FOR EMPLOYERS
What is StaffCastle?
A place where USA employers hire Filipino virtual assistants directly. No agency in the middle. I’m Matt, an American. I have hired many Filipino virtual assistants over the years in a variety of businesses I’ve had — software, real estate appraisal, property management, course creation and more. This system has worked well for me. Every profile has a government ID submitted, and I review every profile personally.
How are virtual assistants reviewed?
Every profile: government ID submitted and my personal review. Optional badges on top: internet speed test, recorded English video introduction, and an Artificial Intelligence Verified training. No profile goes live without a submitted government ID and my review.
What does it cost to hire?
Searching approved profiles is free. Messaging virtual assistants is $67 a month (Starter) or $97 a month (Pro). Concierge is $497 once. You write a short job description; I screen candidates for you and send you 3 candidates in 10 business days. Full details on the pricing page.
Do you handle payroll or contracts?
No. You hire and pay your virtual assistant directly, the same as any remote contractor. Budget for 13th month pay: employers of Filipino staff plan 13 monthly payments a year, not 12.
What hours do Filipino virtual assistants work?
Many work US hours. Agree on hours when you hire. The Philippines is 12 to 13 hours ahead of US Eastern time.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Ask within 30 days of your first payment and you get it. No reason needed.
Who pays the virtual assistant?
You do, directly, however you both agree. I never touch their pay.
How long until my job is live?
Starter and Pro: the moment you post it. Posting is free. I read it myself first, within 3 days.
Do I pay taxes or file anything for my virtual assistant?
I am not an accountant or a lawyer; check with yours. In my experience: no withholding, no 1099. I kept a signed W-8BEN on file for each person and counted their pay as a business expense. They handle their own taxes in the Philippines.
Is my virtual assistant my employee?
I am not a lawyer; check with yours. In my experience, no. They are an independent contractor working from the Philippines, even full-time, even on hours you set. I never needed a payroll company or an employer of record.
What is the 13th month?
Most employers pay a 13th month to full-time workers: stay a full year and you get an extra month’s pay. It is paid in December and it is not a Christmas bonus. Your virtual assistant will expect it. Budget 13 payments a year.
How do I pay my virtual assistant?
Directly, however you both agree. PayPal, Wise, Payoneer and GCash are common. I paid daily for the first few days, then every Friday. Pay like clockwork.
Hourly or a monthly salary?
Either works. Full-time is usually a monthly amount; part-time and short jobs are often hourly. Agree before day one and write it in your shared document.
Do I keep paying StaffCastle after I hire someone?
No. Cancel from Billing any time. Your virtual assistant is yours; nothing you agreed with them runs through me.
Should I track their time?
Your call. I sometimes used Time Doctor on their computer, and I said so in the interview. Many employers never track and go by results.
Will my virtual assistant disappear on me?
Late pay is the main reason people leave. Pay like clockwork, talk often, give a day off a month, and most stay for years.
Where do they work?
From home in the Philippines, on their own computer and internet. Ask about backup internet and power in the interview.
Can I hire a whole team?
Yes. Pro gives 10 live jobs, 200 applications per job and 500 messages a month. Everything here works for one hire or ten.
FOR VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
Is StaffCastle free for virtual assistants?
Yes. Always. No fees, no commissions, no markups. You keep 100% of your salary.
How much do Filipino virtual assistants earn?
Roles on StaffCastle pay from ₱30,000 to ₱120,000+ a month. With no experience, ₱25,000 to ₱37,000 a month (about US$410 to US$600) for a 40-hour week is typical. See real ranges for 18 roles in the Filipino Virtual Assistant Salary Guide.
Do I need experience?
Not for many roles. Admin, customer service, and data entry often start with no experience. Skills like bookkeeping, design, or artificial intelligence tools pay more.
How do I get hired?
Create my free profile. It takes about 10 minutes. I review it personally and approve it. USA employers search approved profiles and contact you directly. You interview with them and agree on pay.
When do employers start hiring?
Now. Employers are on StaffCastle and posting jobs. Keep your profile complete and check your email.
Why do you ask for a government ID?
So employers know every profile is a real person. Your ID is never shown to employers.
What is the Artificial Intelligence training?
A free, optional course in the artificial intelligence tools virtual assistants use at work. Finish the short training and your profile earns an Artificial Intelligence Verified badge that employers look for.
Do I have to go to an office or do a video call with StaffCastle?
No. Everything is online. A short recorded video introduction and an internet speed test are optional and make your profile stronger.
How do I get paid?
Your employer pays you directly. StaffCastle never touches your pay and never takes a cut. PayPal, Wise, Payoneer and GCash are common. You and your employer choose.
When do I get paid?
You agree that with your employer before you start. I tell employers to pay weekly at first. Ask for weekly pay while you are new to each other.
What if I don’t get paid?
Stop working and tell me through the contact form, with the employer’s name and the job. Never work weeks ahead for a new employer.
Is this real?
Yes. Real USA employers post real jobs and pay real salaries. Nobody pays StaffCastle to get a job. If anyone asks you for money, it is not from me — tell me.
Do I need perfect English?
No. Clear written English is enough for most jobs. Employers care more about being reliable and asking when you are unsure.
Do I need a college degree?
No. Many roles start with no degree and no experience. A finished profile with a government ID, a photo and a clear summary matters more.
Can I apply while I work in an office?
Yes. Many virtual assistants start part-time in the evening. Tell the employer what hours you can work.
Will there be an interview?
Usually, yes. Most employers message you first, then set up a chat or a video call. Answer every message within a day.
What happens if I lie on my profile?
Your profile is removed and you cannot come back. Employers hire on what you wrote. Keep it true.
How do I delete my account?
Log in, open Account Settings, press Delete my profile & account forever. Your profile, applications and messages are removed.
Can I join if I live outside the Philippines?
No. StaffCastle is for virtual assistants living in the Philippines.
I have a question. Who do I ask?
Use the contact form. I answer every message myself.
