Important Updates
Important Updates
July 18, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2026
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes Forthcoming
July 18, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2026
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement
July 18, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes Forthcoming
July 18, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2026
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

A Very Long Engagement? Getting Work Authorized in the Philippines

July 20, 2016

Marco Deutsch

Countries / Territories

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines
  • SingaporeSingapore

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Clarence Sy

For many foreigners, the Philippines immigration process is akin to entering a serious relationship: it requires the investment of time, presence and effort. Unfortunately, not everyone is prepared for the stress and demands of such an enterprise and some feel, even in the end, that the entire ordeal was not worth it.

Explaining Philippines work visa process

Foreigners often bemoan the complicated and tortuous “courtship” to get a work visa. First of all, the Philippines follows an in-country process, which means that the applicant must arrive in the country before they can start their immigration journey. Many foreigners make the mistake of thinking they can begin working as soon as they get off the plane, but such notions are doomed to result in heartbreak. In 2015 alone, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the apprehension of 507 illegal aliens, a majority of whom were deported for working without the proper documentation.

Those who opt to comply with the immigration process soon realize that they must deal with two separate government entities, namely the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the above mentioned BI to acquire their much-coveted work visa. Like overprotective parents, each agency has its own set of requirements to assess the qualifications of the applicant. Success will result in the issuance of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the DOLE and the work visa from the BI.

The processing times are often enough to dishearten the uncommitted. It takes 3 to 4 weeks alone to obtain the AEP. Thereafter, applicants can expect to wait for another 2 to 3 months to get the work visa approval. They can only start working once the visa has been issued (unless they apply for a separate Provisional Work Permit which takes around 3 weeks to process).

To make things more cumbersome, certain stages of the process require the foreigner to remain in the Philippines. An example is upon approval of the visa, the applicant will need to wait until his Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACR i-card) is issued before he or she may travel. This can take up to 4 weeks to complete. Indeed, it is difficult for even the most devoted applicant to not feel smothered by these numerous restrictions that need careful and advanced planning to overcome.

And finally, once the assignment in the Philippines has ended, a new round of challenges emerges. The work visa will have to be downgraded and this requires the applicant to stay in the country for a 3 week period and apply for an exit clearance certificate before the foreigner may finally depart and terminate the relationship (employer-employee, that is!).

However, like in life, not all relationships require commitment. In some instances (such as immigration compliance), a short-term union may even be desirable. Let me explain.

Special Work Permit vs. Work Visa

The BI offers the Special Work Permit (SWP) which is another type of work authorization. Its main feature is that it is not a visa such that merely holding a SWP does not entitle the holder to stay in the country. The holder must still maintain a valid visitor’s visa during the life of the SWP.

Despite this, the SWP is quickly becoming a favorite among foreigners and businesses. Its procurement, unlike its more demanding cousin, the work visa, is uncomplicated. The applicant only needs to be in the Philippines during the application submission which takes around 2 working days to complete. He or she does not need to stay in the country devotedly waiting for the BI’s sweet approval.

Even better, a SWP application does not require the personal appearance of the applicant before the authorities. There is no interview or hearing required, unlike the work visa, and the application is evaluated based on the supporting documents submitted. Best of all, it usually takes only 2 weeks for the BI to arrive at a decision.

Alas, as “flings” are not meant to last, so too are SWPs. A SWP can only be valid for a maximum duration of 6 months. If the parties want to take things further, the long-term visa option is the logical next step.

However, for those who feel that the relationship had run its course before the lapse of 6 months, the SWP holder is free to walk away anytime. He or she can exit the country without any other formality and just let the SWP expire naturally.

With the above, it is certainly worthwhile for businesses to consider applying a SWP for their foreign employees. This option ensures that the employees are compliant to go about their work in the Philippines in the fastest way possible while avoiding the hassle, stress, and commitment of a full-blown work visa application.

 

Countries / Territories

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines
  • SingaporeSingapore

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Singapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.