OFW in Japan: How to get an OEC when you just moved to another company?

UPDATE: April 17, 2019

For some reason, I think they changed the rule again. The person who processed my papers said that “verification-only” are only applicable to those who weren’t regular employees to begin with (i.e. those who came as students, dependents, intracompany visa holders, etc.). Otherwise, since I was already registered in the bm online and only changed jobs, I was given the OEC here and don’t have to go to the POEA office in the Philippines.

Ish (from the comment section)

Source: https://thefilipinogaijin.com/2018/10/16/ofw-in-japan-how-to-get-an-oec-when-you-just-moved-to-another-company/comment-page-1/#comment-30


If you’re living far from the POLO Tokyo office, I recommend you call or email them first to check the latest OEC procedure. Here is the Tokyo POLO office’s contact page.


Original Post: October 16, 2018

Recently, the POEA just released a new resolution about changing the process of obtaining a OEC.

I went to the POLO office in Tokyo just to found out that they recently changed the procedure and now I need to go to the Philippines POEA office to get an OEC.

What are the changes?

  1. Tokyo POLO will now need to verify your employment contract
  2. There will be no issuance of OEC in Tokyo POLO. They will only verify your employment contract then you will need to present it to POEA in the Philippines to get an OEC.

Who are affected by this change?

  1. OFW who are not yet registered in the Balik-Manggagawa Online Processing System (bmonline.ph).
  2. OFW returning to Japan the first time after you moved to a new company (i.e. change employer).

What do you need to do?

  1. You need to prepare the following documents
    • Copy of photo page of your passport (original to be presented; valid at least 6 months before your intended departure)
    • Copy of Residence Card (with valid visa)
    • Copy of Insurance Card (original to be presented)
    • Signed written statement (letter form) addressed to Labor Attaché Marie Rose Escalada (indicating all necessary details how you were able to enter Japan and manage to get a job/change employer)
    • Employment Contract (signed by you and your employer; in English or with a signed English Translation)
    • Employment Certificate or proof of existing employment such as payroll slip or valid company identification card (if you’re working for more than 6 months for the said employer)
    • Release letter or Employment Certificate issued by the previous employer
    • Company Registration “Tokibo Tohon” (with English translation; signed by translator)
  2. Go to Tokyo POLO and submit the documents
  3. After they verify your Employment Contract, schedule an appointment using bmonline.ph.
  4. Submit the verified Employment Contract in a POEA office and receive your OEC (Note: there are POEA satellite offices so you don’t need to go to the one in Mandaluyong)

Yeah, I know. That’s a lot of documents, right? Shoganai 🙂

You can read the actual resolution document in here.

PS: You might notice that the documents in the resolution document is not the same with the one I listed above, but those are the list of documents Tokyo POLO just asked me to submit when I did my last visit there. Feel free to contact them if you want to make sure.

162 thoughts on “OFW in Japan: How to get an OEC when you just moved to another company?”

  1. Hi Rowell!

    Thanks a lot for this very helpful post. A few people I asked told me that an employer interview with the labor attache is also required. But most of their cases are first-time hires. Did they require you to go through the interview as well?

    Regards,
    John

    1. Hi John,

      No. My new company/employer wasn’t interviewed when I applied for my OEC (I applied last October 2018).
      Btw, the process might be different from person to person. If you can, call the POLO Tokyo office and ask them directly. =)

  2. Very informative. Does it mean when I submit all my docus POLO will only provide me a verified employment contract and I need to go back to the Philippines to get my OEC? Is there any way to have a OEC here in Japan before flying back to Phil? Thank you.

    1. Unfortunately, yes. They will only verify (stamp) your employment contract then you will need to present it to POEA in the Philippines to get an OEC.

      PS: I scheduled an appointment using bmonline.ph after they verified it and I chose the Trinoma POEA counter/branch to avoid possible long queues in the main office.

      1. Hi Rowell, I would just like to ask regarding the documents that you presented to the POEA satellite when you were applying for the OEC after changing employers.

        Do I only need to bring the verified contract? Any other documents needed? Thank you!

  3. Hello Rowell, Hows the process?. Did it take long?. Im also thinking about who can translate my documents. Thanks!

    1. > Hows the process?. Did it take long?
      In the POLO Tokyo office for the employment contract verification?
      It was smooth. I had to wait for a while because there were other people but it’s no issue.
      Just remember to prepare all necessary documents and everything should be fine.

      > Im also thinking about who can translate my documents.
      I asked someone from my company to do the translation, one of our Japanese interns. 🙂

      1. Hi rommel, Did you submit this “additional addendum to the employment agreement “ thing. Thank you.

  4. Hello. I just want to ask when is the validity of the verified documents for the OEC. Right now I still don’t know when will I visit the country. Is it okay just to visit anytime and process my OEC or there is a validity for the documents? Thank you in advance.

    1. Hi Bea.
      I don’t think there is a validity period for the verified employment contract.
      So as long as you’re with the same company, you should be able to use the verified contract the next time you get your OEC in the Philippines.

  5. hello Rowell,

    Thank you for your insight and blog, tanong ko lang po gaano katagal processing time sa poea? Kinakabahan kasi na baka pag umuwi ako abutin ako ng 1-3months sa pagkuha ng OEC sa pilipinas. Gaano ka katagal nag antay po? Salamat.

    1. Hi Dennis, as long as you have verified employment contract, mga isang oras lang depende sa dami ng tao.

      You should schedule it using http://www.bmonline.ph/ to make sure you have a slot and I really recommend going to a satellite POEA office instead of the head office. Cheers!

      1. Hi Rowell,

        I have a question. Nung kumuha ka ng OEC from Philippines, nagundergo ka pa ba ng medical/seminar/etc na required for first time OFWs. Or hindi na kasi naverify na ng POLO Tokyo?

        Thank you!

          1. Hi rowell , salamat sa info, ask lng po ako nag ka problema ang kaibigan ko pag kuha ng OEC kase hindi siya register sa philippine embasy japan ,noong una student visa siya din nakakuha ng working visa, now ang problema hindi siya register sa polo, naharang siya sa imigration sa airport , ano po gagawin

  6. Hello po. Baka po may format kayo nung signed written statement? Pashare naman po. salamat po.

  7. Hello po. Baka po may format kayo nung signed written statement? Pashare naman po. salamat po.

  8. Hello Rowell! Your post is very helpful.
    I have been digging up the internet for an answer to my question unfortunately I couldn’t get a definite one. I hope you can help me.
    So what if you happen to be in the Philippines while processing your visa(change of employer), and you have no OEC, will you still be able to come back to Japan?

