CFO Experience (Manila)

[CJ8611 6]

Just had my seminar earlier at CFO, all in all, it was not so bad, except for the first-come, first-serve policy.

1. Where to line up?

Spouse and Fiance/Fiancee visa applicants/holders, regardless of country of destination, will line up at the ramp area, which is at the left side when facing the building. Others will line-up at the right side.

2. What to bring?

The initial documents to be checked are: 2 Valid IDs, 2 photocopy sets of the valid IDs presented and the original and photocopy of the Marriage Certificate on security paper (only for those married). If you have the visa already, you will be given the registration form. If you don't have the visa on hand yet, you won't be given any form. Hence, if you have the visa already, best to download the form from the CFO website and fill it up to save time. Once the documents are checked, a number will be given. Have an extra ID on hand. This will be left at the guard/reception, in exchange for the queuing number/ID. IDs are color coded. Spouse/fiancee/fiance visa applicants/holders will be given pink IDs.

Bring the required documents as specified on the website. For IR/CR visa holders, you might ask if it's necessary to bring the original Immigrant Data Summary (IDS). I did not bring mine. I just presented the photocopy, the original copy was not asked.

3. What to expect?

The doors opened at around 630AM. The initial checker will review docs, will ask if fiance/fiancee or spouse, will ask country of destination.

Pink ID holders will proceed to 3rd floor for the seminar/counselling. But will wait first at the first floor for the guard's go-signal.

At the 3rd floor, a form will be given to be filled-up. It's easy to fill-up, the fields are almost the same as what's on the G325A form. Remember the maiden name of your spouse or fiancee/fiance's mother. There are other questions like how did you meet, how long have you known each other, do you have children, etc.

Your form will be reviewed along with the required documents, then your photo will be taken. Then you will be asked to proceed to the assigned seminar room.

The counselling session will begin with the review of the form submitted. Attendees who can not answer parts of the form clearly will be given a "hold" remark and might be required to attend a one-on-one session if the information needed on the form can not still be provided. As long as you know your spouse/fiancee/fiance very well, it wouldn't be a problem at all. If all is OK, you pay the fee at the first floor. Then go back to the seminar room. Once all papers are reviewed and everyone have paid already, the seminar proper will start.

I found the seminar not bad (this is coming from someone who have traveled to the US a few times). I did not find any part of the lecture as offensive. The CFO officer explained well what's domestic violence, what are the different types, where and how to register the marriage abroad (for K1 visa applicants/holders), location of the PH embassy, where to ask help if needed (cited several options aside from the PH embassy), how to find work etc. Luggage requirement and limitations were also discussed, what fees are to be paid at the airport, etc. The seminar, in my opinion, is very helpful to those who will be going out of the country for the first time, those who are young and the like. And a good refresher for those with travel experiences.

Again, attendees given a hold remark will have to go back for a one-on-one or until the required document/information is presented. Basically, I observed, those who were put on "hold" status were those who can't provide answers to mother's maiden name, exact address abroad (with zip code), exact job of the spouse/fiance/fiancee and those who were unsure of their answers.

The CFO officer shared her contact details and even her cellphone number, so those who need to come back may get in touch with her directly.

It ended at around 11:50AM. I got my passport with the CFO sticker and the certificate at around 12:30PM.

Edited March 21, 2013 by CJ8611

[SW&GI 0]

Just had my seminar earlier at CFO, all in all, it was not so bad, except for the first-come, first-serve policy.

1. Where to line up?

Spouse and Fiance/Fiancee visa applicants/holders, regardless of country of destination, will line up at the ramp area, which is at the left side when facing the building. Others will line-up at the right side.

2. What to bring?

The initial documents to be checked are: 2 Valid IDs, 2 photocopy sets of the valid IDs presented and the original and photocopy of the Marriage Certificate on security paper (only for those married). If you have the visa already, you will be given the registration form. If you don't have the visa on hand yet, you won't be given any form. Hence, if you have the visa already, best to download the form from the CFO website and fill it up to save time. Once the documents are checked, a number will be given. Have an extra ID on hand. This will be left at the guard/reception, in exchange for the queuing number/ID. IDs are color coded. Spouse/fiancee/fiance visa applicants/holders will be given pink IDs.

Bring the required documents as specified on the website. For IR/CR visa holders, you might ask if it's necessary to bring the original Immigrant Data Summary (IDS). I did not bring mine. I just presented the photocopy, the original copy was not asked.

