Filipinos working in Vancouver who are vacationing in the Philippines or going home due to an ending contract need to get their OEC if returning to Canada to fulfill or extend their employment. As an OFW, your OEC is one of the primary documents you need to secure if continuing your work abroad. Without your OEC, you won’t be allowed to leave the Philippine airport, thus resulting in delayed work deployment. So to give you an overview of the application process, follow our in-depth guide on how to get your OEC in Vancouver, Canada.
Also Read: Schedule OWWA Appointment Membership Vancouver, Canada
But before we dive straight into details, first, what is OEC? OEC stands for Overseas Employment Certificate that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can request from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). This document works as an exit clearance that OFWs need to present to the immigration officer at the Philippine airport before they’re allowed to depart for their work abroad. In short, OFWs coming from the Philippines without OEC before their flight cannot leave the country for employment. So if you’re an OFW in Vancouver, Canada, you should get your OEC before your flight date to avoid delays.
Contents
Requirements
As stated on the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) Vancouver website POEA Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2019, OFWs need to secure the requirements for OEC issuance at POLO Vancouver, 2-copies each of the following:
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
The stated requirements above also apply to workers recruited or employed from Third Countries, such as Dubai, Greece, Hong Kong, Kuwait, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Taiwan, who have an Employment Contract but not yet verified by POLO Vancouver. In addition, if the worker will apply for OEC via mail, include a Prepaid Return Envelope when mailing the requirements.
Additional Documents
On the other hand, for workers without an existing POEA record, you need to verify your Employment Contract first before applying for OEC. To do so, secure the additional documents for POLO Contract Verification:
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
Aside from certifying the worker’s legal work and employer, OEC also comes with benefits such as travel tax and terminal fees exemption and lower travel tax for the worker’s spouse and dependents. Thus, POEA and POLO only issue OEC to the following workers:
- 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
How to Book an OEC Appointment in POLO Vancouver, Canada
But before anything else, OFWs who need to get their OEC at POLO Vancouver need to book an appointment on POPS-BaM. So for those without a POPS-BaM account, follow the steps below:
How to Register on POPS-BaM (For New Users)
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- Under the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and Register.
- Check the I Accept the Terms of Use.
- Fill out the required fields and click Register.
- Check your email that you registered on POPS-BaM. Then, copy the sent Temporary Password.
- Enter the Temporary Password and change it to your preferred password.
- On the right of your dashboard, click My Profile.
- Fill out the required details.
- Double-check your account details and click Update Profile.
- Fill out the Identification Details.
- Input your Beneficiary details.
- Upload a Profile Picture and a copy of your Passport to finish the account setup.
How to book an OEC Appointment in POPS-BaM
After setting up your POPS-BaM account, you can book an OEC appointment with POLO Vancouver, Canada. While those with old BM accounts, you can transfer your records to your newly registered account by visiting the POPS-BaM website. Then, click Transfer Old BM records on the POEA Helpdesk section. To book an OEC appointment with POLO Vancouver, follow the steps below:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/ POPS-BaM website.
- Click Let’s Go and log in on the e-Registration section.
- On the dashboard, look for My Links. Then, click Balik Manggagawa and Next.
- If you have an incomplete account, provide the required data to continue.
- Input your Flight Date and click Next.
- If not a Balik Manggagawa or not returning to the same employer and job site, answer No to the questions to continue booking.
- Update necessary details on your contract and click Submit.
- Choose a Processing Site and click Next.
- Take a screenshot or print your confirmed appointment schedule.
How to Apply for OEC in POLO Vancouver, Canada
If you’re an OFW returning to Canada to work for a new employer or in a different job site, you need to apply for OEC at the POLO Vancouver office. Nonetheless, workers without an existing POEA record, POLO verified employment contract, and those who 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 OEC at POEA when vacationing in the Philippines. To apply for OEC in POLO Vancouver, Canada, follow the steps below:
- Go to the POLO Vancouver office on your appointment date.
- Head to the reception to secure an OFW Information Sheet and fill it out.
- Then, submit the duly-accomplished OFW Information Sheet and your requirements.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for the issuance of your OEC and other documents.
You may also contact POLO Vancouver if applying for OEC via mail. Then, send your requirements to POLO mailing address Suite 601, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1. OFWs in Canada can also apply for OEC by attending Consular Outreach Program.
For the schedule, check the POLO Vancouver Facebook page. Also, OFWs in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northern Territories, and Yukon may reach out to POLO Vancouver for OEC issuance.
How to Get OEC Online in Vancouver, Canada
OFWs in Vancouver, Canada, can get their OEC online if they’re Balik Manggagawa or workers returning to the same employer and job site or employed by GBP. To get an OEC exemption, follow the steps below:
- Visit the POEA Online Services Portal/POPS-BaM website.
- On the e-Registration section, click Let’s Go and log in.
- If your account details are incomplete, provide the missing data to continue.
- Input your Flight Date and click Next.
- Answer Yes to the questions to confirm you’re a Balik Mangggagawa or a worker returning to the same employer and job site.
- Print your OEC online and ensure to request your OEC within 60 days of your return flight date.
Video: Overseas Employment Certificate | Ano at Para Saan ang OEC ?| daxofw channel
For more details on OEC, please watch the video below:
According to the video, OEC is a legal document that verifies the status of a worker’s employment and serves as a pass when leaving the Philippine airport. Moreover, OEC holders are entitled to various benefits, assistance, and protection from the government. So OFWs is beneficial for OFWs.
FAQs
1. How can I get an OEC exemption in Vancouver, Canada?
You need to register an account on POPS-BaM for OEC exemption, and most of all, you should be a Balik Manggagawa.
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 sum up, OFWs need to apply for OEC to ensure their return to their overseas work and access varying benefits and assistance from the government.
So OFWs in Canada can get their OEC at POLO Vancouver if vacationing in the Philippines for less than 60 days, while workers exceeding the 60 days should get their OEC at POEA. Also, OFWs qualified for OEC exemption should get their exit clearance online.
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/