OEC Appointment Vancouver Canada OFW Balik Manggagawa Certificate
To fulfill or renew an employment contract, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Vancouver, Canada, are advised to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) If you intend to return to the Philippines and continue working overseas, follow these steps to apply for the OEC in Vancouver, Canada. OEC Appointment Vancouver Canada OFW Balik Manggagawa Certificate is a crucial document when applying for a job from abroad,
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment Visit the official website of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Vancouver, Canada, and schedule an appointment for your OEC application. Ensure that you choose a date and time convenient for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents Gather the necessary documents for your OEC application. Typically, you will need the following:
- Valid passport
- Valid work permit or visa
- An employment contract or proof of employment
- Proof of overseas employment, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer
- Proof of financial capability, such as bank statements or remittance records
- One (1) passport-sized photograph
Make sure to bring both original copies and photocopies of these documents to your appointment.
Step 3: Attend the Appointment On the scheduled date and time, go to the POLO office in Vancouver, Canada. Submit your documents to the designated personnel and provide any additional information they may require. They will process your application and verify your eligibility for the OEC.
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees Upon successful verification of your documents, you will be instructed to pay the necessary fees for the OEC. The fees may vary, so it is advisable to check the current rates on the POLO website or inquire directly during your appointment. Ensure that you obtain an official receipt for the payment.
Step 5: Receive Your OEC After completing the payment, you will be issued the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Keep this document safe, as it serves as proof of your valid employment status when returning to the Philippines. It will also be required during your departure from Canada and upon your arrival in the Philippines.
Qualifications
The following individuals are qualified to process the OEC.
- Directly employed Filipino workers by an international employer
- Individuals who are employed by a recruitment agency
- OFWs employed by POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GPB)
Requirements
Each document should be submitted in two (2) copies: an original and a duplicate or photocopy.
Basic Document Requirements
- Printed Online Appointment (POPS-BAM / BM Online): You need to print out the confirmation of your online appointment for the Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Online processing system.
- Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet: Print the Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet, which contains your personal and employment details.
- Sworn Statement: This document is required for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have never had a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) record or are applying for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) for the first time. The sworn statement should include relevant information about your employment history and previous records, if applicable.
- Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your departure date. The passport should be presented during the application process.
- Verified Employment Contract: You need to provide a verified copy of your employment contract, which outlines the terms and conditions of your employment overseas.
- Certificate of Employment, Company ID, latest pay slip, or other documents as proof of employment: Present any of these documents to prove your current employment status.
- Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document: You should have a valid work visa, work permit, or any equivalent document issued by the country where you are employed.
- Confirmed Airline Ticket: Provide a copy of your confirmed airline ticket as proof of your scheduled return to your country of employment.
- OEC Fees: Prepare the required fees for the issuance of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The specific amount may vary, so it’s best to check with the appropriate authorities or the POEA for the updated fee. Additional Requirements
The list of requirements is subject to change, therefore it’s important to keep an eye on the POLO Calgary and Vancouver, Canada website and Facebook page for updates.
What Should I Do Before Applying for an OEC in DMW Vancouver, Canada?
- Determine your eligibility for exemption: According to Philippine labor laws and regulations, foreign employers are prohibited from directly recruiting Filipino workers. However, there are exemptions to this restriction. You should assess whether you qualify for any of the following exemptions: a. Employers of Professional and Skilled Workers with Verified or Authenticated Employment Contracts that Comply with POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) Standards. b. Foreign Diplomats. c. Heads of State and High-ranking Government Officials. d. International Organizations. e. Lower-ranking officials from the first three categories have been approved by the POLO. f. Residents of the host nation who are permanent residents and hire their family members (excluding domestic workers).
- Gather all necessary documents: Once you have confirmed that your employer qualifies for exemption from the direct hiring restriction, it is essential to gather all the required documents promptly. These documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances, but generally, you should prepare: a. A valid passport and other identification documents. b. Verified or authenticated employment contract that complies with POEA standards. c. Proof of your qualifications, such as academic degrees, certifications, and professional licenses. d. Employment-related documents, such as reference letters, employment history, and curriculum vitae (CV). e. Medical records, including a medical certificate and results of any required medical examinations. f. Financial documents, such as bank statements, to demonstrate your financial capability for overseas employment. g. Other supporting documents as requested by the POLO or the recruitment agency.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific requirements may vary depending on your situation and the policies of the POLO and the Philippine government. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the POLO Vancouver office directly or consult with a POEA-accredited recruitment agency for accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your circumstances.
How to Get an OEC Appointment in Vancouver, Canada (POPS-BAM System)
Prior to visiting POLO Vancouver office, an OEC appointment is required.
- Visit the POEA Online Service Website by going to https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx.
- On the website, click the “Let’s go” button for e-Registration.
- If you are a new user, click on “Register” (if you already have an account, simply log in). Then, click the “I accept the terms of use” button.
- Fill in all the required information and click the “Register” button. You should see a message indicating that your registration was successful.
- Log in to the email address you provided during registration. Look for a message containing your temporary password.
- Return to the link provided in Step 1 and login using your registered email address. Click “next.”
- Use the temporary password sent to your email to log in. Click “log in.”
- Set your preferred password for future logins.
- Update your profile by clicking on “My Profile.” Once you’ve completed updating your profile, click “Update Profile” located on the upper right side of the page.
- Enter your identification data (passport) and beneficiary information on your profile.
- On your dashboard, click “Balik-Manggagawa.” Then, click the “Next” button.
- Enter your return flight date and click the “Next” button.
- If you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position as before, you can print your OEC exemption immediately. However, if you are changing employers or it’s a new Balik-Manggagawa application, proceed to Step 9.
- Input all the contract details required and click the “Submit” button.
