The 47(a)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa is the work visa route for foreigners employed by PEZA-registered companies, other investment promotion agencies (IPAs), and entities involved in government-endorsed projects in the Philippines.
It is named for Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which grants the President — and by delegation, the Bureau of Immigration — authority to issue visas to aliens whose presence serves national interests or government-endorsed purposes.
Who it’s for
The 47(a)(2) visa is available to foreign nationals working with:
- PEZA-registered enterprises (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) — including IT-BPO companies, manufacturing firms, logistics providers, and other ecozone locators
- BOI-registered companies with relevant pioneer or preferred status
- SBMA, CDC, CEZA, and other IPA-registered entities operating in special economic zones
- Companies involved in government-endorsed or nationally significant projects
The sponsoring entity must be duly registered with the relevant IPA and in good standing.
Key advantages over the 9(g)
| Feature | 47(a)(2) | 9(g) Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa route | IPA endorsement | Employer petition + AEP |
| Sponsor | IPA-registered entity | Any Philippine employer |
| Processing authority | BI (with IPA endorsement) | BI |
| Exit clearance / ACR I-Card | Often exempted | Standard requirement |
| Suitable for PEZA locators | Yes | Less common |
The practical advantages are a streamlined, IPA-endorsed visa route and — for qualifying holders — exemption from certain BI requirements such as exit clearance and the ACR I-Card. Note that a DOLE Alien Employment Permit (AEP) may still be required where the position is subject to DOLE rules; the 47(a)(2) simplifies the visa, but it does not automatically waive every labour requirement. Confirm AEP applicability for the specific role.
Requirements
- Endorsement letter from PEZA or the relevant IPA
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or appointment documents
- IPA registration documents of the sponsoring company
- Medical certificate from a BI-accredited physician
- NBI Clearance
- Applicable government fees and completed BI forms
Requirements vary by IPA and are subject to change. Chamberlain confirms the current checklist before filing.
The process
- Confirm IPA eligibility — verify that the sponsoring company’s PEZA or IPA registration covers the 47(a)(2) category
- Obtain IPA endorsement — the company secures the endorsement letter from PEZA or the relevant agency
- File with the Bureau of Immigration — submit the endorsed application with full supporting documents
- Visa implemented — on approval, the foreign national receives their 47(a)(2) visa and ACR I-Card
- Annual reporting — standard BI Annual Report obligation applies
What Chamberlain does
We work with PEZA-registered companies and other IPA locators to handle 47(a)(2) applications for their foreign employees — managing the IPA endorsement coordination, BI filing, and ACR I-Card process.
Book a consultation or review our transparent pricing. Explore the full Philippine Visas hub or see how the 9(g) work visa compares for non-IPA employers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 47(a)(2) visa?
The 47(a)(2) is a special non-immigrant visa issued under the Philippine Immigration Act, authorising foreign nationals to work in the Philippines in connection with government-endorsed or PEZA-registered entities. It streamlines the visa side through IPA endorsement rather than the standard 9(g) petition route.
Who can sponsor a 47(a)(2) visa?
PEZA-registered companies, other investment promotion agencies (IPAs) such as SBMA, CDC, CEZA, and BOI, and entities involved in government-endorsed projects are generally authorised to sponsor 47(a)(2) visa applications.
Does a 47(a)(2) holder need an AEP?
It depends on the role. The 47(a)(2) streamlines the visa side via IPA endorsement, but an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from DOLE may still be required where the position is subject to DOLE rules. Confirm AEP applicability for the specific role before relying on any exemption.