If you are approved as a ‘work to residence’ visa holder intending to reside in New Zealand, then you may be required by Philippine law to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). ‘Partner of New Zealand citizen/resident’ visitor and work visa holders are required to attend CFO but a ‘Guidance and Counselling Seminar’ and a separate certificate of completion will be issued for them. (This is not the PDOS certificate.)
For more information, see the CFO website or telephone their Manila hotline tel. (02) 561 8321 local 104 to 105 or Cebu hotline tel. (032) 255 5253.
As a Filipino national you are required to register with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to work overseas. This requirement applies to all applicants approved New Zealand work visas, except for Silver Fern work visa and ‘partner of a worker/student’ work visa applications.
You are required to attend their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) in order to obtain the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) that you must present upon departure from the Philippines.
For more information about POEA requirements, see their website or call their hotlines tel. (02) 722-1144 or tel. (02) 722-1155.
For Silver Fern work visa and ‘Partners of Worker/Student’ work visa applicants, as they do not have yet any employer in New Zealand listed on their visa label, they do not need to attend the PDOS and obtain an OEC. INZ Manila will issue a letter addressed to Philippine airport officials (ie Customs/Immigration et al) for those work visa applicants made under Silver Fern, and ‘Partners of Worker/Student’ categories, and WTR holders stating that there is no need for an OEC (though WTR holder will have completed the CFO’s PDOS). ‘Partners of New Zealand citizen/resident’ work visa holders will get this INZ letter, but they’ll have their ‘Guidance and Counselling Seminar’ certificate which is obtained from CFO.
The responsibility is ultimately on the client to undertake and obtain any required clearances prior to departure, as mandated by the Philippine government. Plan your lodgement of visa application, and intended travel dates, bearing in mind our visa processing times, and feedback from POEA/CFO on their procedures.
