BI Releases Guidelines for 9(G) Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently released guidelines regarding the issuance of 9(g) visas to foreign nationals who are currently outside of the Philippines. 

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed on Wednesday, August 18, that the agency has just released Operations Order No. JHM 2021-004, allowing companies to apply for a 9(g) visa on behalf of recently hired foreign employees outside of the Philippines. 

BI adopted the new procedure pursuant to the latest resolution provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID). IATF Resolution No. 131-A authorizes the issuance of working visas to foreigners who intend to come to the Philippines for long-term employment with a Philippine-based employer.

Under the guideline, 9(g) Visa applicants must provide the following documents to be granted entry in the Philippines:

Documentary requirements for principal applicants: 

• Joint Letter Request from the applicant and petitioner company. 
• 2 Copies of Duly Accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF)
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
• Photocopy of Employment of Contract and other relevant documents
• Photocopy of AEP or CEO issued by DOLE
• Notarized Certification of number of employees from petitioning company
• Special Temporary Permit from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), if applicable
• Photocopy of Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Certified True Copy of BOQ Medical Clearance
• BI Clearance Certificate

Documentary Requirements for Dependents (one copy per dependent):

• Duly Accomplished CGAF
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
• Proof of filiation with the principal
• BI Clearance Certificate

Documentary requirements from the petitioning company:

• For Corporations and Partnerships:
  • SEC Certificate of Registration
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • General Information Sheet for the current year verified by SEC
  • Latest Income Tax Return with proof of tax payment or BIR Certificate of Registration, whichever is applicable
  • Mayor’s Permit

• For Single Proprietorship: 
  • DTI Certificate of Registration of Business Name
  • Latest Income Tax Return with proof of tax payment or BIR Certificate of Registration, whichever is applicable
  • Mayor’s Permit

The 9(g) Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance for entry purposes only. Holders must register and implement their visas with BI upon arrival in the Philippines. 

Upon registration, applicants must also present:

• Duly Accomplished CGAF
• Photocopy of Passport Bio-page
• Photocopy of AEP
• Photocopy of TIN
• Photocopy of Official Receipt for 9(g) Visa
• Statement of Intention to undergo registration (for ARCI-Card Purposes)