Thinking of applying for a job in Canada? If you don’t want to deal with the complicated procedure of doing it alone, one of the best ways to get a job in Canada is by applying through POEA-accredited agencies. 

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, or POEA (now DMW or Department of Migrant Workers), is the government agency responsible for inspecting and approving recruitment agencies to prevent Filipinos from being scammed. They maintain and update an online database where you can check the valid agencies that have job orders for Canada.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about these POEA-accredited agencies and how to apply for jobs in Canada through them.

Go back to the main article: How to Get a Job in Canada

POEA-Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Canada (Updated)

As of 2023, the following is the list of recruitment agencies licensed by POEA (now the Department of Migrant Workers or DMW) to recruit Filipino workers for jobs in Canada.

Note that we’ve only included agencies with valid licenses, a history of posting many job orders, and a proven track record of successfully sending Filipino workers to Canada.

Although we’ve verified the status of their licenses at the time of writing, we can’t vouch that they will stay the same in the future. For this reason, we encourage you to do your due diligence and verify the license of the agency you plan to submit your application to using the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) recruitment agency database.

1. 1st Dynamic Personnel Resources, Inc.

• Address: 3F, JLC Bldg., No. 8 N. Ramirez Street, Don Manuel, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: (02)416-1848  
• Email Address:  [email protected]
• Website:  www.1stdynamicpersonnel.com
• Official Representative: Catherine Liana Z. Chua
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 6/10/2022 to 4/8/2026

2. 21st Century Manpower Resources Inc. (For. Nursing Int`l.)

• Address: Rooms 401,405,406 & 407, Jr Bldg., 1520 Quezon Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: (+632)3410-1234/(+632)8351-8906 /4121311/4144399/4101234
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.21stcmri.com
• Official Representative: Russell C. Garcia
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/4/2021 to 3/7/2024

3. AMI Global Recruitment

• Address: Unit 4404, 44/F, Summit One Tower, 530 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong
• Tel No/s: (02)5310-3673/09565160565
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Imelda J. Mateo
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 3/9/2023 to 10/7/2023

4. Andrews Manpower Consulting, Inc.

• Address: Unit 1911, 19th Floor, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower Cond, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
• Tel No/s: (02)8351-4538
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Arnaldo M. Saulong
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/10/2022 to 10/19/2025

5. Chartreuse Prime Recruitment Specialists, Inc. (formerly Chartreuse Promotion)

• Address: G/F and 2/F-A, CPDC Bldg., 138 Gen. Luna St., Taguig
• Tel No/s: 86435400/09950863767
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Christina Dela Cruz-Frey
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/10/2022 to 12/6/2026

6. EDI Staffbuilders International, Inc.

• Address: Units 701, 703, and 704 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8126703 – 04/8921814
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.edistaffbuilders.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Cesar A. Averia Jr.
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/22/2022 to 6/20/2026

7. FIL-HR Manpower Development & Services Specialist Corp.

• Address: Room 701-A, GLC Bldg., T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, manila
• Tel No/s: 5119994/2425977/8315745
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Judith Gerongco Cubillas
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/28/2022 to 11/10/2026

8. Finest Asia Resources Inc. (For Filipino Arab Resources Inc.)

• Address: 7F Vernida IV Bldg., 128 L P Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: (02) 8180031 – 35/09162912045/09178819565
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.finestasia.com
• Official Representative: Mary Jane Linsangan
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/3/2022 to 3/7/2024

9. Golden Horizon Placement Agency, Inc.

• Address: Unit C-3, 3F Ricsons Place, Lot 1 & 3, Block 9 Atherton Cor. Adrian Sts., North Fairview Park Subdivision, North Fairview, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 7030341 to 42
• Email Adress: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Mr. Celso S. Miranda
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 2/3/2023 to 7/29/2026

10. Industrial Personnel & Management Services, Inc. (IPAMS)

• Address: IPAMS Bldg., 723 Aurora Blvd., New Manila, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 234-5640/234-5641/(+632)8234-5635 
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.ipams.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Angelito C. Hernandez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 12/19/2011 to 4/11/2024

