AEP renewal in the Philippines keeps foreign workers legally authorized to work. File the renewal application at least 60 days before the permit expires to avoid problems. The Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE must be renewed along with job contracts, understudy training, and work visas like the 9(g). Late renewals or expired permits result in PHP 10,000 fines per year and may lead to a 5-year ban from applying again.
Why Renew Your AEP on Time?
Renewing the AEP on time prevents gaps in work authorization. This is especially important for 9(g) visa holders who face deportation or fines without a valid permit. DOLE requires renewals to check that the foreign worker still adds economic value, trains local staff, and that no qualified Filipino can fill the role. An expired AEP causes work stoppages and triggers Bureau of Immigration checks.
DOLE Order 248 from 2025 allows affidavits for some publication and training requirements within 60 days. This makes renewals easier while keeping rules strict. Start 60 days early to match visa renewal schedules and avoid potential issues.
When to File for AEP Renewal
DOLE requires AEP renewal applications to be submitted 60 days prior to expiration. File earlier for travel or urgent needs. Late applications count as new ones with full document requirements. AEPs issued after February 2025 follow DO 248 rules. Affidavits can cover publication and training within 60 days of approval.
File at the same DOLE Regional Office that issued the original AEP. Turn in the perforated expiring card. Renewed AEPs last 1+ years, matching the job contract or visa. Missing the deadline starts violations from day one.
Documents Needed for Renewal
Complete documents speed up AEP renewal. DOLE processes ready applications within 15 working days after payment. Renewal documents are similar to first-time applications but focus more on job continuity.
Required documents:
- Filled-out AEP renewal form.
- Updated job contract and company documents (SEC/DTI registration, GIS/AOI).
- Understudy training progress report.
- BIR tax clearance and valid DTI/SEC papers.
- Copy of current AEP (return original).
- Affidavit for publication/training if needed.
- Passport and 9(g) visa copies.
All documents need notarization or apostille. Missing items add 1–2 weeks.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
The AEP renewal process follows the same steps as new applications, but is faster for ongoing jobs. It takes 2-4 weeks if prepared well. File at the original DOLE office. Authorized reps can submit.
Steps:
- Collect documents 60+ days before expiry. Get notarizations and affidavits.
- Submit to the DOLE Regional Office. Get an acknowledgment receipt.
- Pay fees (PHP 4,000 per year + publication). Get an official receipt.
- DOLE reviews (15 working days after payment). Fix any issues requested.
- Pick up a new AEP within 10 days of notice (or use a courier).
- Update the Bureau of Immigration for 9(g) visa or ACR I-Card.
Some DOLE offices use online systems (AEMS) for faster filing.
Processing Times
AEP renewal review takes 2-3 weeks after payment, plus prep time. Total is 4-6 weeks if filed early. DOLE NCR aims for 15 working days after payment is made. Other regions are similar.
Timeline breakdown:
| Phase | Time Taken | Notes |
| Prep and Filing | 1-2 weeks | Start 60 days early |
| DOLE Review | 15 working days | After payment |
| Release and Pickup | 1 week | 10-day pickup window |
Busy times (Q1/Q4) add 1 week. Affidavits help compliant cases.
Renewal Fees
Fees mark key steps in AEP renewal. Pay when filing to start the review. Fees are non-refundable. Base fee is PHP 4,000 per year, plus extras.
Fee list:
- Processing: PHP 4,000 per year of validity.
- Publication: Varies by newspaper or PhilJobNet.
- Late or Extra Job: Additional fees if needed.
- Total Cost: PHP 9,000-12,000 for 1-year renewal.
The top 1,000 companies or PEZA firms may pay less. Pay at the DOLE cashier.
Penalties for Late Renewal
Expired AEPs without an AEP renewal result in PHP 10,000 fines for both the employer and the worker per year (or part of a year), plus a 5-year ban on new applications. Fraud means a permanent ban. Working without an AEP can lead to deportation and 9(g) visa cancellation.
Issues:
- Late filing: Treated as a new application after expiry.
- No AEP card or damaged: Seen as tampering, denied.
- No understudy training: AEP revoked + fines.
DOLE checks through audits. BI also reviews visas.
Best Practices for Renewal
Good planning keeps AEP renewal smooth and matches 9(g) visa timing for no work gaps. Set calendar reminders 90 days before expiry.
Best steps:
- Track on the DOLE AEMS website. Set 60-day alerts.
- Update understudy reports every 3 months.
- Renew AEP with 9(g) and ACR at the same time. Use affidavits when allowed.
- Use representatives for office visits. Keep records for 3 years.
- Check yearly for job changes or extra roles.
Experts help predict times and avoid gaps.
Handling Extra Job Roles
AEP renewal for new roles needs separate proof. Counts as change with the new job market test if it’s a big change. Same company or group OK for different jobs.
- File request with old AEP. Fees apply.
- Understudy training per job.
- Report job end within 15 days.
Use one AEP for the main job.
AEP Renewal and Visa Rules
AEP renewal must match 9(g) visa renewal. Mismatch means status problems. BI needs the current AEP for visa renewals.
Best order: Renew AEP first. Then, renew 9(g) 30 days before it ends. ACR I-Card follows visa.
Key Takeaways
AEP renewal needs 60-day early filing, 2-4 week processing, PHP 4,000+ fees, and complete documents, including training reports, to avoid PHP 10,000 fines and bans. Use best practices like affidavits and reminders to keep 9(g) visas valid. Work Visa Philippines manages timelines for no work gaps.
Is Assistance Available?
Yes. Work Visa Philippines handles AEP renewal with DOLE filing, affidavits, and visa matching for full 2026 compliance. Contact our team of experts today:
- Contact Us Here
- Fill Out the Form Below
- Call us at +63 (02) 8540-9623
