This is not a sponsored post. It is written for Filipinos looking for jobs in Canada through accredited agencies in the Philippines. Any links leading to a recruitment agency is NOT an endorsement.
I’ve been receiving a lot of questions on how to apply as a caregiver in Canada from the Philippines.
And one of the frequent question our kababayan ask is what are the accredited agencies in the Philippines that can help a worker find an employer in Canada.
Update 2018: Caregiver applicants from the Philippines (and other workers) will need an AGENCY to assist in the application to work in Canada.
Tip: Before you proceed on seeking assistance of an agency, why not spend sometime to learn the process of hiring a foreign worker in Canada:
- Find out what immigration programs you can apply for. (ANSWER some questions to have a quick reference of what programs matches your skills.)
- Read the Publications and Manuals. Don’t miss the Opportunities to Work in Canada for an overview of the current programs for foreign workers.
I know looking for a job in Canada requires a lot of READING.
Don’t worry I’ve read all the links that I mentioned here. I chose carefully the most relevant and important information that I somehow had an information overload.
But you don’t have to get lost in the vast space of Internet.
So before we move on please, please, please, click the links that I’ve mentioned above. It’s all worthwhile.
Remember: The first goal is to not become a victim of SCAM on the Internet. Second is to find a legitimate job in Canada.
OK, we are done with reminders. From here onwards, I’ll guide you on how to find accredited recruitment agencies through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
List of Agencies on POEA
On POEA’s website, you can find a list of agencies in the Philippines. You can find out the different status of recruitment agencies:
- Cancelled
- Ceased operations
- Delisted
- Valid license
- Suspended
The list constantly changes so you have to frequently checked the license validity (4 years) of the agency. It may have a valid license today but what about tomorrow.
Note: The agencies have two categories. landbased recruitment agencies provides assistance for jobs on land setting while manning agencies act as an employment agencies for seafarers/seaman.
Accredited Agencies n The Philippines Offering Jobs in Canada
Now that you know how to check for the status of a company, let’s find out what are the available jobs in Canada.
- Check the available job orders by position, country, or agency.
- Click the link “Search Available Job Orders by Country.”
- Choose CANADA, in the Select Country drop-down menu.
- A list of Job Orders is displayed such as:
Labor Farm
Labourer Food Processing
Cutter Meat
Machinist
Welder Production - Choose a job posting and verify with the agency if the job order is still active or not.
- Go to Landbased recruitment agencies with valid license to find out the contact information of the agency. The fastest way to confirm the job availability is through the agency’s website. Some recruitment agency provides online application and even shows the Canadian hiring companies.
Tips on How to Search on POEA:
- The search bar DOESN’T WORK for some reason. I tested it on Mozilla Firefox and Chrome.
- Here’s a keyboard shortcut: press CTRL + F. Type the name of the agency then press ENTER.
For recruitment agencies without websites or Facebook Page, pick up the phone and ask about the Canadian job order. Who knows it could be the first step of the many procedures and requirements.
If you found an employer, you’ve accomplished let’s say 70% of the job seeker’s journey. The rest would seem doable although still challenging.
Can You Really Find a Job through a Recruitment Agency
While I don’t have a personal experience in finding a job with the help of an agency, I have met a lot of our kababayan who were able to come to Canada as an immigrant (permanent resident) and temporary foreign worker.
The famous path to working in Canada especially for Filipinas is the Caregiver Program in Canada.
Some were direct hired by relatives. (I belonged to this group just in case you’re wondering.) Others came from Hong Kong where they seek assistance of an agency.
So YES, it is possible to find work in Canada through an accredited recruitment agency.
The only question is which one among the many agencies in the Philippines. To help you narrow down the choices, ask for recommendations through friends and online forums.
Many claimed to receive emails from an agency about job orders. DO YOUR RESEARCH. The Government of Canada may have stop hiring for jobs in a certain category. Or the agency doesn’t have a valid license.
Other Online Job Sites to Search for Canadian Jobs
Aside from the list of accredited agencies in the Philippines on the POEA’s website, I’m giving two more online job sites on which you can search a legitimate job offer in Canada:
- JobStreet.com.ph – find POEA overseas jobs
- Job Bank – it is the official online job site of the Government of Canada
Job Bank is your go-to website for Canadian jobs. You can create job match and alerts. Spend time exploring the site for your target occupation and city in Canada. Find out the required education, experience, wage, and trends.
