Skip to main content

Pre-arranged Employment Visa（9G Work Visa）

What is the Philippines 9G Work Visa?

In recent years, many foreign workers holding a 9G Work Visa in the Philippines have been employed in the iGaming industry, leading some to refer to it as a “gambling visa.” However, the 9G Work Visa is not exclusive to the gaming sector. The Philippine 9G Work Visa is a type of employment visa issued to foreign nationals who are legally employed by a Philippine-registered company. It applies to all industries, not just gaming. Any legitimate company in the Philippines that hires foreign employees can sponsor and apply for a 9G visa on their behalf.(InCorp Philippines)​​ (PhilExpats)​。


Origin and Background of the 9G Work Visa

The Philippines’ 9G Work Visa is commonly referred to as a “Pre-arranged Employment Visa.” Its official name is the 9G Non-Immigrant Visa under the Pre-arranged Employment Category. The 9G visa is a pre-arranged employment business visa specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to legally work in the Philippines. It grants the holder permission to engage in technical, managerial, administrative, operational, or highly confidential roles within a Philippine-registered company. This visa category is intended for foreign individuals who already have employment arranged with a Philippine company prior to their entry or visa application.

 

Broad Applicability of the 9G Work Visa

Although the 9G Work Visa is widely applicable across various industries, it is true that many companies in the iGaming sector also apply for this visa on behalf of their foreign employees. As the online gaming industry in the Philippines has expanded, numerous gaming operators have hired large numbers of foreign staff from different countries. These employees require legal work authorization, and the 9G visa is one of the most commonly used options. Importantly, any legitimate Philippine company that legally employs foreign nationals—whether in technology, management, finance, education, or other sectors—can apply for a 9G Work Visa on their behalf. This includes, but is not limited to, the gaming industry. (InCorp Philippines)​​ (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。

Requirements for Applying for a 9G Work Visa

  1. Job Offer：The applicant must first obtain a valid job offer from a Philippine-based employer, which clearly outlines the position, salary, and duration of employment. (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。
  2. Alien Employment Permit (AEP)：Before applying for a 9G visa, the employer must secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This permit confirms that no qualified Filipino is available for the job position. (Visas Philippines)​​ (PhilExpats)​。
  3. Medical Examination：The applicant must undergo a medical examination at a medical facility accredited by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH). This is to ensure that the applicant does not carry any contagious or high-risk diseases. (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。
  4. Valid Passport：The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended duration of stay in the Philippines. (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。
  5. Visa Application：A completed visa application form along with all required supporting documents must be submitted for official processing. (PhilExpats)​。

 

Advantages of the 9G Work Visa

  1. Legal Employment and Residency：Holders of a 9G visa can legally work and reside in the Philippines without the need to apply for a separate residency visa. (InCorp Philippines)​。
  2. Flexible Duration and Renewal：The visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed in line with contract extensions. (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。
  3. Travel Flexibility：Foreign employees holding a 9G visa can enter and exit the Philippines multiple times during the validity of the visa. (Visas Philippines)​。
  4. Family Inclusion：Immediate family members of the visa holder can also apply for visa extensions, and children enrolled in accredited schools do not need a student visa. (InCorp Philippines)​。
  5. Promotion-Friendly：If the foreign employee is promoted within the same company, only the AEP (Alien Employment Permit) needs to be updated — no need to reapply for the 9G visa. (PhilExpats)​。

 

Application Process:

  1. Obtain AEP：The employer must apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE, verifying that no qualified local candidate is available for the position. (M and J Solutions Provider Inc.)​。
  2. Submit to Bureau of Immigration (BI)：Submit an official request letter to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) affirming that the hiring of a foreign national is in public interest. (PhilExpats)​。
  3. Biometrics and Interview：The Bureau of Immigration will schedule a biometric capture and interview. (PhilExpats)​。
  4. Wait for Approval：Processing time is typically 50 days to 6 months, but with company assistance, it may be expedited to 3–5 weeks. (PhilExpats)​。

 

References



Go Back to Search