Ticket to American Dream: Documents that a medtech should have

Are you a medical technologist ready to achieve your goals in working to USA? This blog might guide you.

These are the documents that I secured to apply as a medical technologist in the United States. All fees may be subjected to changes so better check their official websites for updates. So brace yourselves for a number of documents, these are:

1.       ASCPi Certificate

·         PRICE: $200/10000 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 3 years

2.       IELTS

·         PRICE: 10250 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 2 years

3.       CGFNS/ Visascreen

·         PRICE: $540/27500 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 5 years

4.       JSILNY and Associates- for course evaluation and American grade conversion. You need to mail your original TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS and a filled out application form from their website.

·         PRICE: $140 (8100 PHP) to be paid thru credit card  

                                                               i.      1460 PHP as courier fee (thru LBC) to be delivered to JSILNY Miami, Florida

·         DURATION: may take at least 3 months

·         Advantage: No expiry

5.       Passport- not expired of course.. J

6.       Birth certificate- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated

7.       Current employer (Philippines)

·         Certificate of employment

·         Job description

·         Payslips

8.       Future Employer

·         Resume/CV

·         Soft copies of all files

Once you’re hired by an American Employer, this is what you’ll need.

9.       H-1B VISA (to be processed by the employer)

·         Labor Condition Application

·         Offer letter from the Future Employer

·         H-1B petition draft materials

·         Approved Notice of Action Form I-129 by the USCIS

·         H-1B working Visa (approved by the US Embassy)

10.   POEA COMPLIANCE SHEET (I’ve made a detailed blog for this so please check it out)

·         POLO verified contract

·         Overseas Employment certificate

11.   PLANE TICKET TO USA J

·         To be shouldered by you or the company

Reminder: Please make sure to give your complete address most especially to your Visascreen certificate, JSILNY and Notice of Action to ensure that the documents will be delivered to you.

This might seem a very long and costly process but once you complete requirements number 1 to 7, you can now seek employers via internet or an agent. At first, I thought that the whole process was hilarious since I’m not from a well-off family. So I worked hard by taking part time jobs to earn the fees.

No matter what happens, hold on to your dream! You’re now up for visa sponsorship! Be patient and ask God’s guidance that someday you will get to the Land of the Free. Kaya mo yan!

Ways to apply as a medical technologist in the USA

While I was still working on my documents, I already started looking for jobs in the US. At that time, I was really determined to look for some ways to pass my resume. I thought seeking employment abroad is easy when there were times I felt like giving up because I see no positive responses. But you know what, what kept me going on submitting my application is to help my family.

Of 3 years working in the hospital, here are some of the ways that I tried in hopes I could get a job offer abroad. Who knows one of these options might work for you so don’t be afraid to try. Your bright future awaits you!

1.       Thru referral

-          Good for you if you know of someone who is already working in the US, maybe a relative or a friend.  You might ask him or her if there is any job vacancy in the company that she’s working and if you’re lucky enough, submit your application right away. You might put the person in your character references. This will be an advantage since you let the recruiter know of someone working in there. In my case, I don't have a relative who could petition me and even though I have friends who are already working in there, they are not yet confident in referring other medtechs since they're still new in the company and they come from an agency so I undertand them.

2.       Obtaining international experience first by working in other country

-          I’ve heard that some American companies prefer medtechs who already have international working experience. I thought of applying to Middle East countries like Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi since they require few documents. By working there, this would be my stepping stone to America but unfortunately I received no responses from them.

3.       Seeking help from agencies

-          There are pros and cons in seeking help from these agencies. There are agencies that even though you’re not yet complete with your documents, they are ready to assist you, but once you complete your requirements you still have to undergo visa lottery. Lucky for you if you’ll be picked first try but if not, you will have to apply again for the next fiscal year. Also, there are agencies that only considers your application if you’re already complete with the requirements. You need not to worry for visa lottery anymore since they will look for CAP-exempt employers. The company will be the ones to sponsor your working visa. Although sounds promising but the agency’s service costs an arm and a leg. I am so sorry I didn’t have that sum of money so I remained in their waiting list.

4.       Sending applications online

-          My last resort. Although I thought that the chance of getting my resume noticed by employers is low, I still gave it a try. Nothing to lose. God only knows how many online applications I submitted to various websites for 3 years.  What I did is that I listed all the hospitals in each state and started filling out application forms in their careers portal and uploaded pertinent documents that could support my eligibility to practice my profession. Even though I get discouraged because I kept on receiving numerous rejection letters but I still kept on sending resumes. Also, I polished and revised my resume from time to time. Honestly, I was interviewed by three employers but unfortunately some of them declined because they couldn’t sponsor foreigners for a working visa. Until September 2019 came and a certain recruiter emailed me. He told me that the company is willing to sponsor visa since they are in utmost need of medical technologists and asked me when’s the best time for me to have the interview. After reading the email, I was glad and replied immediately that I’m ready to have the interview at the soonest time at their convenience. Fast forward, the interview went smoothly and 2 weeks after, the recruiter told me that I’m already hired and gave me the offer letter to sign. At that time, I cried for joy and so I thanked them and that started our H-1B working visa petition.

