The fast-track hiring options in the Philippines for skilled workers are available through employer-sponsored work visa pathways, such as the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa (long-term) and the Special Work Permit (SWP) (short-term). For a fast-track hiring process through these pathways, you will generally require an employer sponsorship, along with an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) (for 9(g) visa applicants). Some of the other fast-track hiring options in the Philippines also include Skilled foreign workers who are employed or hired by PEZA-registered companies, may be eligible for the Special Non-Immigrant Visas (SNIV). At the same time, the Section 47(a)(2) visas are restricted for project-based employment or government-approved projects. Faster visa processing in the Philippines is based on the documentation submitted, the involvement of your employer, and meeting the Bureau of Immigration regulations.
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Fast-track hiring options in the Philippines for skilled workers
Some of the main fast-track hiring options in the Philippines for skilled professionals are as follows:
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa
The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is one of the most common long-term work visa options in the Philippines. While the visa itself is not a direct fast-track visa, it does have faster processing, provided the employment is pre-arranged, and the Philippines’ employer sponsors your visa application. The 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa is employer-sponsored and is valid for the duration of your employment, with the possibility of renewal. The employers in the Philippines coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to work towards streamlining and fast-tracking the hiring process for qualifying skilled workers.
Requirements for the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa:
- A valid job offer from an employer in the Philippines
- Proof of job contract and endorsement from the company
- Employer compliance with DOLE and Bureau of Immigration requirements
- An approved Alien Employment Permit (AEP)
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of medical fitness
- Valid and original passport
Special Work Permit (SWP)
The Special Work Permit (SWP) is designed for skilled professionals visiting the Philippines for short-term purposes or work assignments. The SWP offers faster work authorization as compared to the regular long-term visa options in the Philippines, as it is specifically issued for foreign workers to stay in the country temporarily. The Special Work Permit (SWP) in the Philippines is ideal for auditors, technical experts, project-based specialists, consultants, and trainers, among others. It is generally issued for a period of 3 months, which can later be extended upon eligibility. Through SWP, employers in the Philippines can address urgent business requirements without having to undergo a complete work visa approval, making it a fast-track hiring option for skilled workers.
Requirements for the Philippines Special Work Permit (SWP)
- You can apply if you are attending short-term projects or for urgent business engagement
- Sponsorship from a local company in the Philippines
- Employer invitation or endorsement letter from your company in the Philippines
- Evidence that the job role is temporary and cannot be converted to long-term employment
- A fully-filled Completed Bureau of Immigration application form
- Additional identification documents
- Police clearance certificate (if required)
- Valid passport
Philippines 47(a)(2) Visa
The Section 47(a)(2) visa is highly restricted and is generally only issued to foreign professionals who are employed for special assignments or government-related projects. The visa is valid for the duration of the project and can be renewed based on the assignment (if extended). While the Section 47(a)(2) visa is not a direct fast-track visa, it does offer faster processing for selected skilled professionals hired for priority or strategic projects backed by government agencies in the Philippines. The Section 47(a)(2) visa holders can get multiple entries, provided they have an approval from the Bureau of Immigration, and if they fulfil the project requirements.
Requirements for the Philippines 47(a)(2) Visa
- Must be employed for a government-approved or endorsed project
- Have an official and legal endorsement from a relevant and registered Philippine government agency
- Proof of employment contract or invitation for the assignment
- Valid and original passport
- Additional supporting documents (as requested by the Bureau of Immigration)
Philippines Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV)
The Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV) is issued to foreign executives, investors, and senior technical professionals whose employment contributes to the economic growth in the Philippines. The visa is generally granted for government-endorsed programs or under special laws. The SNIV is commonly used by BOI-registered or PEZA-enterprises. While the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV) in the Philippines is not a direct, fast-track hiring option, it offers streamlined processing compared to regular work visas.
Requirements for the Philippines Special Non-Immigrant Visa (SNIV)
- Must be a foreign investor, executive, or senior technical professional
- Have an endorsement from a relevant Philippine government agency
- Submit proof of investment or have an employment invitation from an eligible Philippine enterprise
- A fully-filled and completed Bureau of Immigration application form
- Police Clearance Certificate (if requested)
- Valid passport
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Steps to apply for fast-track hiring options in the Philippines
The following are the step-by-step ways to apply for fast-track hiring options in the Philippines:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for the fast-track hiring options in the Philippines.
Step 2: Select the best fast-track option in the Philippines based on your requirements, qualifications, work experience, job role, and the duration of your employment.
