And the CFO Harassment begins........

[teltek35674 2]

please move this post to the correct location I could not find how to post directly on the Philippines portal

The CFO is requiring a copy of ID of my Fiancee's parents. She is under 25 so we did have a notarized permission/consent letter and every other document I have read about that they may ask for. I know this is just the beginning as when we give them this document they will require another and another. Can someone offer advice on what have been some request in the past? Or any advice on how others have handled it? Is their countrys a Filipino can visit as a tourist without a visa or visiting the CFO? Could a lawyer help with this?

Any advice you can offer would be great, my Fiancee is very upset right now as she thought the toughest part would be the Embassy interview and was expecting something different at the CFO.

Thanks in advance,

R

[vazpayne19 24]

Around what time did she arrived at the seminar? I am planning to have my seminar soon. I have seen another thread too that his fiance was "harrassed" too at the seminar. The girl went to the seminar 3x and she was rejected 2x. I cannot help with you on this matter but i am following this one to see other VJers who had experience with CFO.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

~ Moved from AOS Family Based to Philippines regional ~

[Robb&Ann 101]

wow. this made me "nervous" as i am planning to go to CFO next week!

if i may ask, which office did ur fiancee went to? is it in Manila or Cebu?

[vazpayne19 24]

wow. this made me "nervous" as i am planning to go to CFO next week!

if i may ask, which office did ur fiancee went to? is it in Manila or Cebu?

keep me posted on your adventure to CFO seminar! the post made me kinda nervous as well. there are documents that were being asked that are not even told to be brought. sigh*

[Vic20r 14]

please move this post to the correct location I could not find how to post directly on the Philippines portal

The CFO is requiring a copy of ID of my Fiancee's parents. She is under 25 so we did have a notarized permission/consent letter and every other document I have read about that they may ask for. I know this is just the beginning as when we give them this document they will require another and another. Can someone offer advice on what have been some request in the past? Or any advice on how others have handled it? Is their countrys a Filipino can visit as a tourist without a visa or visiting the CFO? Could a lawyer help with this?

Any advice you can offer would be great, my Fiancee is very upset right now as she thought the toughest part would be the Embassy interview and was expecting something different at the CFO.

Thanks in advance,

R

Is their countrys a Filipino can visit as a tourist without a visa or visiting the CFO?

Yes, there are countries which a Filipino can visit without tourist visa or visiting the CFO like Singapore, Hongkong, to add, please refer here:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/244922/pinoyabroad/pinoys-can-visit-at-least-25-countries-without-visas-dfa

But when she needs to apply/renew her passport, being a fiancee/spouse of a foreigner, she has to undergo CFO seminar which is part of the requirement.

[Robb&Ann 101]

Here is my checklist for the CFO. I included everything I have and I can provide but the kitchen sink.

These are the documents I can provide if in case they will ask.

The remaining is only in my brain when they ask for questions about our relationship, my life and the next immigration procedures.

Some of these requirements I included were compiled based on previous reviews from K1 applicants and some were not asked to ALL the applicants. You may also search some reviews here about CFO so you also have some ideas.

I also don't know if a lawyer could help on this case since it's between the applicant and CFO who ask whatever they want for some reasons..

I know it's frustrating but the reason behind all these "harassment" is for them (CFO) to also protect the Filipina.. I know that's their goal or mission or what they may call it.. in case something happens to the Filipina, atleast the Filipina knows what to do and CFO knows whom to get in touch with and how.. there are countries where a Filipino can visit without having a visa or CFO sticker if visiting as a tourist (as already mentioned above).. U may also search on Google for more info.

I know my checklist is A LOT and some might think it is too much.. but I would rather have everything I can provide than having none when asked. I also looked like a kid so I know they might scrutinize me. If I missed something, let me know as well. I would go crazy if CFO would ask something that I don't have on my list.thanks!

I also think if we have some comments, suggestions, or feedback to CFO, I think we can also e-mail them to let them know what we are thinking and how we feel regarding their service towards us who are going to attend the CFO or for those who already attended the seminar.

