How to Renew OWWA Membership in Toronto, Canada

To all overseas Filipino workers who are working in Toronto, it is recommended that you renew your OWWA membership in order to maximize the many benefits and projects offered by OWWA for its members. The cost to keep your OWWA active is only 30 CAD and you are covered for 2 years. Please check out the guide below on how you can keep your OWWA account active at the POLO-Toronto office online.

Also Read:
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Vancouver, Canada
How to Renew OWWA Membership in Calgary, Canada

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has been at the forefront of protecting and promoting the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents for the past 38 years, while also ensuring the trust fund it oversees.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) should understand the value of their membership. It’s critical to renew your OWWA membership before it expires and becomes invalid. It not only assists you in obtaining OWWA compensation, but it also ensures your safety as an OFW should you require assistance. The current process is that you can send an email to POLO Toronto in order to renew your OWWA membership. You may also visit the Consular Outreach programs of the Philippine Consulate General office in Toronto as they visit your local area for their Consular activities.

Amount of Contribution

The OWWA membership contribution shall be Thirty Canadian Dollars (CAD 30).

Membership Validity

For each contribution, membership is valid for two (2) years, regardless of the contract term, change of employer, job site, or recruitment agency. Then, if proof of active labor is provided, OWWA membership must be renewed.

Membership/Renewal Requirements

Please be guided on the following requirements for you to renew your OWWA account in Toronto.

• Copy of a VALID employment contract
• A copy of the passport page with the photo and personal data
• A copy of your current work permit and visa
• OWWA OFW Information Sheet completed

How to Apply for OWWA Membership in Toronto, Canada

Here are the steps to keep your membership active as shared by POLO Toronto as shared on their webinar video last April 2021.

Note: Please be advised that the renewal process indicated below is based on the current set-up where there are restrictions in going out. Please be advised that once restrictions are eased, you may be able to walk in at the POLO-Toronto office or join the PCG Toronto Outreach activities where they assist OFWs in the areas.

Step 1: Visit http://polotoronto.dole.gov.ph/

Step 2: Click the “Program and Services” button.

Step 3: Choose “OWWA Services” and click “OWWA Downloadable Form”

Step 4: Fill out all the needed information in the OWWA Membership Form.

• Personal Data
• Contract Particulars
• Legal Beneficiaries/Qualified Dependents

Step 5: Email your OFW Information Sheet and documentary requirements to toronto@owwa.gov.ph.

Step 6: After receiving confirmation via email, pay for your OWWA membership via Fund Transfer and email the payment receipt to toronto@owwa.gov.ph.

Step 7: OWWA Toronto will ask for your mailing address so they can also send the original receipt of the OWWA payment via mail.

Important Reminders

Here are some important tips and reminders during the appointment or appearance date:

• Please double-check that your requirements are accurate and complete. Requirements that are not full will not be handled.
• For more information, see the POLO-Toronto, Canada Facebook Page.

Philippine Consulate General in Toronto Consular Outreach Activities

Please be advised that POLO Toronto also participates in Consular Outreach programs in different places in Canada. This is where the PCG Toronto goes to parts of Canada in order to reach out to overseas Filipino workers in the area and provide the Consular services available in their office.

This is a good opportunity for OFWs who are nearby to inquire about OWWA programs and services without the need to go to the actual POLO office especially if they are based far from the office.

Below is an example where POLO Toronto was able to assist OFWs in OWWA membership renewals, Contract Verifications, and other services. So please be updated by following the POLO Toronto Facebook Page whenever they will have consular activities soon. You can also stay update through PCG Consulate in Toronto website for more details.

Video: POLO Toronto Webinar on OEC Issuance and OWWA Membership for OFWs

Please check out this webinar video from POLO office in Toronto where they discussed details on what you can expect from OWWA programs and benefits and the process of renewing your OWWA if you are based in Toronto.

They specifically mentioned that the process for OWWA renewal in Toronto is done via email because of the current situation. So please be guided on the process.

This video is more than 1 hour. You may check the OWWA membership process at the
52:15 mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers when you process your OWWA account membership at POLO-Toronto.

1. Can I directly go to the OWWA-Toronto, Canada Office?

Please check because last April 2021, walk-ins were not allowed due to lockdown. But if the offices are now open to the public, it may be possible as last September 2021, there are some Consular Outreach activities being held where PCG Toronto and POLO Toronto staff will reach out to Filipinos in your local area. It is best to send an email to toronto@owwa.gov.ph to inquire about the current process.

2. How much does the OWWA membership fee cost?

The OWWA membership contribution is 30 CAD.

3. I work as an OFW in Canada, but outside of Toronto. How can I renew my OWWA membership?

You may print the application form from this URL (http://polotoronto.dole.gov.ph/owwa-downloadable-form/) and mail it to toronto@owwa.gov.ph with the documentary requirements and payment.

4. My application and documents were returned with compliance and deficiency notes attached. What does this mean?

This indicates if there are deficiencies in your previously submitted documents that need to be corrected or clarified. A compliance/deficiency letter is provided, which indicates the areas where the company should take action. Please write COMPLIANCE in bold letters outside the letter pack and attach the compliance/deficiency note when resubmitting the compliance documents to ensure that they go straight to the Processing Officer in charge.

Summary

As an OFW based in Canada, please follow the guidelines currently put in place on how you can keep your OWWA membership active. You may also renew your OWWA by registering in the OWWA Mobile App.

Contact Information

POLO OWWA Toronto
Address: 160 Eglinton Ave. East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5
Telephone Number/s: Contact No. (416) 975-8252, OFW Hotline No. : (647) 992-7656
Website: http://polotoronto.dole.gov.ph/, https://www.philcongen-toronto.com/
Email: OWWA: toronto@owwa.gov.ph, POLO: 2019@gmail.com
Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/Polotoronto/

Google Map Location

Below is the map guide location of the POLO-OWWA office in Toronto for your reference: