Visa and Employment · AEP
Alien Employment Permit Application
We prepare and file Alien Employment Permit applications with DOLE for employers hiring foreign nationals in the Philippines.
Overview
The permit that comes before most work visas
The Alien Employment Permit is issued by the Department of Labor and Employment for a specific position with a specific employer. For employment routes, it generally comes before the working visa, so a delay or error here holds up everything that follows. Because the permit is tied to the position and the employer, a change of job or employer generally means a new application.
The process includes a labor market test, which involves publishing the vacancy through the channels current DOLE rules require, including for renewals, to show that no competent, able and willing Filipino is available for the role. Certain positions are exempt from the permit or from parts of the process. We confirm whether the role needs an AEP for your case, prepare the employer and employee documents, and coordinate the filing with the visa that follows.
What we handle
What we handle on an AEP
Employer and employee requirements, coordinated with the visa.
Eligibility and exemptions
We confirm whether the position needs an AEP or qualifies for an exemption.
Labor market test
We coordinate publication of the vacancy and the records DOLE expects.
Application filing
We prepare and file the application with the correct DOLE office.
Renewals and changes
We renew permits and handle new filings when the role or employer changes.
How it works
How an AEP application works
A defined sequence that sets up the working visa.
Review the role
We check the position, the employer and whether an exemption applies.
Publish the vacancy
We coordinate the labor market test required for the application.
File with DOLE
We lodge the application with the employer and employee documents.
Move to the visa
Once issued, we use the AEP to support the 9(g) petition.
Why work with ILA on your AEP
Exemption check
We confirm early whether an AEP is needed at all.
Visa-ready
We prepare the AEP with the 9(g) petition in mind.
Employer support
We work with HR to assemble company documents correctly.
Frequently asked questions
AEP questions
Is an AEP always required to work in the Philippines?
Not always. Certain positions are exempt from the permit or from parts of the process. We confirm whether the role in your case needs an AEP and what documents apply.
What is the labor market test?
It is the step where the vacancy is published to show that no competent, able and willing Filipino is available for the position. We coordinate the publication and keep the records DOLE expects.
Can I use my AEP with a different employer?
No. The AEP is issued for a specific position with a specific employer. A new employer generally means a new application, and we plan it with the visa change.
Hiring a foreign national for a role in the Philippines?
Book a free consultation and we will confirm whether the position needs an AEP and set out what employer and employee need to prepare.
