Having a Philippine Passport has its disadvantages – applying for a visa. It’s not scary if you are employed or have a business, but if you are a former OFW and just returned to the Philippines, there are some documents you can’t submit. But don’t worry, we’ll give you a list of visa application supporting documents you can pass if you are a former OFW and want to travel abroad for a vacation.
The immigration and some embassies are pretty strict on OFWs. Why? Because they might think you’ll go to another country for a job, since you have the experience, and not for a vacation. But you have the right to spend a holiday abroad! Just prove the fact that you do intend to have a vacation and return to the Philippines.
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Here are documents a Former OFW can submit for visa application:
Before leaving your jobs abroad to return home to the Philippines, make sure you’d be able to gather some of these important documents:
- Work Contract / Contract Termination Agreement
- Photocopy of your Residence Permit (all of them)
- Entry/ Exit Stamps to the Country Where You Work
- Work Certificate that shows the start and end date of your work contract
- Salary Certificate
- 6 Months Bank Statement (esp. before you close the bank account to return home)
- Company ID and any proof of your residency abroad
Other than that, below are some more important documents that you have to prepare:
1. Bank Savings
Since you earn money abroad, you ought to have savings, too. A good amount of money you have saved will help in your visa application. It’ll prove that you have the financial capacity to go on a vacation abroad. Please note that each country has different “Show Money” requirements, so you may want to refer to this article.
2. Other Source of Income
Since you can’t submit an employment contract because it already ended, you can present documents regarding other sources of income. Examples of other sources may be rental income from house or apartments, have a family business (even sari-sari store), or an online shop. You can submit a contract of lease, business permits, or screenshots of your shop.
3. Property Ownership or Investments
You can prove your deep ties in your country by submitting copies of your properties and assets. It may be your Investment on Stocks, Condo Titles, Land Titles, or Car Registrations. It shows that you have things you can go back to the Philippines and won’t try staying in another country for long.
4. Family Applications
If you are vacationing with your family, your chances of approval will be higher, especially if you are traveling with young kids or your old parents or your partner (for another Honeymoon). The kids surely need to get back because of school, and your parents can’t stay abroad for too long and needs rest. It’ll be more believable that you’d be vacationing rather than finding work if you apply with your family.
5. Travel and Accommodation Bookings and Travel Itinerary
Paid Flight Tickets, though not required unless a visa is approved, Hotel Bookings or Admission Tickets will help you with your application. This will show that your purpose is tourism and you know what to do or where to go there. Return flight tickets will also prove you will be coming back to the Philippines rather than staying and applying for work.
6. Cover Letter
A cover letter may help you explain your situation clearly to the Embassy. You can say that you are a Former OFW and not have a current job but want to vacation in the country and not to find work there. It’s beneficial having a Letter of Explanation in your visa application esp. when you have to transfer a big chunk of your savings from your Bank abroad to a bank in the Philippines.
You’d also need this to explain why you don’t have Income Tax Return (ITR) since OFWs are usually exempted to pay taxes in the Philippines since you’d have to pay your tax in the country where you’d work (Luckily, for those in the Middle East, you also don’t need to pay taxes there.)
Your cover letter must be in English or the official language of the Embassy. It needs to be written correctly so that your message is properly conveyed. It will give you a bigger chance to get approved if they get your point. If you need help, we have a Cover Letter Writing Service that you can use for your Visa Applications.
You don’t have to lose hope if you are a Former OFW who just returned to the Philippines and want to apply for a visa. You’ll certainly get it when you have these visa application supporting documents and especially a Cover Letter. If you need help with your application, we also offer Visa Application Bundle Service. Good luck!
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