CFO document needed for Filipino traveling to visit Husband on a B-2 Emergency tourist visa?

[Tomell 8]

My wife just got her visa yesterday to come be by my side for a big operation, it is a tourist visa though, we just found out about this CFO requirement and are in a panic (Her flight leaves tomorrow night)!

 

If she is on a tourist visa, is a CFO required?

 

Is there an "official document" somewhere saying so if she is hassled by immigration?

 

Thanks Much!

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

****Moved to the Philippines regional forum for country specific question*****

[SalishSea 17,803]

1 hour ago, Tomell said:

My wife just got her visa yesterday to come be by my side for a big operation, it is a tourist visa though, we just found out about this CFO requirement and are in a panic (Her flight leaves tomorrow night)!

 

If she is on a tourist visa, is a CFO required?

 

Is there an "official document" somewhere saying so if she is hassled by immigration?

 

Thanks Much!

Is she planning on returning to the Philippines after the visit?

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

2 hours ago, Tomell said:

My wife just got her visa yesterday to come be by my side for a big operation, it is a tourist visa though, we just found out about this CFO requirement and are in a panic (Her flight leaves tomorrow night)!

 

If she is on a tourist visa, is a CFO required?

 

Is there an "official document" somewhere saying so if she is hassled by immigration?

 

Thanks Much!

No, a CFO SHOULD not be required for her since it is only a B2 tourist visa. Unfortunately sometimes the Philippines airport authorities try to exert their power to deny people. Remind her to be strong and she shouldn't have a problem at all

[Tomell 8]

16 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Is she planning on returning to the Philippines after the visit?

Yes, we plan to return to Cebu Philippines together after the 3 month recovery from the operation.

 

[Tomell 8]

Just found this from the issuing agency, I am apperently screwed (They are waiting to do the heart pump operation till after she gets here and I was given 2 to 3 months (a month ago) without this operation. Anyone know anyone at the issuing agency, or know how to get this done on an emergency basis?

[top_secret 2,411]

Americans expect systems with clearly defined rules where if one completes whatever requirements they are supposed to, they automatically achieve a successful outcome.   The Philippines tends to be much more murky than that.  CFO is very much at the discretion of whichever immigration officer one encounters and therefore is kind of a crapshoot.  Is it required?  My wife had gone out of the country like 8 or 10 times before she had ever even heard of the existence of CFO so obviously it is not "required".  However during rona travel restrictions her last two trips she encountered some resistance culminating in a two hour harsh interrogation her last non-immigrant trip.  But she stood her ground and they did let her travel.  Then when she actually did emigrate with her daughter, and for the first time ever actually had a CFO, they did not even look at it.

 

CFO has reopened their in-person "seminars" 4 days a week. I have no idea how that is working out since they just recently reopened those.  They still have the tele counseling too. https://cfo.gov.ph/cfo-hybrid-frontline-services-for-guidance-and-counseling-program/

 

If she can't get one in time?  Try going anyway.  Get to the airport early to leave time for delays.  My observation is that those with US B2 Visas probably face less scrutiny than others.  If she has previous foreign travel that is a big plus.  Probably a 50/50 chance they ask her where she's going, she says US, they see a B2 visa and stamp her passport.

 

 

 

[Bill Oxner 18]

17 hours ago, Tomell said:

Yes, we plan to return to Cebu Philippines together after the 3 month recovery from the operation.

 

I would make sure you well healed before going to Philippines.  I have spent some time in Philippines hospital and you put your life in jeopardy once you enter their medical system, lack of proper equipment, poorly trained doctors, etc makes it risky

 

If you need major medical done in Philippines there is a good chance you won't survive the procedure over there.

 

[Bill Oxner 18]

20 hours ago, Tomell said:

My wife just got her visa yesterday to come be by my side for a big operation, it is a tourist visa though, we just found out about this CFO requirement and are in a panic (Her flight leaves tomorrow night)!

 

If she is on a tourist visa, is a CFO required?

 

Is there an "official document" somewhere saying so if she is hassled by immigration?

 

Thanks Much!

In theroy she shouldn't need CFO, but you know how Philippines is,  it hit and miss with rules and guidelines in that country.

 

I will say with her being married vs single that would be a huge advantage in not needing CFO and getting messed with at the airport.

 

Please keep us updated 

 

 

Edited March 9, 2023 by Bill Oxner

[Tomell 8]

51 minutes ago, Bill Oxner said:

In theroy she shouldn't need CFO, but you know how Philippines is,  it hit and miss with rules and guidelines in that country.

 

I will say with her being married vs single that would be a huge advantage in not needing CFO and getting messed with at the airport.

 

Please keep us updated 

 

 

After a whole bunch of begging, emails, phone calls and my wife visiting the office at the crack of dawn, she was able to get her CFO in just a day, Ill let everyone know if she needs it, shes going through customs in about 30 min... 🙂

[Tomell 8]

1 hour ago, Tomell said:

After a whole bunch of begging, emails, phone calls and my wife visiting the office at the crack of dawn, she was able to get her CFO in just a day, Ill let everyone know if she needs it, shes going through customs in about 30 min... 🙂

Immigration never even looked...

[marriedtomrg 141]

On 3/8/2023 at 11:33 AM, Tomell said:

Just found this from the issuing agency, I am apperently screwed (They are waiting to do the heart pump operation till after she gets here and I was given 2 to 3 months (a month ago) without this operation. Anyone know anyone at the issuing agency, or know how to get this done on an emergency basis?

She can try a walk in appointment and explain her situation.

[maEL 4]

17 hours ago, Bill Oxner said:

I would make sure you well healed before going to Philippines.  I have spent some time in Philippines hospital and you put your life in jeopardy once you enter their medical system, lack of proper equipment, poorly trained doctors, etc makes it risky

 

If you need major medical done in Philippines there is a good chance you won't survive the procedure over there.

 

Nope. Healthcare in the Philippines is on par, if not greater than the US.  And a lot cheaper too.  I guess you have not been in the country for a long time.

[milimelo 4,475]

On 3/8/2023 at 7:33 PM, Tomell said:

Just found this from the issuing agency, I am apperently screwed (They are waiting to do the heart pump operation till after she gets here and I was given 2 to 3 months (a month ago) without this operation. Anyone know anyone at the issuing agency, or know how to get this done on an emergency basis?

It says right there Not Required to Register. 

[confusedshoes 193]

18 minutes ago, milimelo said:

It says right there Not Required to Register. 

It also says right there "However, spouses, fiances or partners of foreign nationals who were issued above mentioned visas, are required to undergo GCP of CFO."

 

OP's 2nd word is wife. Happy it worked out for them in the end!