CFO concerns

[Luke417 3]

Hello fellow VJ’ers. My fiancée is planning to attend the CFO seminar this coming week (if possible), and we have a few concerns. She already has her passport returned to her with the K-1 visa (woohoo!). All that is left is the CFO. We want to have this taken care of soon, though, mainly so she can return home with me on July 30 (I am currently with her in Metro Manila). I read the CFO web site (which is annoyingly vague) and some of the forums here (including Hank’s very helpful guide), and I prepared everything I could so far. Here are the concerns that remain.

1. NBI clearance. This is my main concern: The USEM took the only one she had (but left her with the receipt portion). Reading the forums on here, it seems that some people had to wait a long time to get the clearance. Last time, my fiancée placed the order and retrieved it in a provincial office. She ended up with a “hit” for the same name, but I think she got it back in about a week. Does anyone know of a way to get a new NBI clearance the quickest way possible?
2. The CENOMAR we used at the interview expired the very next day. At least I think so. It was dated January 2 and the interview was July 2. Should my fiancée get a new CENOMAR for the CFO session?
3. We just realized that we need to get more birth certificates to take back to the States, so that is on the agenda as well. Am I correct that these can be attained in the same place as a CENOMAR?
4. Is it still possible to get the above documents and complete the CFO session in sufficient time to depart for the States on July 30? (in your opinions of course)

I realize that we overlooked some of the details of the process which is why we are in this situation. There is just SO MUCH STUFF to think about throughout this whole process…as WE ALL SURELY know! I guess we were bound to trip up somewhere. Thanks so much for any feedback anyone can offer!

[Bugs 455]

If you have two forms of government issued picture ID, then you will probably be alright without an NBI. The passport can be one, what else do you have?

However, there is still a possibility that they may want to see the NBI anyways. And they have been known to ask for the CENOMAR as well.

Yes, you need several birth certificates when you move to the states. The Phlippine embassy will want one, you need one for AOS, ROC, and Citizenship, dual-citizenship, among other things. So you might as well get that and the CENOMAR all on one trip to the NSO. Processing usually takes a week.

Good luck. Read my thread linked below, as you may find it helpful as well.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hello fellow VJ’ers. My fiancée is planning to attend the CFO seminar this coming week (if possible), and we have a few concerns. She already has her passport returned to her with the K-1 visa (woohoo!). All that is left is the CFO. We want to have this taken care of soon, though, mainly so she can return home with me on July 30 (I am currently with her in Metro Manila). I read the CFO web site (which is annoyingly vague) and some of the forums here (including Hank’s very helpful guide), and I prepared everything I could so far. Here are the concerns that remain.

1. NBI clearance. This is my main concern: The USEM took the only one she had (but left her with the receipt portion). Reading the forums on here, it seems that some people had to wait a long time to get the clearance. Last time, my fiancée placed the order and retrieved it in a provincial office. She ended up with a “hit” for the same name, but I think she got it back in about a week. Does anyone know of a way to get a new NBI clearance the quickest way possible?
2. The CENOMAR we used at the interview expired the very next day. At least I think so. It was dated January 2 and the interview was July 2. Should my fiancée get a new CENOMAR for the CFO session?
3. We just realized that we need to get more birth certificates to take back to the States, so that is on the agenda as well. Am I correct that these can be attained in the same place as a CENOMAR?
4. Is it still possible to get the above documents and complete the CFO session in sufficient time to depart for the States on July 30? (in your opinions of course)

I realize that we overlooked some of the details of the process which is why we are in this situation. There is just SO MUCH STUFF to think about throughout this whole process…as WE ALL SURELY know! I guess we were bound to trip up somewhere. Thanks so much for any feedback anyone can offer!

CFO does not normally ask for a copy of the NBI, some use it for their 2nd ID is all. If you do not have a copy of the CENOMAR you will need that but I I believe the CENOMAR is good for a year. While at NSO getting a couple extra birth certificates get another CENOMAR if you need one. Some NSO locations are quick and will issue the BC and CENOMAR the same day, I think someone mentioned the one located in Robinson mall.... don't quote me, I would check the NSO website for sure.

Make sure to have the copies of documents listed for the USC as well. Read the CFO information in my signature link.

For the most part if you Fiancee is confident when being interviewed and has the information required CFO will go smoothly.