11. International Skill Development Inc.

• Address: GF (Front), 2F & 3F, ISD Bldg., 5439 Curie St., Makati
• Tel No/s: 5511910/5517452/8331242/5501595/8322539
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.isdphilippines.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Levi S. De Mesa
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/4/2017 to 10/28/2031

12. International Staffing Organization, Inc.

• Address: 5F PDCP Bank CTR Bldg., V.A. Rufino St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8121129  
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.teamiso.com
• Official Representative: Charina G. Garcia
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 2/13/2023 to 12/6/2026

13. JB International Manpower Services Corporation

• Address: 9634 Kamagong St., Cor Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8995780/8995728/09052604922/09193784838
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Edward A. Barrion
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 6/1/2022 to 3/7/2024

14. Joblane International Manpower Services, Inc.

• Address: 6/F, BDO Bldg., 707 T.M. Kalaw cor. Churruca St., Ermita, Manila
• Tel No/s: 7086038  
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Jeanybel Mc Carthy
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/16/2019 to 9/9/2023

15. Jobsglobal.com Employment Services Inc. (Formerly Hyacinth Promotions Inc)

• Address: Unit E-1, 5F, Dominion Bldg., 833 A. Arnaiz Avenue, Makati
• Tel No/s: 4035065/09771540207
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.jobsglobal.com
• Official Representative: Christopher O. Gamella
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/5/2019 to 8/16/2023

16. Luzern International Manpower Services Corporation

• Address: Unit 3 Town Homes, 1695 F Benitez St. Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 3100212/3100329/09325702480/09194275380
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Ms. Luzviminda C. Mañoza
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/25/2022 to 12/1/2026

17. Magsaysay Global Services, Inc. (For MLI Resources, Inc.)

• Address: G/F, Suite 1A and 2/F, G.E. Antonio Bldg., J. Bocobo Cor. T.M. Kalaw St., Manila
• Tel No/s: 8628-9600/5672222 EXT 9781
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.magsaysayglobal.com/www.magsaysaycareers.com
• Official Representative: Patrick Reed H. Maxwell
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/16/2022 to 3/17/2026

18. MEC International Manpower Resources, Inc.

• Address: Units 2 and 3 (GF & 2F) GP Complex, J. Teodoro St. cor 4th Avenue, Caloocan City
• Tel No/s: 362- 4975/2871983/09085337607  
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.mecmanpower.com
• Official Representative: Magdalita T. Chua
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 2/17/2021 to 1/6/2024

19. Mercan Canada Employment Phils. Inc.

• Address: U502 & 506 Galleria Corporate TWR Edsa Cor Ortigas, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 9108010 – 14
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.mercanrecruit.com
• Official Representative: Jose Eduardo S. Yazon
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/8/2022 to 7/20/2026

20. New Life Opportunities Placement Agency Inc.

• Address: U4 Groundfloor & Basement, 1 LPL Greenhills Condominium #17, Eisenhower, Greenhills, San Juan
• Tel No/s: 4777760/09328556109
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Marietta Pelegrino
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/19/2020 to 7/26/2024

21. Omanfil International Manpower Development Corporation

• Address: Rodeo Bldg., 802 (KM18) West Service Road, South Super Highway, Parañaque City
• Tel No/s: 8211650-55/8222141-45  
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.omanfil.com
• Official Representative: Rosalinda R. De Ocampo
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/5/2010 to 9/25/2026

22. Peridot International Resources, Inc.

• Address: Units A & B 1845 Dian Cor Boyle Streets, Makati
• Tel No/s: 5527826/09998899242/09275747652/09258833288
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Ms. Raquel E. Bracero
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/11/2022 to 8/10/2026

