Philippine Commission on Filipinos Overseas Requirements

[Michael and Milahjean 0]

I've searched the archives as best I can with regard to this topic and find little of assistance. My Filipino GF and I were married in Phils on April 24 and we have just begun the I-130/I-129F processing and are waiting for any news. I-130 submitted on June 16 and no word yet on anything. She does not have a Philippine passport yet and according to the requirements to obtain her first passport she needs to attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling session for workers and spouses who emigrate to a foreign country. She needs the certificate of attendence when she makes her passport application appearance and then her passport will need a stamp certifying that she has attended, I am assuming, before she is issued a visa to leave the Philippines. This session is offered only in Manila and Cebu City. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks so much!!!

Michael in Ohio

[djcess 0]

http://www.asawa.org/asawa/viewtopic.php?t=28335

hope that helps:)

[griffin 7]

GREETINGS!

PASTED FROM DFA,PHILIPPINES :

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

1.Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) and photocopy of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO and document indicating fullname, date and place of birth and citizenship (e.g. valid employment's ID, voter's affidavit, NBI clearance and driver's license).

IN CASE OF NO BIRTH RECORD:

If born after 1950:

In case of birth certificates with delayed registration, submit authenticated BC and supporting documents indicating date, place of birth and citizenship.

If born on or before 1950:

Certificate of Non-availability of Birth Record from the NSO.

Joint Birth Affidavit signed and executed by two (2) disinterested persons.

Baptismal Certificate or Certified True Copy of Voter's Affidavit from COMELEC or any public document indicating date and place of birth and citizenship.

2.Three (3) copies 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm new photo (colored with plain white background). Photo should show applicant in decent attire with collar.

3.Personal appearance except when the applicant is:

8 years old and below;

65 years old and above; or

mentally or physically incapacitated

4.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

A. For married women who chose to adopt surname of husband

Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or CTC issued by the Local Civil Registrar duly authenticated by NSO.

For married women opting to use maiden name, submit MC & affidavit indicating that she has not use her Married name.

B. For women who obtained an annulment or were divorced by foreign husband

Authenticated copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment granting divorce or annulment.

Certified true copy and photocopy of the first page and the dispositive portion of the judgment granting divorce or annulment, authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate when the divorce was obtained.

Annotated Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA)

C. For fiancees and spouses of foreign nationals

Original and photocopy of Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance.

D. For minors (below 18 years old)

Personal appearance of either parent.

if minor is not travelling with either parent, submit an original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance and Affidavit of Support and Consent indicating the name of the travelling companion and relationship to the minor.

If both parents are abroad, such an affidavit must be authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General.

If both parents are abroad, person applying in behalf of the minor must submit Special Power of Attorney authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General.

Passport and photocopy of the passport of person travelling with the minor.

(If minor is 8 years old and below and travelling unaccompanied by mother, mother's consent is required)

E. For adopted children

Authenticated copy and photocopy of the dispositive portion of the Court Order on adoption.

Authenticated copy of original and amended Birth Certificate.

DSWD Travel Clearance

F. For illegitimate children born after August 13, 1988:

Personal appearance and written consent of mother

DSWD Clearance if minor is travelling with Father/other persons.

G. For Legitimated Children due to subsequent marriage of parents

Authenticate BC with annotation of the amended surname of the child and MC of parents.

H. For Muslim applicants

For those whose births were registered, follow requirements for new applicants.

For those whose births were not registered.

Certified True Copy of Late Registered Birth Certificate from the National Statistics Office.

Original and photocopy of Voter's Affidavit or NBI Clearance or other supporting documents indicating date and place of birth and citizenship.

Certificate from the Office on Muslim Affairs for Muslim convert

Fro Muslim converts, submit annotated BC in Security Paper (SECPA)

Court Order to change name.

Shari'ah Court Order.

Additional supporting documents may be required when necessary.