- Select Vancouver, Canada as the processing site, and click the “Next” button.
- Choose your preferred appointment date from the available options.
- Take a screenshot or note down your scheduled appointment date. It’s important to have a record of this information.
That’s it! You have successfully made an appointment using the POEA Online Service Website. Make sure to follow any additional instructions provided and prepare any necessary documents for your appointment.
How to Apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate in Vancouver, Canada
Step 1: Gather all of the necessary requirements for your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) application.
Step 2: On your scheduled appointment day, go to the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) office in Vancouver, Canada. Present your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full-dose vaccination card/certificate to the assigned security personnel at the entrance.
Step 3: The assigned security personnel will check your name on the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, make sure to bring all the required documents and a complete set of requirements.
Step 4: Obtain a token number from the assigned personnel. This token number will help in maintaining the order of processing.
Step 5: Proceed to the processing window and submit your documents to the OEC processor. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents as per the requirements.
Step 6: Pay the required OEC fees as instructed by the OEC processor. They will provide you with the specific amount and the accepted mode of payment.
Step 7: Wait for advice from the OEC processor regarding the next steps, which usually involve printing your OEC in the POPS-BAM (Pre-Departure Orientation Program-Registration Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa) System. Listen carefully to their instructions to ensure accuracy.
Step 8: Sign in to your POPS-BAM account and select the “Print OEC” option from the “My Transaction Tab” menu. Make sure to review all the information and details in your OEC to ensure they are correct and align with your credentials.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to successfully apply for and print your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Vancouver, Canada.
Important Reminders
Please avoid using non-English characters, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic, when filling out online forms. Using these characters may cause a delay in the processing of your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Therefore, make sure to enter only English characters.
You are only allowed to obtain an OEC once during each visit to the Philippines. It is not permitted to acquire multiple OECs simultaneously.
Remember to bring three copies of your OEC to the airport on the day of your departure.
Keep in mind that the OEC is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance.
If a worker leaves the Philippines without an OEC, they may encounter difficulties during the check-in process or may be stopped by immigration officials before leaving the country. Prior to departure, ensure that you have the OEC document with you at all times.
Balik-Manggagawa OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) must also present a copy of their employment contract, along with their plane ticket and any other required travel documents.
Once the OFW has all the necessary documents, they can proceed to the airport and present the OEC to the immigration official. Having an OEC ensures a smooth travel experience and compliance with all legal obligations related to their employment.
If you have any questions, feel free to call (+1) 604 641 1234, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Canadian and Philippine public holidays).
PAANO KUMUHA NG PDOS AT OEC PAPUNTANG CANADA / 2021 LATEST UPDATE
LEON ZHEY, an OFW employed in Canada and a direct-hire, discussed the procedures to acquire an OEC and PDOS in returning to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any further questions regarding “How to Process OEC in Vancouver, Canada”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
1. Who can get OEC exemption?
- The individual must possess a valid work visa or work permit.
- They should be returning to the same employer and workplace where they were previously employed.
- The individual must have a record in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) database. This means they should have received an OEC previously at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) offices abroad, and Balik-Manggagawa mall processing centers.
Meeting all of these requirements will exempt the Balik-Manggagawa from the need to acquire an OEC.
2. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?
No. All overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) departing from the Philippines, regardless of whether they are returning employees or new workers, are required to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
The OEC functions as an exit clearance, so if you attempt to leave the country without it, you will be halted by the immigration authorities. Moreover, this certificate exempts you from paying the terminal fee and travel tax.
3. How long is an OEC or OEC Exemption Number valid?
From the date of issuance, the OEC or OEC Exemption Number is valid for 60 days. You are required by POEA to obtain this as a Balik-Manggagawa before returning to your employer.
4. Is my OEC valid for many uses?
OEC or OEC Exemption Number is only intended for one use. Once you have given it to Immigration, it cannot be used again.
5. Why does the system want my most recent OEC number? What does it mean?
The latest OEC number on your transaction record with POEA serves as your most recent transaction. The system requires this information to retrieve your record and obtain the latest employment details.
6. What happens if I forget my OEC number?
You will be redirected by the system to the APPOINTMENT page, where you must manually visit POEA to process your OEC.
7. What should I do if I lose my OEC?
Log in to your BM Online or POPS-BAM account and reprint your OEC.
8. Where can I settle my OEC fee?
- You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including:
- Globe G-cash
- Over-the-counter thru Banks
- Over-the-counter thru Bayad Centers
- Online Banking
- POLO Vancouver, Canada office
Instructions on how to complete the payment process will be sent to you through email.
9. What is the POLO Vancouver, Canada’s office hour?
The POLO office in Vancouver, Canada is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Canadian and the Philippines public holidays).
10. What is POLO Vancouver, Canada’s address?
POLO Vancouver, Canada’s address is the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, World Trade Center Office Complex Suite 601, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C3E1.
11. What is the POLO Vancouver, Canada’s hotline number?
You can reach the POLO Vancouver, Canada office at (+1) 604 641 1234.
Summary
Obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is necessary for securing employment and ensuring hassle-free passage through immigration officials. Moreover, it entitles Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to exemptions from terminal fees and travel taxes. OFWs residing in Vancouver, Canada are advised to obtain an OEC Vancouver Appointment Canada OFW Balik Manggagawa Certificate before returning to their overseas employment.
Contact Details
POLO Office in Vancouver
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: World Trade Center Office Complex, Suite 601, 999 Canada Place,
Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1
Telephone Number: (+1) 604-641-1234
POLO Hotline: (+1) 604 767 3354 (for emergency)
Email: polo.vancouver@yahoo.ca
Website: https://vancouverpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/POLOinVancouver/
Letter of Confirmation from the Employer confirming the transfer to the job siteLetter of Guarantee from the Employer