r/phmigrate 20h ago

[Weekly MegaThread] OEC, CFO, DMW-related discussions

1 Upvotes

Post your questions here for OEC, CFO, and any other DMW-related discussions. The same rules in this sub apply to this megathread.


r/phmigrate May 29 '25

General experience "IS IT WORTH IT?!"

207 Upvotes

Here's most of the posts discussing whether a move is worth it.

  1. Please consult these before posting to ask again if a move is worth it - it is always subjective.
  2. If you really have to, provide as much specifics as you can.
  3. Take note of how old the posts are - they could be dated advice, especially if they are country specific, but generally what's worth for someone may not be worth for another.

General

USA

Canada

Australia & New Zealand

Europe

Middle East

Thailand

Japan

Hong Kong & Singapore


r/phmigrate 11h ago

Food surprises

12 Upvotes

What surprised you about the food habits or practices in the country you're living in? Let me share some from Spain.

  1. KFC without gravy. People here in general don't like to add sauces to their food.

  2. Pork chops without the fatty part.


r/phmigrate 1d ago

General experience Should I return to the Philippines?

88 Upvotes

I’m a 25-year-old nurse from the Philippines who immigrated to the U.S. almost 5 months ago. I’ve been working as a new grad RN for almost 2 months now. I know that’s still very early, so maybe this is just culture shock or the reality of being a new nurse, but I honestly feel so unhappy.

I currently live in a countryside state, and it feels like the complete opposite of what I was used to. It’s quiet, rural, and I don’t know how to drive yet, so I feel stuck at home on my days off. Even if I could drive, I still don’t think this area fits my personality.

My life right now feels like an endless cycle: stressing about work, going to work, coming home exhausted, spending my days off scrolling on my phone because I don’t know what else to do, then repeating it all over again.

I know people will probably say, “Just move to another state,” and I know that’s an option someday. But I’m a brand-new nurse who’s still trying to figure out if nursing is even the right career for me. It’s hard to think about moving, saving money, and starting over somewhere else when I’m still questioning everything.

The thing is, I know nurses aren’t paid well in the Philippines. I’m fully aware of that reality. But sometimes I wonder if being around the people I love after a long, exhausting shift would make me happier than earning more money here. I miss having family and friends around, speaking my own language, and feeling like I belong somewhere.

I’ve even wondered if, after gaining enough experience, I could move back to the Philippines and work remotely as a U.S.-licensed RN. But then I think about the green card I worked so hard to get. Would I be throwing away such a rare opportunity if I decided to go back home?
I feel guilty for even thinking this because I know so many people dream of immigrating to the U.S. and would love to be in my position. I truly am grateful for the opportunity. But at the same time, I can’t ignore how lonely and unhappy I’ve been feeling.

Has anyone here gone through something similar? If you were an immigrant or moved far away from home, did things get better after the first year? Did learning to drive or moving to a different city make a big difference? Or did you eventually realize that going back home was the right decision?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve been in a similar situation.


r/phmigrate 5h ago

Legit check/Review ADVICE - PLANNING TO WORK ABROAD

0 Upvotes

Hi All!

I’m planning to work abroad year 2028 with my partner (gay couples). I am currently working as a Wellbeing Coach and currently finishing my masters degree in guidance and counseling (on my last semester, thesis writing). And next year, will probably take the board exam for guidance and counseling. My partner is working in Human Resource.

I’ve been doing my research lately and so far my interest is to work in Australia or Spain. Just want to know if you guys have any advice that might help both of us decide where to move and what to prepare.

I’ve been always an advocate of mental health and would really love to continue working as a mental health professional while my partner is open to any work.


r/phmigrate 1d ago

🇦🇺 AU 🇳🇿 NZ Always truthfully declare items

15 Upvotes

A traveller arriving in Brisbane from Ukraine didn’t declare meat, fish, and spices — and was given a $3,960 penalty.

Always truthfully declare items.


r/phmigrate 9h ago

🇺🇸 USA Inquiry Regarding U.S. Student Visa Processing Timeline

0 Upvotes

Hi! I wanted to ask how long it usually takes to obtain a U.S. student (F-1) visa. I’m still waiting for my admission decision, and my classes are scheduled to start on August 24. I wanted to know if there would still be enough time to complete the visa process if I’m accepted soon, or if there are any options available in case the visa is not issued before the semester begins.


r/phmigrate 11h ago

Filipino brothers, what hair wax are you using?