    1. Hi Che,

      I’m really sorry. I don’t have information about this.
      My advice is to call POEA or go to their head office to see what they can do with your situation. 🙂

  9. Even if you’re with the second or third company already, as long as it’s your first time to get verified (in Japan) then there’s an interview with labor attache and your employer’s representative. My case was I was a dependent of my wife then I eventually found work in Japan. Plus I was the first Filipino that my company employed and they told me POEA had no records of Spanish company (with office in Japan) I was employed in… Nice read and nice blog. Very helpful. I read your career blog, You probably met my sis Ruth in iBridge? Hehe

    1. Thank you for the comment 🙂

      I know Ruth but I left before she joined the company. I first met her and her husband during one of the many snowboarding trips with fellow Filipinos.

    2. Hi,

      I would like to ask about the interview and the process. Same as you I entered Japan holding a Dependent visa and now found a full time job that provided me a working visa.
      I am confused about the interview. How many times did you have to go to POLO? And with the interview with employer’s representative do they have to be physically in the polo office or a phone call sufficed?

  10. Thank you for the informative post.
    I’d like to ask about the Tokibo Tohon translation. How did you get yours translated? Did you do it yourself?
    Also, do you have a template of the sworn statement, or did you just write it like a formal letter?
    Thank you.

    1. > How did you get yours translated? Did you do it yourself?
      Yes, I did it myself but I asked a colleague to check and signed it.
      If you’re working for a big company, ask your HR for help.

      I wrote it like a formal letter on the spot. 😀

      1. Thanks for the information!
        I’ve also asked POLO Tokyo about it and they’re quick to respond to emails.
        Unfortunately, we’re a small company so I have to do with my own.
        Thanks again!

        1. I see. Good luck working on the translation. 🙂

          Just a tip. My translation wasn’t on a professional level. Most of it was Google Translated. As long as the details match, POLO Tokyo will most likely accept it so don’t take too much time on it.

          Yeah, they are quick to respond.

      2. I went there today and got my OEC.

        For some reason, I think they changed the rule again. The person who processed my papers said that “verification-only” are only applicable to those who weren’t regular employees to begin with (i.e. those who came as students, dependents, intracompany visa holders, etc.). Otherwise, since I was already registered in the bm online and only changed jobs, I was given the OEC here and don’t have to go to the POEA office in the Philippines.

        Thanks again for the valuable information. I can now return home without much hassle.

        1. First of all, thanks for going back here to update us 😀

          If this is the case, it’s more convenient for us. No more document translation and all.

          I just wish they don’t push and pull on the OEC processing.

          Again, thank you Ish. See you around. 🙂

  11. Oh good for you Ish. I went to POLO Tokyo just last week and they said the OEC is only provided in POEA sa Pinas. LOL. Thats great then if OEC is provided in Tokyo!

    1. Hello,

      I would like to address this question to Ish. I have the same case, I recently changed my employer but was registered to POEA before under my previous employer. What are the requirements you presented to get an OEC? Also, if ever I will not indicate that I changed my employer and be able to get those alphanumeric code to go back. Do you think it’s possible? I need to go home for emergency reasons but will go back after a week. Thank you for those who will answer.

      1. Hello. Did you went home? Did you report you changed employer and get new oec or you used your previous employer? I’m also thinking of not updating my employers record to avoid hassle in getting oec. Thank you

  12. I’m going to visit the Philippines in June, but this is my first time getting verified. I came to Japan on a student visa and eventually found work here, then I applied for a working visa. However, I very recently (before Golden Week) got hired by a new company. I resigned from my previous company but my last day will be before I go home and I start my new job when I get back. So do I still need an employment certificate from my previous employer? Or does this only apply to those already registered in POEA and just updating their change in employer? I’m very confused and upset by all this hassle. Also, I still haven’t signed my new employment contract, only offer letter (since we entered Golden Week). I haven’t bought my ticket home yet because I’m not sure kung aabot na matapos ito lahat before I go home and get my OEC there…

    1. Hi Stef.
      You are coming back to a new employer so I think you will need an OEC for the new employer.

      Since wala ka pang actual employment contract with the new employer, I strongly suggest call/email the POLO Tokyo Office and ask if pwede na yung job offer letter for OEC processing.

      And if hindi pwede, arrange a meeting with your new employer. Tell them about your situation para magawan ka nila agad ng employment contract kahit hindi ka after pa ng balik mo yung simula mo.

      As much as possible, umpisahan mo agad this Tuesday para mahabol mo yung June. Good luck. 🙂

      Is this your first time going back to the Philippines for a vacation?

      1. Hi Rowell,

        Thanks for responding. I called the POLO Tokyo office (early May) and they said I had to start with my new employer first before I can go home. Yes, it was supposed to be my first time going back to the Philippines with a Japanese working visa. Before, I went home on a student visa since I entered Japan on a student visa, then I just got work here in Tokyo and had my visa changed.

        As for the translation of employee contract, I did it myself since we are a small company (startup). Do I need to get the translation verified, or as long as naka-sign un employer ko and myself and I submit the Japanese contract with it, okay na?

        Thanks again!

    2. Hi Stef Tan ! I also came to Japan with a student visa. Before I graduated , I was hired directly as an English Teacher in my city. I went to the Philippines last June. Unfortunately , I was hold at the immigration because they were looking for my OEC which I didn’t have . Luckily , they gave me a temporary OEC provided that I’m going to email my documents pag nakarating na ako sa Japan. My question is , did you have your documents verified before going to the Philippines? What were the requirements? Please share. Thank you!

  13. I’d like to address this question to Ish. I am wondering, what are the documents you presented when you got your OEC at POLO Tokyo.. I will be flying to Pinas on May 16th and I knew all about these changes just today. I had no idea at all that it became complicated last year. Last time I went home was in March 2018 and there were no changes yet at that time… im so worried already. I plan to call POLO tokyo tom after work.

