CFO Manila: Experience for a 20 Year Old?

[Howy 3]

Hello, Filipino beneficiary here.

 

My medical is halfway done, and after my interview, the CFO comes next. My fiancé and I have a 21 year age gap, and I’m only 20. I hear from others CFO will not like that.

 

I honestly am more scared of it than the interview, where I could be talking to American consuls instead, because what if the CFO officer denies a certificates based on that age gap alone? The reason I’m worried is because of experiences I hear from my fellow Filipinos. The CFO is the bigger battle to me because sometimes its also fellow Filipinos who drag down other Filipinos.

 

For those who know here, is there any tip or added step you guys could advise me? Additional documentation to show? Specific attitude? When to schedule even?

[Ontarkie 14,193]

~~Moved to the PI forum, from K1 P&P - as the topic is country specific.~~

[top_secret 2,377]

CFO has never been to concerned by age gap by itself but they have been known to give younger applicants a little closer scrutiny.  Just go in there prepared to talk confidently about your relationship.  The counselor may judge you by if they think you know what your are getting into with your relationship. If you seem responsible and mature they shouldn't give you any problems.  In general CFO has been allot easier to deal with lately.  After the total meltdown they had last summer they seem to have settled down a bit.  No recent complaints about them that I have heard.

[Howy 3]

5 hours ago, top_secret said:

CFO has never been to concerned by age gap by itself but they have been known to give younger applicants a little closer scrutiny.  Just go in there prepared to talk confidently about your relationship.  The counselor may judge you by if they think you know what your are getting into with your relationship. If you seem responsible and mature they shouldn't give you any problems.  In general CFO has been allot easier to deal with lately.  After the total meltdown they had last summer they seem to have settled down a bit.  No recent complaints about them that I have heard.

Oh if thats true that’s good news! Do you mind telling me more about the meltdown in question? Just curious.

 

Also, has anyone had the experience yet of a CFO officer refusing to issue a certificate if you dont provide them a police certificate from your American fiance? I’ve already heard recent horror stories about that. Would want to prepare in advance (whether there are other docs to bring, specific details to take note, etc).

[J.M. 227]

As mentioned above, CFO has calmed down a lot.  Don't worry about it too much.  Be confident and friendly during your counseling session.  Take the same documents you took to your interview.  Police certificate for fiancé is not required.  CFO was never intended to be a point of denial.  It was intended to be educational, preparing you for life in your new country.  For a while, they decided to be judge and jury, but it's not like that now.  Just be truthful and confident and you will be fine.

[RO_AH 1,659]

8 hours ago, Howard L said:

Hello, Filipino beneficiary here.

 

My medical is halfway done, and after my interview, the CFO comes next. My fiancé and I have a 21 year age gap, and I’m only 20. I hear from others CFO will not like that.

 

I honestly am more scared of it than the interview, where I could be talking to American consuls instead, because what if the CFO officer denies a certificates based on that age gap alone? The reason I’m worried is because of experiences I hear from my fellow Filipinos. The CFO is the bigger battle to me because sometimes its also fellow Filipinos who drag down other Filipinos.

 

For those who know here, is there any tip or added step you guys could advise me? Additional documentation to show? Specific attitude? When to schedule even?

First off, that's not really a huge age gap. Its actually pretty common. My wife and I are25 years. Like Top Secret said, be confident not timid and you will be fine. Second, don't worry so much. All my years on this forum I have seen some be given a hard time, but I don't recall anyone that did not receive their sticker in the end.

[AlaMike 231]

18 hours ago, Howard L said:

Hello, Filipino beneficiary here.

 

My medical is halfway done, and after my interview, the CFO comes next. My fiancé and I have a 21 year age gap, and I’m only 20. I hear from others CFO will not like that.

 

I honestly am more scared of it than the interview, where I could be talking to American consuls instead, because what if the CFO officer denies a certificates based on that age gap alone? The reason I’m worried is because of experiences I hear from my fellow Filipinos. The CFO is the bigger battle to me because sometimes its also fellow Filipinos who drag down other Filipinos.

 

For those who know here, is there any tip or added step you guys could advise me? Additional documentation to show? Specific attitude? When to schedule even?

Don't worry yourself to much about the CFO. Some officers can be rude and try to use scare tactics. Just be confident in your answers and be strong. 

My wife went thru CFO a few of years ago, when you actually met face to face. They told crazy stories about foreign husbands (American) only wanting house keepers and sex slaves. Trying to find a reason for you to second guess yourself about the whole process. 

Also don't worry about age gap. My wife and I have about a 25 year difference. 

[Howy 3]

It’s been a couple of months since my CFO experience. Based on my experience I will say this:

Your overall CFO experience mainly depends on your counselor. 7 times out of 10 you will leave with a smile. To my surprise, I left with ugly tears. 

You will benefit bringing a police certificate. Also, show whatever you can show when asked. 

When you can, be polite and say “yes” to everything. Be kind.

Delays can happen. Ideally you get your certificate the same day as your appointment. Delays can happen from two weeks to a month. I was lucky to only be delayed by two weeks.

Smile. Be polite. Again, be kind.

These are all things I wish I knew at the time of my CFO GCP. Good luck to all.

[RO_AH 1,659]

2 hours ago, Howy said:

These are all things I wish I knew at the time of my CFO GCP

I believe that's what everyone above told you.