CFO Experience (Manila)

[CJ8611 6]

May I know what time did you went there?

I was there at around 4:30AM, there were about 15 people already but with different purposes - not all were spousal or fiance/fiancee visa holders/applicants. Others arrived between 5Am - 6AM and they got in in the morning session.

[Chez&Rick 11]

I was there at around 4:30AM, there were about 15 people already but with different purposes - not all were spousal or fiance/fiancee visa holders/applicants. Others arrived between 5Am - 6AM and they got in in the morning session.

I will be going tomorrow, i guess i should be there at 430am. Just for precaution. Thank you so much for the info, its really helpful

God bless!

[Stevephoto 230]

Salamat! Very helpful! Joan is going on My 30th...

[Stevephoto 230]

2. What to bring?

The initial documents to be checked are: 2 Valid IDs, 2 photocopy sets of the valid IDs presented

Is the passport and postal ID OK? Salamat!

[CJ8611 6]

Is the passport and postal ID OK? Salamat!

Yes, that would be OK. Postal ID is considered a valid government ID. I presented my driver's license and passport. Please make sure to have photocopies.

Good luck and hope it'll be a pleasant experience!

I will be going tomorrow, i guess i should be there at 430am. Just for precaution. Thank you so much for the info, its really helpful

God bless!

You're welcome! Hope you had a good one! God bless!

Edited May 22, 2013 by CJ8611

[Stevephoto 230]

Yes, that would be OK. Postal ID is considered a valid government ID. I presented my driver's license and passport. Please make sure to have photocopies.

Good luck and hope it'll be a pleasant experience!

You're welcome! Hope you had a good one! God bless!

Salamat!

[Artisan 138]

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.

In general they expect that someone that is going to marry another person would know virtually everything there is to know about their future spouse and their family. Your fiance will be asked a LOT of questions regarding your family and expected to know the answers without thinking too hard. If you are an overly private individual that doesn't share much about yourself (including family and other dark dirty secrets) with your fiance, she is likely to be blindsided by both the CFO and the interviewing consul at the Embassy. If you have any odd black marks on your record even if they are 20 or 30 years old (criminal records or bankruptcies for example) the Embassy has been known to ask fiances if they are aware of those fact and deny visas based on their reactions or lack of knowledge.

[Hank_ 9,174]

[vazpayne19 24]

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.

Maraming Salamat! I am searching for reviews regarding the seminar. after reading such "not that good experiences" i find your post helpful. once again, thank you!