    1. Hi Jen nkauwi k n b? Naiprocess mu b lhat Ng papers mu dto s polo Tokyo bgo k umuwi?

    2. Hi Jen.

      Naayos mo ba yung requirements mo bago uwi ng nakauwi ng Pinas? San ka nagpatranslate ng docs? Thank you.

  14. Thank you for sharing!

    Ako rin first time ko mag pasa ng requirements from student to working visa rin ako at sobrang na iistress ako dun sa interview kasi sa clinic ako nagwork and almost everyday busy kami from Monday to Saturday so hindi ko alam papano ko isisingit o sasabihin kay Doc (employer) ko na kailangan yun para makakuha ng OEC. Sana naman may consideration sila regarding this, Huhuhuhu tinawagan ko na yung POLO last week sabe nun nakausap ko may interview daw ganun. Ngayon, inaayos ko na yimg documents na kailangan.

    1. Almost the same case as me. First, I was holding a tourist visa and fortunately hired me in an international school. My problem is that I haven’t tried going to POLO due to the feedback I’m getting. So if you have done applying for the POLO, please share your experience to me to process my things too. Thanks a lot in advance.

      1. Hi Joemer,

        Same case with me. What happened in your case? Did you encounter problems when you returned sa Pinas? Natatakot na tuloy ako umuwi, baka maharang lang if I try to return sa Japan.

  15. Hello .panu poh kmi makakakuha ng OEC ayaw ttakan ng POLO ung application nmin kz gsto p mainterview ung company namin .puro kmi first time employed..panu kmu mkkakuha ng OEC kht s pinas ?Pahelp nmn poh

    1. To Reziel,

      Hi. Ganun ba? Mahigpit sila talaga sa interview? huhu ako kasi magpapasa palang next week, ipapatranslate ko pa kasi yung mga documents na nakuha ko na. Ang gastos kasi ¥3500 per page. Grabe naman. Tapos ang pagkakaalam ko wala pa silang interpreter dun, ikaw pa mismo magdadala ng sarili mong interpreter. Grabe huh.

  16. Hi! about po ba sa interview, kelangan po ba personal na pupunta ang employer sa POLO? thanks po

  17. Hi po. @Reziel: Natatakan na po ba yung documents nyo? Punta palang ako dun next week. Sana maging okay ..

  18. may student visa po ba dito na nag change ng visa into Instructor visa at nagpa verify sa POLO?

    1. Hi Dona. Galing ako dun kahapon. Okay naman lahat ng documents ko, hinanapan lang nila ko ng JLPT Certificate. Meron naman ako kaya lang hindi ko dala kasi wala naman sa requirements nila yun. Tapos kailangan talaga ng interview sa mga kagaya natin na from student to working. Ang mendokusai kasi papano ko kakausapin yung boss ko tungkol dun. I asked them yesterday kung pwede ba na sila nalang kumausap eh kaso wala naman marunong mag nihongo sa kanila. Nakakastress yung interview nila nanyan, nag require sila ng ganyan sana mag hire sila na marunong mag nihongo para sa interview pwedeng nihongo nalang. Hello? Nasa Japan tayo, expected na dapat yun na Japanese ang employer. Kung hindi marunong mag english yung employer you need to bring your own translator/interpreter. Wow ah. Mas nakakastress pa sila kaysa sa trabaho ko.

      1. Hi , ask ko lang po kung kamusta yung pag kuha nyo ng oec , from student visa to working visa kelangan po ba talaga ng interview with employer ? Hindi po ba pwedeng thru skype na lang yung interview ? Thanks ..

      2. I agree with you. They are our embassy in japan so dapat they also adapt. Mabigat sa bulsa ang mgpatranslate ng documents. They should hire someone na marunong mgjapanese.

  19. Hi, might be a stupid question but… what insurance card is needed? Is it the health? Or employment?

  20. Hello! May I just ask if kailangan may liscense talaga yung translator na kailangan dalhin sa POLO? Please let me know. Thankyou

    1. Maggie,

      Pwede naman sigurong hindi licensed translator ang mahal ng bayad nun if ever. Basta may JLPT cert N1 or N2 and authorization letter from the Director of the company. Mas maganda siguro kung tanong mo sa kanila.

      kung ikaw naman yung interpreter or translator ng company ninyo pwedeng ikaw nalang magtranslate basta provide mo JLPT Certificate mo and may authorization from the Director of the company.

  21. pinahirapan nmn nila lalo yung mga kukuha ng OEC na gusto lng nmn eh magbakaxon saglit sa pinas!! mag iinterview sila kasama ng representative ng kaisya tapos need nila mag dala kapa ng sarili mong translator?! unang una malayo ako sa tokyo, need kopa mag shinkansen or airplane para makapunta dun. tapos need mo pa gumastos sa taga translate kung yung representative ng company mo eh di marunong mag english, at ang pinakamahirap yung sabihin mo sa kaisya na need nila sumama sakin para dun! sana bago nila sinimulan to eh nag lagay din sila ng polo sa ibang embassy dto sa japan hindi lng sa tokyo! at sana sila narin ang mag provide ng magtranslate sa kanila! imbes na ipang dagdag ko nlng sa pang uwi ng linas eh mapupunta pa sa mga gagastusin ko para makakuha lng ng oec nayan!!

    1. Hayyy.. oo nga sinabi mo pa. Tsaka ang hirap kaya bitbitin ng Boss para lang sa interview. Sana nga inaral muna nila yan bago sila gumawa ng ganyan rule lalo na satin na ang boss natin is Japanese at alam naman natin na sobrang importante ng time para sakanila at mag aaksaya ng oras para lang sa interview. Hayyyy.. ang stressful ng week ko nyan buti nalang naayos ko na lahat hayyy…..

  22. To May ann

    From student to working ako. Sa wakas natatakan na nila yung contract ko. Yung OEC since first time ko, sa Pinas ko kukunin yun ipapakita ko daw yung tinatakan nila na documents. And yes, kelangan talaga ng ma-interview yung Director ng company or kung di available yung Director any representative tapos kailangan merong authorization letter from Director. Hindi ko alam kung papayag sila na thru skype ang interview try mo sila tawagan kung papayag sila.

