Outsourcing for Childcare: How to Hire Filipino Employees for Your Business

Do you have questions about outsourcing for childcare and hiring employees from the Philippines? We have answers. This article provides a high-level overview of the hiring process. Keep reading to learn more.

Can U.S. Employers Directly Hire Filipino Workers?

The short answer is no. U.S. law prohibits employers from directly hiring employees from the Philippines. Filipino citizens must complete a formal application process. They need to obtain a visa and other documents from the U.S. government to work here legally.

How Recruitment Agencies Help

Philippine recruitment agencies work with individuals seeking U.S. employment. These agencies handle job postings, interviews, background checks, and training. They also help job seekers obtain proper work documentation for the United States.

Once employees receive approval to work in the U.S., the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) will visit and monitor them. POLO operates headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

The Four-Step Hiring Process for Outsourcing Childcare Workers

Filipino workers must complete a four-part process to legally work at your U.S. childcare company:

Step 1: Employee Accreditation

POLO will conduct on-site verification at your childcare business. After verification, they will issue a certificate valid for four years.

Step 2: Verification Process

Both you and the recruitment agencies can participate in interviews. After signing contracts, POLO and the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) will review them. They ensure all employment terms meet legal requirements.

Step 3: Exit Clearance

After reviewing all documents, POEA issues an exit clearance to the worker. The worker can then begin processing an H1-B visa that you sponsor.

Required Documents for Employers

When outsourcing for childcare positions, you must provide these documents:

• A recruitment agreement between your agency and school district/employer

• A job order listing the position and number of positions needed

• A copy of valid commercial registration and business license

• A master employment contract with these mandatory provisions:

  • Medical insurance

  • Repatriation terms

  • Terminal causes

  • Free transportation from the country of origin to the work site

Three Common Visa Types for Filipino Childcare Workers

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa qualifies as a non-immigrant visa. It allows specialty workers to enter the United States for employment. Workers can stay temporarily while a U.S. employer sponsors them. The visa permits a three-year stay with an option to extend up to six years.

The H-1B visa works well for Filipino childcare workers. However, the U.S. government limits how many H-1B visas it issues annually. If someone applies after reaching the limit, their application may fail.

H-1B Visa Requirements:

• The job must qualify for the H-1B visa program

• The applicant must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• The degree must come from an accredited four-year university or college

• Applicants with three-year foreign degrees can count three years of field experience as one year of education

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa serves teachers, research scholars, and exchange visitors traveling to the U.S. This non-immigrant visa typically requires applicants to demonstrate English language mastery.

Filipino childcare workers can also use the J-1 visa option. This visa allows applicants to remain in the U.S. until their exchange program ends. They may stay an additional 30 days after expiration to prepare for departure.

J-1 Visa Requirements:

• Maintain a good reputation

• Have at least two years of teaching experience

• Hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree

• Work as a teacher in your home country when applying

• Meet the requirements of your destination state

L-1 Visa (L-1A and L-1B)

Two L-1 visa types apply to outsourcing for childcare from the Philippines.

L-1A Visa: This classification allows U.S. employers to transfer executives or managers from foreign offices. It also permits foreign companies to send executives to establish a U.S. office.

L-1B Visa: This classification enables U.S. employers to transfer employees with specialized knowledge. Foreign companies can also send specialized employees to help establish a U.S. office.

Which Visa Works Best?

The H1-B visa typically offers the most feasible path for Filipino childcare employees. Processing may take time due to annual limits. Creating a Philippine office for L-1A or L-1B visas remains possible but complex. You must consider corporate-branch income taxation, permits, and maintaining a physical office abroad.

Contact POLO for More Information

Want to learn more about outsourcing for childcare and hiring Filipino employees? We recommend contacting POLO directly.

POLO – Washington, D.C.
1245 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
+1 (202) 467-9426

POLO – Los Angeles
3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 2285
Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
+1 (213) 223-1120

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