3. What to expect?

The doors opened at around 630AM. The initial checker will review docs, will ask if fiance/fiancee or spouse, will ask country of destination.

Pink ID holders will proceed to 3rd floor for the seminar/counselling. But will wait first at the first floor for the guard's go-signal.

At the 3rd floor, a form will be given to be filled-up. It's easy to fill-up, the fields are almost the same as what's on the G325A form. Remember the maiden name of your spouse or fiancee/fiance's mother. There are other questions like how did you meet, how long have you known each other, do you have children, etc.

Your form will be reviewed along with the required documents, then your photo will be taken. Then you will be asked to proceed to the assigned seminar room.

The counselling session will begin with the review of the form submitted. Attendees who can not answer parts of the form clearly will be given a "hold" remark and might be required to attend a one-on-one session if the information needed on the form can not still be provided. As long as you know your spouse/fiancee/fiance very well, it wouldn't be a problem at all. If all is OK, you pay the fee at the first floor. Then go back to the seminar room. Once all papers are reviewed and everyone have paid already, the seminar proper will start.

I found the seminar not bad (this is coming from someone who have traveled to the US a few times). I did not find any part of the lecture as offensive. The CFO officer explained well what's domestic violence, what are the different types, where and how to register the marriage abroad (for K1 visa applicants/holders), location of the PH embassy, where to ask help if needed (cited several options aside from the PH embassy), how to find work etc. Luggage requirement and limitations were also discussed, what fees are to be paid at the airport, etc. The seminar, in my opinion, is very helpful to those who will be going out of the country for the first time, those who are young and the like. And a good refresher for those with travel experiences.

Again, attendees given a hold remark will have to go back for a one-on-one or until the required document/information is presented. Basically, I observed, those who were put on "hold" status were those who can't provide answers to mother's maiden name, exact address abroad (with zip code), exact job of the spouse/fiance/fiancee and those who were unsure of their answers.

The CFO officer shared her contact details and even her cellphone number, so those who need to come back may get in touch with her directly.

It ended at around 11:50AM. I got my passport with the CFO sticker and the certificate at around 12:30PM.

You are so sweet and so kind to share your experience in CFO office. Thank you. Ingat God bless you always

[infinity2012 3]

:thumbs: very informative.. thank you for sharing

[CJ8611 6]

You are so sweet and so kind to share your experience in CFO office. Thank you. Ingat God bless you always

:thumbs: very informative.. thank you for sharing

You're welcome! I read a lot of horror stories about the seminar and a friend also said it's a complete waste of time, but then, I found it helpful, and I've traveled a lot. The other attendees were actually attentive and appreciative of what the lecturer shared, taking down notes. I guess it also depends on the CFO officer doing the orientation. i hope you guys experience the same when it's your turn! God bless on your journey!

[infinity2012 3]

You're welcome! I read a lot of horror stories about the seminar and a friend also said it's a complete waste of time, but then, I found it helpful, and I've traveled a lot. The other attendees were actually attentive and appreciative of what the lecturer shared, taking down notes. I guess it also depends on the CFO officer doing the orientation. i hope you guys experience the same when it's your turn! God bless on your journey!

i have a question in connection with cfo. i have a 12 years old daughter, does she need to attend cfo seminar?

[CJ8611 6]

You're welcome! I read a lot of horror stories about the seminar and a friend also said it's a complete waste of time, but then, I found it helpful, and I've traveled a lot. The other attendees were actually attentive and appreciative of what the lecturer shared, taking down notes. I guess it also depends on the CFO officer doing the orientation. i hope you guys experience the same when it's your turn! God bless on your journey!

i have a question in connection with cfo. i have a 12 years old daughter, does she need to attend cfo seminar?

She's exempted!

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1347:for-filipinos-leaving-the-country-with-an-immigrant-visa&catid=139

Exemptions from PDOS and Peer Counseling Seminar

For children 12 years old and below are exempted from attending the PDOS. They must, however, be registered, even if by proxy. The following additional documents are required if the proxy is not the legal/natural/adoptive parent of the registrant.<br style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21.75px;"> <br style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 21.75px;">

• Original and photocopy of one(1) of valid identification card with photograph of the proxy
• Special Power of Attorney authenticated by Diplomatic Post if parent/s/ or guardian/s are based overseas; or a duly notarized authorization letter executed by parent/s or guardian/s while in the Philippines.
• Other documents that may be required by the registration officers.
  

