Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 1:38 pm Post subject: Visa to the Philippines Guide (working permit, tourism, etc)
Visa to the Philippines guide (working permit, tourism, etc...)
Work Permit
Philippine Labour Law requires a working permit known as the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) for every foreign national employed in the Philippines. An application for this is normally filed by the Philippine employer on behalf of the foreign employee and once approved, is generally co-terminus with the term of employment. Under current practice, six months is the minimum validity period, and two years is the maximum. The application is to be filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Residence Permit/Visa
Once the AEP is secured, the employment visa (otherwise called the Pre-arranged Employment or 9(g) visa) application may be filed with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Points to note
Business trip Permissible as long as the foreign national has a valid business visa upon entry and an outbound trip ticket. This is generally for the purpose of holding preliminary meetings or surveys, negotiating contracts or attending conferences. Once work starts, a work permit and a visa are required.
Reciprocity arrangements For countries with which the Philippines has reciprocity arrangements, their nationals can enter the country even without a prior visa. Otherwise, the expatriate has to secure a tourist/business visa from the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate at the place of origin.
Birth certificate required? No for the principal applicant. For the dependent wife and children, yes.
Academic certificates required? Generally, no. However, the proof of qualification that is required is a certified curriculum vitae/bio-data of the foreign national outlining the expatriate's relevant work experience and education.
Medical clearance required? Yes.
Police clearance required? No.
Timing For a work permit,
two to three weeks from submission of the complete documents. As to the work visa, approximately six to eight weeks from the date of filing.
Personal attendance required?
The expatriate's personal attendance is required at the visa hearing.
Registration at local Government unit in the Philippines?
Not required. Registration is on a national basis at the Philippines Bureau of Immigration.
Penalites for non-compliance Fine and imprisonment. Deportation in applicable cases.
Spouse work rights?
A spouse included in the principal applicant's visa is not allowed to work. If the spouse wishes to work, a local company must sponsor him/her and he/she must revert to his/her original visa status and separately apply for a work visa.
Separate application for family members?
A principal applicant's visa application already includes that of his dependents. No separate application is required.
Recognition of common law relationship?
Common law relationships are not recognised. The Immigration authorities require as proof of filiation the authenticated marriage certificate of the spouses and birth certificates or adoption decree of the dependent children.
Other issues A change of employer will require notice to the labour and immigration authorities.
Emigration Clearance Certificate ("ECC") is necessary for business visa holders who have stayed in the Philippines for more than six months.
Aside from the Work Visa, there are other available visa types for investors, treaty traders, and retirees, upon compliance with the requirements.
Age: 43 Zodiac: Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 12 Location: 1503 Atlanta Centre 31 Annapolis Street Grrenhills San Juan Home Country: philippines
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:04 am Post subject: Immigration advice for the Philippines
Majority of the information contained on this article is out of date.
If you are visiting the Philippines, intend to work, intend to marry or wish to the become a resident then please contact myself at World Horizons, details below.
For those who advise us by email that you can obtain citizenship of the Philippines, the answer is yes, but when we advise our clients we say you can only obtain residency!!
Why? because obtaining citizenship is a very costly and lengthy procedure through the High Courts and the benefits of citizenship are minimal if they exist at all. You don't need citizenship to enjoy life in the Philippines, ask any old timers here.
If you are thinking of becoming politically involved in the Philippines, its a messy business!!
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