I can provide information in English. Here’s an overview of the process to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in Vancouver, Canada for Filipino workers planning to return to Canada after vacationing in the Philippines or completing their employment contract:
- Understand the Importance of the OEC: The OEC serves as an exit clearance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and must be presented to the immigration officer at the Philippine airport before departure. Without the OEC, OFWs will not be allowed to leave the country, causing delays in their work deployment.
- Contact the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO): Reach out to the POEA and POLO offices in Vancouver, Canada, to inquire about the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining the OEC. They will provide you with the necessary information and guide you through the process.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the following documents for your OEC application:
- Valid Philippine passport
- Valid work permit or employment contract
- Valid proof of overseas employment (e.g., contract, certificate of employment, etc.)
- Proof of return or continuation of work in Canada (e.g., employment contract extension, return ticket, etc.)
- Schedule an Appointment: Follow the instructions provided by the POEA and POLO to schedule an appointment for your OEC application. It’s essential to book your appointment in advance to ensure a smooth process.
- Attend the Appointment: On the scheduled date, go to the designated POEA or POLO office in Vancouver for your appointment. Bring all the required documents and any additional documents requested by the authorities.
- Pay the Fees: There may be fees associated with the OEC application. Pay the required fees at the designated payment center during your appointment. Make sure to keep the receipt as proof of payment.
- OEC Issuance: Once your application is processed and approved, you will be issued the OEC. Keep this document safe as you will need to present it at the Philippine airport during your departure.
It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of your planned departure date to allow ample time for any potential delays or additional requirements. For more detailed and up-to-date information, it’s best to contact the POEA and POLO offices in Vancouver, Canada directly.
Please note that the information provided is based on general knowledge, and it’s always recommended to consult with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and current procedures.
Requirements
According to the information provided on the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) Vancouver website, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who have existing POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) records and are renewing their previous employment contracts or returning to the same employer and job site need to secure the following requirements for OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) issuance at POLO Vancouver:
- Two copies of the accomplished OEC Information Sheet – This sheet contains personal information and employment details of the worker.
- Two copies of the valid employment contract or employer’s offer of employment – These documents should clearly state the terms and conditions of the employment, including the job position, salary, benefits, and duration of the contract.
- Two copies of the valid work permit or work visa – This is the document issued by the foreign government or authorities allowing the worker to legally work in their country.
- Two copies of the valid passport – The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay abroad.
- Two copies of the latest and previous OEC or exemption number – This is required for workers who have previously obtained an OEC or were granted exemption from obtaining one.
- Two copies of proof of payment of OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) membership contribution – OFWs are required to be active OWWA members and pay their contributions regularly. The proof of payment can be in the form of an OWWA receipt or OWWA e-Receipt.
- Two copies of the proof of payment of PhilHealth contribution – OFWs need to show proof of their PhilHealth contribution payment. This can be in the form of a PhilHealth receipt or PhilHealth Member Data Record.
It’s important to note that this information is based on the provided statement and may be subject to change. It’s always advisable to refer to the official PCG Vancouver website or contact the Philippine Consulate General directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the OEC issuance requirements.
For workers with existing POEA records renewing their previous employment contracts or returning to the same employer and job site
- Valid Philippine Passport
- Valid Re-Entry VISA
- Valid Work Permit
- POLO Toronto verified Employment Contract and Addendum with the employer’s signature on all pages
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- Letter of Guarantee from the Employer
For workers with existing POEA records returning to the same employer but in a different country
- Valid Philippine Passport
- Valid Re-Entry VISA
- Valid Work Permit
- POLO Toronto verified Employment Contract and Addendum with the employer’s signature on all pages
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- Letter of Guarantee from the employer
- Letter of Confirmation from the employer confirming the worker’s transfer of job site
For workers without existing POEA records and those who have changed employers in Canada
- Valid Philippine Passport
- Valid Re-Entry VISA
- Valid Work Permit
- POLO Toronto verified Employment Contract and Addendum with the employer’s signature on all pages
- POPS-BaM Appointment form
- Letter of Guarantee from the Employer
- Valid ID of the employer with photo
- Proof of Employment such as Certificate of Employment or pay slip for 3-years
- Sworn Statement of the worker, stating the process of employment
Please note that the requirements mentioned above also extend to workers who are recruited or employed from Third Countries, including Dubai, Greece, Hong Kong, Kuwait, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Taiwan. These workers should possess an Employment Contract, although it may not have been verified by POLO Vancouver yet. Furthermore, if the worker intends to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) through mail, it is necessary to include a Prepaid Return Envelope along with the required documents.