23. Philstar International Services Corp. (Formerly J Star INTL Promotion Inc.)

• Address: Room 2-A, 2/F, Prosperity West Center Bldg., 92-A West Avenue, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: (02)3751905/8812324/09161875815
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.philstarinternational.com
• Official Representative: Lourdes C. Ocampo
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/15/2020 to 8/22/2024

24. PSC Primary Skills Inc.

• Address: U2 GF East Aurora Tower 3 Pres Quirino Kasambagan Cebu
• Tel No/s: (032) 234 – 4435/(02) 7949 – 3167
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: primaryskills.com.ph
• Official Representative: Paulette D. Liu
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 3/24/2023 to 10/20/2023

25. Rise Manpower Services Inc.

• Address: G/F, 1019 Malvar St., Manila
• Tel No/s: (02) 8642-0367/09178069879
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Rose Marie P. Lainez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 5/27/2020 to 3/18/2024

26. Staffhouse International Resources Corporation (Formerly Staffhouse Resource)

• Address: No. 43 Westpoint Street, Cubao, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 9133333/4371818
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.staffhouse.com
• Official Representative: Marc R J R Capistrano
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 10/21/2022 to 7/12/2023

What does POEA Accreditation mean?

An accreditation by POEA⁷ (now DMW) means that foreign employers are now allowed to recruit Filipino workers through licensed recruitment agencies. Through accreditation, POEA can protect OFWs from scams such as illegal recruitment and identity theft. 

Note that these licenses have a validity of only four years and can also be canceled early by POEA/DMW. You can check if the agency still has a valid license by checking DMW’s agency database. 

The benefits of going through an accredited recruitment agency when applying for a job in Canada are: 

• They already know the processes and requirements, so you won’t miss anything important through their guidance. 
• Reputable agencies have built a relationship with Canadian employers, and their recommendations may increase your chances of getting hired. 
• There is a significantly less chance of being scammed. 
• You can report to DMW regarding agencies asking you to make under-the-table dealings. 
• In disputes, DMW can order the agency to return a portion of your money and your documents.

What is a Job Order?

Unlike the job postings you see on job boards, job orders are assessed by DMW to ensure their validity. Canadian employers send a list of open positions to accredited recruitment agencies, and these agencies then register these positions with DMW. Job orders include the date of submission, the names of each position, and the number of positions. 

How to Apply for Jobs in Canada Through DMW-Accredited Agencies: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Search for job orders that you want to apply for

Conduct an extensive search using the DMW database. Select “Job Site” in the first drop-down box, type “Canada” in the search box next to it to only show job orders for Canada, then click the Search button to display the results.

You can choose the order in which the list items will be displayed. There are three options available on the website: 

• Sort by Date Approved. It chronologically arranges the list based on the most recently approved job order. It helps find new job orders. To sort the results according to the date approved, click the “Date Approved” column header, then select the upward arrow to display the most recent job orders first.
• Sort by Agency. This arranges the list alphabetically based on the name of the recruitment agencies. This is useful if you want to find all available job orders for a specific agency. To sort the result according to the name of the agency for Canada, click the “Agency” column header and either select the upward arrow if you want the results to be alphabetically arranged or the down arrow if you wish to see the opposite arrangement.
• Sort by Position. This arranges the list alphabetically based on the name of the position. This is useful for finding similar jobs. To sort the results according to the name of the position, click the “Position” column header and search for the exact name of the position you’re looking for.
• Sort by JO Balance. In addition to the three above, you can arrange the results based on the number of positions available for the job order. Click the “JO Balance” to quickly rank the job orders from those with the most number of positions available to the least number of positions available, or vice versa.

If you don’t find a job order that interests you, check back after a while. The list is updated regularly. 

2. Create a shortlist of your preferred valid job orders

The next step is to list down all the job orders that are of interest to you. If you have a specific job in mind, it should be easier for you to create a shortlist using the Sort by Position feature. Next, you should: 

• Check when the job order was posted (under “Date Approved). The more recent it is, the more likely the position is still open. 
• Check how many open positions are available for that job order (under “JO Balance”). Having more open positions increases your chances of being hired. 