      1. Ganu katagal ka din pala nagayos nun ? Matagal ba sya bago ka nabigyan ng oec jusko stress na stress na kame ng asawa ko dahil dito sa oec na to may ticket pa naman na kame for next month huhuhu

        1. Stress din ako nun sobra. Nakatatlong balik ako sa kanila. Yung first day pinacheck ko yung documents ko tapos nakiusap ako na baka pwedeng via skype nalang yung interview kasi nga di naman ganun kadali na sabihan yung Director ko na punta sya ng POLO for the interview. Huhuhu nun na check documents hinanapan ako ng JLPT kasi siguro nag request ako na baka pwedeng ako nalang translator. Pangalawang balik dala ko yung additional na docu na hiningi nila – JLPT, Medical Sec License. Tapos nakiusap ako ulit na baka pwedeng sila nalang magpunta sa clinic for the interview kasi busy yung boss ko di naman makakapunta yun ganun ganun. Kaso hindi talaga pwede gusto talaga nila ng interview. Tapos sabe kahit HR daw basta may authorization letter (from the Director/President) at caling card Hayyy kaya nagdasal lang ako ng nagdasal nun pano ko mayaya yung HR namin. Pero buti nalang pumayag na magpainterview. Nag pa schedule na ko ng interview nun. Yung last punta ko kasama ko na HR.

          Dalawa yung nag interview. Bago dun sa pinaka head ng POLO meron pa bago dun na magiinterview. Una ako lang muna yung ininterview. Tanong sakin pano ako nakapunta dito sa Japan, pano ako nagkawork ganun in details. Magkano sahod ko, ano nagustuhan ko sa company at kung meron ba kong ayaw sa company rules ganun. After ako mainterview, yung representative naman tinawag and translator (in my case ako yung translator so ako yung andun din) kung iba yung translator hindi ko alam kung sa palalabasin ka or not. Yung tanong sa representative ng company namin same lang sa tanong sakin. Check siguro nila kung magmamatch yung sagot.

          Yung interview naman sa head ng POLO about sa contract mo na. Ganun din first ikaw muna papasok sa loob. After nun representative na ng company/director and translator.

      2. Hindi ko pa nakukuha OEC ko. Sa Pinas ko pa kukunin yun. Tinatakan lang nila yung mga documents ko na ipapasa ko sa Pinas para makakuha ng OEC so nag allot ako ng isang araw na bakasyon ko para sa POEA sa Pinas. Ganun daw pag first timer sa Pinas kunin OEC.

        Next month din ako uuwi… hayyy praying na sana maayos nyo rin yung inyo. Ang layo nyo pa naman 🙁 Sana may consideration sila pagdating dyan.

    1. Hello @prettyica! Just wanted to ask if nakauwi ka na ba sa Pinas and if you have obtained your OEC na. Like you, I switched from student visa to working visa din. I’m planning to head back to Pinas ngayong 3rd week ng August. Once na issuehan na tayo ng OEC, sure na yan na papayagan tayo makaalis from Pinas?

      Your answer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead!

      1. Hi ARA,
        Dito ba ko sa Pinas. Aug 20 flight ko going back to Japan tapos 19 sked ko sa POEA kasi naubusan ako ng slot. huhu sana maging okay! Mag post ako dito kung ano man mangyari update ko kayo…

        prettyica08

      2. Hi ARA! Nakabalik nako ng Japan. Yung schedule ko na kumuha ng OEC sa POEA Ortigas is August 19 then kinabukasan flight ko na pabalik dito. Salamat sa Ditos naging okay naman lahat! Pinasa ko lang sa kanila yung papers na tinatakan/verified ng POLO Japan. Tapos para di ka na pabalik balik pa photo copy mo na rin yun lahat ng docu na may tatak ng POLO, passport back to back pati yung may tatak na date of arrival sa Pinas, alien card back to back. Akin kasi wala akong photocopy kaya pinabalik ako. Tapos may bbigay sila na affidavit na fill upan mo then papa notaryo sa labas ng POEA. Pag okay na lahat proceed to payment then ayun pwede mo na iprint online yung OEC mo.

        1. Hi prettyica, I just want to ask if you underwent pa the seminar and medical check-up in POEA or you just submitted the verified documents from POLO?

          Thank you!

    2. Hello May Ann! Student visa din aku tapos nag pa changed into Instructor’s visa. Tanong ko lang po , anu pong dinala nyong requirements para ma verify ang documents? And with regards to employment contract , ang sinubmit nyo po ba ay yung mula sa company nyo or yung format ng POEA? Salamat po

  23. Did anyone experience sending their documents by post? If yes, how long does it usually take before they send the VERIFIED documents back?

  24. Hello Rowell,

    Good day! Thanks a lot for this very insightful blog. Just a quick question though, will obtaining an OEC guarantee our return to Japan? To give you a preview on my background, I came to Japan on a student visa and landed myself a job here. As this is my first time, I underwent POLO verification process and had my documents stamped and verified. I am aware that all OFWs with no prior POEA record will have to process their respective OECs in the Philippines. I am planning to go back to the Philippines by August 3rd week and I while I have all the documents required for obtaining an OEC, I am hesitant to go back because I’m scared that an OEC might not be a sure guarantee of being able to fly back to Japan. I know I’m just paranoid about this but my reservation stems up from the possibility of not being allowed to come back to Japan even after being issued an OEC. So, to sum my inquiries up:

    1. Will there be no problems for me getting back to Japan as long as I obtain an exit clearance a.k.a. OEC?
    2. By any chance, would you happen to know or hear any incident about past OFWs not being allowed to come back to Japan (or other countries per se) even when they were already issued an OEC?

    I am legally working here in Japan and my documents are all verified, too. I just wanted to be sure before I fully decide to come back to the Philippines for a short vacation.

    Thanks ahead for your inputs. Have a great day!

    Best,
    Ara

    1. Hi Ara,

      1. As long as you obtain your OEC, there shouldn’t be a problem.
      2. With an OEC, I never heard anyone who wasn’t allowed to go back to Japan.