Additional Documents
On the other hand, for workers who do not have an existing record with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), it is necessary to verify your Employment Contract before applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). In order to do this, you need to obtain the following additional documents for POLO Contract Verification:
- Photocopy of your Employment Contract – Make sure to have a copy of your signed contract with your employer abroad.
- Valid Passport – Ensure that your passport is still valid and has at least six months of remaining validity.
- Visa or Work Permit – Provide a photocopy of your visa or work permit, which permits you to work legally in the foreign country.
- Proof of Employment – Submit any supporting documents that verify your employment, such as a job offer letter, appointment letter, or contract of employment.
- Proof of Identity – Present a valid identification document, such as a government-issued ID card or driver’s license.
Once you have obtained these documents, you can proceed with the POLO Contract Verification process to validate your Employment Contract. This step is crucial in ensuring that your rights as a worker are protected and that your contract adheres to the regulations set by both the Philippine government and the host country.
For Direct Hires
- Letter Request to POLO Labor Attaché with company letterhead
- Employment Contract/Offer
- Addendum
- Worker’s Passport with signature
- Copy of Visa or Work Permit
- Valid ID of Employer or Authorized Representative with photo and signature
- Company Resolution
- Letter of Undertaking
- LMIA
- Copy of Employers Business License
- Employers Company Business Profile
- Employer’s Registration by MOL (for BC employers)
- Employer’s Registration by Ministry of Economy (for SK employers)
For Agency Hired
- Letter Request to POLO Labor Attaché with company letterhead
- Manpower Request/Job Order
- Employment Contract/Offer
- Addendum
- Worker’s Passport with signature
- Workers Visa copy
- Recruitment Agreement
- Hiring Agreement
- Valid ID of Employer or Authorized Representative with photo and signature
- Company Resolution
- Letter of Undertaking
- LMIA
- Copy of Employers Business License
- Employers Company Business Profile
- Employer’s Registration by MOL (for BC employers)
- Employer’s Registration by Ministry of Economy (for SK employers)
- Third-Party Representative License
Processing Fees
Pay the following applicable fees for OEC issuance at POLO Vancouver, Canada:
- OEC processing fee of 2.75
- OWWA membership fee of 32.00
- POLO verification fee of $11.50
Qualifications
The Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a document issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to certify the legality of a worker’s employment and their employer. Obtaining an OEC provides various benefits, including exemption from travel tax and terminal fees, as well as lower travel tax rates for the worker’s spouse and dependents. The issuance of an OEC is limited to the following categories of workers:
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who obtained employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor through direct hiring.
- OFWs who were hired through a recruitment agency.
- OFWs who were hired through the Government Placement Branch (GBP) of the POEA.
- OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same job site after a vacation, provided they have an employment contract or working visa.
- OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same employer but in a different job site.
- OFWs who do not have records in the POEA database or change employers while already working abroad.
These are the categories of workers eligible to obtain an OEC from the POEA and POLO.
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Vancouver, Canada
- Open your web browser and go to the official POPS-BaM website.
- Look for the registration or sign-up option on the homepage and click on it.
- Fill in the required personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, contact details, and email address.
- Create a username and password for your POPS-BaM account. Make sure to choose a secure password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and complete the registration process.
- Once you have successfully registered, log in to your POPS-BaM account using your username and password.
- Locate the appointment booking section or tab within your account dashboard.
- Select the option for booking an appointment related to OEC issuance at POLO Vancouver.
- Choose a suitable date and time for your appointment from the available options. Make sure to select a time that is convenient for you and allows you to complete the necessary requirements.
- Double-check all the details of your appointment, including the date, time, and location.
- Confirm your appointment booking and make a note of the appointment details for future reference.
- Prepare all the required documents and paperwork necessary for your OEC application at POLO Vancouver.
- On the day of your appointment, arrive at the designated location on time and bring all the necessary documents with you.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by POPS-BaM or POLO Vancouver regarding health and safety protocols or any other requirements.
Please note that these steps are provided as a general guideline, and it’s always recommended to refer to the official POPS-BaM website or contact POLO Vancouver directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the appointment booking process.
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
Here’s the step-by-step guide to complete the account setup on the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Go to the e-Registration section and click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
- Read and check the box for “I Accept the Terms of Use.”
- Fill out all the required fields in the registration form.
- Click on the “Register” button.
- Check your email inbox for the email you registered with on POPS-BaM. Open the email and copy the sent Temporary Password.
- Return to the website and enter the Temporary Password you copied.
- Change the Temporary Password to your preferred password.
- On the right side of your dashboard, click on “My Profile.”
- Fill out all the required details in your profile.