GRIFFIN

[jazzy 0]

I've searched the archives as best I can with regard to this topic and find little of assistance. My Filipino GF and I were married in Phils on April 24 and we have just begun the I-130/I-129F processing and are waiting for any news. I-130 submitted on June 16 and no word yet on anything. She does not have a Philippine passport yet and according to the requirements to obtain her first passport she needs to attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling session for workers and spouses who emigrate to a foreign country. She needs the certificate of attendence when she makes her passport application appearance and then her passport will need a stamp certifying that she has attended, I am assuming, before she is issued a visa to leave the Philippines. This session is offered only in Manila and Cebu City. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks so much!!!

Michael in Ohio

Hi Michael,

you got married around same time as us....we were married on april26......ok...her passport. You do NOT need the cfo seminar to obtain her passport. All you need is her birth certificate, NBI clearance, Barangay clearance. If she is to use your sur name then present also a NSO copy of marraige certificate. My wife obtained her passport before we were married so it has her maiden name on it....we are now getting it amended to have my last name...which only requires the nso marraige certificate. The CFO seminar is needed for she leaves the philippines....she will take the seminar either now...or closer to interview date...your choice...doesn't matter......then after her successful interview and the visa is issued in her passport...bring that to the cfo with your seminar certificate and they will place a stamp in the passport....and she is free to leave the country then.... If i remember correctly she needs to have her passport already before she can take the seminar.....hope this helps

Jazzy

[griffin 7]

Greetings!

Suggestions:

A. Passport application

1. birth certificate printed on NSO

2. Marriage Certificate printed on NSO

3. Passport photos

4. CFO seminar certificate

5. fee

For Regular Passport:

(6 working days)

32 pages P500 ($50 abroad)

64 pages P600 ($60 abroad) Overtime Processing

P250 in addition to regular fee (2 working days)

For amendment of Passport:

P100 ($20 abroad)

Replacement of Lost Passport, whether valid or expired:

32 pages P700 ($90 abroad)

64 pages P800 ($140 abroad)

note:

Department of Foreign Affairs requires CFO seminar certificate for spouses of foreign nationals ( letter C additional requirements above).

CFO will only take 10 people for the seminar in Cebu City and if your wife is from Leyte she might want to attend in Cebu City and make sure to let her call and reserve a seat for her....only distant applicants from provinces are allowed to reserve a seat in advance the rest must be early just to make sure that they are included in that 10 circle...also seminars for the US will only be during Monday,Wednesday and Friday....The seminar will start at 8 a.m. but most of the applicant arrive very early ...if you are the first one to arrive then you finish early as during one on one interview yuoll be the first one....

CFO Seminar: Cebu City

1. Call CFO for reservation ( make sure to mention that she is from Leyte).

2. Bring the ff original : passport , birth certificate, marriage certificate and evidences of the relationship.....photos photos!!!

3. Have copies for passport front and last page, birth certiifcate copy,marriage certiifcate copy....must be ready to avoid hassle and to avoid high price....

4. bring proof of relationship....

AFTER VISA IS USSUED:

Right after the visa is issued she must go back to CFO office where she had her seminar.... no more appointment or seminar just bring passport this time with k3 attachemnt, the CFO certificate and they will just stamp your passport and give you some papers that serves as guidelines and feedbackt hat you will may back tothem after months fo stay in the states....

suggestion for Michael in Ohio:

if your wife had a passport already and opt to ammend it, i would rather take the seminar in advance...avoid the hassle as changing Philippine passport once in the States not only it takes so much time and hassle but most importantly you can save...32 pages passport is only 500 pesos while in the States will cost 50$ not to mention the big hassle....

[john_and_marlene 162]

I've searched the archives as best I can with regard to this topic and find little of assistance. My Filipino GF and I were married in Phils on April 24 and we have just begun the I-130/I-129F processing and are waiting for any news. I-130 submitted on June 16 and no word yet on anything. She does not have a Philippine passport yet and according to the requirements to obtain her first passport she needs to attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling session for workers and spouses who emigrate to a foreign country. She needs the certificate of attendence when she makes her passport application appearance and then her passport will need a stamp certifying that she has attended, I am assuming, before she is issued a visa to leave the Philippines. This session is offered only in Manila and Cebu City. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks so much!!!

