Foreign nationals are required to secure a Special Work Permit (SWP) to be able to work in the Philippines for a period not exceeding six (6) months. They must also be sponsored by their employer that is registered in the country. The application of SWP must be applied at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Who Can Apply for Special Work Permit (SWP)?
According to Section 1 of the Bureau of Immigration Operations Order No. JHM-2019-008, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) shall issue a Special Work Permit (SWP) to foreign nationals who intend to work, engage in specific activities, or render services outside of an employment arrangement, such as:
- Professional athletes, coaches, trainers and assistants;
- International performers with exceptional abilities;
- Artists, performers and their staff, who perform before an audience for a fee, subject to compliance with the requirements of the concerned agency, office or body;
- Service suppliers coming primarily to perform temporary services and who do not receive salary or other remuneration from a Philippine source other than expenses incidental to their temporary stay;
- Treasure hunters authorized to search for hidden treasure with business permit from the concerned government agencies and instrumentalities;
- Movie and television crews authorized to film in the country by the relevant regulatory office, body or agency;
- Foreign journalists practicing their profession or covering a specific event in the country;
- Trainee/s assigned in government instrumentalities, government owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and private entities;
- Lecturers, researchers, trainers, and other pursuing academic work, who are assigned in schools, universities, educational and research institutions, government agencies and other entities (with or without compensations);
- Religious missionaries and preachers;
- Commercial models and talents;
- Culinary specialists or Chefs;
- Professionals; and
- Consultants or specialists.
What are the Requirements for a Special Work Permit (SWP)?
The following documents are required when applying for a Special Work Permit:
- Letter Request addressed to the Commissioner from the petitioning company;
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) (BI Form CGAF-002-Rev 3);
- Photocopy of applicant’s passport bio-page, entry visa (if applicable), latest admission, and updated Temporary Visitor’s visa or valid authorized stay;
- Duly acknowledged Contract of Service, Secretary’s Certificate of Election, Appointment, Assignment, Secondment, or Deployment of applicant, or equivalent document indicating duration of service, compensation, benefits, and duties scope;
- Additional documentary requirements depending on the nature of employment (consultant position or regulated profession);
- Photocopy of applicant’s Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN) card or proof of TIN;
- BI Clearance Certificate;
- Additional Information on Applicant’s Child/Children (if applicable); and
- Special Work Permit Certification.
How to Apply for a Special Work Permit (SWP)?
To obtain a Special Work Permit, the applicant must follow these procedures:
- Submit the Documents. You are required to fill up and submit the Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF) along with the required documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU).
- Pay Fees. After submitting the necessary requirements, you must get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS) and pay the required fees. You must also submit a copy of the Official Receipt.
- Approval (without ACR I-Card). Once your application has been approved, you may claim your SWP.
- Attend Hearing (with ACR I-Card). Attend the hearing to refer to the schedule and venue to your Official Receipt.
- Biometric Data. After the hearing, an immigration officer will capture your biometric data, such as your image and fingerprint.
- Approval. Once your application has been approved, you may claim your SWP.
In case of renewal application, the biometric data previously captured during the visa conversion shall be used in the printing of the renewed ACR I-Card. However, the applicant’s child aged ten (10) years and below shall have their image and fingerprint captured on every extension of visa. While their child aged eleven (11) years and above shall have their image and fingerprint captured every after five (5) years.
What is the Validity Period of Special Work Permit (SWP)?
Section 7 of the Bureau of Immigration Operations Order No. JHM-2019-008 provides for the duration of the Special Working Permit (SWP). The SWP is valid for a maximum period of six (6) months, non-renewable, with an initial duration of not more than three (3) months plus final three-month renewed period when applied for.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Special Work Permit (SWP)?
From the date of filing of the foreign national’s application, a Special Wok Permit (SWP) may be issued within two (2) to three (3) weeks. It is to note that the foreign national shall remain as a tourist throughout the validity of the SWP. Thus, an application for an extension of one’s tourist visa is necessary.
Need further information and assistance regarding Special Work Permit (SWP)? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
