this so bs this so so bad! ao upset what is going on

[Dennis & Jean 1]

Counseling course

My fiancée went to counseling course (two hour course) after K- 1 visa approved. They will not except her parents notarized. They now want their parents approval hand written and notarized. They further want more requiring actual photo graphs that can be notarized by a photo person that took the pictures.. What is going on? This so BS

sorry I did not write evey thing right but these are the facts

[DARUMA07 25]

Your talking about the CFO aren't you? My advice is to give them everything they want because if you don't they will not give her a sticker. Myself as the petitioner went through hell back then when my then fiancee went through her CFO in Cebu. Give them everything they want!!!!! Good luck to you both!

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

*** moving from K1 to Philipines regional forum as the counselling course and parental approval are PI specific issues ***

[kristinebelle 3]

what?ill be in manila Prism for counseling this monday 14th of may...i have notarized letter from my mom but this is not hand written of course...pls advice

[Leatherneck 693]

Counseling course

My fiancée went to counseling course (two hour course) after K- 1 visa approved. They will not except her parents notarized. They now want their parents approval hand written and notarized. They further want more requiring actual photo graphs that can be notarized by a photo person that took the pictures.. What is going on? This so BS

sorry I did not write evey thing right but these are the facts

The hoops they are making your fiancee jump through would be item #4 below or otherwise known as "gotcha."

You have no choice but to give 'em what they want -- this smells like SMEF-COW is the counseling provider, they are well known for playing hardball.

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

1. Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
3. If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)
4. Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
5. Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Counseling course

My fiancée went to counseling course (two hour course) after K- 1 visa approved. They will not except her parents notarized. They now want their parents approval hand written and notarized. They further want more requiring actual photo graphs that can be notarized by a photo person that took the pictures.. What is going on? This so BS

sorry I did not write evey thing right but these are the facts

I cannot help too much because, as you know, the procedures at different consulates are vastly different. Ukraine does not even have this counseling and allows 18 year olds to get married all by themselves. That is why Penguin moved this to your regional forum to get advice from people that actually use that consulate and are familiar with the procedures of THAT country. Great concept actually.

I can tell you that you need to do what they tell you or the visa is not issued.

Good luck

[jimmysmitts 9]

I cannot help too much because, as you know, the procedures at different consulates are vastly different. Ukraine does not even have this counseling and allows 18 year olds to get married all by themselves. That is why Penguin moved this to your regional forum to get advice from people that actually use that consulate and are familiar with the procedures of THAT country. Great concept actually.

I can tell you that you need to do what they tell you or the visa is not issued.

Good luck

I found they try to make your life hard and scare you. At least at PRISM that was the case, my wife knew my mothers maiden name which is one of the standard questions they ask. This seemed suspicious so they asked to see a copy of my passport to verify the name. It took my wife yelling at them that no one else had to do it and it was a moronic requirement as Americans do use maiden names as their middle names, they gave her the certificate.

If you are in manila you have two options you could try the other location.

[kristinebelle 3]

jimmysmitts

really?im gonna have my seminar at PRISM this Monday..got everything aside from the concern about parental consent if it has to have its correct format and if it needs to be and written.. and I have my visa with me..

[jimmysmitts 9]

jimmysmitts

really?im gonna have my seminar at PRISM this Monday..got everything aside from the concern about parental consent if it has to have its correct format and if it needs to be and written.. and I have my visa with me..

It was just frustrating for me because it was the only step in the process I was not involved in. They told her horror stories of women being abused and incorrect information about america that seems like it was from 1960's america. The packet looked like it had been photo copied a million times.

[MangoAve 25]

What exactly did they need to be signed by your parents? You are over 18, right? So I dont understand why your parents need to be signing anything. Let me know because at some point when they finally f'in approve my petition, my fiance will need to go to the CFO in Cebu.

[TnJ 131]

Counseling course

My fiancée went to counseling course (two hour course) after K- 1 visa approved. They will not except her parents notarized. They now want their parents approval hand written and notarized. Could you clarify a little? What exactly was the difference between her "parents notarized" and "parents approval hand written and notarized"? Did she not have a hand written notarized form or letter the first time?

They further want more requiring actual photo graphs that can be notarized by a photo person that took the pictures Are these photographs you are referring to the photographs of you as a couple? This is really silly, but if your original photographs didn't suffice, you could easily get photos in a day at a photo studio for cheap.

[GaryKO 49]

What exactly did they need to be signed by your parents? You are over 18, right? So I dont understand why your parents need to be signing anything. Let me know because at some point when they finally f'in approve my petition, my fiance will need to go to the CFO in Cebu.

Cebu is the strictest, if she is 18 to 21 she will need parental consent, 21 to 25 she will need parental advice, just have a lawyer make a affidavit, also include permission to travel abroad and leave the Philippines on the same affidavit. Both parents must sign, and have 2 witnesses. Just did this in Cebu last month, because she did not have a affidavit, caused another trip to Cebu. When the CFO had the affidavit, then they issued the CFO cert.

[TnJ 131]

Cebu is the strictest, if she is 18 to 21 she will need parental consent, 21 to 25 she will need parental advice, just have a lawyer make a affidavit, also include permission to travel abroad and leave the Philippines on the same affidavit. Both parents must sign, and have 2 witnesses. Just did this in Cebu last month, because she did not have a affidavit, caused another trip to Cebu. When the CFO had the affidavit, then they issued the CFO cert.

Cut off is 24 on Quezon website. Does not apply to 25 years and older, but the code does say 25? 25 it is for Davao too. Filipino laws sure can be confusing sometimes.

Edited May 10, 2012 by ToddnJessa

[TnJ 131]

Cut off is 24 on Quezon website. Does not apply to 25 years and older, but the code does say 25? 25 it is for Davao too. Filipino laws sure can be confusing sometimes.

Another flaw with this law is in regard to the overlap with being 21. If I were 21, which one is it? consent or advice?

[Caryh 5,206]

Cut off is 24 on Quezon website. Does not apply to 25 years and older, but the code does say 25? 25 it is for Davao too. Filipino laws sure can be confusing sometimes.

The law applies to those under age 25. Its a national law, and no doubt is stricter or less strict depending on the location that is enforcing it. It is supposed to be obtained before a marriage license is given.