Does My Filipino Fiancé Really Need A Pre Departure Orientation Seminar?

[perpetualbliss 0]

I'm quite baffled by my new discovery here in VJ. I've been hearing/reading about this "CFO" and that there needs to be a "CFO sticker" on my fiancé's VISA/passport in order for him to be able to leave the Philippines. I thought once you have the VISA, that's it, you're ready to fly...

It's really frustrating because NOBODY at the Manila embassy told him that he needed to get one more thing taken cared of before he leaves. He didn't get instructions on his VISA how to get this CFO sticker - absolutely nothing. So I was wondering, is this really needed because they don't even STRESS that this is NEEDED. How are VISA holders supposed to know that they are REQUIRED go to this seminar?

If it helps, both my fiancé and I are Filipino, so I don't think he really needs a seminar on how to adjust to me because we have no cultural differences Plus, I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker... WHAT? That's so absurd, why this (unnecessary) extra step when the US embassy already gave him a VISA?

[southern_wife 0]

Yes, He really need the CFO sticker.

Hope this will help

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com...4&Itemid=33

[Scott and Mhay 57]

yes

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com...9&Itemid=78

[perpetualbliss 0]

ok thanks guys! i guess there is no way around this...

[Jasman0717 9]

It isn't the embassy's responsibility, that is the US government. The CFO is a Filipino government requirement. Claudeth did her's in Cebu, seems to work out best for her.

[Jo-bel 0]

If my memory serves me right, there is a paper inside the visa packet stating about the seminar and CFO sticker.

Even your both Filipino, he needs to attend. Some experienced difficulties having the certificate and sticker but it depends upon the issue of relationship. In your case, I think everything will be fine.

Wishing you all the best and goodluck.

[ladyinpink 1]

I'm quite baffled by my new discovery here in VJ. I've been hearing/reading about this "CFO" and that there needs to be a "CFO sticker" on my fiancé's VISA/passport in order for him to be able to leave the Philippines. I thought once you have the VISA, that's it, you're ready to fly...

It's really frustrating because NOBODY at the Manila embassy told him that he needed to get one more thing taken cared of before he leaves. He didn't get instructions on his VISA how to get this CFO sticker - absolutely nothing. So I was wondering, is this really needed because they don't even STRESS that this is NEEDED. How are VISA holders supposed to know that they are REQUIRED go to this seminar?

If it helps, both my fiancé and I are Filipino, so I don't think he really needs a seminar on how to adjust to me because we have no cultural differences Plus, I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker... WHAT? That's so absurd, why this (unnecessary) extra step when the US embassy already gave him a VISA?

yes

[Zen Den 18]

I'm quite baffled by my new discovery here in VJ. I've been hearing/reading about this "CFO" and that there needs to be a "CFO sticker" on my fiancé's VISA/passport in order for him to be able to leave the Philippines. I thought once you have the VISA, that's it, you're ready to fly...

It's really frustrating because NOBODY at the Manila embassy told him that he needed to get one more thing taken cared of before he leaves. He didn't get instructions on his VISA how to get this CFO sticker - absolutely nothing. So I was wondering, is this really needed because they don't even STRESS that this is NEEDED. How are VISA holders supposed to know that they are REQUIRED go to this seminar?

If it helps, both my fiancé and I are Filipino, so I don't think he really needs a seminar on how to adjust to me because we have no cultural differences Plus, I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker... WHAT? That's so absurd, why this (unnecessary) extra step when the US embassy already gave him a VISA?

this is the official site that would answer all your questions:

www.cfo.gov.ph/

CFO stands for Commission on Filipinos Overseas...it's not just for filipinas but for all citizens leaving the country either for work or immigration.

the USEM does not give any info that this is required because it's not their resposibility but the govt's

if your fiance had his medical, the info about needing a CFO seminar should have been given him after he passed his medical.

don't worry, it's nowhere near a visa interview...it's mainly to ensure those migrating for marriage know exactly what they're doing and are prepared for the cultural differences, among others.

good luck and god bless!

[sjr09 155]

If my memory serves me right, there is a paper inside the visa packet stating about the seminar and CFO sticker.

Even your both Filipino, he needs to attend. Some experienced difficulties having the certificate and sticker but it depends upon the issue of relationship. In your case, I think everything will be fine.