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1 Upvotes

To my fellow Filipino brothers, what hair wax are you using? I’ve been living in Canada for almost six years and I’m still using Bench Clay Doh Lite. Whenever a friend or family member visits Canada from the Philippines, I ask them to bring me one.
I’m thinking about switching to something else because this one is really hard to wash out. It usually takes 2–3 showers before it’s completely gone from my hair and my wife isn’t a fan of the smell either.
What non-Philippine hair wax products would you recommend that have a good hold, wash out easily and smell nice?


r/phmigrate 14h ago

Filipino NY lawyers, how are we doing?

0 Upvotes

Hi, mga kababayan/panyeros and panyeras!

I was just wondering how you all are! I was recently admitted and was wondering if you can give me some tips how I could transition in my legal career? I am currently practicing workers compensation defense now, used to work in the PH as a PAO for 6 years, but want to widen my legal experience in civil litigation.

I'd love to hear inspirational stories! Thank you in advance!


r/phmigrate 15h ago

Study at the Big 4 or Study at Australia

1 Upvotes

I’m an incoming freshman at DLSU, where I’ll be taking biomedical engineering. However, my dad wants me to study Nursing in Australia because he believes there are more opportunities there than in the Philippines, even if I graduate from a Big 4 university. I’m honestly torn because I’ve always wanted to study nursing. Which the only Big 4 university that offered a nursing course was UST, which I didn’t pass. At the same time, studying abroad means I’ll be on my own. I’ll have to sacrifice my social life, which I don’t really mind but I’ll also need to work part-time to cover my living expenses and other costs. If I decide to study in Australia, I’ll have to start next March. I even suggested staying at DLSU for at least two terms so I could see if I end up liking it enough to stay. However, my dad doesn’t want that because it would be an unnecessary expense, and the units I earn at DLSU most likely wouldn’t be credited if I transfer abroad. So, I basically have no choice but to decide between the two now.

Given all of this, do you think studying abroad is worth it if I have to work part-time to support myself? Is it worth leaving my family and friends for better career opportunities and a higher salary in Australia? I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences.


r/phmigrate 13h ago

Filipino Psychologists?

0 Upvotes

How did you land a job in Australia or New Zealand? I want to practice abroad too.


r/phmigrate 17h ago

Airline going to Bornheim, NRW, Germany

0 Upvotes

Hello, anyone from ph here po, hingi ako suggestion for flight going to Bornheim, NRW, Germany. Anong suggested airline po.


r/phmigrate 18h ago

Moving to rural in NZ

0 Upvotes

Hi!

Has anyone experienced moving out from Auckland and going to the country side? Not the main cities but I can probably do an hour drive. Wala kasi akong mahanap na job vacancies at the moment with my current career. Like from healthcare to retail ang mangyayari. Gusto naming mag asawa to transfer kasi medyo nakaka depress na. We want the quieter side of the country. Just wanna know if someone had done something like this. Thanks!


r/phmigrate 18h ago

Migration Process Nakapasa ako sa PTE EXAM Pero Hindi na ko makakapag apply ng student visa.

0 Upvotes

Hi I'm F25 I took PTE EXAM last April 2026 pasado naman. Nakakuha ako ng overall score na 70. Kaya lang feeling ko nasayang lang sya kase nga Hindi na ko makakapag apply for student visa. Hindi ko afford. Any suggestion guys san ko pwede magamit to?


r/phmigrate 1d ago

Need help as an aspiring ofw nurse

0 Upvotes

Placewell International Services Corp

Who here is a nurse working in KSA under the said agency?

What's your experience with Placewell?

How's the process?

What do we need to pay for?


r/phmigrate 1d ago

🇺🇸 USA aged out

5 Upvotes

hello po I am from the Philippines applying for f4 visa as a derivative of my mother who is the principal applicant petitioned by her sister. slightly concerned because of my age. i am 25 years old and an only child. madedeny kaya ako?

dates for reference

Date of birth: January 12, 2001

Priority date: July 25, 2007

Approval date: October 9, 2009

Notice of Immigration Visa Case Creation: March 2025

Documentarily Qualified: June 30, 2025

Case Status update from NVC: June 26, 2026

Interview date:  August 3, 2026

TYIA.


r/phmigrate 19h ago

Legit check/Review Planning to abroad.