Step 3: Get a valid job offer, along with an employer sponsorship, and an endorsed project agreement if applying for the Section 47(a)(2) visas.
Step 4: Your employer in the Philippines initiates and sponsors your visa application at the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration, while an endorsement from PEZA, the Board of Investments (BOI), or another registered government agency is required for Section 47(a)(2) visas.
Step 5: Apply for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP), provided you are exempt under specific visa categories.
Step 6: Arrange and submit the documents required for your selected visa.
Step 7: Apply for the fast-track hiring option at the Bureau of Immigration or the nearest Philippine consulate.
Step 8: Fly to the Philippines once you receive the visa or an entry authorization approval.
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FAQs
What are the fast-track hiring options in the Philippines for skilled workers?
Fast-track hiring options in the Philippines include 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa and the Special Work Permit (SWP) for short-term roles for foreign nationals. Professionals, such as healthcare experts, IT specialists, and engineers, can apply for job roles in skill shortage sectors in the Philippines and migrate through expedited visa processing. Candidates hired in government-sponsored organisations like BOI/PEZA-registered firms can also apply through the Special Non-Immigrant Visa (47(a)(2)) as a faster route of approval.
Which work visas allow fast-track hiring in the Philippines?
The main fast-track hiring options in the Philippines include 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa for a long-term engagement of up to a year, which can be renewed for an extended work period. Other fast-track visa pathways for skilled professionals include Special Work Permit (SWP) for short-term projects and Special Non-Immigrant Visa (47(a)(2)) for government-sponsored firms like BOI/PEZA-registered organisations.
How does employer sponsorship enable faster hiring of skilled workers in the Philippines?
Employer sponsorship speeds up processing time for skilled workers in the Philippines by acting as a bridge between the candidate and the immigration organisation. Professionals can apply for a necessary work permit to join jobs in skills shortage sectors via visa options, such as the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa, which includes employer sponsorship as an essential criterion for approval. This provides access to a larger global talent pool by leveraging services like Employer of Record (EOR), which eliminates the need for several local setups, resulting in faster recruitment.
How long does fast-track hiring take in the Philippines for foreign workers?
Fast-track hiring options in the Philippines can take up to 6 to 10 weeks for approval. The authorization process itself takes about 10 weeks, beginning from the AEP application to the complete approval of the 9(g) visa. However, candidates with a job offer in PEZA-registered companies can expedite the visa approval time to 4 to 6 weeks for urgent migration to the Philippines.
Is fast-track processing available for the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) in the Philippines?
The fast-tracking of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications can be expedited for candidates joining any PEZA-registered organisation. The processing time for such applicants is reduced through streamlined approval procedures. However, the duration of approval may vary for different professionals, depending on the accuracy of documentation and the complexity of the application.
Which industries in the Philippines offer fast-track hiring for skilled professionals?
Skill shortage sectors in the Philippines enable the fast-tracking of hiring foreign professionals through expedited pathways and visas. These include Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, and Construction/Engineering, which face a critical labour shortage, welcoming highly qualified foreign nationals to contribute to the country’s talent pool.
Can Indian professionals apply for fast-track jobs in the Philippines?
Yes, Indian professionals with relevant work experience and high qualifications can apply for job roles in the Philippines' skill shortage industries. Several fast-track pathways exist for quick entry of foreign nationals through a Provisional Work Permit (PWP). The PWP will allow the applicant to live and work in the Philippines while the 9(g) Visa is still under processing. However, the AEP (Alien Employment Permit) remains essential and must be applied for in advance through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Do IT and engineering professionals get priority processing in the Philippines?
The job market in the Philippines has high demand for professionals with IT and engineering backgrounds, resulting in faster recruitment. The Philippine government aims to bring in more foreign workers with high qualifications via 9(g) visa, SWP, and (47(a)(2)) pathways to contribute to the country’s economy.
What documents are required for fast-track hiring in the Philippines?
The essential documents for fast-track hiring options in the Philippines include mandatory government and company-specific documents for standard pre-employment screening. The necessary documents required for fast-track hiring pathways in the country are as follows:
- Social Security System (SSS) ID/Number.
- PhilHealth ID/Number from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
- Pag-IBIG (HDMF) ID/Number of (Home Development Mutual Fund).
- TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and BIR Form 1902 or stamped TIN Verification Slip.
- Proof of NBI Clearance.
- Medical fitness certificates.
- PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)Birth Certificate (NSO-issued certificates are no longer applicable).
- Certificate(s) of Employment (COE).
- Marriage Certificate/Birth Certificate for spouses and children ( if applicable).