The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has approved a temporary measure allowing foreign nationals to file 9(g) visa conversion and extension applications using proof of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) filing instead of the physical AEP card. The measure was introduced in response to ongoing delays in the printing and release of AEP cards by the Department of Labor and Employment.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) will temporarily accept proof of AEP filing for 9(g) visa applications while physical AEP cards are delayed. For 9(g) visa conversion applications, the BI will temporarily accept:
For 9(g) visa extension applications, the BI will temporarily accept:
Within 60 calendar days of filing, applicants must submit either the physical AEP card or official proof that the AEP has been approved or released. If they provide proof of approval or release, they must submit the physical AEP card within 75 calendar days of the BI filing date. Failure to meet either deadline may result in the visa application being denied as incomplete.
The temporary measure allows affected foreign nationals to file 9(g) visa conversion or extension applications without waiting for the physical AEP card, helping avoid delays caused solely by current card issuance backlogs. Employers should identify affected cases and closely monitor the applicable 60-day and 75-day deadlines.
This welcome update allows eligible 9(g) visa applicants and holders to proceed while physical AEP cards remain delayed, reducing potential disruption to employee deployment and immigration processing. Employers should promptly identify eligible cases and monitor the 60-day and 75-day deadlines, as incomplete applications may still be denied.
Vialto can help employers identify pending or planned 9(g) cases that may benefit from this temporary measure, review supporting documents, track submission deadlines, and coordinate filing and later submission of the physical AEP card. For advice on how this change may affect your workforce, please contact your Vialto representative.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Larissa Dalistan-Levosada
Director
Kimberly Cantor
Senior Manager
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