Provisional Work Permit Registration for Foreign Nationals Employed in the Philippines

Foreign nationals who seek to find and engage in gainful employment in the Philippines must obtain an appropriate work permit depending on their employment needs. Generally, there are three types of work permits in the Philippines. These are: Alien Employment Permit (AEP), Special Work Permit (SWP), and Provisional Work Permit (PWP). 

Here, let us talk about the Provisional Work Permit and guide you through its process and requirements when obtaining this type of visa.

What is a Provisional Work Permit?

A Provisional Work Permit (PWP) is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals employed and seeking a job in the Philippines. Non-citizen workers must secure a PWP and ensure to renew it every three months while they work on the processing of a long-term working visa. 

A PWP is only valid for six months, given that it will be renewed every three months. A foreign national who holds a PWP must ensure to secure their work visa before the end of this period.

General Requirements for PWP Application

A non-citizen employee applying for a PWP must ensure to submit the following documentary requirements to BI in order to proceed with the registration process:

1. Checklist with the following documentary prerequisites

For Applicants:

• Checklist with complete documentary prerequisites
• Letter-request addressed to the Commissioner from the petitioning company
• Accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev 3)
• Photocopy of applicant’s passport bio-page, entry visa (if applicable) together with latest admission and updated temporary visitor’s visa
• Employment documents such as:
  • Contract of Service
  • Employment Contract
  • Secretary’s Certificate of Election
  • Appointment
  • Assignment
  • Secondment or Deployment of the applicant, or similar record indicating the duration of employment, compensation, and other benefits, and scope of duties
  • ​​Photocopy of the official receipt of AEP or 9g application
  • Photocopy of applicant’s Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) card or proof of TIN
  • Special Temporary Permit for the foreign applicant who seeks to practice a profession regulated by the Professional
  • Regulation Commission (PRC)
  • BI Clearance Certificate
  • Application Form
  • Additional information about the applicant’s offspring (if needed)

For Petitioners

Similar to applicant requirements, the petitioner must also submit documentary pre-requisites for the PWP application. Below are the following documents:

I. Photocopy of Petitioner’s Income Tax Return (ITR) with proof of payment. Submit the photocopy of the following documents:

For Corporations or Partnerships:

• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Certificate of Registration;
• Articles of Incorporation
• General Information Sheet for the current year, stamped received by SEC

For Single Proprietorships:

• Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Certificate of Registration of Business Name

II. Mayor’s Permit

Usually, the processing after the completion of the required documents takes two to three weeks from the filing date. There are also fees to be paid for several things needed for the application.

How to Apply for a PWP

After successfully completing the documentary prerequisites, a foreign national may continue with submitting the required documents and proceed with the following permit application:

1. Secure a Consolidated General Application form (CGAF) from the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI G/F Main Office or from the official BI Website.
2. Submit the documentary requirements for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) or to the frontline officer of other Immigration Offices able to process this transaction.
3. Acquire Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
4. Pay the fees.
5. Submit a copy of the official receipt (OR).
6. Receive the approved PWP.

Prior to applying for a PWP, foreign nationals who seek employment in the Philippines must first secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). In addition, the processing time takes approximately two to three weeks from the filing date.

Obtain the Right Visa for Your Employment Needs in the Philippines

Non-citizens who wish to apply and secure employment in the Philippines must secure several permits in order to legally work in the country. Applying for a PWP is a crucial step to securing a long-term work visa. If you find PWP application exhausting, you may seek help from visa processing firms to assist you with the needed documentary requirements and application filing.