[Robb&Ann 101]

1. NBI clearance. This is my main concern: The USEM took the only one she had (but left her with the receipt portion). Reading the forums on here, it seems that some people had to wait a long time to get the clearance. Last time, my fiancée placed the order and retrieved it in a provincial office. She ended up with a “hit” for the same name, but I think she got it back in about a week. Does anyone know of a way to get a new NBI clearance the quickest way possible? If your fiancee will request for NBI Clearance tomorrow, it is possible that she would need to go back after a week or two.depends on the number of people who were applying. I ordered online and went to Galleria. I got mine after 2weeks.. bec there were many who were applying and my name is a "hit". but if there are only few people who were applying, she can have her clearance in a week. She may try at main NBI in U.N. ave. if she cant get another one, she may bring her personal copy..
2. The CENOMAR we used at the interview expired the very next day. At least I think so. It was dated January 2 and the interview was July 2. Should my fiancée get a new CENOMAR for the CFO session? It won't hurt.. just to be safe,though not all were asked for this (including me). this can be ordered along with the birth certificates.either walk-in at NSO or online
3. We just realized that we need to get more birth certificates to take back to the States, so that is on the agenda as well. Am I correct that these can be attained in the same place as a CENOMAR? yes. and can be ordered online too or walk in
4. Is it still possible to get the above documents and complete the CFO session in sufficient time to depart for the States on July 30? (in your opinions of course) yes but not sure with NBI coz it would depend on where she will apply and the number of applicants that day

Order your fiancee's CENOMAR and Birth certificates at e-census

Delivery FAQ

Payment FAQ

Online application

Order now and pay right away tomorrow.

[Luke417 3]

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far. Very much appreciated!

Leon & Mylen: Your guide was one of the CFO guides I originally read. Very helpful and thorough which is why I tried to prepare everything you listed as well. Thanks so much for it.

Hank: Your guide is legendary! I refer to it often, so I made sure to have multiple copies of MY documents (including passport, BC, financial records, etc.). Thank you very much for keeping it so up to date! EXTREMELY helpful!!

Robb & Ann: Thank you for the very helpful links! If we cannot get the NSO documents in person by Tuesday, we will probably use this to get them by next Tuesday.

My fiancee does have two forms of photo ID (passport and driver's license). She also has the "personal copy" of the NBI clearance (the bottom half of the original sheet), which is exactly the same as the top half, only it has a "personal copy" stamp on it. It is still green, has the photo, and all the pertinent information. Does anyone think this might be OK to show as an "original" if they ask? Of course we will make a copy as well.

I researched the NSO website, and the nearest one to us is the Pasay location. If we can get there very early on Tuesday, I'm hoping we can get the CENOMAR and copies of BC the same day. I've read about some cases where this is possible, particularly at this location.

We'll probably also order a CENOMAR online because they claim it can come in a few days. We definitely need one of these because it turns out we only had one original (which the USEM took for their records). The extra 10 dollars for this fee is really not an issue compared to piece of mind. Guess we should have done the CFO counseling BEFORE the interview.

One other question (sorry!). The CFO website says there is a "registration fee" for the registration process, but it does not list the fee amount. Is this the same as the "counseling fee"? I assume it is separate, but I am wondering what the amount is. Thanks again everyone!

[vanityyve 2]

Thanks to everyone for the replies so far. Very much appreciated!

Leon & Mylen: Your guide was one of the CFO guides I originally read. Very helpful and thorough which is why I tried to prepare everything you listed as well. Thanks so much for it.

Hank: Your guide is legendary! I refer to it often, so I made sure to have multiple copies of MY documents (including passport, BC, financial records, etc.). Thank you very much for keeping it so up to date! EXTREMELY helpful!!

Robb & Ann: Thank you for the very helpful links! If we cannot get the NSO documents in person by Tuesday, we will probably use this to get them by next Tuesday.

My fiancee does have two forms of photo ID (passport and driver's license). She also has the "personal copy" of the NBI clearance (the bottom half of the original sheet), which is exactly the same as the top half, only it has a "personal copy" stamp on it. It is still green, has the photo, and all the pertinent information. Does anyone think this might be OK to show as an "original" if they ask? Of course we will make a copy as well.

I researched the NSO website, and the nearest one to us is the Pasay location. If we can get there very early on Tuesday, I'm hoping we can get the CENOMAR and copies of BC the same day. I've read about some cases where this is possible, particularly at this location.

We'll probably also order a CENOMAR online because they claim it can come in a few days. We definitely need one of these because it turns out we only had one original (which the USEM took for their records). The extra 10 dollars for this fee is really not an issue compared to piece of mind. Guess we should have done the CFO counseling BEFORE the interview.

One other question (sorry!). The CFO website says there is a "registration fee" for the registration process, but it does not list the fee amount. Is this the same as the "counseling fee"? I assume it is separate, but I am wondering what the amount is. Thanks again everyone!

Registration Fee is for Php 400. I just had my CFO seminar last Tuesday and received my visa last Friday. You can check my experience at this link: http://k1visaapplicant.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/cfo-guidance-and-counseling-part-1-and-visa-pick-up-at-2go-sm-mall-of-asia/

[Luke417 3]

Registration Fee is for Php 400. I just had my CFO seminar last Tuesday and received my visa last Friday. You can check my experience at this link: http://k1visaapplicant.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/cfo-guidance-and-counseling-part-1-and-visa-pick-up-at-2go-sm-mall-of-asia/

Thank you so much. Very helpful also!

Did they ask you for a CENOMAR or NBI clearance at your counseling session? Or do you know if you need either of them for the registration when you go back?

Edited July 14, 2013 by Luke417

[Robb&Ann 101]

Robb & Ann: Thank you for the very helpful links! If we cannot get the NSO documents in person by Tuesday, we will probably use this to get them by next Tuesday.

My fiancee does have two forms of photo ID (passport and driver's license). She also has the "personal copy" of the NBI clearance (the bottom half of the original sheet), which is exactly the same as the top half, only it has a "personal copy" stamp on it. It is still green, has the photo, and all the pertinent information. Does anyone think this might be OK to show as an "original" if they ask? Of course we will make a copy as well.- i had read here were the counselee only had the "personal copy" when she went to CFO, and she was OK..it was returned to her too after the seminar. have some copies of it too in case CFO asks.. copies are OK at CFO as they are also one of the advocates of not giving the originals esp their certificate.. i would be surprised if they keep the original (except pictures).. that personal copy is actually an original too. I also read here where someone was asked to present an NBI, she presented it then it was returned to her.If in case she will be asked to give an original she may give her copy if she wont need it anymore. or, since u are in Pasay already, visit NBI Main..at UN.. u may also try getting it there.. hopefully it will only be a week to claim.we don't know if CFO would want the original without"personal copy" stamp during ur fiancee's seminar..so just to be safe, try getting another 1.Pay using Globe Gcash then order online. book an appointment then go to nbi... If not needed at cfo, then ur fiancee may bring that nbi in the US too.

I researched the NSO website, and the nearest one to us is the Pasay location. If we can get there very early on Tuesday, I'm hoping we can get the CENOMAR and copies of BC the same day. I've read about some cases where this is possible, particularly at this location. - yes. i forgot to mention going to serbilis center. some got their bc / cenomar on the same day or two. while the others got it after a week. but i hope u will get it on the same day or the next day in Pasay.. That one in Pasay is where USEM refers the applicants who don't have CENOMAR when they attended at the interview... so let's hope u will get the cenomar on the same day or the next day.. atleast the payment is also cheaper than ordering online which is double the price.lol.but it's ok..as long as u get some copies.

We'll probably also order a CENOMAR online because they claim it can come in a few days. We definitely need one of these because it turns out we only had one original (which the USEM took for their records). The extra 10 dollars for this fee is really not an issue compared to piece of mind. Guess we should have done the CFO counseling BEFORE the interview. - ya.. but at least the interview was done already.. and you were approved.. it's ok.. i have a feeling that you and your fiancee will be able to get these papers before July 30..

One other question (sorry!). The CFO website says there is a "registration fee" for the registration process, but it does not list the fee amount. Is this the same as the "counseling fee"? I assume it is separate, but I am wondering what the amount is. Thanks again everyone!

- this actually confuses us.. Leon already asked about this too. i asked some FB group friends esp those who registered already.. and they said that the P400 counseling fee already includes the sticker... your fiancee may also bring some extra

Edited July 14, 2013 by Robb&Ann

[Luke417 3]

Ann, your reply was EXTREMELY helpful! I do feel much better. Based on your responses, this is what I think we will do:

• Monday is out, unfortunately, because my fiancee has work obligations ALL DAY.
• Tuesday AM: Order CENOMAR and multiple birth certificates at the Pasay serbilis location (ask them if it is possible to attain them that day or by Wednesday).
• Tuesday AM: Also go to UN to visit NBI main to order new NBI clearance. Even if it takes a week (or slightly more), this is hopefully OK because we still have the "personal copy" original. Like you said it is a good safety precaution just in case (and also good to have to take to the US).
• Wednesday: make all needed photocopies and organize all of the possible documents they will ask for.
• Thursday: CFO (if we were able to attain a new CENOMAR in time). She can do the counseling and registration all on this day.

If it turns out that we can't get the CENOMAR same day or next day, we would probably just order one online to be here by the middle of next week and then attend CFO at the end of next week. Might order one tonight and pay at BDO tomorrow anyway, just in case. So what if we end up with two copies...better than the zero we have now!

