How to Apply for a Working Visa After Graduation in the Philippines

Transitioning from being a student to becoming a professional in the Philippines is an exciting milestone for international graduates. After completing your studies, you may want to continue living and working in the country. To do so legally, you must obtain a working visa. This guide explains the types of working visas, the application process, requirements, and tips to help you successfully apply for a working visa after graduation in the Philippines.

Understanding Working Visas in the Philippines

A working visa allows a foreign national to be employed legally by a company or organization in the Philippines. It is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), with endorsements from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other relevant agencies.

The most common type of working visa is the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, which is granted to foreign nationals who have a valid job offer from a Philippine-based employer.

Common Types of Working Visas

While the 9(g) visa is the primary option for most graduates, there are several types of visas available depending on your circumstances.

1. 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

This visa is issued to foreigners who have been offered a position by a local company. It is valid for one to three years and renewable. Your employer usually sponsors and handles most of the paperwork.

Who can apply:

• Foreign graduates from Philippine universities who have a confirmed job offer

• Employees of registered corporations or companies in the Philippines

Key advantage:
You can legally work, receive a salary, and reside in the Philippines long-term.

2. Special Work Permit (SWP)

If you’re still waiting for your 9(g) visa approval or are hired for a short-term project, you may apply for an SWP.

Duration:

• Issued for 3 months and renewable for another 3 months

• Total of 6 months maximum stay

Typical use cases:

• Temporary employment or consultancy roles

• Waiting period for full working visa

3. Provisional Work Permit (PWP)

If your 9(g) visa application is in progress, a Provisional Work Permit allows you to start working legally while waiting for visa approval.

Validity:

• Until your 9(g) visa is approved

• Usually processed faster than the full visa

4. Special Non-Immigrant Visa (47(a)(2))

This visa is often granted to foreign nationals working in government-approved projects or international organizations.

Examples:

• Employees of foreign chambers of commerce

• Technical experts working on projects with the Philippine government

Eligibility for a Working Visa After Graduation

To qualify for a working visa in the Philippines after graduation, you must meet the following:

1. Completed a degree from an accredited Philippine university

2. Secured a valid job offer from a Philippine-based employer

3. Employer must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

4. Job role must require your skills and justify hiring a foreign national

5. Have no criminal record or overstaying history in the Philippines

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Working Visa

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

You must first have a written job offer or employment contract from a company based in the Philippines. The company should be willing to act as your visa sponsor.

Make sure the position is aligned with your academic background or professional expertise.

Step 2: Employer Applies for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)

Before applying for a visa, your employer must secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Requirements for AEP application:

• Duly accomplished AEP application form

• Photocopy of your passport

• Copy of employment contract

• Business permit and SEC/DTI registration of the employer

• Proof that the position is not available to a qualified Filipino

Processing time: 10–15 working days

Once approved, DOLE issues an AEP card, which must be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration for your working visa application.

Step 3: File the 9(g) Working Visa Application

After obtaining the AEP, your employer will file the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa application with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Documents required:

• Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF)

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Photocopy of AEP issued by DOLE

• Notarized employment contract

• Certificate of employment or job offer

• NBI clearance (if you have stayed in the Philippines for 6+ months)

• Company registration documents (SEC/DTI, mayor’s permit, etc.)

• Proof of financial capacity of the employer

• Photographs (2×2, white background)

Filing fee: around PHP 10,000–12,000 (may vary depending on processing type)

Step 4: Attend Interview (If Required)

In some cases, the BI may require you to attend a short interview to verify your employment and qualifications.

Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval

Processing time for a 9(g) visa typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your documentation and the Bureau of Immigration’s workload.

You can check your application status on the BI official website or through your employer’s liaison officer.

Step 6: Receive Your Working Visa and ACR I-Card

Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the 9(g) visa. You’ll also receive an updated ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration), which serves as your residence and identification card in the Philippines.

Validity:

• Typically matches the duration of your employment contract (1–3 years)

• Renewable upon contract extension

Cost Breakdown

Here’s a general estimate of the costs involved in obtaining a working visa:

Note: Fees may vary depending on the company’s location and processing type.

Renewal and Extension

Working visas can be renewed before they expire. Renewal requires:

• Updated employment contract

• Valid AEP

• Updated company registration documents

• Application for ACR I-Card renewal

It’s recommended to start the renewal process at least one month before expiration to avoid penalties.

Can You Change Employers with a 9(g) Visa?

If you change employers, your existing 9(g) visa automatically becomes invalid. You must:

1. Cancel the old visa with the Bureau of Immigration

2. Apply for a new AEP with your new employer

3. File a new 9(g) visa application

Working without proper reissuance is considered a violation and can result in fines or deportation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Starting work without a valid permit — illegal and may lead to deportation.

2. Incomplete documents — can delay or reject your application.

3. Expired AEP or visa — causes fines and possible blacklisting.

4. Not updating ACR I-Card after changes (employer, address, etc.).

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Always coordinate closely with your employer’s HR or legal team.

• Prepare multiple copies of all documents.

• Keep all receipts and reference numbers for tracking.

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.

• Regularly check the Bureau of Immigration website for updated fees or requirements.