I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I’m so blessed. I don’t have that large sum of money to pay the agency but he was generous. Truly, if you will just be patient then it will be given to you in the right time. When I think that the future is bleak, I always turn to God for consolation. I always hold on to his promises and always put my family as my driving force.

My advice to you is to never give up. Try what works best for you.

OEC Processing Part 3: Phase 2 Requirements to OEC Issuance

This blog is all about how I secured each of the Phase 2 requirements.

Since I was waiting for the POEA documents sent to Manila. I wasted no time in complying the requirements indicated in Phase 2. Still, you need to submit photocopies of each document.

The following are the essential documents I submitted to POEA:

1.       E-registration account- you need to print out the Worker’s Information Sheet where the registration number is located.

·         Make sure you are connected to the internet to complete this process

·         Log-in to http://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph

·         Click Register to create an account. Fill out the form correctly.

·         With your email address, they will be sending a temporary password so check that mail, get the given temporary password and go back to POEA website and Log-in

·         Input the temporary password so that you can change your own password for security.

·         Once directed to your homepage, upload your photo and passport by clicking Attach Profile Picture and Passport respectively.

·         Update your Personal Details, Beneficiaries, Education, in My Profile tab

·         You can also upload documents such as NBI, Police and Medical Certificates in PDF format in My Documents tab

·         After completing all the necessary fields and reviewing the information, go to My Resume. Click Print Resume (green button) located at the upper left of the page.

·         Ensure that all pages (2 pages if letter size) are complete

2.       Medical Certificate from a POEA-accredited medical clinic. POEA will provide a list of accredited clinics.

·         Fees may vary. In my case, I paid 2000 pesos for the whole package.

·         You will undergo several tests such as blood examination (CBC, blood typing, Hepatitis B Antigen and HIV screening), urinalysis, stool analysis, X-ray, Drug Test, Dental, Physical, Psychological, Audio and Visual examination.

·         The results depend on the turn-around time of the clinic

·         See to it that your Medical Certificate has a FIT TO WORK recommendation by the clinic’s physician

3.       PDOS certificate issued by OWWA

·         As I mentioned from the previous blog, I was scheduled on Thursday of that week. I went early to OWWA office for the registration. This was a whole-day seminar. I’ve learned so much about the topics presented by each speaker. They were all informative and their tips were useful for a first time OFW like me.  

·         The PDOS certificate are given after the seminar. The attendance is monitored so it is expected that you must be present in the morning and in the afternoon.

4.       Insurance Certificate

·         Better ask POEA which Insurance companies can cover the benefits provided under section 37-A or RA 8042

·         Present your passport and employment contract.

·         Prepare for your payment. I paid 1800 pesos.

·         The insurance certificate will be given to you right away.

5.       Fees

·         POEA - 100USD or Philippine Peso equivalent

·         OWWA – 1258 PHP

Hope this helps!

OEC Processing Part 2: Phase 1 Requirements and OWWA

Right after I received my POLO-verified contract, I went immediately to POEA Region 7 to begin my OEC processing. I want to add that before going to the office, ensure that you must bring all the necessary documents and reproduce at least FOUR photocopies so that you can still secure a copy for future use. Also, be organized. Separate the original documents from the photocopies by placing the original documents in a folder and the reproduced ones in an envelope. They will be taking the photocopies. The evaluator will check each requirement according to the checklist and they will look at the original copy so be ready to present them.

So what are the Phase 1 Requirements? Being employed in the United States, here are the documents I submitted:

1.       My passport with the working visa

2.       POLO-verified contract

3.       Company profile (the overview of your employer)

4.       POLO-endorsement letter

5.       Labor Condition Application (this is a country specific requirement)

6.       H1-B draft materials (this is a country specific requirement, a supporting document)

7.       Form I-129/ Notice of action (this is a country specific requirement and depending on the visa class where you belong)

8.       College diploma

9.       Transcript of records

1.PRC license

1.   Notarized Statement / Sworn Statement

·         This important piece of document contains the information on how you secure the employment (from the internet, referral, etc). This must come from a lawyer with his or her signature testifying that all documents presented are authentic.

The evaluation took a while since there were some paperworks and forms that need to be filled out. Kudos to Miss Evaluator for being so nice to me. Also, be ready for questions and answer them promptly with supporting documents.

When the evaluator was done in sorting the documents (since it will be sent to Manila and will take 1 week to be processed) she advised me to go to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration or OWWA for the scheduling of my Pre-Deployent Orientation Seminar or PDOS.

As I went to the OWWA office, the officer-in-charge asked me a copy of my employment contract and passport. They also evaluate my papers so be prepared to present all of them. I filled out a form as well. After the evaluation, the officer scheduled me for PDOS on Thursday at 8PM.

