How to Get a Temporary Work Visa for Canada

For faster processing and for proper compliance with Canada’s immigration regulations of both employers and workers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued guidelines in obtaining temporary work permit applications in Canada.

The processing of temporary work permit for Filipinos who wants to work in Canada will be based on a first come, first served basis so it is beneficial if you know the following information:

Tips and Guidelines
Prepare and submit all requirements listed below:

· National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance

· Immigration medical examination certificate (issued by designated clinic or medical practitioner)

· Evidence that you intend to go back to the Philippines upon the expiration of the temporary work permit

Work permit application costs: CDN$150 (more or less Php 6,768).

Note: It is advisable to pay in Canadian dollars. If ever your visa is denied, the money is not refundable.

In filling up application forms, it is important to provide adequate, true and complete information on the applicant’s mode of recruitment (e.g. agency-hired or name-hired), selection (e.g. thru interview, written examination, etc.), and the applicant’s qualifications and expertise (education, job experiences, etc.). The Embassy also demands fluency in the English language.


The Temporary Foreign Workers in Occupations Under Pressure Program will only be valid for two years in Canada. The POEA advisory also informed that academic qualifications and good command of either English or French language are some of the major basis of a Canadian employer in choosing potential employees. Knowledge of English or French language is required to ensure that applicants will be able to perform the job satisfactorily and to effectively function in Canadian society.

If the applicant fails to meet the language or education criteria, a letter (from the employer) that affirms his/her qualifications is required. The letter must contain the reasons why the worker is essential for the employer’s business operations.

Manpower agencies are not allowed to collect any recruitment fees from the applicants. The applicant’s employer must shoulder the travel cost. The Canadian human rights legislation states that both Filipino workers should enjoy the same salary as what their Canadian counterparts are getting.

Embassy of Canada (Philippines)
9th Floor, Allied Bank Center
6754 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila
Telephone: (63-2) 867-0001

Via OFWguide.com of POEA

350,000 Jobs Available in Canada

According to this Inquirer article, there will be more than 350,000 job openings available in Canada this year so be wary of different agencies looking for professionals who want to migrate to Canada. The article continues to say that the Canadian province of British Columbia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippines to help fill its need for 350,000 skilled workers over the next 12 years.

Here's a snippet from the article:

The two-year MOU, signed between British Columbia’s Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen and Labor Secretary Arturo Brion January 29 in Vancouver, will help strengthen relations between B.C. employers and Philippine recruiters by providing more effective access to foreign workers, particularly those needed for temporary work in the tourism and hospitality, retail, and construction industries.

Although the MOU’s focus is on temporary workers, it does not prevent workers from being recruited on a permanent basis. The agreement also does not apply to live-in caregivers.

According to a background provided by Canada’s embassy here, potential workers are required:

• to pass the medical examination required by that country for temporary or permanent residents
• don’t have a criminal record or outstanding custody or divorce dispute that might make them ineligible to become residents
• satisfactory English language skills
• possess the skills and knowledge sought by potential employers.

“Nothing in the MOU prevents British Columbia employers from recruiting workers in the Philippines on their own as long as they do so under the Philippine Labor Code,” it said.


To read the complete article, click here