===

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

• Fee: P400
• 2 valid ID's
• Duly completed guidance and counseling form (provided at the office)
• Other documents as may be required by the counselors*

Registration (if VISA is "in hand" already)

• Original and photocopies of passport
• Original and photocopies of visa
• Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate
• Duly completed emigrant registration form
• Payment for registration fee

Additional:

• Notarized parental consent
• Notarized parental advice
• Sworn statement (along with the parental advice form)
• Sworn statement (intent to marry & travel)*
• Bring parent's ID and a photocopy

• NSO Birth certificate
• CENOMAR
• NBI clearance
• Police Clearance
• Barangay Clearance
• CEDULA
• Fiance's: Passport bio page, birth certificate and final divorce decree(s) ITRs and other financial documents (photocopies)

• My fiance's bio page
• Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States (Pamphlet)
• My 1x1 and 2x2 passport size picture*
• Bring recent proofs of bonafide / ongoing relationship like pictures, chat logs, remittances, Skype call logs & print screens
• Fiance's phone number
• Fiance's full mother's maiden name, address and phone number
• Friends and relatives phone numbers (fiance & beneficiary)
• Fiance's neighbor or landlord/lady's phone number (if fiance don't have a landline)
• Children's name, age, DOB, grade level, pictures

• Replica of I-129F
• Other credentials
• Contracts from condo rental,bills,etc
• Familiarize the next immigration procedures
• Other requirements maybe required for those who were previously annulled or divorced*

Makes copies of ALL the documents

Edited June 21, 2013 by Robb&Ann

[Robb&Ann 101]

keep me posted on your adventure to CFO seminar! the post made me kinda nervous as well. there are documents that were being asked that are not even told to be brought. sigh*

I am also planning to make a review regarding my CFO experience. I am also thinking of sending CFO a message or maybe talk to them during the seminar if they could at least be clear on their "Other documents as may be required by the counselors". To at least make a list on what those docs they might ask so we have an idea and be prepared for the seminar.. it's just esp when our fellow visa applicants have a hard time with them.

It would be nice if we all send them a message and express our views & opinions.

Send CFO an e-mail here

[vazpayne19 24]

this might help a little too.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/420667-cfo-experience-manila/

[Robb&Ann 101]

also include these:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/433264-cfo-seminar-in-manila-may-30-2013/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/432012-cfo-seminar-horror-story/

there are still a lot of reviews here.. maybe we should compile them.

my nape is starting to hurt. i think my blood pressure is rising again bec of CFO... or maybe i'm just nervous for next week.. i should rest.. I hope OP and his fiancee will be able to get through with this. sigh

Edited June 21, 2013 by Robb&Ann

[Dustin and Janen 86]

What if her parents don't have IDs?

[Hank_ 9,174]

please move this post to the correct location I could not find how to post directly on the Philippines portal

The CFO is requiring a copy of ID of my Fiancee's parents. She is under 25 so we did have a notarized permission/consent letter and every other document I have read about that they may ask for. I know this is just the beginning as when we give them this document they will require another and another. Can someone offer advice on what have been some request in the past? Or any advice on how others have handled it? Is their countrys a Filipino can visit as a tourist without a visa or visiting the CFO? Could a lawyer help with this?

Any advice you can offer would be great, my Fiancee is very upset right now as she thought the toughest part would be the Embassy interview and was expecting something different at the CFO.

Thanks in advance,

R

That is fairly common for CFO to ask for ID of the parents with the consent/advice form. Postal ID will work for this from what I have read with others. Bring the originals and copies.

The "other documents" clause gives CFO license to ask for whatever they feel like at the moment. Its seems as more and more become aware of "the required documents and information" CFO has been asking for from the "unknown list" that is when CFO requests another new document or information. Knowing the USC mother's maiden name was one of those, once the word got out on that one CFO added knowing the landline phone number of the USC (and if the USC don't have one they want one anyway).

I keep added new things required to the CFO information in my process list (link in my signature below this post), but it seems like its never ending the way CFO can add things at their whim.

It isn't what country a Filipino visits, its "why" are they flying there, as a tourist CFO isn't needed, but as an emigrate is when the rules change.

[Stevephoto 230]

CFO is such a case by case basis. Joan's was very easy and smooth, but others' have been nightmares. The guides posted by Hank and Ann will help but this is what Joan brought--she was not asked for 1/2 of it---not even the parental advice!

Envelope 1 (CFO—Philippine specific)

Registration form—two copies

Copy of my passport (bio page)

Copy of my birth certificate

Collage of photos from my three visits—three copies (3, not photocopied 2 more times)

Notarized Parental Advice

Copy of Joan’s parent’s letter to me accepting my request for her hand in marriage (in Tagalog and translated by Joan into English)

1x1 and 2x2 passport style photos

Joan’s Passport and copies of her bio page

Joan’s Cenomar and copies

Joan’s Postal ID and copies

My 1040 (ITR) cover sheet with SS# X’ed out (proof that I am singe)

Joan’s NBI in case they ask for it.

Good luck!

[teltek35674 2]

I am the OP

which office did ur fiancee went to? is it in Manila or Cebu?