Wishing you all the best and goodluck.

Your memory is right! It's inside the visa packet! OP needs to read!

[Westindy 0]

I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker...

My Fiance attended the seminar yesterday in Cebu. He said it was easy there was no real interview just a few basic questions. The only ridiculous thing that they ask for was a Cenomar for me the USC. I called them and explained that I would not be able to provide him with that so they asked for my 2008 taxes and copy of BC and Passport. Other than that no problems and it took about 3.5 hours to complete.

[gary9891 10]

I'm quite baffled by my new discovery here in VJ. I've been hearing/reading about this "CFO" and that there needs to be a "CFO sticker" on my fiancé's VISA/passport in order for him to be able to leave the Philippines. I thought once you have the VISA, that's it, you're ready to fly...

It's really frustrating because NOBODY at the Manila embassy told him that he needed to get one more thing taken cared of before he leaves. He didn't get instructions on his VISA how to get this CFO sticker - absolutely nothing. So I was wondering, is this really needed because they don't even STRESS that this is NEEDED. How are VISA holders supposed to know that they are REQUIRED go to this seminar?

If it helps, both my fiancé and I are Filipino, so I don't think he really needs a seminar on how to adjust to me because we have no cultural differences Plus, I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker... WHAT? That's so absurd, why this (unnecessary) extra step when the US embassy already gave him a VISA?

No way around it, sorry. This is a PHILIPPINES requirement, not a USA embassy requirement which is why they don't preach it. It is easy, just some scare tactics about domestic violence et al. and where to get help etc. Classes held 2 times a day (morning and afternoons) in at least 2 locations in metro manila. You can sign up online and get times, costs and locations.

[Binow 0]

I'm quite baffled by my new discovery here in VJ. I've been hearing/reading about this "CFO" and that there needs to be a "CFO sticker" on my fiancé's VISA/passport in order for him to be able to leave the Philippines. I thought once you have the VISA, that's it, you're ready to fly...

It's really frustrating because NOBODY at the Manila embassy told him that he needed to get one more thing taken cared of before he leaves. He didn't get instructions on his VISA how to get this CFO sticker - absolutely nothing. So I was wondering, is this really needed because they don't even STRESS that this is NEEDED. How are VISA holders supposed to know that they are REQUIRED go to this seminar?

If it helps, both my fiancé and I are Filipino, so I don't think he really needs a seminar on how to adjust to me because we have no cultural differences Plus, I heard the interview is more intense than the actual VISA interview and that you have to pass that one too or they won't give you a sticker... WHAT? That's so absurd, why this (unnecessary) extra step when the US embassy already gave him a VISA?

regardless of having same citizenship, yes she needs to attend the CFO seminar, get the certificate, and the DFA sticker. She will be denied boarding if she has no stickers stamped on her passport.

I personally know someone who was denied at the Immigration Officer in Cebu coz she had no idea about getting done with CFO and stuff. The day of her supposed departure was the day she also attended the seminar, and that's where we met. She just rescheduled her flight.

[Calypso 464]

The CFO doesn't really orient people about cultural differences. Besides, it's not true that the CFO interview is more intense than the actual visa interview. You don't really have to believe everything you hear or read. It's not called "interview" but "counseling" although none of those make sense at all (it's not even "counseling" in reality as how I understand counseling is). Just think that the government needs more money from its people so they have set this up to seem very urgent and essential. Nothing new. Anyway, no matter how we smirk and whine, it's still required so tell your fiance to attend.

FAE

[Dakine 26]

I('ve NEVER seen anyone denied the CFO sticker. Also I've seen a few people fly to the US without having done CFO and they didn't have a sticker in their PP.

Not recommended to try tho unless you want to take a chance on having to reschedule your trip.

There are some good points about CFO if the pinay is sharp enough to take heed.

Main thing is keeping the contacts in case you are abused and don't have any where to go.

Edited December 23, 2009 by Dakine

[danvil101 0]

I am currently working abroad and that time it is called PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) maybe it is the same as CFO. It's not an interview actually but just a seminar where you will be informed about your rights, do's & dont's on the country you are going, etc. Just tell him to attend the seminar and he can just pretend that he's listening..