Benefits of Having a Working Visa

Holding a working visa in the Philippines offers several benefits:

• Legal right to work and live in the Philippines

• Eligibility for government IDs (TIN, SSS, Pag-IBIG)

• Easier access to bank accounts and credit cards

• Option to renew or transition to permanent residency later

Alternatives to Working Visa

If you wish to stay longer but are not yet employed, you can consider:

• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) — for retirees

• Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) — for investors

• Special Work Permit (SWP) — for short-term jobs

Conclusion

Applying for a working visa after graduation in the Philippines is a structured yet achievable process, especially for those who have studied locally and already understand the country’s culture and systems. The key steps involve securing a job offer, obtaining an AEP from DOLE, and applying for the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa through the Bureau of Immigration.

With proper documentation and coordination with your employer, you can transition from a student to a professional life smoothly and legally in the Philippines.

FAQs

What is the best working visa for new graduates in the Philippines?

The most common pathway is the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa. It lets a foreign national work for a Philippine employer that sponsors the application. If you need to start sooner while 9(g) is pending, a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is typical; for short, project-based roles up to six months, a Special Work Permit (SWP) may fit.

Can I apply for a 9(g) visa without a job offer?

No. A 9(g) requires a firm job offer and sponsorship by a company registered in the Philippines (SEC/DTI) that will employ you in a role matching your skills. Without an employer-sponsor, consider short-term options (e.g., SWP) or explore investor/retiree categories if eligible.

What is the difference between PWP and SWP?

PWP is tied to a pending 9(g) application and allows you to work while BI processes your visa. It is valid until the 9(g) decision. SWP is for short-term engagements (issued for three months, renewable once up to six months total) when the intent is temporary work, not long-term employment.

Do I need an Alien Employment Permit (AEP)?

Yes, for 9(g) you generally need an AEP from DOLE secured by your employer. It shows the role is legitimate and clarifies why a foreign hire is justified. The AEP card is later submitted with your 9(g) filing at the Bureau of Immigration.

What documents are usually required?

Expect: valid passport, completed BI application form, AEP, notarized employment contract, employer’s corporate documents (SEC/DTI registration, mayor’s/business permit), photos, and—if you’ve stayed in the Philippines 6+ months—an NBI clearance. Your employer typically compiles company-side paperwork.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary by case and office volume. As a ballpark, AEP can take around two weeks, and 9(g) often takes a few weeks after filing. A PWP can help you begin working lawfully while the 9(g) is under review.

Can I start working while my 9(g) is in process?

Only if you hold the PWP (or an SWP that covers your short-term work). Starting work without an authorized permit or visa can lead to fines, cancellation, or deportation.

How long is the 9(g) visa valid and can it be renewed?

Typically 1–3 years, aligned with your employment contract, and it is renewable. Renewal requires an active AEP, updated employer documents, and a valid contract. Apply before expiry to avoid penalties and gaps in status.

What if I change employers after graduation?

Your existing 9(g) is employer-specific. If you move, you must cancel the current 9(g), obtain a new AEP with the new employer, and file a new 9(g). Working for a different company without the new approvals is a violation.

Can recent graduates apply if their degree is from a Philippine university?

Yes. Graduating locally can strengthen your profile because your education and internships align with local standards. You still need a qualifying job offer and employer sponsorship, plus all standard permits (AEP, 9(g)).

Are there common reasons for delays or denials?

Frequent issues include incomplete documents, inconsistencies between contract and job description, missing employer registrations, or failure to secure an AEP first. Ensure your passport validity (6+ months) and keep notarizations, copies, and receipts organized.

What fees should I expect?

Expect fees for the AEP, the 9(g) filing, and the ACR I-Card, plus incidental costs (notarization, photocopies). Exact amounts can change; your employer’s liaison or HR team usually estimates current totals at the time of filing.

Do I need an ACR I-Card?

Yes. The ACR I-Card is your alien registration and identification card. It is issued/updated with your working visa and is required for many transactions (banking, government numbers, travel reentry documentation).

Can my spouse or dependents join me?

Dependents may apply for appropriate visas (e.g., 9(g) dependent or temporary visitor options) tied to your principal status. They generally cannot work unless they secure their own employment authorization/visa.

What government numbers and accounts can I get with a 9(g)?

With a valid work visa, you can obtain a TIN for tax, register with SSS and Pag-IBIG, and open bank accounts more easily. Your employer’s HR typically coordinates statutory registrations as part of onboarding.

What happens if my visa or AEP expires?

Overstaying or letting permits lapse can trigger fines, penalties, or blacklisting. Calendar renewal dates early and ask HR to initiate extensions well before expiry. Keep copies of all filings and payment receipts.

Is remote or freelance work allowed on a student or tourist visa?

Do not work—local or remote for a Philippine entity—on a status that does not authorize employment. For lawful work with a local employer, maintain the correct work authorization (9(g), PWP, or SWP as applicable).

Can I transition from a student visa to a work visa inside the Philippines?

Yes. After graduation and with a valid job offer, your employer can initiate the AEP and 9(g) in country. Keep your status lawful during the transition (e.g., PWP), and avoid gaps between visa categories.

How can I improve my approval chances as a fresh graduate?

Align your role with your degree or skills, ensure a clear, detailed contract, and choose an employer with complete corporate registrations and capacity to sponsor. Maintain a clean immigration record, gather complete documents, and respond quickly to any BI or DOLE clarifications.

Who files what—me or my employer?

Your employer typically files the AEP with DOLE and the 9(g) with the Bureau of Immigration (often via an accredited liaison). You, as the applicant, provide personal documents, attend biometrics/interview if required, and sign forms and contracts as needed.

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