Manila

But when she needs to apply/renew her passport, being a fiancee/spouse of a foreigner, she has to undergo CFO seminar which is part of the requirement.

​yes it is sad that something that was designed to protect Filipino could actually prevent them from returning to their country to visit their family and not allow them dual citizenship, seems like its doing the opposite effect on those they are running through the ringer. We are going to play their game until we are tired of it, the result will be the same we will be married and she will move here.

I know it's frustrating but the reason behind all these "harassment" is for them (CFO) to also protect the Filipina..

yes it has the potential to be of help but I truly feel that its all for show, If their were really interested in protecting the Filipina they should start with the ones living in the Philippines, The us has many programs to protect women from domestic violence but it appears to be out of control and widespread in the Philippines leaving the wife with no hope of escape. I think they should fix there problems at home first then when they have all the solutions fix the problem in the US.

I know my checklist is A LOT and some might think it is too much.

I think your checklist is great, I wished it had been easily searchable on visajourney. I done many searches for "CFO" never found it. wished I had been better prepared.

It would be nice if we all send them a message and express our views & opinions

I would not do it until AFTER you are approved. It seems they can act and do as they please with no rules and guidelines, we have a similar organization here in the US its called the Mafia

My words above are harsh and I'm sure I will regret it later, but please just think of my state of mind right now as I am making this post, Just to head off any accusations ahead of time, moving here without the CFO sticker is in no way shape or form illegal immigration. I am not breaking the rules of visajourney by suggesting me or anyone else should do it. I really hope we can do things without any shortcuts but hundreds or thousands have done it in the past and im sure many more will do it in the future because a power drunk organization will never be satisfied.

.

[Bugs 455]

<p>Here is my checklist for the CFO. I included everything I have and I can provide but the kitchen sink.These are the documents I can provide if in case they will ask.The remaining is only in my brain when they ask for questions about our relationship, my life and the next immigration procedures. Some of these requirements I included were compiled based on previous reviews from K1 applicants and some were not asked to ALL the applicants. You may also search some reviews here about CFO so you also have some ideas.I also don't know if a lawyer could help on this case since it's between the applicant and CFO who ask whatever they want for some reasons.. I know it's frustrating but the reason behind all these "harassment" is for them (CFO) to also protect the Filipina.. I know that's their goal or mission or what they may call it.. in case something happens to the Filipina, atleast the Filipina knows what to do and CFO knows whom to get in touch with and how.. there are countries where a Filipino can visit without having a visa or CFO sticker if visiting as a tourist (as already mentioned above).. U may also search on Google for more info. I know my checklist is A LOT and some might think it is too much.. but I would rather have everything I can provide than having none when asked. I also looked like a kid so I know they might scrutinize me. If I missed something, let me know as well. I would go crazy if CFO would ask something that I don't have on my list.thanks! I also think if we have some comments, suggestions, or feedback to CFO, I think we can also e-mail them to let them know what we are thinking and how we feel regarding their service towards us who are going to attend the CFO or for those who already attended the seminar.===

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

• Fee: P400
• 2 valid ID's
• Duly completed guidance and counseling form (provided at the office)
• Other documents as may be required by the counselors*

Registration (if VISA is "in hand" already)

• Original and photocopies of passport
• Original and photocopies of visa
• Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate
• Duly completed emigrant registration form
• Payment for registration fee

Additional:

• Notarized parental consent
• Notarized parental advice
• Sworn statement (along with the parental advice form)
• Sworn statement (intent to marry & travel)*
• Bring parent's ID and a photocopy

• NSO Birth certificate
• CENOMAR
• NBI clearance
• Police Clearance
• Barangay Clearance
• CEDULA
• Fiance's: Passport bio page, birth certificate and final divorce decree(s) ITRs and other financial documents (photocopies)

• My fiance's bio page
• Information on the Legal Rights Available to Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence in the United States (Pamphlet)
• My 1x1 and 2x2 passport size picture*
• Bring recent proofs of bonafide / ongoing relationship like pictures, chat logs, remittances, Skype call logs & print screens
• Fiance's phone number
• Fiance's full mother's maiden name, address and phone number
• Friends and relatives phone numbers (fiance & beneficiary)
• Fiance's neighbor or landlord/lady's phone number (if fiance don't have a landline)
• Children's name, age, DOB, grade level, pictures

• Replica of I-129F
• Other credentials
• Contracts from condo rental,bills,etc
• Familiarize the next immigration procedures
• Other requirements maybe required for those who were previously annulled or divorced*

Makes copies of ALL the documents

You only need the parental consent and advice if the fiance is under 25.