POEA ADVISORY NO. 25 Series of 2007
The Canadian Embassy in Manila has provided information on the issuance of visas for
temporary workers intending to work in Canada to ensure that prospective workers and
employers comply with Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.
According to the Embassy, processing of visa application is on a first come, first served
basis. This is to ensure that the processing of visa applications is treated in a fair manner as
possible. Due to the growing number of visa applications received which has resulted to
backlogs, efforts are being made to shorten the processing time of visa applications. The
Embassy is currently processing applications which were submitted 18 weeks ago.
The following are some processing tips in order to facilitate the processing of
Temporary Work Permit applications:
• Visa applicants are encouraged to provide as much information as possible on the
following:
o The mode of recruitment i.e. whether the worker was recruited through a
recruitment agency or through relatives or contacts.
o The mode of selection i.e. whether the worker was selected through an
interview, written exam or any other procedures.
o The steps taken to verify the worker's level of competency in education,
experience and of the English language.
o The type of compensation the worker will receive.
• Visa applicants are required to submit an NBI Clearance. However, NBI Clearance
with notation of "No Criminal Record" indicates that there may be a criminal
concerns and the visa application may take longer to process.
• Visa applicants are required to pass an Immigration Medical Examination at a
Designated Medical Practitioner to ensure their medical fitness prior to the issuance
of a Temporary Work Permit. The medical examination request will normally be
made at the same time with the visa application but it does not mean the visa
application is accepted.
• All work permit applications will cost CDN$150 or its equivalent and is not
refundable in case of visa denial. Payment in Canadian dollars is recommended
rather than in Philippine pesos.
• Visa applicants should provide evidence that they will return to the Philippines.
Applicants who have been unemployed for several years, single and has close
relatives in Canada might be a cause for concern. However, a relative in Canada is
certainly not a bar to acceptance of an application.
• Wages paid to Filipino workers should be the same as the salaries paid to Canadians
for the same job. If the employer pays less, he would be charged with violations of
the Canadian Human Rights Legislation.
• The processing of both the Labor Market Opinion (LMO is given by HRSDC in
Canada) and the work permit (by the Canadian Embassy in Manila) at the same time
is possible if an applicant is applying for a work permit at the skill level of A, B, or O
(for higher skilled areas). Work Permit will only be issued after receipt of the LMO
by the Embassy. The application maybe refused if the LMO is not received by the
Embassy within 90 days.
• Workers applying under the Temporary Foreign Workers in Occupations Under
Pressure Program will only be allowed to work for 2 years in Canada.
• Employers are advised to consider the following criteria during the selection
process:
o Philippine High School Level has only the equivalent of 10 years high school
in Canada. In order to have the equivalent of Canadian High School,
completion of an additional 2 years of studies is necessary.
o Applicants must speak English or French at a level which will allow him to
perform the job required and to function in Canadian society.
o If the applicant does not meet the above criteria of language or
education/experience, the employer must submit a letter stating why the
particular worker is essential for the Canadian operations.
o Travel costs are to be borne by the employer and are not recoverable from the
worker. Employers must ensure that there are no recruitment fees paid by
the worker to any recruitment agencies.
For the information of all concerned.
ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BLADOZ
Administrator
24 September 2007
