How to Apply OEC Certificate in Washington DC, USA

“However, not all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are eligible to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), as it is only issued to qualified workers by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). Holding an OEC provides certain benefits to OFWs, such as exemption from travel tax and terminal fees. Additionally, OFWs traveling with their spouse and dependents can enjoy reduced travel tax. Therefore, it is important to determine if you fall under any of the following categories of qualified workers before applying for an OEC:

1. OFWs who secured employment directly from an overseas employer or sponsor.
2. OFWs who obtained their employment through a recruitment agency.
3. OFWs hired through the Government Placement Branch (GBP) of the POEA.
4. OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same job site after a vacation, with an employment contract or working visa.
5. OFWs who have existing records in the POEA database and are returning to the same employer, but at a different job site.
6. OFWs without any records in the POEA database or those who change employers while already working abroad.

Please ensure that you fulfill the necessary requirements for the OEC application and check if you meet the criteria mentioned above.

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Washington DC, USA

To facilitate the process for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are on vacation in the Philippines and plan to return to a different employer and job site in the USA, it is important to book an appointment for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Washington DC. However, before proceeding with the appointment booking, OFWs must first register for a POPS-BaM account by following the steps outlined below:

Instructions for Registering on POPS-BaM (For New Users)

1. Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
2. In the e-Registration section, click on “Let’s Go and Register.”
3. Read and accept the Terms of Use.
4. Fill in all the required fields and click on “Register.”
5. Check your registered email on POPS-BaM and make a note of the Temporary Password provided.
6. Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
7. Once logged in, click on “My Profile” located on the right side of the dashboard.
8. Provide the necessary details as requested.
9. Review your account details carefully and click on “Update Profile.”
10. Complete the Identification Details section.
11. Enter your Beneficiary details.
12. Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finalize the account setup
    

    How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

    1. Once you have successfully registered for a POPS-BaM account, you can proceed to schedule an appointment for your OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) with POLO Washington DC. However, make sure that your profile is complete and accurate, and only create one account to avoid any processing issues with your OEC. If you already have an old BM (Balik Manggagawa) account, it is recommended to transfer your records to POPS-BaM. You can find the option to transfer old BM records in the DMW Helpdesk section on the POPS-BaM website. After initiating the transfer, allow up to 8 hours for the process to complete before booking your OEC appointment.
    2. To book your OEC appointment, follow these steps:a. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal or POPS-BaM website. b. Go to the e-Registration section and click “Let’s Go” to log in. c. On the dashboard, click on “Balik Manggagawa” under the “My Links” section, and then click “Next.” d. If your profile is incomplete, provide the required information to proceed. e. Enter your flight date and click “Next.” f. If you are not a Balik Manggagawa or if you are not returning to the same employer and job site, answer “NO” to the corresponding questions in order to proceed with the booking. g. Review and update the details of your contract, then click “Submit.” h. Choose a processing site from the options provided and click “Next.” i. Finally, take a screenshot or print your confirmed POPS-BaM appointment form for your reference.

    Please note that this paraphrased version retains the essential information from the original text but is written in a different structure and wording.

    How to Get an OEC Balik Manggagawa Certificate in POLO Washington DC, USA

    If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the USA or Caribbean territories and you are returning to a different employer and job site, you are required to apply for your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Washington DC. To do this, it is necessary to book an appointment. However, you do not need to visit the office personally for the scheduled appointment. Instead, you should mail your requirements to the following address:

    POLO-WDC Mailing Address: Philippine Overseas Labor Office Embassy of the Philippines 1617 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington DC, USA 20036

    Please note that the OEC requirements should be sent via mail, and the fees should be paid using a US Bank Draft or US Money Order before the appointment. The verification of the Employment Contract and OEC processing fee should be paid to the Philippine Embassy, while the OWWA membership fee should be paid to OWWA.

    It is important to know that, as of writing, the applicable fees are not payable with a debit/credit card or personal check. After submitting your requirements and paying the necessary fees, you will need to wait for an email indicating that your OEC is in process and ready to be printed. To access this email, you can log in to your POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Labor Office – POEA Online Processing System for Balik-Manggagawa) account. From there, navigate to the My Transaction Page and click on the option to Print OEC.

    Please ensure that all correspondence and communication are conducted in the English language.

    How to Get OEC Online in Washington DC, USA

    If you are an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the USA and Caribbean territories and you fall under the category of Balik Manggagawa (workers returning to the same employer and job site), you are eligible for an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) exemption. This exemption allows you to obtain your OEC online without the need to submit documents or pay the OEC fee. This is especially applicable if you are a returning worker hired by GBP.