[vanityyve 2]

No, as far as I could remember, the other 14 applicants I am with did not present their NBI nor CENOMAR. They are not required for individual or group counseling. The only thing I discovered was that if applicant's petitioner had been divorced before, they would need to present a photocopy of his divorce decree or just know the divorce date. If you failed to do so, they will not release your certificate on that same day and will put it on hold till you get to submit the required pertinent documents. The only thing I submitted for registration was my 2 photocopies of my 2 valid ID with photos in it (bring the original IDs as well) and the registration form they provided. For the individual counseling, the facilitator only asked for my photos.

Edited July 14, 2013 by vanityyve

[Robb&Ann 101]

Ann, your reply was EXTREMELY helpful! I do feel much better. Based on your responses, this is what I think we will do:

• Monday is out, unfortunately, because my fiancee has work obligations ALL DAY.
• Tuesday AM: Order CENOMAR and multiple birth certificates at the Pasay serbilis location (ask them if it is possible to attain them that day or by Wednesday).
• Tuesday AM: Also go to UN to visit NBI main to order new NBI clearance. Even if it takes a week (or slightly more), this is hopefully OK because we still have the "personal copy" original. Like you said it is a good safety precaution just in case (and also good to have to take to the US).
• Wednesday: make all needed photocopies and organize all of the possible documents they will ask for.
• Thursday: CFO (if we were able to attain a new CENOMAR in time). She can do the counseling and registration all on this day.

If it turns out that we can't get the CENOMAR same day or next day, we would probably just order one online to be here by the middle of next week and then attend CFO at the end of next week. Might order one tonight and pay at BDO tomorrow anyway, just in case. So what if we end up with two copies...better than the zero we have now!

I agree with you Luke!

Also, at CFO GCP it is a case to case basis.. so it is safe to be ready! they might have not asked me and the others to present a cenomar but who knows if ur fiancee will be asked since the others were asked too.. there's still time so it's good that you and your fiancee are doing some efforts to get these docs. It's better than going into a war without a gun. If your fiancee will lack some docs, the counselor will give her a few hours to get back to CFO. If she can't present it after the said time, then she will go back the next day or when she is available and wait until when the counselor will have time for her and might ask for more.. so just be ready

[Robb&Ann 101]

btw, if you order tonight (Sun) and pay at BDO tomorrow, it is possible that your fiancee will receive the cenomar this Friday or Mon or Tue next week (depends on the circumstances too.. lucky if your fiancee will receive it 3 business days after payment).. As for my experience with e-census, it took me a week to receive my cenomar..(4business days) but, i ordered it a day before the independence day..that's y... and i lived in Rizal! (outside manila)

[Luke417 3]

No, as far as I could remember, the other 14 applicants I am with did not present their NBI nor CENOMAR. They are not required for individual or group counseling. The only thing I discovered was that if applicant's petitioner had been divorced before, they would need to present a photocopy of his divorce decree or just know the divorce date. If you failed to do so, they will not release your certificate on that same day and will put it on hold till you get to submit the required pertinent documents. The only thing I submitted for registration was my 2 photocopies of my 2 valid ID with photos in it (bring the original IDs as well) and the registration form they provided. For the individual counseling, the facilitator only asked for my photos.

Great first-hand information again, especially since you recently attended. We will still try to get the documents just to be safe (based on some other stories on here I have read). I do feel much more at ease now that chances are even if we don't have one of these things in time, my fiancee has at least a decent chance of getting the sticker (and not having to come back the next week). Thank you so much!

[Luke417 3]

I agree with you Luke!

Also, at CFO GCP it is a case to case basis.. so it is safe to be ready! they might have not asked me and the others to present a cenomar but who knows if ur fiancee will be asked since the others were asked too.. there's still time so it's good that you and your fiancee are doing some efforts to get these docs. It's better than going into a war without a gun. If your fiancee will lack some docs, the counselor will give her a few hours to get back to CFO. If she can't present it after the said time, then she will go back the next day or when she is available and wait until when the counselor will have time for her and might ask for more.. so just be ready

Thank you very much again, Ann. Very encouraging! We will still get as much as possible early this week, and based on what you said, I think I will suggest to my fiancee to go to the CFO on Thursday regardless. Sounds like if by chance they ask for something we don't have, we can bring it back when we do have it. Worst-case scenario, she has to go again on a different day once we get it. Also Hank said (if I interpret his advice correctly) that if she is confident, which I am sure she will be, things should go smoothly.

Good luck on your interview on Tuesday too, by the way! I bet we will be passing you near the Embassy on our way to the NBI main building (since we plan to go early). We will take a look over at the Embassy when we pass it and give a nod for good luck to you.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Great first-hand information again, especially since you recently attended. We will still try to get the documents just to be safe (based on some other stories on here I have read). I do feel much more at ease now that chances are even if we don't have one of these things in time, my fiancee has at least a decent chance of getting the sticker (and not having to come back the next week). Thank you so much!

I have not read of anyone ever being asked for an NBI at CFO.