Whether you’re a newly-hired employee, or currently employed but not yet considered a permanent resident… employment contract verification is important. For Filipino workers in Canada and other countries, this involves getting your employment documents verified and securing an Overseas Employment Contract or OEC.
The OEC serves as proof of the legal documentation of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). It is presented to immigration officers at airports and other government agencies. This document ensures that you have access to the programs, services, and privileges given to OFWs. Getting an OEC typically starts with getting your documents verified at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Contents
What is an OEC?
The Overseas Employment Contract (OEC) is equivalent to the OFW Clearance, which Republic Act 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Act defines as: “a document issued to an OFW by the department, attesting to the regularity of his/her recruitment, documentation, and registration as an OFW, which makes him/her eligible to clear immigration controls for overseas employment travel under Philippine immigration laws, and enables him/her to avail of the privileges granted to OFWs.”
Who Needs an OEC?
Generally speaking, Filipino workers who are coming or returning to Canada need to have an OEC. In particular, these include Filipinos who fall under Canada’s special immigration programs, as mentioned in DMW Advisory No. 9, Series of 2024:
- Filipinos hired through Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) covered by POEA Advisory No. 169, Series of 2020. Also known as the Atlantic Immigration Program, this aims to help employer hire qualified workers for jobs that they haven’t been able to fill locally; and
- Holders of Canada’s Open Work Permit (OWP) under the International Mobility Program covered by POEA Advisory No. 159, Series of 2020, which include: (a) Bridging Open Work Permit (exemption code A75); (b) Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Program; Participant to the Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP) and Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) Programs (administrative code C90); Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (exemption code A72); and Religious work (exemption code C50).
Furthermore, Filipinos who are not mentioned in DMW Advisory No. 9, Series of 2024, but are holding work permits under other immigration programs, also need to have an OEC. These include:
- International students who already have Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP)/Open Work Permits (OWP) and are working or employed; and
- Spouses/Partners of international students who have OWP and are working or employed.
Who do NOT Need an OEC?
Not all overseas Filipinos in Canada need to have an OEC. The following do not need an OEC:
- International students who are still studying or under a study permit, and not yet PGWP/OWP holders, regardless if they are not working or working part-time (They need to present their valid student permit to the Philippine Immigration officer at the airport when they go back to Canada);
- International students who are waiting for the decision on their PGWP application or are already PGWP holders, but are not working or unemployed (They need an Affidavit of Support or any document that is consistent with the requirements of the Bureau of Immigration when they go back to Canada);
- Spouses/partners who have OWPs, but are not working or are unemployed (They also need to present an Affidavit of Support or any document that is consistent with the requirements of the Bureau of Immigration when they go back to Canada); and
- Permanent Residents (PR) of Canada (They need to show their valid PR card when they go back to Canada).
Requirements
Before getting an OEC, be sure to gather these required documents:
- Employment Contract of Job Offer;
- Addendum to the Employment Contract;
- Passport, Visa, and Worker Permit;
- Proof of Employment (e.g. Certificate of Employment or one-month pay stub); and
- Sinumpaang Sanaysay.
NOTE: Visit these links to download the Addendum to the Employment Contract and the Sinumpaang Sanaysay.
In addition, you’ll need to prepare the Verification Fee, which costs CAD 11.50. This amount may be paid via cash, bank draft, or postal money order — payable to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
Procedure
To have your documents verified and get an OEC, follow this step-by step-guide.
- Submit the required documents to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Toronto or Vancouver for verification. There are two options: (a) Walk-in, or go directly to the MWO, which are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (processing time is 1-2 working days); or (b) Send your documents — including a self addressed prepaid return envelope — by mail, using Canada Post or other courier services (processing time is 2-3 working days).
- Once your employment contract has been verified, set an appointment at https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph. Choose the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) office that is nearest to the place where you will be staying in the Philippines.
- On the date of your appointment, go to the selected DMW office in the Philippines and present your verified employment contract.
- Wait for your OEC to be issued. Keep in mind that this will be valid for 60 days, starting from the date of issuance.
- During your return trip to Canada, present the OEC, together with your passport, to the Philippine immigration officer at the airport.
Additional Reminder: OWWA Membership
During the contract verification process, it’s important that your membership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is active. Make sure that your membership is active by renewing it around three (3) months before the expiration date. The OWWA membership fee is CAD 32, valid for two (2) years upon date of payment.
Contact Information: MWO Offices in Canada
If you have any questions regarding employment contract verification and getting an OEC, you can get in touch with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Toronto or Vancouver. Their contact details and location maps are as follows:
MWO in Toronto
Address: Suite 200, 160 Eglinton Ave., E, Toronto, ON, Canada, Ontario
Telephone: +1 416 975 8252
Email: mwo_toronto@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph/polo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWOToronto/
Google Map Location:
MWO in Vancouver
Address: Suite 601, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C3E1
Telephone: +1 604 641 1234
Email: mwo_vancouver@dmw.gov.ph
Website: https://www.vancouverpcg.org/migrant-workers-office-mwo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MWOinVancouver/
Google Map Location:
Final Thoughts
Having your employment contract verified and getting an OEC is an essential part of being an OFW. We hope that the above guide has been helpful, especially if you are an OFW who is planning to visit the Philippines and eventually return to Canada.
Meanwhile, for those of you who are international students, are you looking for ways to better manage your time? Check out this article to learn how you can maximize your works hours as an international student in Canada.