      Don’t worry too much. Secure your OEC in the Philippines as early as possible and enjoy your vacation. 🙂

  25. Hi Stef Tan ! I also came to Japan with a student visa. Before I graduated , I was hired directly as an English Teacher in my city. I went to the Philippines last June. Unfortunately , I was hold at the immigration because they were looking for my OEC which I didn’t have . Luckily , they gave me a temporary OEC provided that I’m going to email my documents pag nakarating na ako sa Japan. My question is , did you have your documents verified before going to the Philippines? What were the requirements? Please share. Thank you!

  26. Question po. Like sa karamihan dito po na initially student visa then nagchange to working visa, residence card lang po ang binigay ng japanese immigration diba? Wala na po talagang tatak sa passport or anything na working visa? Kasi walang tatak sa passport ko po pero ang residence card ko is Professor Visa for 3 years. Nagtanong ako sa japanese immigration officer, sabi naman sakin wala na daw talagang tatak sa passport. Yung residence card na daw mismo pinakapassport. Gusto ko lang po iclarify if ganon din po kayo. Thank you.

    1. Hi Angeli,
      Yes, yung residence card na yung “visa”. Wala ng tatak sa passport so don’t worry. Yung residence card na yung icheck ng immigration officer every time lalabas and babalik ka ng Japan para macheck kung pwede ka pumasok ng Japan.

      1. Thank you so much po. First time ko po kasi so medyo kinakabahan po ako. Actually mas kinakabahan po ako sa mga immigration officers sa Philippines pag magbakasyon ako first time. Stories ng mga hinaharang at nanghihingi ng lagay, mga ganon etc.

        So sa ganito pong kaso na from student to working visa, pag nagpaverify po ako sa POLO Tokyo, may interview po ito ano po?

        Sobrang maraming salamat po sa blog na ito. Big help po lalo na to someone like me na first time and medyo walang alam sa mga ganitong process. Hehe.

        1. > So sa ganito pong kaso na from student to working visa, pag nagpaverify po ako sa POLO Tokyo, may interview po ito ano po?

          Based sa mga nabasa kong comments, may interview (pati sa employer mo if hindi pa nila nainterview dati). Check mo yung comments from prettyica (from Student to Work visa rin siya).

    2. Hi ganun nga siguro talaga. Much better tawagan mo yung POLO and inform mo sa kanila yung case mo na malayo ka at kailangan pang bumyahe from saga to tokyo. Hayyy ang laking hirap netong ginawa nila, eh ang gusto lang naman natin makapagbakasyon sa Pinas kasama family. Sana mabago nila yung ganutong sistema.

  27. Hello po! First time ko po kumuha ng oec.. from student to caregiver visa rin po ako.. Sobrang layo ko po sa tokyo im from saga po.. ask ko lng kung need patalaga pumunta ng tokyo pra lang s tatak!! Wala po b silang consideration or what!! Napakahassle po kasi kung pupunta p ko tokyo taz isasama ko pa po employer ko.. wala po b ibang way yun mas convenient pra sa malalayo sa tokyo..

      1. Thank you po sa reply.. ask ko po kung anu requirments n pinasa nyo? And after po b nun punta po kau tokyo for the interview? Need pa po b tlga ksama employer?

  28. Hi!
    I have a question with regards to the letter na need i-submit with the documents. Yung letter addressed to the Labor Attache. May correct format ba na kailangan sundin? thanks.

    1. Hi Sarah,

      Yung sakin normal letter lang with details kung paano ako nakakakuha ng work sa Japan. Walang prescribed or correct format 🙂

  29. Sa mga successful po sa pagkuha ng OEC, may repatriation clause po talaga sa contract nyo? Salamat.

    1. Hi Hannah,

      Repatriation clause sa employment contract? Yung sa akin, wala kasi direct hire ako ng company.
      Pero di ko alam para sa mga hired through agency.

      1. Napa-verify ho ninyo at nakuhanan ng OEC kahit wala noon? Magdidirect hire rin sana ako. Although hindi ako permanent, dito na rin ako talaga nag-stay sa Japan. Kapag tinitignan ko yung “repatriation clause” atbp na sinasabi nila parang ‘di applicable at malabong ibigay ng bago kong employer sa akin.

          1. Hello po! First tym ko po kasi mgapply ng oec anu po mga requirements n pinsa nyo? And may interview po b with d employer? Thank you po

  30. Hello po!
    What about ung mga koujin business (sole-proprietor) na naghire ng direct? di sila makakapasa sa evaluation? Hindi makakauwi ung mga employees? 🙁

  31. Hello po,
    Okay na po documents ko lahat. May tatak na from POLO Japan. So sabi pa appointment na ako para pag uwi ko mabilis na makuha OEC. Ang prob po is nag ttry po ako pa appointment Sa remote branch po nila sa Trinoma. Wala pong lumalabas na oras Di ako makapag appointment. Pero sa iba naman branch saka sa main branch meron. Bakit po kaya?

    1. Hi Eliza, alam ko may limited number of available slots lang per remote branch kaya siguro wala na for Trinoma sa dates na gusto mo. Subukan mo icheck yung ibang dates baka may available pa.

    2. Hi po, same pa po ba lahat sa above mention yung mga requirements na need i-submit sa polo?
      About sa translations po, need p ba ipa authenticate un if ever ako lng ang gagawa ng translations?
      Thanks in advance

    3. Hello po! Nag undergo din po ba kayo ng interview sa POLO before getting your documents verified?

  32. Hello po ulit. So complete na po yun documents ko for submission except for the english translation po ng Tokibo Tohon and Certificate of Employment. Hindi daw po makakapag-provide ang HR namin ng english translation. So ako na daw po maghanap.

    Ask ko lang po if need po ba official na translator? And need po ba ulit sign/hanko ng boss dun sa translated documents?

    Thank you po.

    1. Hi Angeli, Hindi kailangang official translation.
      Ako lang yung nag-translate ng mga Tokibo Tohon ko tapos pinapirmahan ko sa HR namin para alam nilang tama. Nagpatulong ako sa officemate ko na Japanese (intern) kaya napadali yung pag-translate ko. Ayun, good luck 🙂

  33. good day po ask ko paano po pag nainterview na yung employer ko dati? kasi may mga pinoy po na nauna sa akin sa company nmin ngayun tpos lahat po sila sa online nlng po kumukuha ng OEC. tingin nyo po ba iinterviewhin pa ang employer ko kasi ang layo ko po masaydo sa tokyo pinakang baba na po kmi ng japan. thanks po sa sasagot

    1. Hi Mark, alam ko hindi na sila nagrerequest ng interview sa employer kung nainterview na nila dati yung employer at kung tingin nila maayos yung company. Noong nagsubmit ako ng employment contract ko, hindi na nila in-interview employer ko.

