How to Get Employment Verification from MWO Vancouver (Step-by-Step Guide)

Why Do OFWs Need Employment Verification?

If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) going back to the Philippines for vacation, you’ll need to secure employment verification from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).

This document is required to obtain your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) in the Philippines. The OEC is what allows you to exit the country and return to your job abroad without issues.

In this post, I’ll share how I booked my appointment with the Philippine Consulate’s MWO in Vancouver, British Columbia and my personal experience during the process.

Where to Get Employment Verification in Vancouver

📍 Address:
Philippine Migrant Workers Office – Vancouver
999 Canada Pl #601, Vancouver, BC, Canada

How to Book an Appointment at MWO Vancouver

Appointments are booked online through their system here: bit.ly/mwoappt2025.

The form is very short—it only takes about 2 minutes. You’ll need to:

• Select your preferred date and time
• Enter your full name, email, and phone number
• Indicate your purpose (e.g., contract verification for open/closed work permit)

👉 No payment or documents are required at the time of booking.

Do You Need an Appointment?

Yes, it’s best to book one.

During my visit, I noticed some walk-ins. They were accommodated but told to wait until all those with appointments were finished. To avoid uncertainty, I highly recommend booking online. You’ll never know if the office will be fully booked on the day you visit.

Requirements for Employment Verification (MWO Vancouver)

If you are on a CLOSED Work Permit:

1. Copy of valid Philippine passport
2. Copy of valid visa / ETa approval
3. Copy of valid work permit
4. Employment Contract / Job Offer
5. Letter of Guarantee from the employer (letter stating that worker will be returning to the same employer after the planned visit to the Philippines)
6. Pay slips for the recent three (3) pay period
7. Payment of CAD 15.50 (cash, postal money order, or bank draft payable to MWO)

If you are on OPEN Work Permit:

1. Copy of valid Philippine passport
2. Copy of valid visa / ETa approval
3. Copy of valid work permit
4. Employment Contract / Job Offer
5. Pay slips for the recent three (3) pay period
6. Payment of CAD 15.50 (cash, postal money order, or bank draft payable to MWO)

⚠️ Important: Bring two (2) complete sets of all required documents. Arrange them in order. Both sets will be checked.

My Experience at MWO Vancouver (Philippine Consulate)

I booked an Uber since I was running late, but I ended up getting lost anyway. The driver dropped me in the wrong building, and I wandered around looking for the 6th floor (which didn’t exist in that building). Thankfully, a kind lady pointed me in the right direction—the correct building had the elevator to the 6th floor where the Consulate is located. Once I finally got there, the office was right by the elevator.

The process itself was fast and efficient because I had an appointment. My name was called exactly on time.

Here’s what happened:

1. I submitted two sets of the required documents for my open work permit.
2. The officer checked everything and gave me a Sworn Statement Form (Affidavit) to sign, confirming that the information I provided was true and correct.
3. I paid the fee of CAD 15.50. (I almost missed the 50 cents and had to scramble for change—so double-check the amount before going!)
4. After a short wait, the officer returned one set of my documents, now stamped with the official seal, along with the receipt for payment.

These verified documents are what you’ll need to present at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines to get your OEC.

Final Tips for OFWs

✅ Book your appointment online.
✅ Bring exact payment (CAD 15.50).
✅ Prepare two organized sets of documents.
✅ Allow extra time to find the right building if it’s your first visit.