Another website I want to mention is greataupair.com (no affiliation); it is a website recommended by a reader on which she found a sponsor/family who hired her as a caregiver/nanny in Canada.
If you have other recommendations, leave a comment. Share your experience to our kababayan. Isn’t it interesting to discover the different paths to one destination–Canadian dream?
More Information about POEA
Allow me to give a few more resources before we reach the end of the post. The policy and demand of jobs in Canada and other countries constantly change so it is of your advantage to stay up-to-date:
Contact Information:
POEA Hotline: 722-11-44/722-11-55
Email: info@poea.gov.ph
Location: Blas F. Ople Building
Ortigas Ave. corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Website
I’ve had my PDOS and a fair share of going at POEA as early as 6:00 am in the morning. Not only once but the entire week. So if you can reach out through mail or call, do so before you commute in EDSA.
Final Thoughts
Never give up. If there’s too much information to digest, keep your eye on the goal. Treat the job hunting as a preliminary test of the life in Canada.
Because once you arrived and work in Canada more challenges are waiting. (That’s another story.) And so are the rewards from prayer and hard work.
LEAVE A COMMENT TO SHARE TIPS BUT NOT TO APPLY ON THE BLOG OR ASK FOR AN AGENCY RECOMMENDATION.
Hi. I have been to a Canadian immigration consultancy. My score could avail our family of permanent residency. I am married with two kids. One of my kids has autism but since the law regarding pwds has been relaxed just this june, we are still confident that we could get the permanent residency. But here’s my dilemma. We would go to Canada jobless. Would it be better if I go to a manpower agency instead? My profession however is not on any manpower agencies’ list. I am a microbiologist with research experience.
It would be a great advantage to have an employer before you arrive in Canada. You’ll find a job which might not be related to your current job. It is called survival job, a work that is enough to pay the bills. Often newcomers stay in these kind of jobs until they were able to find a better job. It would also help to have savings and relatives in Canada where you can stay for a short period. Have a look at the Provincial Nominee Program or Canada Job Bank.
As a previous employer to 2 Filipino nannies in Canada I am somewhat familiar with the program. Just wanted to say that anyone who wants to work and legally able to, can find a job in Ontario, Canada. There are many jobs and not enough people to fill them.
The question is will there application be approved?
Hi To All,
My Wife is a Pure Canadian (WHITE) and me as a pure Filipino (BROWN) have been enjoying staying here in the Philippines blessed with a 3 year old Baby boy. We have been LEGALLY married here in the Philippines for 4 years now so the time for me to consider working in Canada because my wife as a formerly teacher in Canada is not able to apply her experience here (Philippines) as a teacher here and we all know LOW PAYING teacher rate we have here as of the moment, so we both decided that we might have to go to Canada, I am a Computer Engineer as of the moment and working as IT manager and have a full experience on my field for 7 years, I know migrating and starting all over again would be my learning curve, I am enjoying my OKEY rate here as IT manager in Makati but since my wife is not able to work here we are planning to go to Canada. How hard is it for my IT manager as a profession here would be to find a Job in Canada on any IT related Jobs?
Hi Joe,
I’ve written a blog post for those who wants to live here in Canada. It will give you an idea of what to expect especially in finding a job; it’s straightforward so I knew it will help you a lot. Regarding your IT career, it is best to look for IT organization in Canada and find out if you’ll need to take extra classes. And while doing the research, keep on saving. The expenses in Canada varies depending on where you want to live.
Hi I’m Anne, I am one of the Filipinos who wanted to work in Canada. Last time, I went to Mercan referred by one of my friend who works in Canada already unfortunately, they have no hiring for my current job as Merchandise Manager. One of their assessor advised me to find the right agency that in need of my same position. The reason I really eager to work in Canada is because my kids will be petitioned by my ex-husband so I wanted to be with them despite that I have to give up my career. Up to now, I always check agencies that can accept my qualifications.
Yes, it’s now required to have a licensed agency to bring a caregiver to Canada. The last time I checked, you need both a Philippine agency (local) + a Canadian agency (foreign) before you can apply for contract verification at the Philippine Consulate in Canada. I called the POLO Vancouver office in December to ask.