Let’s say you want to work in Canada as an automotive technician. So, you made a shortlist like the one illustrated below:

Checking the date and number of open positions should help you narrow down the shortlist further. 

3. Research the job overview and requirements for that position

You can find detailed information on the jobs you shortlisted on the Canadian government’s Job Bank website.

Let’s say you want to research Canadian requirements for machinists. (Tip: you can use Google for your search by using keywords such as “job bank canada machinist requirements”).

You can also check our guide here for the job overview and requirements of the most in-demand jobs for Filipinos who want to work in Canada. 

4. Check if the agency has a valid license in DMW’s agency database

Search the agency’s name in DMW’s agency database and check the status and license validity dates. 

5. Determine if the agency is the right fit for you

Aside from checking if the agency has a valid license, you should also research other relevant information about the agency.

For each agency, you should check their official website, social media, or review sites to find the following information: 

• Location and contact details 
• Their application and recruitment process 
• Fees (if any) 
• What they provide as support for OFWs 
• Reviews about their agency from other people 

6. Contact the DMW-licensed agency for Canada you’ve chosen

Ask about all the documents they need first so you can prepare them before you visit their agency. 

7. Increase your chances of getting hired

Using all the research that you’ve done so far, you should now have a general idea of what the agency and your potential employer would require from you. Just like when you’re applying for other kinds of jobs, you should: 

• Do research on your potential employers. Find out what they value in an employee. 
• Customize your resume and cover letter. Adjusting your application based on your employer’s needs makes you more likely to get hired. 
• Prepare for the interview. List down your answers to common questions that may be asked. 
• Start practicing your language skills. This includes both listening and speaking skills. Listening online to Canadian media is highly recommended so you can get used to any differences in their diction.

8. Submit your application and documents to the agency

Double-check that you have prepared everything that you need. You should now be ready to submit your application. Visit the agency, and they can guide you through the rest of the process.

How Much Does Working With Agencies To Get a Job in Canada Cost?

Here’s what you should know about the cost of working with recruitment agencies: 

1. There is a “NO PLACEMENT FEE” policy in effect for all job orders coming from Canada

This rule is upheld by POEA (now DMW) and the Canadian government. Employers are required to cover all recruitment costs in hiring foreign workers⁸. Thus, you are exempted from paying for your: 

• Visa 
• Airfare 
• OWWA Membership Fee 
• POEA Processing Fee 

2. You will be required to pay documentation fees

The documentation fees are the fees associated with processing your: 

• Passport

3. Exercise due diligence in all transactions with agencies

Only pay for transactions where they provide receipts. Make sure to keep your receipts and communications properly documented. 

4. Some agencies advertise themselves as a no-fee charging company, and others don’t

If you think you are being charged excessive fees⁹, please report the recruitment agency to POEA. 

What Are the Basic Requirements for Working in Canada?

A POEA-accredited recruitment agency can inform you about all the requirements you need for working in Canada, including any special requirements that may be in place. Just to give you an overview, here are the basic requirements you need for working in Canada: 

1. Documents from Your Canadian Employer

The documents from your Canadian employer¹⁰ provide proof that a Canadian employer has already hired you. You will need them to apply for a work permit. These documents include the following: 

• Contract – Must include the details of the job, including salary, job duties, and conditions of employment. 
• Job Offer – Must be recent and less than one year old. 
• LMIA & LMIA Number

2. Job-Specific Requirements

Depending on the job, you may be required to prove you are eligible for that position. These include: 

• Certificates of professional qualifications – It is recommended to get your credentials evaluated

3. Canadian Work Permit

Most foreign nationals must apply for a work permit¹¹ before they can work in Canada. You need all of the documents from your Canadian employer before you can apply. 

There are two types of work permits: 

• Employer-specific work permit – allows you to work in Canada but is restricted to the name of the specific employer on your permit. It also restricts how long you can work and the location you can work. 
• Open work permit – allows you to work for any employer in Canada as long as they are not on the list of ineligible employers.

