Foreign nationals already in the Philippines on a tourist visa (9(a)) can legally convert tourist visa to work visa by transitioning to a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa without leaving the country, provided they secure sponsorship from a Philippine employer willing to obtain an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE and petition the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
This in-country conversion process, which typically takes 6-12 weeks, requires a Provisional Work Permit (PWP) to start legal employment during processing, avoiding overstay risks associated with unauthorized work on tourist status. Employers must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled locally, making it suitable for skilled positions in BPO/IT, engineering, healthcare, and management.
Tourist Visa Limitations and Work Visa Essentials
Tourist visas allow short-term stays (30-59 days initial, extendable) for leisure or family visits but strictly prohibit paid employment, business activities, or professional services, with violations risking fines, deportation, or blacklisting. The 9(g) work visa, by contrast, authorizes lawful employment for pre-arranged roles with Philippine companies, requiring employer sponsorship and AEP to confirm local skill gaps.
Key distinctions:
- Tourist (9(a)): No work allowed; extensions via BI up to 36 months max, but risky for job seekers.
- 9(g) Work Visa: Tied to specific job, employer; valid 1-3 years, renewable; includes ACR I-Card for ID/residency.
Conversion benefits: Saves international travel, maintains stay continuity, and shows compliance intent.
Eligibility for Tourist to Work Visa Conversion
Not every tourist visa holder qualifies for a tourist visa to work visa conversion; strict criteria ensure only legitimate cases proceed. Applicants must hold a valid tourist visa with authorized stay, a formal job offer from a SEC/DTI-registered Philippine employer, and qualifications for a role DOLE deems unfilled locally.
Core eligibility:
- Valid passport (with 6+ months of validity).
- Current tourist visa/admission has not expired.
- No immigration violations or blacklisting.
- Employer: Philippine entity able to sponsor AEP (labor market test).
- Role: Skilled/professional (e.g., IT developers, engineers, executives; salary often PHP 80k+).
Ineligible: Overstayers, those with deportation orders, or jobs locals can fill.
Securing Employer Sponsorship and AEP
The process starts with a legitimate job offer; employers drive sponsorship by applying for an AEP first, then proving, via a labor market test (PhilJobNet posting), that no qualified Filipino is available. AEP (PHP 9,000-11,000, 2-3 weeks) is a prerequisite for 9(g).
Employer documents:
- SEC/DTI registration, Articles of Incorporation, and the latest GIS.
- Mayor’s permit/business permit.
- Employment contract (position, salary, duties).
- Company profile, certification of employee count (foreign vs. Filipino).
- Joint request letter to BI/DOLE.
Applicant contributes: Passport copy, resume, credentials.
Applying for Provisional Work Permit (PWP)
While in the AEP/9(g) process, apply for a PWP (valid for 3-6 months) to work legally immediately, protecting against a tourist visa expiry. Submit to BI with AEP proof or DOLE endorsement.
PWP requirements:
- Completed application form.
- AEP or DOLE receipt/endorsement.
- Employment contract.
- Passport/admission copies.
- Employer SEC/DTI, permit copies.
Fee: ~PHP 3,000; processing 1-2 weeks.
Complete Document Checklist for Conversion
Gather these originals/copies for a seamless conversion of a tourist visa to a work visa submission.
Applicant documents:
- Passport (bio-page, admissions, extensions).
- 9(g) Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF).
- NBI clearance (or home country equivalent).
- Medical certificate (Bureau of Quarantine clinic).
- 2×2 photos (4 pcs).
- Resume, diplomas/certifications.
- BI Clearance/ESR if applicable.
- Newspaper clipping of the AEP approval list.
Employers add AEP, contracts, and corporate documents.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this sequence for converting a tourist visa to a work visa at the BI Main Office (Intramuros, Manila) or an authorized office.
- Secure job/AEP (employer leads; 2-3 weeks).
- Apply PWP (BI; start work).
- File 9(g) petition (joint employer-applicant; submit CGAF/docs).
- BI review/hearing (if required).
- Approval order (visa implemented on passport; 2-3 months total post-AEP).
- ACR I-Card issuance (USD 50).
Submit via employer or accredited agent; track online.
Processing Times, Fees, and Costs Breakdown
Expect 6-12 weeks total; AEP 2-3 weeks, PWP 1-2 weeks, 9(g) 2-3 months. Delays from incomplete docs or workload.
Cost table (employer/applicant split varies):
| Item | Cost (PHP) | Notes |
| AEP | 9,000-11,000 | DOLE, employer usually |
| PWP | 3,000 | BI |
| 9(g) Visa | 3,000-10,000 | BI main fee |
| ACR I-Card | 2,500-3,000 | +USD 50 |
| Medical/NBI | 1,500-5,000 | Applicant |
| Total | 19,000-32,000 | Excluding agent fees |
Express options add PHP 500-1,200.
Common Mistakes and Pro Tips for Success
Many tourist visa to work visa conversion applications face delays or denials due to easily avoidable errors, but following proven strategies ensures smooth BI approval. Understanding these pitfalls alongside actionable tips helps applicants prepare thoroughly and maintain compliance throughout processing.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Inconsistent documentation across forms (job title mismatches between contract and AEP).
- Missing DOLE newspaper publication clipping proving AEP labor market test completion.
- Filing after the tourist visa/admission expiry, creating an overstay liability.
- Incomplete employer corporate documents (missing the latest GIS or mayor’s permit).
- Insufficient medical/NBI clearances from non-accredited providers.
Pro tips for success:
- Start the entire process 3-4 months before tourist visa expiry to accommodate AEP (2-3 weeks) + 9(g) (2-3 months).
- Engage BI-accredited consultants early for document review and submission tracking.
- Secure tourist extensions via BI while PWP/9(g) is pending to avoid gaps.
- Maintain digital copies of all submissions and track status via the BI e-services portal.
- Confirm the employer completes the PhilJobNet posting 30 days prior to the AEP application.
Final Thoughts
Converting a tourist visa to a 9(g) work visa in the Philippines is feasible through employer-sponsored AEP (2-3 weeks, PHP 9k+), PWP for interim work, and BI petition (6-12 weeks total, PHP 19k-32k), enabling legal employment in high-skill sectors without departure. Success hinges on complete docs, timely filing, and avoiding pitfalls like missing clippings or overstay—ensuring seamless transition for BPO, IT, and engineering professionals.
Need Expert Help to Convert a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa?
Work Visa Philippines manages full AEP/PWP/9(g) processes, document prep, and compliance for 2026. Contact our team of experts today to schedule an initial consultation:
- Contact Us Here
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