Successful CFO in Manila!

[ChaiLatte 1]

Joan had her CFO seminar this morning and had no problem! She met a lady from a Facebook group that we all belong to and they both passed with no issues! Note though that they were both K-1. Joan got there at about 4:45 in the morning and Eky was already there. Joan was already number 7 in line that early! There were 16 people in the class and 10 were held for 1-1 sessions. Joan thinks that all 10 who were held were going for a spouse visa and the issues were mostly about paperwork like divorce decrees. Joan was asked for only her two IDs. Passport and postal worked. She was NOT asked for her cenomar nor her parental advice (after all that drama a month ago to get it)! They only asked Joan to see my birth certificate and only kept copies of her ID. They did not even ask for photos! BUT Joan said that it seemed to be a case by case basis for what applicants were asked for. All in all Joan seems to have had an easier time that I did sweating it out in the hotel with intermittent wifi to check Facebook updates!

Congratulations to you Steve and Joan. Could you guys possibly share some questions that were asked during the seminar/counseling? It will be very helpful and maybe some critical items that you need to fill out on the forms?

Thank you very much in advance.

[Stevephoto 230]

Hi! Eky here! I posted a walkthrough/review here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/433264-cfo-seminar-in-manila-may-30-2013/

Thanks Eky! Great review! That is pretty much what Joan said but in more detail. I am so glad that you and Joan got to meet and do this together,

[Stevephoto 230]

Congratulations to you Steve and Joan. Could you guys possibly share some questions that were asked during the seminar/counseling? It will be very helpful and maybe some critical items that you need to fill out on the forms?

Thank you very much in advance.

Hi! Erika posted a very detailed review that is much like what Joan said happened. The link to her review is above. That will give you great information and advice! Thanks again Eky!

[gayle blue 4]

Congratulation for both of you.

[Natsukiii 35]

Hey guys,

My wife is currently at CFO. Please send prayers her way! Thanks!

Justin

[Stevephoto 230]

Hey guys,

My wife is currently at CFO. Please send prayers her way! Thanks!

Justin

Fingers crossed for you Justin!

[Artisan 138]

Yes you need a passport for CFO for immigrants, but you also need CFO to acquire a passport, which is why I posted that info.

Actually you don't need the CFO for a passport. Many Filipinos have a passport for travel abroad without the intent to emigrate. You can get your passport through the DFA without attending a CFO seminar.

[Hank_ 9,174]

From the DFA website: (being this IS a visa forum and they are IR/CR-1)

For spouse of foreign national:

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by NSO. Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in NSO Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable.
• Report of Marriage duly authenticated by NSO if married abroad
• Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance (required for first time applicants or renewal of passport to be used for the first time the surname of the husband)

[Robb&Ann 101]

I think since the applicants don't have the "visa" on hand yet(coz they are still waiting to be approved),

they can attend to CFO without the passport.. just present 2 valid IDs other than a passport.

Since there is no "visa" on hand yet, it means that there is no Registration at CFO yet.. and they just need to present the following for : 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, original 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 P400.00 counseling fee.

then get the certificate and bring it to DFA

The other requirements is for the "Registration" at cfo if there is an issued visa already..

If you will notice, the registration requirements says

Requirements for Registration

1. Original and photocopy of Passport;
2. Original and photocopy of visa
3. Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US-bound emigrants (except for K visa holders);
4. Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;
5. Duly completed emigrant registration form; and
6. Payment of the authorized registration fee.

[Robb&Ann 101]

the registration means that if you are done with the interview already and have the visa on hand already and the IDS(for CR1) and done with the guidance and counseling program, then u can now register , then u will get the sticker then u can now fly to USA.

[Natsukiii 35]

I think since the applicants don't have the "visa" on hand yet(coz they are still waiting to be approved),

they can attend to CFO without the passport.. just present 2 valid IDs other than a passport.

Since there is no "visa" on hand yet, it means that there is no Registration at CFO yet.. and they just need to present the following for : for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

then get the certificate and bring it to DFA

The other requirements is for the "Registration" at cfo if there is an issued visa already..

If you will notice, the registration requirements says

Thanks for the clarification Robb & Ann. That makes a lot of sense. I really appreciate it! My wife is completing her CFO Seminar as we speak. It turns out she didn't need her passport Thank God!

Justin

Edited May 31, 2013 by Ema ♥ Jin

[Robb&Ann 101]

Thanks for the clarification Robb & Ann. That makes a lot of sense. I really appreciate it! My wife is completing her CFO Seminar as we speak. It turns out she didn't need her passport Thank God!

Justin

walang anuman. Good luck to both of u.

Edited May 31, 2013 by Robb&Ann

[Natsukiii 35]

My wife just finished and passed the CFO Seminar. Praise God! Thanks for all of your help!

[Robb&Ann 101]

My wife just finished and passed the CFO Seminar. Praise God! Thanks for all of your help!

congratulations!!!

[Mrs.Presson 16]

Thanks Eky! Great review! That is pretty much what Joan said but in more detail. I am so glad that you and Joan got to meet and do this together,

Heya, you're welcome!