    To avail the OEC exemption and obtain your OEC online in Washington DC, you can follow the steps provided below:

    1. Go to the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
    2. Click on the “Let’s Go” button in the e-Registration section and log in.
    3. If there are any missing details in your account, provide the necessary information to proceed.
    4. Enter your flight date and click “Next.”
    5. Confirm that you are a Balik Manggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site by selecting “Yes” to the relevant questions.
    6. Print your OEC online, ensuring that you request it within 60 days of your return flight date.
       

       Things to know about OEC or Overseas Employment Certificate

       As mentioned in the video, the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) serves as proof that an individual is a registered and lawful overseas worker. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) mandates that all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) must obtain an OEC when departing from or returning to work abroad. Therefore, it is crucial for OFWs to ensure they possess a valid OEC when going through immigration at the airport.

       Frequently Asked Questions

       Please check out these common questions and answers about the process of getting an OEC in Washington DC:

       1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Washington DC, USA?

       Register and log in to your POPS-BaM account. Then, confirm you’re a Balik Manggagawa to get an OEC exemption.

       2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

       1. Open your web browser and visit the official website of POPS-BaM (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) Online Pre-employment Orientation Seminar – Booking and Monitoring System).
       2. Look for the “Log In” button or link on the website’s homepage and click on it.
       3. Enter your POPS-BaM account credentials, such as your username and password, in the designated fields. If you haven’t registered yet, you may need to create an account by clicking on the “Register” or “Sign Up” option.
       4. Once logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page where you can update your employment status. Look for an option like “Update Employer/Job Site Information” or a similar phrase.
       5. Provide the necessary details indicating that you will not be returning to the same employer or job site. This could involve selecting the appropriate checkboxes or filling out a form with the required information. Make sure to follow the instructions provided on the screen.
       6. After submitting the updated information, locate the option to book an OEC appointment. It might be labeled as “Book Appointment” or “Schedule OEC Appointment.”
       7. Select a suitable date and time for your appointment from the available options. Follow any additional instructions or requirements provided during the booking process.
       8. Double-check all the information you have provided before finalizing the appointment booking.
       9. Once you have successfully booked your OEC appointment, make a note of the details, such as the appointment date, time, and any confirmation or reference numbers provided.
       10. Prepare any required documents or information that may be necessary for your OEC application. These could include your passport, employment contract, and other relevant documents. Make sure to review the requirements on the POPS-BaM website to ensure you have everything in order.

       That’s it! You have now indicated your employment status, and you can proceed with your OEC appointment booking through your POPS-BaM account.

       3. Can I get OEC in Washington DC, USA, without an appointment?

       “In order to apply for an OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) in Washington DC, you are required to book an appointment before mailing your documents to the POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) office.”

       Please note that the information provided is based on the assumption that the process mentioned is accurate as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. It’s always a good idea to verify the current requirements and procedures by consulting official sources or contacting the relevant authorities directly.

       4. Can I get OEC at the airport?

       You can get OEC at the airport if you’re on emergency leave or have confirmed flight booking.

       5. How long is OEC valid?

       OEC is only valid for 60 days.

       6. How much is the OEC fee in Washington DC, USA?

       The OEC fee in Washington DC, USA, is US$2.

       7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

       No, you need an active OWWA membership to get OEC.

       Summary

       “Generally, the process of applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) through POLO Washington DC is highly convenient for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as they have the flexibility to complete and submit their requirements according to their own schedule. Additionally, OFWs in the USA do not need to apply in person; instead, they can send their documents via mail to POLO Washington DC and await the issuance of their OEC. Once received, they can print it through POPS-BaM.

       This is why it is advisable for OFWs in the USA and Caribbean territories to apply for their OEC before departing from Philippine airports, allowing them to smoothly continue their work or meet the necessary requirements for their overseas employment.”

       Contact Details

       POLO Washington DC, USA
       Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
       Address: 1600 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington DC 20036
       Telephone Number: +1 (202)-467-9421
       Emails: laborofficewdc@gmail.com, wdcpolousa@gmail.com, washington@owwa.gov.ph
       Website: https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/
       POLO Facebook Pages: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064785936453, https://web.facebook.com/polo.wdc
       Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, USA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/PHinUSA/

       Google Map Location

       Please check out the POLO Washington DC, United States office map guide below: