OEC Appointment Calgary Canada OFW Balik Manggagawa Certificate

OFWs in Calgary, Canada who are returning to the Philippines for a vacation, or have a contract that is about to expire, or plan to continue or extend their job overseas must file an OEC application at the POLO Vancouver, Canada office.

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)
Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet
Sworn Statement (For OFWs who have never had a POEA record or who are applying for OEC for the first time)
Passport (valid for at least six months) from departure date
Verified Employment Contract
Certificate of Employment, Company ID, latest pay slip, or other documents as proof of employment
Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or any equivalent document
Confirmed Airline Ticket
OEC fees

Additional Requirements

Letter of Confirmation from the Employer confirming the transfer to the job site
Letter of Guarantee from the Employer

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 Calgary, Canada?

You must prepare your documents before going to POLO Calgary, Canada Office; otherwise, you will only waste your time. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Philippine labor laws and regulations prohibit foreign employers from directly recruiting Filipino workers, so you should determine if you qualify for an exemption from the restriction on direct employment.

The employer must hire you through a POEA-accredited recruitment agency. However, some firms are exempt from the restriction on the direct hiring of OFWs. These include:

Employers of Professional and Skilled Workers with Verified or Authenticated Employment Contracts that Comply with POEA Standards
Foreign Diplomats
Heads of State and High-ranking Government Officials
International Organizations
Lower-ranking officials from the first three items who are approved by the POLO
Residents of the host nation who are permanent residents and who hire their family members, excluding domestic workers

2. Prepare all the required documents. As soon as you have confirmed that your employer is exempt from the direct hiring restriction, get everything ready right away.

OEC of OFWs in Calgary, Canada is processed in Vancouver, Canada. However, there are Consular Missions for OFWs in Calgary so make sure to follow the page of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary to keep updated on where they are performing the outreach.

How to Get an OEC Appointment in Calgary, Canada (POPS-BAM System)

Prior to visiting POLO office, an OEC appointment is required.

Follow these instructions to quickly make an appointment. Keep in mind that having an online appointment simplifies things because government workers can immediately verify your information.

Step 1: Visit the POEA Online Service Website here – https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx

Step 2: Click the “Let’s go” button on e-Registration

Step 3: Click on “Register” for new users (just log in if you already have an account) and click the “I accept the terms of use” button.

Step 4: Fill in the required information and then click register (a message will display indicating that your registration was “Successful”)

Step 5: Log in to the email address you provided when you registered (there is a message containing your “temporary password)

Step 6: Return to the link provided in Step 1 and log in using the registered email address, then click “next.”

Step 7: Use the temporary password sent to your email, then click “log in.”

Step 8: Set your preferred password.

Step 9: Update your profile by clicking “My Profile,” after completing your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page

Step 10: Input your identification data (passport) and beneficiary on your profile

Step 11: Click the “Balik-Manggagawa” on your dashboard then click the “Next” button

Step 12: Enter your return flight date then click the “Next” button

Step 13: You will be asked about whether you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position if you are a returning BM.

If so, you can print your OEC exemption immediately.

If not, go to step 9 instead (change employer or new BM)

Step 14: Input all your contract details then click the “Submit” button

Step 15: Select Vancouver, Canada as the processing site then click the “Next” button

Step 16: Choose and select your preferred appointment date

Step 17: Take a screenshot and print your scheduled appointment date

How to Apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate in Calgary, Canada

Step 1: Gather all of the necessary requirements.

Step 2: Go to POLO Vancouver, Canada office on your scheduled appointment day. Show your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full-dose vaccination card/certificate to the assigned security personnel.

Step 3: The assigned security personnel will check your name on the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.

Step 4: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.

Step 5: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.

Step 6: Pay for OEC fees.

Step 7: Wait for the OEC processor’s advice before printing your OEC in POPS-BAM System

Make sure that all the information and details in your OEC are correct and in line with your credentials.

Step 8: Sign in to your POPS-BAM account and select “Print OEC” from the “My Transaction Tab” menu.

Important Reminders

Avoid using non-English characters, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Arabic, when filling out online forms. This will delay the processing of your OEC. Therefore, make sure you enter only English characters.
You are only permitted to acquire an OEC once every time you visit the Philippines. Getting more than one OEC simultaneously is not allowed.
Just remember to bring three copies of your OEC to the airport on the day of your departure.
Please keep in mind that the OEC can only be used for sixty (60) days beginning on the day it was issued.
If a worker leaves the Philippines without an OEC, they might not be able to finish their check-in or they might be stopped by an immigration official before they leave. Prior to departing, you must make sure that you have this document with you at all times.
Balik-Manggagawa OFWs must also present a copy of the contract they have with their company, along with their plane ticket and any other necessary travel documents.
Once the OFW has all the proper documents, they can head to the airport and show the OEC to the immigration official there. OFWs that have an OEC can travel without issue and know that they are complying with all legal obligations related to their employment.

Feel free to call (+1) 604 641 1234, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Canadian and the Philippines public holidays).

Video: PAANO KUMUHA NG OEC ONLINE? | STEP BY STEP GUIDE PARA SA MGA OFWS BALIK MANGGAGAWA

If you want to learn more about how to acquire an OEC, watch this video post by “BSAN UNO TV.” In this video, the YouTuber explains the process of acquiring OEC, which will be used in returning overseas.

The process for acquiring an OEC in this video is the same as the process for acquiring an OEC in POLO Calgary, Canada; you simply need to select Vancouver, Canada as the processing office.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions regarding “How to Process OEC in Calgary, Canada”, see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

1. Who can get OEC exemption?

The following requirements must all be met in order for a Balik-Manggagawas to be exempt from acquiring an OEC:

Has a valid work visa or work permit
Returning to the same employer and workplace
Has a record in the POEA database (Has previously received an OEC at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mall processing centers)

2. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?

No. All OFWs leaving the Philippines, whether they are returning employees or new workers, must acquire an OEC.

The OEC serves as an exit clearance; therefore if you try to leave the country without it, Immigration will stop you. Additionally, you are excused from paying the terminal fee and travel tax thanks to this certificate.

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 most recent transaction record you have with POEA is your most recent OEC number. This information is required by the system in order to get your record and most recent employment information.

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?

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 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.

12. What is the PCG Calgary, Canada’s hotline number?

You can reach the PCG Calgary, Canada office at (+1) 403 455 9457.

Summary

It is not difficult to obtain OEC. All you need to do is understand how the processes work. Keep in mind that OEC is a requirement to find employment and guarantee problems entry through immigration officials.

It also provides OFWs with the benefits of being exempt from terminal fees and travel taxes. OFWs in Calgary, Canada are recommended to acquire an OEC before departing from the Philippines for their overseas employment.

To ensure a smooth application procedure, follow the above procedures.

Contact Info

PCG Office Calgary
Address: 1001 1st ST SE Suite 100 Calgary AB T2G 5G3
Telephone Number: (+1) 403-455-9457
Emergency Hotline Number: (+1) 587-577-1524
Email: calgarypcg@gmail.com
Website: https://philcongencalgary.org/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/PHinCalgary

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
Emergency Hotline Number: (+1) 604-767-3354
Email: polo.vancouver@yahoo.ca
Website: https://vancouverpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/POLOinVancouver/