Special Non-Immigrant Visa or 47(A)(2)
Purpose and Benefits
- Designed for foreign executives, managers, or specialists in multinational companies, regional or area headquarters, or regional operating headquarters in the Philippines.
- Promotes foreign investment, economic growth, and knowledge transfer.
- Allows for the employment of foreign personnel with specialized skills and knowledge not readily available locally.
- Facilitates technology transfer and industry development.
- Enables longer stays, multiple entries, and business opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must work in a multinational company with an office in the Philippines or a regional/area headquarters established in the country.
- Must have at least one year of employment with the multinational company before being assigned to the Philippines.
- Must have a valid employment contract and sufficient financial resources.
- Must not have a criminal record or history of immigration violations.
- Must comply with other immigration regulations.
Application Process
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents, including passport, visa application form, photos, proof of financial support, letter of request from the company, SEC registration, articles of incorporation, company profile, income tax return, employment contract, curriculum vitae, travel itinerary, police clearance certificate, and medical certificate.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed visa application along with all required documents to the Philippine embassy or consulate.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee, if applicable.
- Attend Interview: Attend an interview, if required, to assess eligibility and intentions.
- Wait for Processing: Processing time varies but typically takes 5-10 working days.
- Collect Visa: Once approved, collect the visa from the embassy or consulate.
- Register with Bureau of Immigration: Upon arrival in the Philippines, register with the Bureau of Immigration within 30 days to obtain the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence.
Challenges and Solutions
- Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review and gather all necessary documents to ensure eligibility.
- Language Barrier: Consider hiring a local agent or interpreter to assist with communication.
- Delays in Processing: Plan application well in advance and allow ample time for processing.
- Lack of Information: Consult with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate or seek assistance from an immigration lawyer.
- Meeting Health Requirements: Research health requirements and complete necessary medical procedures before application.
Overall, while applying for the Special Non-Immigrant Visa may pose challenges, careful planning, attention to detail, and seeking assistance when needed can help overcome these obstacles and increase the chances of a successful application.