Canada is a country in North America where many overseas Filipino workers or OFWs are looking forward to land an overseas job.  Canada is one of the many countries OFWs seek to work to because of better opportunities, friendly community, better environment, and higher salary grade for employees. 

OFWs can follow these steps to apply for a work permit:

1.    Fill out all the application forms (IMM1295E and IMM5465) electronically and print.  This means you have to download the forms first, fill it out on the computer and then print a hard copy. OFWs must remember to print these forms on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper using a laser printer with a good print quality. Downloaded and handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC).

2.   Read the privacy policy, before filling out the VFS Consent Form.  Then attach it to your application form.  OFWs must not forget to include this form because the application will not be processed and will only be returned.

3.    Pay the visa fees and other fees required, like the CVAC service charge.  OFWs should pay the fees by bank draft, certified cheque, postal money order (PMO) or manager’s cheque.  It is also better to pay in Canadian dollar so changes in currency can be avoided. If OFWs are to pay in Canadian dollar using bank draft or certified cheque, it should be addressed to the Receiver General of Canada. If in Philippine peso, to the Embassy of Canada, Manila.

4.   Go to the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC).  Bring with you your passports, photographs, accomplished forms, required visa fee and other documents.  There may also be service charges to be paid, so it is better to bring accepted method of payment.

5.   Submit your application at the CVAC.  At the CVAC, OFWs should pay the service charges.  Then, give your complete application and get a receipt.  The receipt has a unique tracking number which OFWs will use to follow-up the status of the application online.

After these, OFWs will just have to wait and do some follow-ups for the progress of their application.  Once the application is approved, OFWs will just have to do the next step or procedure to get their work permit for Canada. Soon, OFWs can now board that plane bound to Canada and start with their work abroad for a bright future ahead.

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