If you look at the Vancouver POLO web page (http://www.vancouverpcg.org/polo.html) it says that Direct Hiring is banned now. We’ve been trying to bring a caregiver to Canada for months now, she has had her Work Visa for a long time already but she can’t leave the Philippines because she needs the OEC. This obviously makes employers want to hire other nationalities instead who can leave as soon as they get their Canadian work visas. Very frustrating if you ask me! /rant over
Thanks Gem for the information. I’ll have a look into this more and see what are the other authorities are saying about it.
Hi Ms. Carolyn. I’m Dhada from Philippines. The Canadian Embassy had emailed me indicating my application to work in Canada has been approved. And that I must enter to Canada to obtain my work permit by 2019/09/22. I complied all the requirements that my agency required me. I took my medical examination, signed my contract and took my PDOS last October 26, 2017. Due to the POEA issues last December 1-15, 2017, my agency told me that somewhat my employer in Canada withdraw his intentions to recruit foreign workers. And that my employer advised my agency that I must go out of the country on December 11, 2017 or else I will be no more employed. And the last update they told me was my documents are now in POLO for verification. But until now they don’t update me anymore. I’m wondering if it is there still a possibility that I can go to Canada?. Thank you. I hope you could give me help.
I’m assuming that you are a caregiver? From what I can remember, it is a must that you have an employer here in Canada before you arrive. You will be ask at the airport about your employer and based on the answers, the work permit may or may not be granted. I hope you would be able to talk to your employer and the agency about it. And if you need more information, you may inquire in the Canadian embassy or immigration. I wish things will work out for the best for you Dhada.
I’m glad to land in this page. I want to immigrate to Canada. I’m looking for resources how and I’ve had my own share of info overload. While I want to work as a food service attendant (vs a caregiver) I am curious about your journey and excited to learn what I can. Thanks for this. I’m sure the other articles about life in Canada will be really helpful. Bookmarking this.
Hi! I would like to ask if you know any agency that could help me through my application? I already have a visa but the immigration consultant said I need to find a licensed agency since exemption of caregiver from direct hire is cancelled. He said if I find one, my employer and the agency will be the one to settle agreements. I inquired on some agencies they ask 50 to 60k for processing (oec, pdos, etc.) Is it the normal range or is it too pricey? Thanks in advance!
I’m not sure where you get the idea that it is required to have a licensed agency. Could you send me the link about it. For clarity, you can read this process of hiring a foreign caregiver from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Hi I don’t know if you can help me but right now we are looking an agency that can help us go through the process of exit clearance of my sister in-law, any agency that could help us pls.
Caryl, Filipinos can apply online for exit clearance or Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Have a look at it and give it a try.
Hi! This is Princess from the Philippines. I’ve read few of your articles about caregiving in Canada and they’re all worth reading. Tomorrow Ill be continuing to read more of it. Thanks for these helpful articles Carolyn! By the way, I have a question to you. Is it possible that a person who doesn’t have any experienced yet being hired as a caregiver be given a chance to work in Canada? Just a degree holder and a certificate holder from Tesda accredited school? If yes, can you give me some tips how? I hope I can get the answer from you. I’ve been desperately finding answer to this. Thank you so much in advanced!
Hi Princess. Glad you made it here and I hope to be able to answer your questions. Do you have a caregiver certificate?
The important post I recommend for you to start with are the following:
1. How to Apply as Caregiver in Canada from the Philippines
2. What You Should Know about the Live-in Caregiver Program
I recommend you to read the posts because I’ve written the important tips and personal experiences that will help specifically the caregiver applicants from the Philippines. Good luck!
Hi there Caroline! U certainly been there. Can you share your story how did you become worker in Canada?
For my story, you can refer to my reply to Sam.
I would like to apply as an immigrant to Canada, actually, my family and I. I would like to apply as a care giver as a start, can you advise how many years of care giving, before I can get my family (husband and 2 kids)? I do not have an experience in caregiving, but I am planning to enroll in caregiving course. Would that suffice? Thank you for your assistance.
Hi Sam. To give you an idea of what it takes to become a caregiver in Canada, I would like to share to you my journey as a student till I worked as a caregiver in Canada. (The part 2 shows the timeline.) And to help you navigate the blog, you can check this page to find out the post associated to caregiving.