The Basic Guide to Applying as an OFW
 
What exactly are the things you need to prepare?
 
So, you want to become an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). But like most of us, you don’t know exactly where to start. This article will talk about everything you will be needing to apply as an OFW, so that you can prepare your requirements immediately!
 
First of all, you should know that there are two ways to become an OFW. Some may opt to go for direct hiring, while others may choose to go through recruitment agencies. Each have different processes and requirements. This article will talk about both.
 
Agency hire

Applying as an OFW through a recruitment agency is a popular choice, as this is the less demanding option. Recruitment agencies assist the applicants with most of the process, including paperwork. However, keep in mind that looking for overseas work through recruitment agencies can get competitive. So, make sure to stand out among other candidates through maximizing every opportunity that is present.
Make yourself noticeable online, as this is where many employers find applicants. To do this, register on WorkAbroad.ph as an OFW candidate. WorkAbroad.ph has over 800 recruitment agencies licensed by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that post the latest job opportunities for its applicants.
 
Process
 
  1. Attend the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). Before anything else, attend the PEOS. This will help you to determine if you’re on the right track in pursuing the OFW life. You may take the PEOS online here.
     
  2. Get a recruitment agency. Since there is an influx of aspiring OFWs, it is best for you to apply through a recruitment agency. Make sure that this agency is licensed by POEA to make sure that your whole application process is legal.

    In WorkAbroad.ph, applicants can be assured that all recruitment agencies they find here are accredited by POEA. This will lessen your worries as you apply through them.
     
  3. Prepare the required documents. Depending on the job you are applying for, you will be required to submit a specific set of documents. Most likely, you will need to undergo medical check-ups and skills tests. The recruitment agency will help you prepare these.

    The following are the basic requirements for every OFW candidate.

    Basic requirements
    • 2x2 picture
    • NSO-authenticated birth certificate
    • Certificate of employment (from previous employers)
    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Diploma (High School or College)
    • Employer contract
    • Transcript of Records
    • Marriage contract (if applicable)
    • NBI clearance
    • Passport (valid for at least six months)
    • Professional license (if applicable)
    • Other certificates (i.e. board certificates, training certificates)
       
  4. Pay the fees. To help you process your application, the recruitment agency will collect the following required fees from you.

    Fees
    • POEA Processing Fee: US$100.00
    • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Membership Contribution: US$25.00
    • PhilHealth Contribution: ?2,400.00
    • Pag-IBIG Contribution: ?300.00 (for three months)
       
    Note: Recruitment agencies charge extra for their services as they will be hands-on in assisting you to become a full-fledged OFW.
     
  5. Attend the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS). Every OFW is required to attend the PDOS. This is a day-long counseling program for OFW applicants to ensure that all OFWs are aware of rules and regulations, customs and traditions, and other employment concerns. After this, you will be handed a certificate.
     
  6. Submit requirements to POEA (via agency). The recruitment agency will submit your documents to POEA. Once approved, POEA will then issue an e-receipt of your payments and your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
     
  7. Head to the airport. At the airport, you must present your e-receipt and OEC to the POEA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI). They will confirm that you, as an OFW, are exempted from the travel tax and terminal fee.
     
  8. Work abroad. Finally, you are now officially an OFW! Just keep in contact with your recruitment agency, and you will be in safe hands.
     
Direct hire

For those who are hesitant to go through a recruitment agency, applying for direct hire is also an option. However, this will require you to go through a more tedious process as compared to that of going through a recruitment agency—so, brace yourselves. Here are all the requirements and step-by-step process of applying for direct hire.
 
Basic requirements
  • NSO-authenticated birth certificate
  • Certificate of employment (from previous employers)
  • Certificate of Medical Clearance
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Diploma (High School or College)
  • Transcript of Records
  • Employment contract (authenticated by the Philippine Embassy)
  • Marriage contract (if applicable)
  • NBI clearance
  • Passport (valid for at least six months)
  • Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Certificate
  • Professional license (if applicable)
  • Working visa or employment permit
  • Other certificates (i.e. board certificates, training certificates)
 
Process
 
  1. Apply for a working visa. Once you have found a job, apply for a working visa for the country you will be working at. When this is approved, get a visa stamping at the destination’s embassy. Make sure to accomplish everything the embassy requires.
     
  2. Accomplish checklist of POEA requirements. You can find here the full checklist of requirements for direct hire applicants, as necessitated by POEA. As you can see in the checklist, some countries have additional requirements. Read the checklist thoroughly so that you know what to prepare. Once you have all your requirements for Phase 1, head to POEA to submit them. Then, proceed with Phase 2.
     
  3. Register online. The first part of Phase 2 is the e-registration. In the POEA website, you can conveniently register online for the succeeding steps.
     
  4. Participate in the online Pre- Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). To obtain your PEOS certificate, you have to participate in the online PEOS here. After passing the seminar, POEA will send a PEOS certificate to your email address. Print this out for later.
     
  5. Get a medical certificate. Head to the nearest medical clinic in your region that is accredited by the Department of Health. Ask for a medical exam for OFWs, and obtain your medical certificate.
     
  6. Submit documents to POEA. After gathering the rest of your documents (PEOS certificate and medical certificate), head to POEA to submit them. Once they receive your documents, they will let you proceed to the next step.
     
  7. Attend the PDOS. As you won’t have a recruitment agency to arrange your PDOS schedule, you must do it on your own. Right after the POEA verifies your Phase 1 documents, they will allow you to schedule your PDOS on your most available date.
     
  8. Obtain your OEC. To get your OEC, you will need to pay for POEA Processing, OWWA Membership, Medicare, and Pag-IBIG Fund. Once you get your OEC, you will finally be able to travel to your work destination.
 
Undoubtedly, applying as an OFW is a lengthy process. Lucky for you, there are several sites nowadays to assist you in your overseas job application. Register at WorkAbroad.ph, a site that will help you land your dream overseas job by alerting you with job postings and connecting you to POEA-licensed recruitment agencies.