If you’re wondering where you can process your OWWA membership registration or renewal in Canada, you’re in the right place. Overseas Filipino Workers in Calgary can apply for or renew their account in the OWWA office in Vancouver. Keeping your OWWA status active is important when claiming benefits and other special assistance that the Philippine government offers to OFWs.
When processing your account, you need to secure a list of documentary requirements, settle the fees, and get your official receipt. Since OWWA members in Calgary are handled by the Migrant Workers Office in Vancouver, you need to follow the same procedure for sending your requirements and proof of payment via email. Make sure the documents are accurate and complete to avoid getting rejected.
Requirements for OWWA in Calgary
If you want to benefit from OWWA services and programs as an OFW, you need to become an active member and renew your account every two years. Letting it expire makes it invalid so you won’t be able to claim some benefits in case you need them during emergencies. Therefore, you need to update your OWWA status before its expiration to get financial assistance if needed.
It’s important to check with the nearest MWO office in your area regarding their qualifications and required documents to ensure you are on the right track. In addition to proof of active employment, you also need to prepare the following requirements to renew your OWWA in Calgary, Canada:
- Duly accomplished OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet
- Copy of valid work visa or work permit
- Copy of current Philippine passport with personal data page and photo
- Copy of valid employment contract or Certificate of Employment
OWWA Fees and Payment Process
The OWWA contribution fee for renewal in Canada is 30 CAD, which gives you two-year validity and coverage regardless of your recruitment agency, job location, contract length, and change of employer. The amount may be less depending on the current foreign exchange rate of US$ 25 to Canadian dollars. In the Philippines, it’s possible to pay the fee using a GCash account if you renew through the OWWA mobile app.
To settle your payment, you first need to complete all the required documents including the OWWA Membership Form or OFW Information Sheet. You can send them to OWWA in Vancouver via their official email address. They will evaluate your documents, and once your request has been confirmed, you can now pay the contribution fee and become an active member.
Procedure for Getting OWWA Calgary Appointment Online
The OWWA office in Vancouver handles the application and renewal of OWWA for OFWs based in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Calgary. Since financial transactions and submissions or requirements are done online, walk-ins are not encouraged to visit the office. You can process your documents and email your concerns to vancouver@owwa.gov.ph.
If you’re looking to download the OWWA application form, you can get a copy from this link: http://philcongen-toronto.com/consular/docs/ofwinformationsheet.pdf. Provide all the required details and then send the completed form including other requirements and payment to OWWA in Vancouver. Make sure they are accurate and complete so OWWA will not return them to your address.
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Calgary, Canada
Whether you are based in Saskatchewan or Alberta, the MWO office in Vancouver, which is managed under the Philippine Consulate General located in Calgary, will be the one to process your documents and application. It may be different offices, but the renewal requirements and steps are all the same. Just follow the guidelines in order to activate your status and enjoy all the benefits and services of OWWA.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the locations and procedures to expedite the entire process. Keeping your OWWA account active is easy, just follow all these steps in renewing your OWWA in Calgary, Canada:
Step 1: Fill out the OFW Information Sheet or OWWA Membership Form and complete all the requirements. Send them to the OWWA-Vancouver office via email at vancouver@owwa.gov.ph.
Step 2: You will be contacted through your social media account via video call for the evaluation process.
Step 3: If you get approved, you will receive instructions for paying the membership fee.
Step 4: On your current email address, OWWA will forward your electronic receipt.
From time to time, these steps for registering or renewing OWWA accounts in Canada may change. Make sure to reach out to the MWO office in Vancouver regarding the current guidelines in processing OWWA applications and renewals to get the actual steps you need to take. But overall, these are the basic ways to process your membership and keep it valid.
Video: How to Renew and Pay OWWA Membership Online
In this video, you will get a complete guide to renewing your OWWA membership as well as the steps in paying the fee using GCash. It shows the actual process of OWWA renewal through the mobile app which you can easily download on your mobile device. The video also includes some helpful tips to make the process more convenient for you.
Summary
At this point, you should be able to process your OWWA account registration or renewal in Calgary, Canada. With this helpful information, you can get an idea of how to apply for or renew your status by simply submitting your documentary requirements and payment via email. Keep in mind that the MWO office in Vancouver manages all the applications from OFWs based in Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
If you haven’t considered the value of OWWA membership yet, now is the time to see how beneficial this life insurance is for OFWs across the globe. In case of an emergency, you can count on the benefits, services, and programs that OWWA provides to all active members. You can renew your account at least three months before the expiration date in order to continue enjoying the benefits.