The following emigrants are exempted from attending the PDOS and registering in person with the CFO, provided that they are registered by a proxy:

• Those who are 60 years old and above;
• Those incapacitated due to permanent or long-term ailments; or
• Those with mental health issues or psychologically-challanged.

[infinity2012 3]

thank you sis!!!

[lhesbart 1]

Just had my seminar earlier at CFO, all in all, it was not so bad, except for the first-come, first-serve policy.

1. Where to line up?

Spouse and Fiance/Fiancee visa applicants/holders, regardless of country of destination, will line up at the ramp area, which is at the left side when facing the building. Others will line-up at the right side.

2. What to bring?

The initial documents to be checked are: 2 Valid IDs, 2 photocopy sets of the valid IDs presented and the original and photocopy of the Marriage Certificate on security paper (only for those married). If you have the visa already, you will be given the registration form. If you don't have the visa on hand yet, you won't be given any form. Hence, if you have the visa already, best to download the form from the CFO website and fill it up to save time. Once the documents are checked, a number will be given. Have an extra ID on hand. This will be left at the guard/reception, in exchange for the queuing number/ID. IDs are color coded. Spouse/fiancee/fiance visa applicants/holders will be given pink IDs.

Bring the required documents as specified on the website. For IR/CR visa holders, you might ask if it's necessary to bring the original Immigrant Data Summary (IDS). I did not bring mine. I just presented the photocopy, the original copy was not asked.

3. What to expect?

The doors opened at around 630AM. The initial checker will review docs, will ask if fiance/fiancee or spouse, will ask country of destination.

Pink ID holders will proceed to 3rd floor for the seminar/counselling. But will wait first at the first floor for the guard's go-signal.

At the 3rd floor, a form will be given to be filled-up. It's easy to fill-up, the fields are almost the same as what's on the G325A form. Remember the maiden name of your spouse or fiancee/fiance's mother. There are other questions like how did you meet, how long have you known each other, do you have children, etc.

Your form will be reviewed along with the required documents, then your photo will be taken. Then you will be asked to proceed to the assigned seminar room.

The counselling session will begin with the review of the form submitted. Attendees who can not answer parts of the form clearly will be given a "hold" remark and might be required to attend a one-on-one session if the information needed on the form can not still be provided. As long as you know your spouse/fiancee/fiance very well, it wouldn't be a problem at all. If all is OK, you pay the fee at the first floor. Then go back to the seminar room. Once all papers are reviewed and everyone have paid already, the seminar proper will start.

I found the seminar not bad (this is coming from someone who have traveled to the US a few times). I did not find any part of the lecture as offensive. The CFO officer explained well what's domestic violence, what are the different types, where and how to register the marriage abroad (for K1 visa applicants/holders), location of the PH embassy, where to ask help if needed (cited several options aside from the PH embassy), how to find work etc. Luggage requirement and limitations were also discussed, what fees are to be paid at the airport, etc. The seminar, in my opinion, is very helpful to those who will be going out of the country for the first time, those who are young and the like. And a good refresher for those with travel experiences.

Again, attendees given a hold remark will have to go back for a one-on-one or until the required document/information is presented. Basically, I observed, those who were put on "hold" status were those who can't provide answers to mother's maiden name, exact address abroad (with zip code), exact job of the spouse/fiance/fiancee and those who were unsure of their answers.

The CFO officer shared her contact details and even her cellphone number, so those who need to come back may get in touch with her directly.

It ended at around 11:50AM. I got my passport with the CFO sticker and the certificate at around 12:30PM.

Thanks for sharing this! I've been hearing a lot of bad stories/experiences with this CFO thingy...I hope I'll have a good experience as well..I'll be there on Mar 25, Monday...Thanks sis! Btw, I'm also from Laguna..Santa Rosa..

How about u sis?

[CJ8611 6]

Thanks for sharing this! I've been hearing a lot of bad stories/experiences with this CFO thingy...I hope I'll have a good experience as well..I'll be there on Mar 25, Monday...Thanks sis! Btw, I'm also from Laguna..Santa Rosa..

How about u sis?

Me too, heard a lot of horror stories. I guess it depends on the CFO officer conducting the seminar. I hope you get a good one too!

I'm from the next town, Binan.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it.