Michael in Ohio

Hi Michael,

you got married around same time as us....we were married on april26......ok...her passport. You do NOT need the cfo seminar to obtain her passport. All you need is her birth certificate, NBI clearance, Barangay clearance. If she is to use your sur name then present also a NSO copy of marraige certificate. My wife obtained her passport before we were married so it has her maiden name on it....we are now getting it amended to have my last name...which only requires the nso marraige certificate. The CFO seminar is needed for she leaves the philippines....she will take the seminar either now...or closer to interview date...your choice...doesn't matter......then after her successful interview and the visa is issued in her passport...bring that to the cfo with your seminar certificate and they will place a stamp in the passport....and she is free to leave the country then.... If i remember correctly she needs to have her passport already before she can take the seminar.....hope this helps

Jazzy

According to the official government webpage regarding passports, if you are the spouse or fiancee of a foreign national, original and photocopy of Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance is required.

http://www.gov.ph/faqs/passport.asp

[griffin 7]

information:

Counseling Requirements for Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;

Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office (NSO), or Local Civil Registry Offices (LCRO); or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if married abroad)

Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

After receipt of the passport and visa, the Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals will have to register with CFO prior to their departure. Registration is done either in CFO Manila or CFO Cebu, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An emigrant registration sticker is affixed to the emigrants passport as proof of registration.

Registration Requirements for Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

Original Passport;

Original and photocopy of visa;

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound (except for K-visa holders)/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound;

Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;

Duly completed emigrant registration form; and

Payment of the authorized registration fee.

Schedule of Guidance and Counseling Sessions in Cebu City

Destination Country Day Time

United States of America and Canada Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

CFO Cebu

Telefax : (032) 255-5253

E-mail Add.: cfocebu@mozcom.com

sorry the suggesntions for the ammendment of name in philippine is for jazzy not for michael in ohio....

[jazzy 0]

The CFO seminar is NOT required to obtain the passport....we have already checked on this and gone through the motions in Cebu for this. The CFO seminar is required AFTER the passport and visa are obtained. John your correct ...the web site does say that.....but you can get the passport without that non the less ..just use your marraige contract and nso marraige certificate...thats all thats needed.

In our case ..she already had a passport prior to marraige so we are just getting an official stamp to ammend her name to show her new name in passport as they will not issue a new one until this one expires. She already did her CFO seminar last fall....but that is not a requirement here....just the nso marraige certification.....we should get that back this week. Alot of times in the Philippines things are different then what is written on web sites.....believe me...we've been through the wringer!

[KimTung 0]

The CFO seminar is NOT required to obtain the passport....we have already checked on this and gone through the motions in Cebu for this. The CFO seminar is required AFTER the passport and visa are obtained. John your correct ...the web site does say that.....but you can get the passport without that non the less ..just use your marraige contract and nso marraige certificate...thats all thats needed.

In our case ..she already had a passport prior to marraige so we are just getting an official stamp to ammend her name to show her new name in passport as they will not issue a new one until this one expires. She already did her CFO seminar last fall....but that is not a requirement here....just the nso marraige certification.....we should get that back this week. Alot of times in the Philippines things are different then what is written on web sites.....believe me...we've been through the wringer!

Hello Guys,

Its my first time to hear this kind of seminar, is it mandatory for all spouses of foreign nationals? If I dont attend the seminar what will happen? I have a friend and she left with K1 visa, I know she didnt attend the CFO seminar and left for US with no issue.

Thanks,

Kim

[griffin 7]

GREETINGS!

1. MY WIFES' PASSPORT WAS AMMENDED... THEY JUST STAMPED IN THE AMMENDMENT PAGE.

2. HER PASSPORT WAS VALID TILL 2007 BUT KNOWING THE HASSLE OF OBTAINING IT ABROAD NOT TO MENTION THE HIGH PRICE...WE WENT BACK AND APPLY A NEW ONE AND WAS ASKED TO GET THE CERTIFICATE FIRST AS OUTLINED IN THE ADDIOTNAL REQUIRMENTS.

