Category Archives: Work Abroad Tips

How to Have a Fruitful OFW Career

Posted on January 28, 2011 by admin in Misc, Uncategorized, Work Abroad Tips

Work Abroad

Being an OFW is hard. You are working in a foreign land away from your family. But sometimes this is the best option you have because there is no good enough opportunities at home.

Unfortunately, not every OFW will stay family well after they retire. Some go home empty handed after working many years abroad.

What could have gone wrong?

I found two articles that could help us avoid this problem. If you are a Filipino who have just started working abroad or you are currently employed abroad, I recommend that you read them. They offer good suggestions:

How to Succeed as an OFW 9 Tips and Guides to Succeed as Overseas Filipino Worker

Some of the things you will learn in these two articles is the importance of saving, on educating your relatives to spend your remittance wisely, and that you should look to invest first rather than spending immediately for luxuries.

About the H-2B Visa

Posted on September 17, 2010 by admin in Work Abroad Tips

On a previous post we briefly mention about the need to have an H-2B Visa if you are going to take a Job in Guam.

Actually, H-2B is just one of the many Visa that is required if you are going to work in the United States. Out of the many types of Visa, two are the most popular.

1. H-1B Visa. This is the primary visa or permit for foreigners who are going to work in the United States. If you are in IT, Finance, Accounting, Banking, Marketing, Advertising, PR, Sales, Recruiting, Engineering (all types), Teaching, HealthCare/Medical, Legal, Lawyers, Networking, Telecoms, Business, Management and Hospitality or practically any professional skills you are going to need this Visa. The duration of the Visa is up to 6 years. Plus you are allowed to bring your family. But they cannot work unless they acquire their own visa.

2. H-2B Visa is for very short term work and usually for seasonal industries. Examples are: Hospitality workers, Hotels / Motels, Chefs, Resorts and Theme Parks, Ticket Sales, Cruise ships, Construction workers, Maintenance, Janitorial, Ski Resorts, Landscaping, Golf Courses, Water parks, Security, Ride Operators, Restaurants and bars, Warehouse, Retail Stores. The duration of this visa is only up to 1 year but it can be extended to 3 years.

For further details regarding the different US Visa and the application requirements you can refer to http://www.h1base.com/

How to Beat Homesickness

Posted on August 25, 2010 by admin in Misc, Work Abroad Tips

ofw homesick I once asked a friend if he ever cry when he is homesick. He has been working abroad ever since we graduated from college.

He said that during the first few years he not only cried – he wailed. He cried out really loud.

Homesickness is every OFW’s enemy.

So how can you beat homesickness?

My suggestion would be to stay in touch with your love ones. If possible keep in contact with them everyday.

This is easier these days thanks to the Internet. It is best if you can talk to them via video conference. If not a audio conference or chat will be just as good.

If you are able to talk to them most of the week it would feel like you never went away at all. It would like they are just in another room.

And then when you are at work, keep yourself busy with work. Keep yourself occupied so that the feeling would go away. Homesickness strikes you the strongest when you are idle.

But I think the most effective way is, when you are missing home, remind yourself your purpose why you had to work abroad in the first place. It’s for your family, for your love ones.

That is what I do whenever I am away.

ePassport Documentary Requirements

Posted on July 26, 2010 by admin in Misc, Work Abroad Tips

Philippine ePassport The first step you need to do to get your ePassport is to Setup an Appointment with the DFA.

After you are given an appointment date there are documents that you will need to bring.

New Application

1. NSO Issued Birth Certificate 2. Original Valid ID (Senior Citizen’s ID, Voter’s ID, SSS ID, GSIS, BIR, Driver’s License, School ID) 3. Marriage Certificate 4. Other Supporting Documents (NBI Clearance, Marriage Contract, Land Title, etc.)

Passport Renewal 1. Old Passport 2. NSO Birth Certificate 3. Valid ID 4. Other Supporting Documents

Loss Passport 1. Same Requirement with New Passport Application 2. Notarized Affidavit of Loss 3. Police Report if passport is still valid You will be required to pay 200 pesos for Replacement Fee if the passport is still valid.

For a more exhaustive explanation please refer to the DFA website.

Philippine ePassport System

Posted on July 22, 2010 by admin in Industry News, Work Abroad Tips

Philippine ePassport The Philippines is one of the countries that are moving to the new ePassport system. This is being done for border or countrywide security.

The new ePassport is designed to prevent passport tampering and quicker identification of the holder.

Components of an ePassport

The ePassport is embedded with an electronic chip. This chip stores information to verify that which is displayed visually on the passport. The information contained are:

1. The passport holder’s name.

2. Passport number

3. Biometric Information (like facial information and fingerprints)

4. Other pertinent information as recommended by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

Advantages for the ePassport Holder

1. Fast verification of Identity

2. Prevents tampering and Impersonation

3. You can use the eGate instead of lining up to the immigration officer to have your passport stamped.

Difference between an MRP Passport and an ePassport

The MRP adheres to the minimum requirements as set by the ICAO standard while the ePassport is fully ICAO compliant.

The MRP contains only a machine readable line while the ePassport has an embedded electronic chip.

How to Apply for an ePassport

1. Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website at http://dfa.gov.ph

2. Click on “Agency Appointment” which you can find on the middle left side of their website.

3. Fill up the online application form

DFA will provide you with a schedule. You must bring the required documents when you visit.

ePassport currently cost 950 pesos.

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