BI Temporarily Accepts AEP Proof of Filing for Visas

23 September 2026

In brief

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has approved guidelines allowing 9(g) visa conversion and extension applications to be provisionally accepted for filing using the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) official receipt as proof of filing of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) application, in lieu of the physical AEP card. The accommodation applies to DOLE proof of filings dated on or after 3 August 2026.

In depth

The BI Commissioner approved on 17 September 2026 a Note with Recommendation dated 8 September 2026 addressing delays in the printing and release of physical AEP cards. The guidelines allow the provisional filing and initial review of certain 9(g) visa applications while the physical AEP card is pending with the DOLE.

Requirements for provisional filing

For conversion applications, the applicant must submit a copy of the DOLE official receipt as proof of AEP filing and a notarized undertaking executed by the applicant and the petitioning company stating that: (a) the application is provisionally accepted for filing and initial review based on proof of AEP filing; (b) no recommendation for approval will be made until the physical AEP card is submitted and AEP details are verified in the BI-DOLE system; (c) documents will be submitted within the prescribed periods, otherwise the application may be denied for incompleteness; and (d) BI may deny the application on other lawful grounds at any stage ("Notarized Undertaking").

For extension applications, the applicant must submit a copy of the DOLE official receipt as proof of AEP filing, a Notarized Undertaking, and a valid 9(g) visa at the time of filing.

Post-filing deadlines

Within 60 calendar days from filing, the applicant must submit either the physical AEP card or official proof of AEP approval or release. If proof of approval or release is submitted within that period, the physical card must be submitted within 75 days from filing. Noncompliance is a ground for denial due to incompleteness.

Evaluation and approval

Provisional acceptance does not guarantee approval. The Visa Processing Officer may deny or recommend disapproval on other lawful grounds while the AEP card is pending. Approval may be recommended only after compliance with the deadlines and successful verification of the AEP details through the BI-DOLE Data Sharing System.

Coverage

The guidelines apply to DOLE proof of AEP filings dated on or after 3 August 2026. The accommodation addresses delayed card issuance but does not remove the requirement to submit the physical AEP card.