SO MY WIFE TOOK THE SEMINAR AND APPLIED RIGHT AWAY..NEW PASSPORT WAS RELEASED AFTER 3 DAYS.....THEN AFTER EMBASSY INTERVIEW FOR K3 SHE WENT BACK TO CFO OFFICE JUST FOR REGISTRATION OF HER VISA AND STAMPING.....WHATS FUNNY? BECAUSE SHE TOOK HER SEMINAR AHEAD THE FEE AT THAT TIME IS ONLY 100 PESOS WHEN SHE WENT BACK THERE OTHERS ARE ALREADY PAYING 250 PESOS NOW IF YOU CHECK CFO MANILA SITE THEY ARE GOING TO INCREASE IT TO 400 PESOS BY AUGUST.

P.S. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE CORRUPT AND BECASUE OF SOME CONNECTIONS THEY WERE NOT ASKED TO HAVE THE CERITFICATE....I MYSELF IS FROM CEBU CITY AND IS WELL AWARE OF THE LAW ....

NOTE: AND AS OF KINS FRIEND..ITS EITHER SHE IS LYING? OR HAVE A TOURIST VISA....AND DEFINETLY NOT K1 VISA TO ESCAPE FROM THE INTERVIEW...

CORRECTIONS SOME TYPOS:

AS OF KIMS' FRIENDITS EITHER SHE IS LYING? OR HAVE A TOURIST VISA....AND DEFINETLY NOT K1 VISA TO ESCAPE FROM

CFO SEMINAR...

GREETINGS!

TO OBTAIN A NEW A PASSPORT USING NEW FOREIGN SPOUSE NAME

ITS NOT THE SEMINAR THAT THEY NEED..IT IS THE THE CFO CERTIFICATE..BUT HOW CAN ONE OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE WITHOUT ATTENDING THE SEMINAR???? THATS WHY I TOOK THE THE SEMINAR GOT THE CERTIFICATED....JUST TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS....GOT PASSPORT...

COREECTION:

GOT THE CERTIFICATE...LOL!!!

[jazzy 0]

Hello Guys,

Its my first time to hear this kind of seminar, is it mandatory for all spouses of foreign nationals? If I dont attend the seminar what will happen? I have a friend and she left with K1 visa, I know she didnt attend the CFO seminar and left for US with no issue.

Thanks,

Kim

Kim,

it is not possible for a filipino to leave the philippines on a k visa without taking the seminar/getting the CFO stamp in passport...it is philippine law...they will not allow you on the plane without that stamp. If your friend did indeed have have a k-1 visa...and she left the philippines for US...then she must have taken the CFO seminar.

Jazzy

[KimTung 0]

Hello Guys,

Its my first time to hear this kind of seminar, is it mandatory for all spouses of foreign nationals? If I dont attend the seminar what will happen? I have a friend and she left with K1 visa, I know she didnt attend the CFO seminar and left for US with no issue.

Thanks,

Kim

Kim,

it is not possible for a filipino to leave the philippines on a k visa without taking the seminar/getting the CFO stamp in passport...it is philippine law...they will not allow you on the plane without that stamp. If your friend did indeed have have a k-1 visa...and she left the philippines for US...then she must have taken the CFO seminar.

Jazzy

Thanks guys. I'm goin to call the CFO.

[Pinay Wife 47]

x x x She does not have a Philippine passport yet and according to the requirements to obtain her first passport she needs to attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling session for workers and spouses who emigrate to a foreign country. She needs the certificate of attendence when she makes her passport application appearance and then her passport will need a stamp certifying that she has attendedx x x x

Michael,

The requirements for issuance of Philippine passport vary according to purpose of travel i.e., tourism, migration or employment. What your wife can do is to indicate "TOURISM" as purpose of travel and the CFO requirement will no longer be required. If she puts "MIGRATION" or "JOINING SPOUSE" then the CFO stamp becomes a requirement.

Bear in mind, however, that the CFO stamp would still be required before she leaves the country so she still has to get this at some point.

PW