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OFW Document Checklist

Complete downloadable checklist of all documents needed for overseas employment

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Important Reminders

  • Requirements vary by destination country and job position - confirm with your agency
  • Start gathering documents early - some take weeks to process
  • All PSA documents must be original (red ribbon security features)
  • Keep photocopies for yourself before submitting originals
  • Check document validity dates - many expire after 6 months

Personal Documents

Passport

Valid for at least 6 months from deployment date

Required: 3 photocopies

Note: Check expiry date. Apply for renewal if needed (45 days processing)

Birth Certificate (PSA)

Original PSA-issued copy

Required: 3 certified copies

Note: Must be PSA copy (not NSO or local civil registry)

NBI Clearance

Valid NBI clearance

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Valid for 6 months. Apply online at nbi-clearance.com

Police Clearance

From local police station

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Valid for 6 months

Valid IDs

At least 2 government-issued IDs

Required: 3 photocopies of each

Note: UMID, Driver's License, Postal ID, SSS ID, etc.

Civil Status Documents

Marriage Certificate (if married)

PSA-issued marriage certificate

Required: 3 certified copies

Note: Required for married applicants

Spouse Consent (if married)

Notarized spousal consent letter

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Template provided by agency

Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable)

PSA copy for each child

Required: 2 copies each

Note: For beneficiary purposes

Educational Documents

Diploma

Original or certified true copy

Required: 3 photocopies

Note: High school or college diploma

Transcript of Records

Official transcript

Required: 3 photocopies

Note: For professional positions

Training Certificates

TESDA, NCII, or other certificates

Required: 3 photocopies

Note: For skilled workers (e.g., caregiver, welder)

Professional Documents

PRC License (if applicable)

Valid professional license

Required: 3 photocopies

Note: For nurses, engineers, etc. Must be updated

Employment Certificates

Certificate from previous employers

Required: 3 photocopies each

Note: Include job description and duration

Resume/CV

Updated comprehensive CV

Required: 5 copies

Note: Tailor to job applied for

Medical Documents

Medical Certificate

From DMW/POEA-accredited clinic

Required: Original + 2 copies

Note: Valid for 6 months. Schedule after job offer

Chest X-Ray

Digital copy from accredited facility

Required: 1 CD + report

Note: Part of medical exam

Vaccination Records (if required)

COVID-19, Yellow Fever, etc.

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Depends on destination country

Employment Documents

Job Offer/Contract

Signed employment contract

Required: Original + 3 copies

Note: Review thoroughly before signing

Work Visa

Valid work visa for destination country

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Processed by agency/employer

OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate)

From DMW/POEA

Required: 1 original

Note: Obtained after contract verification

PDOS Certificate

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar certificate

Required: 1 original

Note: Mandatory before OEC

OWWA Membership

Receipt of payment (USD $25)

Required: 2 photocopies

Note: Valid for 2 years

Financial Documents

SSS E-6 Form

For SSS coverage abroad

Required: 1 original

Note: From SSS office

Pag-IBIG MDF

Member Data Form

Required: 1 original

Note: Update info before leaving

PhilHealth MDR

Member Data Record

Required: 1 original

Note: Ensure active membership

Travel Documents

Plane Tickets

E-ticket or confirmed booking

Required: 2 printed copies

Note: Usually provided by employer

Travel Insurance

Coverage for deployment

Required: 1 original policy

Note: Some agencies provide this

Document Processing Timeline

Passport

Regular: 12-15 business days

Expedited: 6 business days

NBI Clearance

With no hit: Same day

With hit: 1-3 weeks

PSA Documents

Online: 3-7 business days

Walk-in: Same day to 3 days

Medical Exam

Results: 3-5 business days

Valid for 6 months

Where to Get Documents

PSA Documents (Birth, Marriage)

Online: psahelpline.ph | Walk-in: Any PSA Serbilis outlet or SM Business Center

NBI Clearance

Online: clearance.nbi.gov.ph | Walk-in: Any NBI branch

Passport

Online appointment: passport.gov.ph | DFA offices nationwide

Medical Exam

DMW-accredited clinics only (list provided by agency)

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