Not sure if you need a work permit? By taking this test from the Canadian government’s website, you can check if you need a work permit. 

4. Philippine Government Requirements

POEA/DMW also has requirements to ensure Filipinos are prepared for working abroad. These include: 

• PEOS Certificate – PEOS, or the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar, is an online seminar that helps Filipinos become vigilant about illegal recruitment and prepare for working abroad. You must pass the assessment tests for all eight modules to receive your certificate. 
• Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) – All Filipinos are required to have an OEC.

Tips and Warnings

1. Note that agency costs are not the whole expense you need to consider when working in Canada

You should also include the following costs in your estimate: 

• Cost of Living. You should set a budget for your housing, utilities, food, transportation, childcare costs, etc.
• Canada Work Permit

2. Beware of illegitimate agencies

Do your research before contacting or paying recruitment agencies. Here are the common red flags¹² you should watch out for: 

• Red Flag #1: You are being asked to pay for a job. The agency usually charges the employer, not the employee. 
• Red Flag #2: The agency is promising too much. For example, they guarantee that you can get a work permit and that they charge a premium for this service. 
• Red Flag #3: They are not listed in the POEA/DMW database of agencies with valid licenses. Note that these licenses are valid only for four years and can also be revoked by POEA, so always check the latter’s database before contacting the agency. 

3. Do research on your potential Canadian employer

Here are the common red flags¹³ you should watch out for: 

• Red Flag #1: You are being asked to pay before you get hired. This is a common scam and is considered illegal in Canada. 
• Red Flag #2: You can’t find anything about the company in your research. Most legitimate employers have their website or social media page. 
• Red Flag #3: You receive an unsolicited job offer. This is another common scam where scammers attempt to steal your identity to use for dishonest purposes. 
• Red Flag #4: There are no clear job descriptions or requirements. You should never apply to jobs that don’t have a clear overview, especially for jobs in another country. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Go back to the main article: POEA Jobs in Canada for Filipino

References

1. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). (2008). Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2008 (Guidelines on the Recruitment and Deployment of Filipino Workers to Canada).
2. Minimum Wage by Province. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/minimum-wage-by-province/
3. Cost of Living Across Canada. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://wowa.ca/cost-of-living-canada
4. FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Canada in 2021. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://canadianvisa.org/blog/life-and-culture/faqs-how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-canada-in-2021
5. Laws, Rules and Regulations on Overseas Employment. Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.poea.gov.ph/laws&rules/laws&rules.html
6. What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?. (2021). Retrieved 20 October 2021, from https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=163&top=17
7. Accreditation of Prospective Employers for Registration with POEA. Retrieved 18 October 2021, from https://polotokyo.dole.gov.ph/accreditation-of-prospective-employers-for-registration-with-poea/accreditation-of-prospective-employers-for-registration-with-poea/
8. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). (2016). Revised POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-Based Overseas Filipino Workers.
9. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). (2012). Recruitment agencies violating placement fee policies face penalty – POEA.
10. Offer of employment – Skilled immigrants (Express Entry). (2020). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/offer-employment.html
11. Work permit: About the process. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/work-permit.html
12. Identify an illegal recruiter. Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.poea.gov.ph/air/identify.html
13. Top 10 Internet Scams. Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.poea.gov.ph/air/internetscams.html
14. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). (2008). Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2008 (Guidelines on the Recruitment and Deployment of Filipino Workers to Canada).
15. Minimum Wage by Province. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/minimum-wage-by-province/
16. Cost of Living Across Canada. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://wowa.ca/cost-of-living-canada
17. FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Canada in 2021. (2021). Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://canadianvisa.org/blog/life-and-culture/faqs-how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-canada-in-2021
18. Laws, Rules and Regulations on Overseas Employment. Retrieved 19 October 2021, from https://www.poea.gov.ph/laws&rules/laws&rules.html
19. What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?. (2021). Retrieved 20 October 2021, from https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=163&top=17