[madtownguy 164]

Thanks for sharing! I didn't know they question like that, it's good to know. My fiance does not know my parents names since they haven't met, not sure why they would expect them to know it. She knows my nieces and nephew name cuz I talk about them. Maybe in Philippines it is different but we call parents Mom and Dad at least I do... She will do the same I'm assuming.

[Memphis 26]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing..

[CJ8611 6]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed reading it.

You're welcome and thank you too! It's nice to hear that from you! I've always took note of your comments when I search on certain topics.

Thanks for sharing! I didn't know they question like that, it's good to know. My fiance does not know my parents names since they haven't met, not sure why they would expect them to know it. She knows my nieces and nephew name cuz I talk about them. Maybe in Philippines it is different but we call parents Mom and Dad at least I do... She will do the same I'm assuming.

You're welcome! I guess because in Philippine culture, it is expected that the bride/groom or husband/wife should know everything about the immediate family of the one they are marrying or have married, however, this is just my opinion.

Very informative! Thanks for sharing..

Thanks too for finding the post informative!

[lhesbart 1]

Just had my seminar earlier at CFO, all in all, it was not so bad, except for the first-come, first-serve policy.

1. Where to line up?

Spouse and Fiance/Fiancee visa applicants/holders, regardless of country of destination, will line up at the ramp area, which is at the left side when facing the building. Others will line-up at the right side.

2. What to bring?

The initial documents to be checked are: 2 Valid IDs, 2 photocopy sets of the valid IDs presented and the original and photocopy of the Marriage Certificate on security paper (only for those married). If you have the visa already, you will be given the registration form. If you don't have the visa on hand yet, you won't be given any form. Hence, if you have the visa already, best to download the form from the CFO website and fill it up to save time. Once the documents are checked, a number will be given. Have an extra ID on hand. This will be left at the guard/reception, in exchange for the queuing number/ID. IDs are color coded. Spouse/fiancee/fiance visa applicants/holders will be given pink IDs.

Bring the required documents as specified on the website. For IR/CR visa holders, you might ask if it's necessary to bring the original Immigrant Data Summary (IDS). I did not bring mine. I just presented the photocopy, the original copy was not asked.

3. What to expect?

The doors opened at around 630AM. The initial checker will review docs, will ask if fiance/fiancee or spouse, will ask country of destination.

Pink ID holders will proceed to 3rd floor for the seminar/counselling. But will wait first at the first floor for the guard's go-signal.

At the 3rd floor, a form will be given to be filled-up. It's easy to fill-up, the fields are almost the same as what's on the G325A form. Remember the maiden name of your spouse or fiancee/fiance's mother. There are other questions like how did you meet, how long have you known each other, do you have children, etc.

Your form will be reviewed along with the required documents, then your photo will be taken. Then you will be asked to proceed to the assigned seminar room.

The counselling session will begin with the review of the form submitted. Attendees who can not answer parts of the form clearly will be given a "hold" remark and might be required to attend a one-on-one session if the information needed on the form can not still be provided. As long as you know your spouse/fiancee/fiance very well, it wouldn't be a problem at all. If all is OK, you pay the fee at the first floor. Then go back to the seminar room. Once all papers are reviewed and everyone have paid already, the seminar proper will start.

I found the seminar not bad (this is coming from someone who have traveled to the US a few times). I did not find any part of the lecture as offensive. The CFO officer explained well what's domestic violence, what are the different types, where and how to register the marriage abroad (for K1 visa applicants/holders), location of the PH embassy, where to ask help if needed (cited several options aside from the PH embassy), how to find work etc. Luggage requirement and limitations were also discussed, what fees are to be paid at the airport, etc. The seminar, in my opinion, is very helpful to those who will be going out of the country for the first time, those who are young and the like. And a good refresher for those with travel experiences.

Again, attendees given a hold remark will have to go back for a one-on-one or until the required document/information is presented. Basically, I observed, those who were put on "hold" status were those who can't provide answers to mother's maiden name, exact address abroad (with zip code), exact job of the spouse/fiance/fiancee and those who were unsure of their answers.

The CFO officer shared her contact details and even her cellphone number, so those who need to come back may get in touch with her directly.

It ended at around 11:50AM. I got my passport with the CFO sticker and the certificate at around 12:30PM.

Done with my CFO thingy today and it was a nice experience as I've hoped for...It was quick and fun! We finished at around 11am... The facilitator was nice...

[Chez&Rick 11]

May I know what time did you went there?