of the applicant's legal status in the country where they are residing. The resident permit or visa must be valid and should not expire before the applicant's intended date of departure from the Philippines.

Proof of Financial Support, Present Original & Two Photocopies of One of the Following:To apply for a Philippines Special Non-Immigrant Visa, you need to present proof of financial support. This can be demonstrated through one of the following:

• Bank Certificate of Deposit: You need to present an original and two photocopies of a bank certificate of deposit, issued by a reputable bank in the last three months. The certificate should indicate the type of account, current balance, and the average daily balance for the past six months.

• Credit Card: You need to present an original and two photocopies of your latest credit card billing statement, issued by a reputable credit card company in the last three months. The statement should indicate the credit limit, available credit, and the outstanding balance.

• Traveller's Cheques:You need to present an original and two photocopies of your traveller's cheques, issued by a reputable bank in the last three months. The cheques should indicate the denomination and the total value.

• Proof of Income: You need to present an original and two photocopies of a certificate of employment, pay slip, or income tax return (ITR) for the past year. The certificate of employment should indicate your position, salary, and length of service. The pay slip should indicate your current salary and the total amount earned for the past three months. The ITR should indicate your gross income and the amount of tax paid.

Letter of Request from the Company

The applicant's company or employer must provide a letter of request stating the purpose of the applicant's visit to the Philippines, the intended length of stay, and other relevant information.

SEC Registration and Articles of Incorporation

For companies or corporations, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration and articles of incorporation must be submitted.

Company or Organization Profile

A profile of the company or organization that the applicant is working for, including its nature of business, history, and organizational structure, must be submitted.

Income Tax Return

The company or organization's income tax return for the past year must be submitted, along with the corresponding proof of payment.

Employment Contract or Assignment Letter

A copy of the applicant's employment contract or assignment letter, which should include the applicant's position, salary, and other relevant details, must be submitted.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

The applicant's curriculum vitae or resume, including educational background and work experience, must be submitted.

Travel Itinerary

The applicant's travel itinerary, including flight details and hotel reservations, must be submitted.

Police Clearance Certificate

The applicant's police clearance certificate from their country of origin must be submitted.

Medical Certificate

A medical certificate issued by an accredited physician in the applicant's country of origin must be submitted.

Note: Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's individual circumstances and the requirements of the Philippine embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.

Procedures for obtaining a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa

The process of obtaining a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa involves the following steps:

Prepare the required documents: The applicant must prepare all the necessary documents as listed above.

Submit the application: The applicant must submit the completed visa application along with all required documents to the Philippine embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence.

Pay the visa fee: The applicant must pay the required visa fee, which may vary depending on the embassy or consulate.

Attend an interview: The embassy or consulate may require the applicant to attend an interview to assess their eligibility and intentions.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a Special Non-immigrant Visa may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it typically takes a few weeks.

Collect the visa: Once the visa is approved, the applicant must collect it from the embassy or consulate. The visa will indicate the validity period and duration of stay in the Philippines.

Register with the Bureau of Immigration: Upon arrival in the Philippines, the applicant must register with the Bureau of Immigration within 30 days to obtain their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence.

It is important to note that the procedures for obtaining a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa may vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the specific embassy or consulate where the application is processed. It is recommended that applicants contact the embassy or consulate for specific instructions and requirements.

Processing Time & Fee for Philippines Special Non-immigrant 47(a) (2) Visa

The processing time for a Philippines Special Non-immigrant 47(a)(2) Visa may vary, but it usually takes around 5-10 working days. However, it is important to note that the processing time may be affected by factors such as the volume of applications received, the accuracy and completeness of the submitted documents, and the workload of the embassy or consulate processing the application.

The Philippines Special Non-immigrant 47(a)(2) Visa is usually exempted from payment of fees. However, if the applicant is not exempted from fees, the 47(a)(2) Special Non-immigrant Visa fee is 400 USD. It is important to check whether you are eligible for fee exemption before submitting your visa application.

Benefits of obtaining a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa

Obtaining a Philippines Special Non-immigrant 47(a)(2) Visa offers a number of benefits for foreign personnel or executives of regional or area headquarters and regional operating headquarters or multinational companies. Some of the benefits include:

Multiple Entry: The Special Non-immigrant Visa allows for multiple entries into the Philippines within a period of three years. This makes it easier for foreign personnel to travel in and out of the country as needed.

Longer Stay: The visa allows foreign personnel to stay in the Philippines for up to 59 days per entry, which is longer than the usual 30-day stay allowed for tourists.

No Need for AEP: Holders of the Special Non-immigrant Visa are exempted from obtaining an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for as long as they remain under the same sponsoring company.

Spouse and Dependents: The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of the Special Non-immigrant Visa holder can also be issued a visa, allowing them to stay with the principal visa holder in the Philippines.

Business Opportunities: The Special Non-immigrant Visa enables foreign personnel to conduct business activities in the Philippines. This can include attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations, as well as exploring business opportunities in the country.

Investment Opportunities: The visa also allows foreign personnel to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines. This can include investing in local businesses, real estate, or other ventures.

Overall, the Philippines Special Non-immigrant 47(a)(2) Visa provides a number of benefits for foreign personnel or executives of regional or area headquarters and regional operating headquarters or multinational companies. It allows for longer stays, multiple entries, and business and investment opportunities, making it an attractive option for those looking to work and conduct business in the Philippines.

Common challenges and how to overcome them in applying for a Philippines Special Non-immigrant Visa

The Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV) is a visa category in the Philippines that allows foreign nationals to stay in the country for an extended period for specific purposes such as employment, business, or investment. Applying for an SNIV can be a complex process, and applicants may face various challenges. Here are some common challenges and ways to overcome them:

Meeting the eligibility criteria: To be eligible for an SNIV, applicants must meet specific requirements, such as having a valid passport, providing proof of financial capability, and obtaining endorsements from relevant government agencies. To overcome this challenge, applicants must carefully review the eligibility criteria and gather all necessary documents and information to ensure that they meet the requirements.

Language barrier: English is the official language of the Philippines, but many Filipinos may not be fluent in the language. Applicants may face difficulties in communicating with government officials or in understanding the application process. To overcome this challenge, applicants may consider hiring a local agent or interpreter to assist them in their application.

Delays in processing: The processing time for an SNIV application can vary depending on the type of visa and the workload of the immigration office. Applicants may experience delays in processing their application, which could affect their travel plans. To overcome this challenge, applicants should plan their application well in advance and allow ample time for processing.

Lack of information: The application process for an SNIV can be complex, and applicants may have difficulty finding accurate and up-to-date information. To overcome this challenge, applicants should consult with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their home country or seek assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer.

Meeting health requirements: The Philippines may require applicants to provide proof of vaccination or undergo medical tests before issuing an SNIV. This requirement can be a challenge for applicants who have not completed the necessary medical procedures. To overcome this challenge, applicants should research the health requirements and obtain the necessary vaccinations or medical tests before submitting their application.

Overall, applying for an SNIV can be a complex process, but careful planning, attention to detail, and seeking assistance from qualified professionals can help applicants overcome the common challenges and increase their chances of a successful application.

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