- Double-check all the account details you have entered.
- Click on the “Update Profile” button to save your changes.
- Fill out the Identification Details as required.
- Input the details of your Beneficiary.
- Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to complete the account setup.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully set up your account on the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
After you have successfully set up your POPS-BaM account, you will be able to schedule an appointment for your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with POLO Vancouver in Canada. If you have an old BM account, you can transfer your records to your newly registered account by visiting the POPS-BaM website and clicking on “Transfer Old BM records” in the POEA Helpdesk section.
To schedule an OEC appointment with POLO Vancouver, please follow the steps below:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM website.
- Click on “Let’s Go” and log in to the e-Registration section.
- On the dashboard, locate “My Links” and click on “Balik Manggagawa” and then “Next”.
- If your account is incomplete, provide the necessary data to proceed.
- Enter your flight date and click “Next”.
- If you are not a Balik Manggagawa or if you are not returning to the same employer and job site, select “No” to the corresponding questions in order to continue with the booking process.
- Update any necessary details on your contract and click “Submit”.
- Choose a processing site and click “Next”.
- Take a screenshot or print out your confirmed appointment schedule.
Please note that this rephrased version maintains the same meaning and instructions as the original text but is presented in a different way.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Vancouver, Canada
If you are a Filipino overseas worker (OFW) returning to Canada to work for a new employer or at a different job site, you will need to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the POLO Vancouver office. However, there are certain conditions for obtaining the OEC at POLO Vancouver.
Workers who do not have an existing record with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), do not have a POLO-verified employment contract, or arrived in Canada with only a tourist or visit visa and acquired a work visa cannot get their OEC at POLO Vancouver. Instead, they should process their contract verification with POLO Vancouver and apply for the OEC at POEA when they visit the Philippines.
To apply for the OEC at POLO Vancouver in Canada, follow these steps:
- On your appointment date, go to the POLO Vancouver office.
- Proceed to the reception area and obtain an OFW Information Sheet. Fill it out.
- Submit the duly-accomplished OFW Information Sheet along with your required documents.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and other necessary documents.
Alternatively, if you prefer to apply for the OEC by mail, you can contact POLO Vancouver for instructions. You will need to send your requirements to the POLO mailing address: Suite 601, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1.
OFWs in Canada can also apply for the OEC by attending the Consular Outreach Program. To find the schedule, you can check the POLO Vancouver Facebook page. Additionally, OFWs in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Territories, and Yukon can reach out to POLO Vancouver for assistance with OEC issuance.
Please note that this information is accurate as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, and it’s always recommended to verify the latest requirements and procedures with the appropriate authorities before proceeding with your application.
How to Get OEC Online in Vancouver, Canada
Here are the steps for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Vancouver, Canada, to get their OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) online if they are Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site or employed by GBP (Government Placement Branch):
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal or the POPs-BaM website.
- In the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go” and log in using your account credentials.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to proceed with the registration.
- Input your Flight Date and click “Next.”
- Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site by answering “Yes” to the relevant questions.
- Once the confirmation is complete, you will be able to print your OEC online.
- Make sure to request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Remember to complete these steps in order to get your OEC exemption online.
Overseas Employment Certificate | Ano at Para Saan ang OEC ?| daxofw channel
According to the video, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) is a legal document that confirms the employment status of a worker and acts as a pass when departing from Philippine airports. Additionally, individuals holding an OEC are entitled to several benefits, assistance, and protection provided by the government. Therefore, the OEC proves beneficial for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
FAQs
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Vancouver, Canada?
“To qualify for an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption, you must create an account on POPS-BaM and meet the requirement of being a Balik Manggagawa (returning overseas Filipino worker).”
2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?
Register or log in to your POPS-BaM account to book an OEC appointment online.
3. Can I get OEC in Vancouver, Canada, without an appointment?
An appointment is necessary for OEC issuance.
4. Can I get OEC at the airport?
You can get OEC at the airport if on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.
5. How long is OEC valid?
OEC has a 60-day validity.
6. How much is the OEC fee in Vancouver, Canada?
The OEC fee in Vancouver, Canada, is 2.75.
7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?
No, since an active OWWA membership is necessary for OEC issuance.
Summary
To summarize, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are required to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in order to ensure their smooth return to their overseas employment and avail themselves of various benefits and assistance provided by the government.
For OFWs in Canada who are vacationing in the Philippines for less than 60 days, they can obtain their OEC at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Vancouver. However, if their stay in the Philippines exceeds 60 days, they should obtain their OEC at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Additionally, OFWs who are eligible for OEC exemption can acquire their exit clearance online.
I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Contact Details
POLO 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/