      1. Hi Rowell, yes po kung sa case po ba na change employer lng di na need? Ano2 pong docu ang dala nyo thanks po.

      2. Natapos ko na po sir thank you pero in my case na interview pa din po ang employer ko

  34. Hello po, quick question lang. May bmonline na po aq since 2 yrs nq mahigit dito sa Japan, sa case q po change employer lang aq pero malaki nmn pong comapany din nilipatan q. Need pa po ba dalhin employer na bago for the interview and ano2 po ang need q dalin na requirements sa POLO pra makapgbakasyon nmn sa pinas.. hay! Ty po in advance.

    1. Hi Donna,

      >ano2 po ang need q dalin na requirements sa POLO
      Check mo yung list ng mga dadalin sa taas. Nakalagay lahat doon ng details ng mga kailangang dalin.

      > Need pa po ba dalhin employer na bago for the interview
      Case to case basis ito depende kung gusto ng POLO Tokyo kausapin employer mo. Nung nagpaverify ako ng employment contract ko, hindi ko dinala yung employer ko at hindi naman nagrequest POLO na dalin ko.

    2. Hello po. Pareho po tayo ng case. Change employer din po ako at registered na ako sa bmonline. Nagpunta na po ba kayo sa polo? Ano po ang hinanap at pinagawa sa inyo? Salamat po.

  35. Hi magtatanong lang po sana about sa 退職証明書 (CoE) from my previous company, kase di ko mahanap.. Hinahanap po ba talga yun for verification?
    Thanks in advance

    1. Hinanap po ba nila COE niyo from previous employment? Nawala din po kasi yung sakin.

  36. I called POLO today and need daw po talaga ng interview with the boss or HR, interview is in english so need ng interpreter and I asked if possible na ako ang magiging interpreter pero di daw.. gusto ko pa sanang tanungin kung yung interview within the day sa pagkasubmit ng docs or following day right after the confirmation ba pero sad to say binabaan ako bigla ng phone without any words.. very unprofessional, mas magalang pa yung mga pinoy nag tratrabaho sa convinience store/ izakaya kesa dito sa mas may magandang position.

    Anyways, sa mga applicants na dumaan ng interview po.. pde pa share po ng mga possible questions?

    Thanks po and looking forward sa mga replies nyo po. God bless

    1. Hi sir ang natatandaan ko tinanong sa employer is nature of business, number of employees, bkt nag hire sila ng pinoy yung iba about na sa contract mo, atska bkt sayo di ka pinayagan na ikaw nlng mag interpreter kasi sa case ko ako na yung nag interpreter, wala akong jlpt pero nakagraduate na ako sa japanese language school .

      1. Hi sir Mark, thank you sa reply.
        Marami pang sinabi na medjo di kagandahan sa tenga like “Ah ganun ba?Cge magsasalita na ako ha?” ako naman, “huh???” ale, nagpapakilala lang nman po ng maayos..

        Inexplain pa nya na wala sa history na ginawang translator ang mismong applicant kaya maghanap daw ako/kaisha kung gusto magpa interview. At mismong kahit malalking company, like amazon, google, etc. napapunta nila for interview so wag ko daw idahilan na busy ang amo/representative ng kaisha ko. Pagkatapos, “sige po” sabay baba ng telepono. natatae siguro

      2. By the way, whole day pde po kaya sila for interview? sa lunes lang kase bakante boss ko.

  37. Good day po.
    Ask ko lang po, uwi po ako this december and i havent got my docs from my agency. Nag change employer po ako registered na po ako ng bmponline. Naka register narin daw po ung agency ko sa polo, pg ipapavalidate ko ung docs ko personally, makukuha ba ng isang araw po ba? Para kasing short ako ng time, naka bili nrin po ako ng plane tickets. Salamat po.

  38. Hi, ask ko lang po..what if uuwi ako ng Pinas for a Business Trip..not as an OFW na uuwi for vacay etc.. need pa po ba yung mga OEC? babayaran din nman po yung terminal fee etc. so di ko po need ng
    “OFW benefits”… masyado pong hassle ang process kung sakaling aasikasuhin ko pa lahat ito..

    1. Hi Andrea, sa pagkakaalam ko kailangan pa rin kasi hahanapin ito ng immigration officer kapag palabas ka ng Pinas at Work Visa ang gamit mo. Pwede mo subukan kausapin yung immigration officer pero worst case, hindi ka nila papayagan lumabas ng Pinas hanggang wala kang OEC.

  39. Kakagaling ko lang ng POLO now and they told me they just changed the rules again and they don’t verify documents na ng Student to Working Visa. Sa Pilipinas na daw lahat.

    This is frustrating. 5 days lang magiging bakasyon ko sa February. Paanong mangyayari na nito. So hindi na ako makakauwi, ganon po ba yun?

    1. Tumawag mama ko sa POEA sa Pinas and they said wala silang ganon na rule. POLO daw nagveverify talaga. I’m still here in POLO and ayaw pa din nila tanggapin man lang to check my documents kasi hindi na nga daw sila nagveverify.

      Ang gulo. Magkaiba sila ng sinasabi. So hindi na ako makakauwi nito ng Pilipinas? Grabe naman tong POLO. Nakakaiyak.

  40. Even the main office of POEA said na dito ang verification. Sabi dito sa POLO though, this week lang daw sinuspend ng Labor Attache mismo yun verification of documents for those na initially student visa. Professor visa ako ngayon for 3 years.

    So ito, wala, mukhang hindi na ata ako makakauwi ng Pilipinas. Iyak ako ng iyak dito. Hindi ko na alam gagawin ko.

    1. Hi miss angeli im williza po.. student to kaigo visa ako.. baket daw po di n sila ngveverify ng document?

      1. Hello po. Suspended daw ng Labor Attache yun verification ng mga initially student visa like us. Hindi nila inexplain ng maayos sakin kung bakit. Paulit ulit ako, kasi nakailang tawag na mama ko sa POEA sa Pinas, wala naman daw sila advisory na hindi na nagveverify ang POLO ng student to working visa. Ayaw pa din pumayag ng POLO.

