Pre departure Seminar for K1 Visa Holders

[cdctke 0]

My fiancé is scheduled to travel from the Philippines to the US on 1/16. She said that she just noticed a seminar she needs to take called the Pre Departure (PDOS) for K1 Visa Holders. She checked the next available session and it is on the 16th, but we have an early flight out.

Is the seminar required?

Thanks,

Charles

Edited December 28, 2015 by cdctke

[Pythos1 24]

Yes, the seminar is required for all first-time departures from the Philippines. It is to protect Philippine citizens from falling victim to various sorts of criminal perpetrators.

[bellashay 14]

It is a requirement to attend the CFO Guidance and Counseling Program. Visit the official website below to know more information and to schedule her appointment:

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

http://gcp-appointment.cfo.gov.ph/

She won't be able to leave the country I'm afraid if she doesn't attend the seminar.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

cdctke, on 27 Dec 2015 - 9:12 PM, said:

My fiancé is scheduled to travel from the Philippines to the US on 1/16. She said that she just noticed a seminar she needs to take called the Pre Departure (PDOS) for K1 Visa Holders. She checked the next available session and it is on the 16th, but we have an early flight out.

Is the seminar required?

Thanks,

Charles

Absolutely it is a requirement. She must take the GCP not the PDOS. GCP is for K1 visa holders. Step by step instructions <click here>. The seminar can be taken either in Manila or Cebu. Cebu is easier to get an appointment. Without the CPO certificate in her passport she will not clear Philippines Immigration and will be denied boarding till one can be presented.

[toddriegel 2]

It's required. My wife already attended it. It basically explains the rights they have here and what to do in case of abuse etc. She was at the seminar for quite a few hours also. You may have to reschedule her flight for the next day if she can't find an earlier class to attend. To reschedule a flight you'll just have to pay a few hundred extra dollars. Not a big deal.

[cdctke 0]

Thanks everyone. Looks like we will reschedule the flight. Unfortunately, I was flying to the Philippines to escort her to the US, but now I would have to change 4 flights (and additional fees) + extend my hotel stay and it's just too much $. She'll have to fly alone. Oh well,

I appreciate all your feedback, recommendations and links.

[Hank_ 9,174]

My fiancé is scheduled to travel from the Philippines to the US on 1/16. She said that she just noticed a seminar she needs to take called the Pre Departure (PDOS) for K1 Visa Holders. She checked the next available session and it is on the 16th, but we have an early flight out.

Is the seminar required?

Thanks,

Charles

Yes the CFO seminar is required, she will get a certificate and a sticker in her passport... she is not exiting the Phils without that sticker.

She wants to attend the GCP seminar for spouses and fiancees.

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2334:frequently-asked-questions-on-cfo-guidance-and-counseling-program&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2909%3Aattend-the-gcp-in-manila--cebu&catid=102%3Atabs&Itemid=858

[coa24 69]

Thanks everyone. Looks like we will reschedule the flight. Unfortunately, I was flying to the Philippines to escort her to the US, but now I would have to change 4 flights (and additional fees) + extend my hotel stay and it's just too much $. She'll have to fly alone. Oh well,

I appreciate all your feedback, recommendations and links.

Hate to hear that you have to reschedule your flight. I know how much money it is to reschedule and had to reschedule one of my flights at one time. It will all be worth it in the end. Good luck to you...Just around the corner .

[EliYan 3]

My fiancé is scheduled to travel from the Philippines to the US on 1/16. She said that she just noticed a seminar she needs to take called the Pre Departure (PDOS) for K1 Visa Holders. She checked the next available session and it is on the 16th, but we have an early flight out.

Is the seminar required?

Thanks,

Charles

You might consider checking the CFO Cebu office. They might have an earlier schedule for cfo councelling.

[cdctke 0]

Hi Everyone,

We were able to schedule an appoint in Cebu on the 15th - really cutting it close. Will she get her stamp the same day or does she have to wait?

Thanks so much.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

cdctke, on 28 Dec 2015 - 7:32 PM, said:

Hi Everyone,

We were able to schedule an appoint in Cebu on the 15th - really cutting it close. Will she get her stamp the same day or does she have to wait?

Thanks so much.

If she has the passport then the same day otherwise she gets a certificate and must return to either Cebu, Manila or NAIA with the missing passport to have the CFO sticker issued in the passport.

[cdctke 0]

Greenbaum,

Thanks so much. She will have her passport. So we will fly to Cebu on the 14th, she has her appointment on the 15th and we will fly back to Manila on the 15th at night to take our flight to the US on the 16th in the early AM.

We are really cutting it close. Again, thank you so much for the information.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

cdctke, on 28 Dec 2015 - 7:53 PM, said:

Greenbaum,

Thanks so much. She will have her passport. So we will fly to Cebu on the 14th, she has her appointment on the 15th and we will fly back to Manila on the 15th at night to take our flight to the US on the 16th in the early AM.

We are really cutting it close. Again, thank you so much for the information.

Good luck. Sounds like a plan.

I'm glad that we could suggest Cebu as an alternative and you were able to schedule it. You'll find Cebu is much more laid back for the CFO then Manila. Manila can be rough if the ladies are timid, the interviewers will circle them for hours and then go in for the kill.

Your gal should be confident and answer all the questions truthfully and she should have no problems.