Guide to OFW Fees on Overseas Job Application
Updated February 9, 2017
Are you an OFW? Avoid getting scammed!
The number of OFWs constantly grows each year as Filipinos strive to give their families the means to financially survive.
Being away from loved ones in times of celebrations and mourning constitutes most of the OFWs struggles, yet they bare it for years in exchange for a chance to give them a better future.
A lot of Filipinos aspire to be an OFW as this usually means a higher paycheck, however, you must also know that there are a lot of requirements and fees that do not come cheap, and many crooks take advantage of those who do not know how much they should really pay.
Avoid scams and red tapes by keeping yourself informed.

Placement Fees For OFW
There will be agencies who will ask for placements fees. We usually hear placements fees among other OFWs, and this makes fresh applicants usually think that a placement fee is actually common. When should you or should you not pay a placement fee? First of all, you must remember that certain countries do not require a placement fee. This includes the USA if you are an H2B Visa holder, United Kingdom, certain areas in Canada: Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia), New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, and Ireland. Before paying, you must first sign the contract and check if the amount is less than your one month worth of salary abroad. Once paid, do not forget to ask for an official receipt and not just a cash voucher. The receipt must have accurate details, especially the amount of the placement fee.If you are a domestic helper or a seaman/seafarer, you don’t have to pay any placement fee. If you notice that you are about to pay a higher amount than you should, ask your agency if they had added any other fees.It is also important to make sure that you are given the right visa for your job. We have heard news of kababayans who were promised of jobs in hospitals and hotels but ended up as domestic helpers. Take your time to research on your prospect country’s offered visa as this will serve as your protection and may have certain benefits such as being allowed to bring your family with you.
OFW Training Fee
This will depend on your employer’s preference. While some employers require their employees to have a training certificate from specific private training centers, others accept TESDA certificates.There are currently more than 200 TESDA courses being offered and some can be taken online.The most common courses taken by OFWs are Caregiving, Visual Graphic Design, Massage Therapy, Automotive, Diesel Power Plant Maintenance, CAD/CAM Operation, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Construction, and Welding. The prices of Assessment Fees can range from Php100 to Php700.