How to Apply OEC Certificate in Toronto, Canada

Filipinos who are based in Canada can visit the POLO Toronto office if you need to secure an overseas employment (OEC) Balik Manggagawa certificate.

Many Filipinos working abroad go back from time to time in the Philippines for vacation or when their employment contract has ended. So knowing how to get their OEC is essential if returning to their overseas employment to fulfill or extend their contract.

Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Toronto, Canada

The OEC is a necessary document OFWs have to get before they’re permitted to leave the country for overseas work. And in this article, we’ve boiled down into detail how to get OEC in Toronto, Canada, to make the process more convenient for OFWs.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) vacationing in the Philippines have to get their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) if they’re leaving the country again to work abroad.

Furthermore, OFWs must get their OEC, an exit clearance they need to present to Philippine immigration officers before allowing their departure. However, if the worker doesn’t have a valid OEC, they won’t be allowed to leave the Philippines and return to their work abroad. Thus, OFWs in Toronto, Canada, should get their OEC at POLO or POEA before their return flight.

oec certificate application in toronto canada

Requirements

According to the POEA Memorandum Circular No. 02 Series of 2019, here are the following requirements for OEC issuance at POLO Toronto:

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
  • 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
  • Employment Contract and Addendum verified by POLO Toronto
  • POPS-BaM Appointment form
  • Letter of Guarantee from the employer
  • Letter of Confirmation from the employer stating the worker’s transfer of job site

For workers with existing POEA records who have changed employers in Canada

  • Valid Philippine Passport
  • Valid Re-Entry VISA
  • Valid Work Permit
  • Employment Contract and Addendum verified by POLO Toronto
  • POPS-BaM Appointment form
  • Letter of Guarantee from the Employer
  • Employment Agreement (for open work permit holders)
  • Valid ID of the employer with photo
  • Sworn Statement of the worker, stating the process of employment

Additional Documents

However, if the worker doesn’t have an existing POEA record, secure the documents below for OEC issuance, one original and one photocopy. Also, the requirements below apply if the worker was hired or recruited from third countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Dubai, Oman, Kuwait, and Dubai, that don’t have POLO verified Employment contracts.

  • Valid Philippine Passport
  • Valid Re-Entry VISA
  • Valid Work Permit
  • LMIA
  • Employment Contract and Addendum verified by POLO Toronto
  • POPS-BaM Appointment form
  • Proof of current Employment such as Employment Contract, Company ID, or latest payslip
  • Employer’s Profile
  • Valid ID of the employer with a photo or an authorized representative
  • Letter of Guarantee from the Employer
  • Sworn Statement of the worker, stating how the employment was obtained (To be done at POEA)

Processing Fees

The following are the applicable fees for OEC issuance at POLO Toronto, Canada:

  • OEC processing fee of 2.75
  • OWWA membership fee of 32.00
  • POLO verification fee of $11.50
  • PCG Toronto Authentication fee of $33.75

Qualifications

Since POEA and POLO encourage OFWs to obtain legal employment, the OEC is only issued to qualified workers, exempting them from paying the travel tax and terminal fees and reducing travel tax for their spouses and dependents. The following individuals can apply for their OEC:

  • OFWs who acquired work from an overseas Employer or Sponsor via direct hiring
  • OFWs hired via a recruitment agency
  • OFWs hired via POEA’s Government Placement Branch (GBP)
  • OFWs with existing POEA database records and returning to the same job site after vacationing with an employment contract or working visa
  • OFWs with existing POEA database record returning to the same employer but in a different job site
  • OFWs without POEA database records or changes employers on-site

On the other hand, as stated on the POLO Toronto Facebook post, the following traveling Filipinos no longer need to get their OEC, including:

  • Immigrant
  • Permanent Resident
  • Dependent or Spouse of Foreign National
  • Intra-Company Transferee
  • Vacationing OFWs visiting other countries before returning to their job site
  • Trainee
  • USJ1 Visa holder or Cultural Exchange Programs
  • Non-OFW Status

How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Toronto, Canada

In a public advisory on the POLO Toronto website, OFWs can now book an OEC appointment under the new POPS-BaM, replacing the old BM Online System. So OFWs need to book an appointment with POLO Toronto before heading to their office for OEC issuance. And if you don’t have a POPS-BaM account, follow the steps below to proceed with booking an OEC appointment.

How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. Under the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and Register.
  3. Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
  4. Fill out the required fields and click Register.
  5. Check your email that you registered on POPS-BaM. Then, copy the sent Temporary Password.
  6. Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
  7. On the right of your dashboard, click My Profile.
  8. Fill out the required details.
  9. Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
  10. Fill out the Identification Details.
  11. Input your Beneficiary details.
  12. Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finish the account setup.

How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM

For those who have registered a POPS-BaM account, you can follow the steps below to book an OEC appointment with POLO Toronto, Canada office. As for those with old BM accounts, it is essential to transfer your records to your new POPS-BaM account. You can do it by visiting the POPS-BaM website. Under the POEA Helpdesk section, click Transfer Old BM records. Then, book an OEC appointment with POLO Toronto, Canada, by following the steps below:

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/ POPS-BaM website.
  2. Click Let’s Go and log in on the e-Registration section.
  3. On the dashboard, look for My Links. Then, click Balik Manggagawa and Next.
  4. If you have an incomplete account, provide the required data to continue.
  5. Input your Flight Date and click Next.
  6. If not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer No to the questions to continue booking.
  7. Update necessary details on your contract and click Submit.
  8. Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
  9. Take a screenshot or print your confirmed appointment schedule.

How to Apply for OEC in POLO Toronto, Canada

Applying for OEC in POLO Toronto, Canada, is mandatory for OFWs returning to a different employer and job site or who have changed their employer’s on-site. However, POLO Toronto won’t issue OEC to OFWs who don’t have an existing POEA record, verified Employment Contract, and those who came to Canada with a tourist or visit visa and obtained a work visa.

Instead, those workers have to apply for their OEC in POEA offices in the Philippines to undergo proper employment documentation. Nonetheless, POLO Toronto can verify the Employment Contract of the said workers since it is a requirement for OEC issuance back in the Philippines. And to apply for OEC in POLO, Toronto, Canada, follow the steps below:

  1. Head to POLO Toronto, Canada, office on your appointment date.
  2. Secure and fill out the OFW Information Sheet handed out by the reception officer.
  3. Present your requirements to the reception officer for evaluation.
  4. Pay the applicable fees.
  5. Then, wait for the issuance of your OEC. You can also print a copy of it on POPS-BaM under the My Transactions sections.

How to Get OEC Online in Toronto, Canada

For those who are Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site, POEA and POLO encourage you to get your OEC online and enjoy exemption from paying the processing fee. In addition, OFWs returning to Canada hired by the GBP can also get their OEC online by following the steps below:

  1. Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
  2. On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
  3. If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to continue.
  4. Input your Flight Date and click Next.
  5. Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Mangggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
  6. Then, print your OEC online and ensure to request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.

Video: HOW TO GET OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE (OEC) FOR DIRECT HIRE OFWS | POEA

For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:

As discussed in the video, OFWs possessing OEC are exempt from paying travel tax and terminal fees at the airport. Also, OFWs can use their OEC to acquire a loan from OWWA. So securing an OEC comes with many benefits and purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the POLO office and the OEC certificate process in Toronto:

1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Toronto, Canada?

You can get an OEC exemption at POPS-BaM and if you’re a Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site.

2. How can I book an OEC appointment online?

You can book an OEC appointment online via POPS-BaM, so be sure to register an account.

3. Can I get OEC in Toronto, Canada, without an appointment?

You need an OEC appointment if applying for OEC on-site at the POLO Toronto office.

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 60 days validity.

6. How much is the OEC fee in Toronto, Canada?

The OEC processing fee in Toronto, Canada, is 2.75.

7. Can I get OEC without OWWA membership?

No, you’ll need an active OWWA membership when applying for OEC.

Summary

In summary, OFWs in Toronto, Canada, qualified and required to get their OEC, should secure it if exiting the Philippine airport. Moreover, OFWs can get their OEC at POLO Toronto if on vacation in less than 60 days.

On the contrary, OFWs staying in the Philippines longer than 60 days should get their OEC at POEA to ensure its validity. So as an OFW, you should be aware of the latest process for OEC issuance since you’ll need it when returning to your overseas employment.

Contact Details

POLO Toronto, Canada
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Address: 160 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5
Contact Number: +1 416-975-8252,
Email: polotoronto.2019@gmail.com
Website: http://polotoronto.dole.gov.ph/, https://www.philcongen-toronto.com/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/Polotoronto/

Google Map Location

Below is the map guide location of the POLO office in Toronto for your reference:

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