        Tumawag ako today, ang sagot lang sakin “Mag-email na lang po kayo Ma’am”. Nag-email ako, hindi naman sila nagrereply. Nakakafrustrate at nakakaiyak. Hindi ako makakauwi.

        1. Ako din balak ko umuwe dis year s pinas kaso yun mga requirements di ko alam.. tinwagan ko polo tokyo check ko nlng daw s website.. ang daming link s website sdi n lng nila sbhin.. taz balita ko need paisama ang employer s polotokyo eh anlayo ko fukuoka p ko di nmn sasama employer ko pra sa tatak lng.. Baket ganun naman sila pinapahirapan nila tayo gusto lng nmn nten umuwe ng pinas!! Ask ko lng anu b mga requirements and need tlga b isama ang employer?

          1. Need po talaga isama daw employer. Tapos nandito po sa blog sa taas yung mga documents na required.

            -Copy of photo page of your passport (original to be presented; valid at least 6 months before your intended departure)
            -Copy of Residence Card (with valid visa)
            -Copy of Insurance Card (original to be presented)
            -Signed written statement (letter form) addressed to Labor Attaché Marie Rose Escalada (indicating all necessary details how you were able to enter Japan and manage to get a job/change employer)
            -Employment Contract (signed by you and your employer; in English or with a signed English Translation)
            -Employment Certificate or proof of existing employment such as payroll slip or valid company identification card (if you’re working for more than 6 months for the said employer)
            -Release letter or Employment Certificate issued by the previous employer
            -Company Registration “Tokibo Tohon” (with English translation; signed by translator)

            Nakumpleto ko na yung akin. Pero pagpunta ko POLO, ayun ang sabi po sakin. Hindi na sila nagveverify ng mga initially ay student visa tapos nakakuha ng working visa. Kaya iyak pa din po ako ng iyak, ibig sabihin hindi po ako makakauwi.

          2. Hi nakapagbakasyon ka na po ba sa atin? Naverify po ba ng polo tokyo ang contract ninyo?

        2. Student visa din po ako ngayon tapos gagraduate po ako this March pwede po ba na asikasuhin muna ang working visa bago ang OEC? Natatakot po ako kasi baka kailangan ayusin muna ang OEC bago mag apply ng working visa ?

          1. Ayaw talaga i-verify ng POLO Tokyo ang contract ko dahil ayaw na nila mag-verify ng from student visa to working visa. Ang ginawa ko, pina-authenticate ko na lang sa Philippine Embassy yun contract ko pero sobrang laki ng nagastos ko. Sa Pinas ko pa din aasikasuhin OEC ko. Uuwi ako next week. Sana walang maging problema.

          2. Philippine embassy s pinas? Update you me miss angli s pagprocess mo s pinas!! Thank you in advance!!

          3. Sa Tokyo na Philippine Embassy ako nagpa-authenticate ng contract. Tinanggap naman ng POEA sa Calamba ako nag ayos. Yun Philippine Embassy sa Tokyo, sa likod lang ng POLO Office. Nung kinausap ko yun POEA sa Calamba, ayun nga daw, nagulat na lang sila na hindi na nagveverify ang POLO Tokyo ng from student to working visa. Pero tinanggap naman nila ang authenticated ng Philippine Embassy na contract. Pero malaki nagastos ko din. Nasa website ng Philippine Embassy in Tokyo kung papano magpa-authenticate. 🙂

            Nakauwi na ako ng Pinas from Feb 11 to 21. Nakabalik na ako ngayon ng Japan. Ok naman ang pagprocess ko ng OEC.

          4. Ms angeli magkano po ngastos nyo sa pagaayos lang? Pede ko po b malaman mga requirements pra maauntenticate yung papers ko? Pede ko po b makuha fb accnt nyo dami ko po kasi tanun..thank you po

  41. Di b pedeng tawagan nila yun kaisha pra maverify nila.. npaka hassle sken kasi fukuoka pa ko.. di nmn sasama employer ko sken pra lng s oec.. masyado nmn sila mahigpit..Ngsusupende sila ng verification ng hindi alam ng phil emabssy s pinas!!

    1. Ano po visa niyo ngayon nagpalit na po ba kayo ng working visa ? Or student visa pa din po kayo ?

    2. Hi. Nakauwi na ako ng Pinas from Feb 11 to 21. Nakabalik na ako ngayon ng Japan. Ok naman ang pagprocess ko ng OEC.

      Sa Tokyo na Philippine Embassy ako nagpa-authenticate ng contract. Tinanggap naman ng POEA sa Calamba ako nag ayos. Yun Philippine Embassy sa Tokyo, sa likod lang ng POLO Office. Nung kinausap ko yun POEA sa Calamba, ayun nga daw, nagulat na lang sila na hindi na nagveverify ang POLO Tokyo ng from student to working visa. Pero tinanggap naman nila ang authenticated ng Philippine Embassy na contract. Pero malaki nagastos ko din.

      1. Miss Angeli hindi po ba kinuwestyon ng POEA na embassy authenticated ang contract na binigay ninyo?hindi yung polo verified ang hinanap?

        1. Hindi naman. Sa POEA Calamba po ako kumuha ng OEC. Wala naman po naging problema. Hindi ko lang po alam if sa ibang POEA office kung mas mahigpit o ano. Pero sa experience ko po, ok naman po.

      2. Miss angeli pede bng s osaka ko ipaautenticate sken mas malapit kasi osaka kesa tokyo eh.. anu yun mga ipinaautenticate mo? Emplyoment certificate lang oh lahat pinaautenticate u?

        1. Sorry for the very late reply. Yung contract lang pina-authenticate ko. Pero before i-authenticate ng Embassy, need niyo po muna ipa-notarize at ipaverify sa MOFA. Nasa website po ng Embassy ang requirements. Almost 20,000 yen din nagastos ko all in all.

