How to Renew Your 9G Visa in the Philippines (Step-By-Step Guide)

In the Philippines, a work visa or 9g visa has a specific validity period and holders must renew it before it expires to continue working and residing in the country legally. This visa also allows its holders to reside in the country with their spouse and/or children, provided that they remain employed in the Philippines. 

To avoid disruptions in employment or immigration status, it is crucial to follow the renewal process carefully and on time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the requirements and process for renewing a work visa. We’ll also include the benefits and privileges that a 9g visa holder possesses and the immigration consequences you may face when you fail to renew your work visa. 

What is a Work Visa in the Philippines?

A work visa or 9g visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign nationals who engage in any lawful occupation in the Philippines, allowing them to live and work in the country legally. It is also issued to their dependents, such as their spouse and unmarried child/children who are below twenty-one (21) years old. 

Two Types of Work Visa in the Philippines

A work visa has two types, which are the following:

1. Commercial Work Visa is offered to foreign nationals employed in the Philippines.

2. Non-Commercial Work Visa is given to foreign nationals who are engaged in missionary, social, rehabilitation, and medical professions. 

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a 9G Visa in the Philippines

A work visa is offered to foreign nationals who are employed in the Philippines, their spouse, and child/children who are below the age of twenty-one (21) years old and unmarried. 

Validity Period of 9G Visa in the Philippines

A work visa is valid for one (1) to three (3) years and can be renewed for another 1 to 3 years, depending on your employment status and contract.

When to Apply for a Renewal of 9G Visa in the Philippines

Make sure that your current work visa isn’t yet expired when you apply for a renewal to avoid penalties and other immigration consequences, such as overstaying. 

Where to Apply for a Renewal of 9G Visa in the Philippines

The application for a renewal of a work visa must be submitted at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office or any authorized BI regional office. The BI is a government official that is responsible for handling visa applications and immigration consequences. You may also avail assistance from a service provider to help you navigate through your visa renewal application. 

Renewal of 9G Visa Requirements in the Philippines

To initiate your 9g visa renewal application, you must provide the following documents:

• Letter request of 9g visa renewal addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) signed by the applicant and their employer

• Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) for Non-Immigrant Visa

• Original passport with a photocopy of the bio-data page and the page showing the latest visa implementation

• Original and photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card)

• Valid Alien Employment Permit (AEP) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

• Bureau of Immigration Clearance Certificate (BICC)

• Additional requirements, if necessary

Additionally, your employer must provide the following documents:

• Notarized Certification of Number of Filipino and foreign employees 

• Latest General Information Sheet (GIS) from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

• Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit

• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) with proof of payment

• Additional requirements, if necessary

If you have a dependent, they must provide the following documents:

• Duly accomplished CGAF for Non-Immigrant Visa

• Photocopy of passport bio-page and latest admission with valid authorized stay 

• Proof of filiation with the applicant, such as Marriage Certificate (if spouse) and Birth Certificate (if child/children)

• BI Clearance Certificate

Application Process for Renewal of 9G Visa in the Philippines

To process your 9g visa renewal application, you may follow this guide:

• Seek Visa Assistance. Consider availing a visa assistance from a service provider. They can guide you through your application, from gathering the necessary documents to monitor the status of your visa application. With their expertise, they can provide best practical solutions when an issue arises along the way, ensuring a successful outcome. 

• Prepare the Required Documents. To make the transaction smooth and worryless, prepare the required documents beforehand and ensure that all requirements are complete and accurate to prevent any rejection or delays.

• Submit the Renewal Application. Submit your application along with supporting documents for pre-screening at the Central Receiving Unit (CRU) of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office or any authorized BI office. 

• Settle the Fees.  Pay the necessary fees. This may vary depending on the duration of the visa renewal and your status. You will also be required to submit a copy of the official receipt to the designated window or immigration officer. 

• Interview with the BI. Attend the scheduled interview with the BI, if required. 

• Monitor the Application Status. It is advisable to regularly monitor the status of your application. If you have availed visa assistance from a service provider, they will be the one who will monitor the status of your application and just inform you once it is successfully issued.

• Issuance of Visa and ACR I-Card. Once your application has been approved, you must submit your passport for visa implementation. You may also now claim your renewed ACR I-Card which serves as your valid ID in the Philippines. 

Please take note that your biometric data previously captured during the visa conversion will be used in the printing of your renewed ACR I-Card. Additionally, if you have a dependent aged ten (10) years old and below, their biometrics must be captured every visa renewal or extension application. While aged eleven (11) years old and above must have their biometrics captured every after five (5) years.

Do I Need to Be in the Philippines While My 9G Visa Renewal is Being Processed?

Yes, it is advisable for you to be in the Philippines while your work visa or 9g visa is still being processed. If your visa application has been approved while you are not in the country, you will then be required to apply for revalidation. 

Benefits and Privileges of 9G Visa Holders in the Philippines

Foreign nationals who hold a work visa or 9g visa in the Philippines have the following benefits and privileges:

• Work Opportunity. The primary purpose of a work visa is to provide foreign nationals a legal authorization to work in the Philippines. It ensures compliance with Philippine immigration laws, protecting both the employee and the employer from penalties and potential legal issues related to unauthorized work.

• Long-Term Residence. A work visa is valid for one (1) to three (3) years but can be renewed for another year, depending on the length of the employment contract. It doesn’t only allow them to work legally but also to live in the country. 

• Multiple-Entry Privileges. A work visa allows its holder to enter and leave the country without the need for a re-entry permit, making it beneficial for foreign executives and employees who need to travel frequently for business purposes.

• Eligibility for Dependents. The Philippines promotes family stability and support, allowing the 9G visa holders to be accompanied by their spouse and/or child/children in the Philippines.

• Access to Essential Services. With a work visa, its holders gain access to essential services and other benefits in the Philippines, such as opening a local bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, and renting a property. 

• Investment Opportunities. The work visa may also serve as a gateway for foreign workers interested in exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines. It also allows them to assess the local market, potential business ventures, and build relationships with local businesses, stakeholders, and other investors. 

Consequences of Failure to Renew a 9G Visa in the Philippines

Not renewing your expired work visa could lead you in facing the following consequences:

• Deportation is when the immigration authorities issue you to leave the country as your presence is found to be injurious to public safety, public health, and public interest. 

• Overstaying happens when a foreign national stays in the country extended to his/her intended duration of stay.

• Blacklist Order (BLO) prohibits a foreign national from entering the country who is seen as a risk or threat to the public safety. They may also be deported due to violating the Philippine law, convicted of a crime, sex offender, undocumented individual, and supporters of subversive acts. 

• Implication for Future Visa Application is one of the consequences if you fail to renew your 9g visa as non-compliance will be included in your record.