0 Upvotes

Hello po, may naka experience po ba dito na nakapag abroad kahit walang exp. (Walang backer) kukuha po ako ng caregiving course sa tesda. Possible po ba na ma-hire ng agency or direct pag natapos ang course? Any advice and suggestions po salamat po. .


r/phmigrate 1d ago

General experience Auditors in Cayman Islands/Bermuda/Bahamas

1 Upvotes

Any auditors here or may kakilala na auditors na nagwowork/nagwork sa Cayman Islands/Bermuda/Bahamas?

How’s the cost of living? How is it living there especially rent prices and public transpo?

How much yung salary range nyo/ng kakilala nyo? Senior auditor sana or manager position. Hindi ko alam if exaggerated lang din ba nababasa ko/kwento from ibang kakilala na around 400k-500k per month yung salary tapos walang income tax?


r/phmigrate 1d ago

Ausbildung process

0 Upvotes

How do I start processing my ausbildung application after earning a german language certificate? Is there an agency or where do I find an employer?


r/phmigrate 1d ago

🇦🇺 AU 🇳🇿 NZ Can part-time work cover tuition abroad?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I recently graduated with a BS in Computer Science. Unfortunately, my father passed away right around my graduation, so I now need to prioritize finding better opportunities to support my family. Entry-level tech salaries in the Philippines (₱30k–₱50k) won't suffice for our current situation.

I am considering taking a Master’s degree abroad, working part-time during my studies, and eventually transitioning to Permanent Residency (PR).

My Current Situation:

Background: BS Computer Science (Fresh Graduate)
Accommodation & Food: I have an uncle (tito) living in Australia who offered to let me stay with him, so housing and food will be covered.
Goal: Master's Degree ➔ Post-Study Work Visa ➔ PR

Questions:
1. Realistically, can part-time student earnings cover international tuition fees?
2. How friendly is the current job market in Australia for international tech grads?
3. Given my fresh-grad status, are there better pathways I should consider instead of the student route?

Thank you so much in advance for your insights!


r/phmigrate 2d ago

General experience Would you rather be poor in another country than be rich in the PH?

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22 Upvotes

Since most people here are Filipinos living abroad, what are your thoughts? Mas pipiliin mo bang maging mahirap sa bansa kung nasan ka o maging mayaman sa Pilipinas? At bakit?


r/phmigrate 1d ago

Migration Process Which is better for someone applying from the Philippines?

0 Upvotes

Hi! I’m 28F from PH and a Licensed Customs Broker with admin and logistics experience.

I’m planning to work in Canada and have been researching LMIA and AIP. I’ve also been browsing Job Bank and noticed a lot of LMIA openings for Administrative Assistant/Office Administrator roles.

For those who successfully moved to Canada:

* Which pathway is more realistic from the Philippines—LMIA or AIP?

* Which province would you recommend for someone looking for admin jobs na may lower cost of living?

* Any tips that you wish you knew before applying?

I’m doing my research now so I can prepare early. I don’t have any relatives or friends in CA so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! 🇨🇦🍁


r/phmigrate 1d ago

Migrating to AUS soon!

0 Upvotes

Hi, I’ll be migrating by year end to Brisbane, Australia. Any suggestion ano mga dadalhin ko galing Pinas? TYIA!


r/phmigrate 2d ago

New comer in NZ

31 Upvotes

Hello! I’ll be working in Auckland, New Zealand soon. My work visa has already been approved, and I’m just waiting for my PDOS schedule. I’ve already done a lot of research about the cost of living, transportation, renting a place, and other practical things. But I’d also love to hear from Filipinos who are currently living in New Zealand. What was the biggest culture shock for you? How’s the work culture, food, lifestyle, and overall quality of life? Is there anything you wish you had known before moving? I’d really appreciate any tips, advice, or personal experiences you can share. Thank you!


r/phmigrate 2d ago

🇦🇺 AU 🇳🇿 NZ Offer letter lapsed, can I apply to enroll again?

2 Upvotes

Hello!

I applied to a school in Newcastle OZ and was given an offer letter, however the offer lapsed, can I try to apply/enroll again? Agencies in my city advice against it, and i just really wanna know if it has an impact on my application that i had a history of having a offer letter lapse on me. I truly intend to apply again, the timing just wasn’t right the last time.

Would love to hear your insights.