          1. Miss Angeli yung pinanotarize at pinaverify niyo sa MOFA eh english naba or kaialangan naka japanese?

          2. Miss Cristel, sorry again for the very late reply. English na po yun pinanotarize at verify ko sa MOFA.

          3. Miss angeli pede po pa send ng website kung san ko po makikita yun requirments sa mofa? Saka san po yun mofa? S philippine embassy din yun? Thank you po

          1. Miss Angeli diretso nalang po ba ako sa MOFA na dala yung contract ko para sa notarization at verification?

          2. Miss angeline sorry s late reply.. inoopen ko yu website pero error n lumalabas eh.. pagnagpunta b ng tokyo need ng appointment?

  42. Hello, I’m wondering does all Filipino who are already here in Japan working required to get OEC even if no plans to go back for vacation? And… Filipino who are already in Japan and will be changing residence status to working visa , does their Japanese employer have to go through POLO Tokyo before they process working visa?

    1. Hi,
      I would also really want to know this. I have a job offer but my employer is asking if I need to go through POLO before they can process a working visa. Btw, I am already in Japan with a visitor visa.

      1. Unfortunately, YES! All employer(s) na gusto mag hire ng Filipino workers must undergo POLO verification procedure. Based din s thread above, before ok lang na i-verify ni POLO yung employment contract, I’m guessing mga direct hired sila and nakapag change na sila ng visa status from student to working visa. Now, mukhang may direct ban (Im not sure though.) Hindi nag verify c POLO ng changed visa status or lets say completed contract with visa na din. Pero hassle talaga yan kc pagdating s Pinas, POEA only accredit verified POLO documents.

        1. Hi anniesensei,

          Ano mauunang iprocess? Nakita ko kasi sa website ng POEA, dapat may workvisa muna na ipapakita sa kanila as part of OEC requirements? Ibig sabihin po ba pag nakuha na ang work visa sa Japan (nasa Japan po ako right now), magpapaauthenticate sa POLO Tokyo, then uuwing Pinas for OEC saka ka makakapagtrabaho?

          Please enlighten me T.T

          Ang gulo po ng POEA 🙁

  43. Hi Sir Rowell,

    Good evening. your article’s a great help for me. i am a direct hired alt. this is my first time flying to japan. i would like to ask questions. can you shed a light for me to be enlighten about my queries po.
    1. paano po yung process ng oec for first timers? do i need to do it po ba sa poea before going out of the country?
    2. makakalabas po ba ako ng philippines without oec?
    3. what if i am still working with the same company? uulit po ba ako ng process for obtaining oec?

    thank you so much. God bless you.

  44. Hello. I’m not sure if this comment will still be of help. I think they changed the rule again. I’m currently an English Teacher with a valid working visa from a dependent visa. I’m going home sometime in the future so I called POLO to have my contract verified para sa OEC. Ang sabi nila, hindi sila nagveverify ng contracts na galing sa Dependent, Spouse, or Student visa to working visa. What they want is for the employers to hire and pay an agency sa Pinas to process it. Mahal. An employer even said na it will cost them 400-600,000 yen per head. Grabe. Gusto kong maiyak. Hindi ko alam kung pano ko yun sasabihin sa employer ko. Baka di na lang din ako irenew next time. Wala daw sila magagawa. Kung gusto ko daw, sumulat ako sa POEA to change the rules. Maghanap daw ako ng same case ko. 20 minutes ata ako nageexplain at sinasabi ko sakanila na hindi ba dapat tinutulungan nila tayo magkawork? At maswerte tayo na may gusto magbigay saten ng work kahit andame ng nawawalan ng trabaho? Wala. Wala daw silang magagawa. So ayun. Sana may magawa tayo about this. Ayoko i-give up yung worning visa ko, pero it would mean na hindi ako makakauwi ng Pinas. 🙁

    1. Hello, were you able to process your OEC ba? Nagawan ba nga paraan para makauwi ka?

    2. hello Messy,
      Same tayo ng situation.any update about your OEC? pwede daw tayong makauwi ng Pinas at makabalik ng Japan pero need dumaan ng ibang Bansa like Singapore pabaLik ng Japan. Di ko pa na try.risky daw

  45. Hello! This thread is really informative. Ask ko lang po kung nagbibigay ba ng OEC ang POLO Tokyo under sa current employer. Hindi naman uuwi, kailangan lang sa bagong company na lilipatan ko ng valid OEC kahit under sa current company ko. I’m currently working for an English school with Humanities visa and now nagpaprocess ako ng application ko sa Interac. Isa sa requirement ng Interac is a valid OEC. I told them na as per rule, makakakuha lang kami ng OEC kung uuwi ng Pinas. So kailangan ko umuwi ng Pinas para lang sa OEC pero hindi rin ako sure kung mabibigyan ako ng original OEC kasi nakaregister ako online at exemption nalang binibigay hindi na yung original na OEC. Salamat po sa sasagot.

    1. Hi Rick,

      I’m going to ask the same question. I recently applied for Interac and one of the requirements is the Overseas foreign worker certificate. I ‘d like to ask if you were able to get it. I really hope to hear from you. Thanks!

  46. Based sa experienced na mga kaibigan ko na umuwi sa pinas na student visa before tas now with instructor, humanities and special services visa na walang OEC dumaan sila ng ibang country bago bumalik sa japan. Nag tourist sila sa singapore muna bago lumipad patungong japan. Kailangan mo lang mapatunayan sa immig officer na mag ttourist lang. Magastos siya tas hindi adviceable pero walang other way kasi nga sa direct hire travel ban ng POLO.

    1. hello,
      Same ng situation ko ngayon. Galing ako sa student visa and now working as an ALT Pero wala akong OEC. ask ko lang po Ning pagpunta nila ng Singapore bumili ba sila ng ticket pa Japan agad?di ba risky?salamat po

  47. Hi po. Pwede po bang ixerox copy ko na lng ung authenticated latest contract from Embassy (notarized and verified by MOFA), xerox of other documents, then ung family na lang sa pinas ang mgprocess to get OEC? Sna po masagot. Thanks po…

    1. Hi po Ms. Meng, kailan po kayo nagpa authenticate? Hindi po ba apostille ang ginawa ng MOFA?

  48. Meron po ba kayong latest update regarding po sa magpapaverifu from student visa to working visa na case?

  49. Hello to all.
    I was wondering if there’s any updates or new rules for OFWs who haves changed an employer while still in Japan?
    I just left my previous job and got hired this month a man full time.
    I hope anyone could help 🙂

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