I realized that this needs to be taken once step at a time. I’m truly closer to the process. Patience is a virtue. I’m ready for the next step..

OEC Processing Part 1: Contract Verification to POLO

Note: This process applies to direct-hires. The processing of OEC may vary if the applicant comes from an agency.

Just when you think that you already have your working visa to the US and the American dream is within your reach, I tell you, it’s not yet over. Since we consider ourselves as an Overseas Filipino Worker, there is a law in the Philippines that we need to secure an exit pass or what we call as Overseas Employment Certificate to be permitted to fly outside the country.

Obtaining an OEC isn’t easy for a first time OFW especially if the applicant is direct-hired. One has to submit several papers in order to be a documented OFW. One of the requirements is a POLO-verified employment contract. Take note, the contract should be checked by Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

At first, I was having difficulties in explaining this matter to my employer since they know nothing about this policy. In addition to that, this is their first time of hiring a Filipino. They expect that after securing a visa, the worker may fly to the worksite and can start the employment.

After several researches and helping my employer on how to send the contract to POLO, they coordinated with POLO located in Washington DC to get this started as soon as possible.

Of course, the employment contract and some documents must be sent to POLO. Here are the following:

1.       Employment Contract

·         Read the contract first before signing

·         Should contain all the provisions required by POLO including sick leave, vacation leave, repatriation etc.

·         All pages signed both by employer and employee

2.       Employee’s photocopy of passport (biographic page)

3.       Employee’s photocopy of working visa

4.       Business registration/ license of the employer

5.       Identification of Employer or Company Representative

6.       Compliance letter to POLO (a format to be filled out by the employer)

Just keep updated with your employer on this process. In our case, it took us a month before we receive the verified contract via FEDEX. You will be given a tracking number to check the status of your mail. Once a contract has been checked by POLO, there will be stamps on each document. 

When I received the contract, I immediately gathered all my Phase 1 requirements and went to POEA Region 7 to start my OEC processing.

I hope this helps…

To be continued. Read next, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Requirements to POEA.

My US Embassy Interview Experience: How did I get my H1B working visa approved?

My face after the interview😂

In the start of 2020, I prepared myself for a wonderful step that I’m gonna take towards my American Dream and that is going to get my US Working visa.

With my H1B petition approved and the Notice of Action in hand, I was so much ready to book my appointment at the embassy. I immediately completed my DS160 online application and paid the appointment fee of 10160 pesos to the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

My scheduled appointment was on January 17, 2020. I gathered all my documents in case they want to see it. Since I was not familiar in Manila, I asked my father to accompany me. We stayed at Uncle Jimmy’s place in Pasay.

We woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning to prepare. I wore a casual outfit: it was a dark blue dress and I paired it with a black blazer.

I was scheduled at 9AM. Uncle Jimmy accompanied us to the embassy by taking a jeep and a tricycle. We arrived at around 8am so we stood there waiting at the vicinity. While waiting, I kept calm and recited a silent prayer. I told my father that I will do my best to get approved.

The time came when we can now enter the premises. I left my father behind and I brought my documents with me. I submitted myself to security checks and seated at the waiting area until we were called to enter the building. There were personnel/ushers to assist you at the entrance so I went straight away to Step 1 in which my passport and Form I-129 were checked, then I proceeded to Step 2 for finger scanning, then came step 3 in which I felt nervous, the interview with an embassy officer.

There were many interview cubicles and again a personnel will tell you which cubicle you should go so you can’t choose an interviewer. We were in queue and as I waited for my turn, I heard questions asked by officers to other applicants. You would know right away if the applicant is approved or denied after so much interrogation. I felt so sad for those people who didn’t get the visa. When my turn came, I greeted the officer good morning. She’s in her fifties I suppose. There was an exchange of questions and answers. She just asked me few questions about my job, my years of experience as a medical technologist, and my workplace in the US. She checked my Labor Condition Applicaton or LCA as well. After that, she gave me a pamphlet of USCIS and said ‘Okay, I intend to approve your visa!’

Upon hearing those words, a smile was formed on my face. This is it! I got approved! Thank heavens!

Before the officer got my passport, I needed to pay the newly implemented reciprocity fee of 540 USD or approximate 26000 pesos. Kinda pricy but they won’t take your passport for stamping if you woudn’t pay for it. I went to the cashier located at the second floor and returned to the officer to give my receipt. That’s the time she congratulated me and advised it would take one week for my passport to be delivered in Cebu.

I went out of the embassy to see my father. My heart was so excited to tell him. As I saw him waiting outside, I felt like crying but I just held back my tears and told him the wonderful news. We went back to Uncle Jimmy’s place to celebrate.

That was it! I got my passport back after one week. I realized that as long as you know all about your employer and you bring all the necessary documents relating to your H1B application, there wouldn’t be any problems in applying for the visa. Also, keeping a composure and confidence in answering the officer will help.

Another milestone has achieved, now I’m getting closer to my dream. Up next, my contract verification to POLO !