Philippines Mandates Online Filing for Alien Employment Permits, Issues Interim PEZA Visa Guidelines
- Editorial Team
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
MANILA, September 4, 2026 — The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially mandated the online submission of all Alien Employment Permit (AEP) applications, including new, renewal, exemption, and exclusion requests, effective September 3, 2026. The department will no longer accept AEP applications submitted by email, hard copy, or walk-in.
In a parallel move, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has published interim guidelines for PEZA visa applications during the transition to centralized AEP processing, effective August 26, 2026.
AEP Filing Procedure Update
Under DOLE's new zero-contact policy, employers and applicants are required to submit all AEP-related requests through the department's centralized online filing portals. This shift aligns with DOLE's broader digital transformation initiative, which began with the centralization of AEP processing at the DOLE Central Office on June 9, 2026.
Key Changes Effective September 3, 2026
Aspect | Previous Practice | New Practice |
Submission Method | Email, hard copy, walk-in | Centralized online portals only |
Application Inquiries | In-person or email | Designated communication channels |
Access to DOLE Offices | Open to applicants | Limited to card release or documentation submissions |
What This Means for Employers
All AEP applications, including new, renewal, exemption, and exclusion requests, must be submitted through the official online portal
Digital payment options are available through the LandBank BizPortal
DOLE has committed to a 15-day processing timeline for complete applications
PEZA Visa Processing Guidelines
Effective August 26, 2026, PEZA will process visa applications—including new and renewal filings—even if the applicant's AEP remains pending with DOLE.
Alternative Evidence for AEP Filing
PEZA-registered employers may submit the following as proof of AEP filing:
Evidence Type | Details |
Proof of Payment | Official receipt of AEP filing |
DOLE Order of Payment | Document confirming payment arrangement |
Filing Confirmation | Proof of submission through official DOLE channels |
DOLE Certification | Official certification confirming AEP filing |
Compliance Requirement
Once the AEP is issued, employers must submit a certified copy of the AEP card to both PEZA and the Bureau of Immigration. The interim policy will remain in effect until further notice or until superseded by subsequent guidelines.
Background: Centralization of AEP Processing
The move to online filing builds on DOLE's centralization of AEP processing, which took effect on June 9, 2026, under DOLE Department Order No. 199, Series of 2026. Under the new framework:
The Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) now has sole responsibility for processing all AEP-related matters
The BLE also manages the Labor Market Testing (LMT) process through a centralized digital platform
Regional offices no longer handle new and renewal AEP applications
Employer Takeaways
Action Item | Details |
Transition to Online | All AEP submissions must be through DOLE's centralized portal |
Adopt Digital Payment | Use LandBank BizPortal for AEP fee payments |
PEZA Visa Processing | PEZA applications can proceed while AEP is pending |
Compliance Timeline | AEP must be filed within 15 days of job publication or contract signing |
Processing Time | DOLE commits to decisions within 15 working days |
Read Also
Official Resources
DOLE Official Website: dole.gov.ph
DOLE Regional Office – CARAGA Advisory: caraga.dole.gov.ph
DOLE Regional Office III – Townhall Announcement: ro3.dole.gov.ph
BAL Global Immigration: bal.com
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