And which are acceptable?
Can her passport count as 1 form of photo ID?

Also how many for the CFO seminar? Thank you.

Hi there! This data are based on the CFO site that was sent to me before. You can use this as your guideline. Another thing, you can't use a passport size picture for your visa since they are different in size. There are some photo studio near the US embassy in Manila where you can be sure they're working on the accurate size. Some consuls are very strict when it comes to the picture size, this could cause a delay.


Step 1: Registration and Verification of Documents
- Bring a valid ID with you. You will need this in exchange for a visitor's pass.
- Originals and photocopies of any two (2) of the following documents will be required: passport, visa, birth certificate in NSO security paper, marriage certificate in NSO security paper, NBI clearance. These will be attached to your Guidance and Counseling Form.

Step 2: Issuance and Accomplishment of Guidance and Counseling Form
- You will be asked to sign a logbook detailing pertinent information about yourself (name, address, contact no.). A staff will then assign you to a counselling session, depending on the availability of slots.
- Be sure that you have the following data when filling-out the forms:
***maiden name (surname before she was married) of your fiance's mother
***address (include zip code) and contact number of fiance in the US or abroad
***employment details (job position/field of employment, name of company, and address/tel. no. of employer)
***educational background of fiance (course + highest educational attainment)
- Proceed to Window 2 for digital picture-taking.
- Payment of Php 250 registration fee (they put "donation" on the official receipt though)

Step 3: Film Viewing
- Before the film viewing starts, a SMEF-COW staff will give a brief introduction about the history, services and programs of the office. This will help you understand the role of the center in helping abused and battered Filipinas abroad and preparing spouses/fiances of foreign nationals about what to expect when they are already in other countries.
- A 15-minute Magandang Gabi, Bayan documentary will be shown, depicting the experiences of Filipinas who married foreign nationals and found themselves in a nightmarish situation outside the Philippines. All girls, regardless of which country they will be going to, will watch the same video together.
- The film viewing made me realize that many Filipinas are blinded with the illusions of having a better life abroad and think that marrying a foreigner is the answer to all their problems. Many do not realize the importance of getting to know the person well before giving themselves up for marriage. Love, trust, commitment and respect should be present in the relationship before you think of taking the next big step: marriage and immigration.

Step 4: Group Discussion and Lecture
- At this point, the girls will be grouped according to country of destination. For US participants, there is a maximum of 12 slots per session.
- Among the topics discussed during the forum are forms of domestic violence (whether it's physical, emotional, sexual, social, or financial), employment processes and opportunities in the US, CFO addresses and telephone numbers to contact in case anything of emergency, American culture and what to expect when we get there, what we need to bring (or not bring) for the travel to the US, as well as the visa process and adjustment of status.
- The girls will be encouraged to express their views on this matter, particularly about the documentary shown. This is also an opportunity for them to ask questions and clarifications about immigration procedures, cross-cultural differences, and other relative concerns.
- Note: if you attend the 3:30 pm session, you may want to remind the counsellor (nicely, of course) to not drag the discussion and exceed the alloted time so you can finish everything, including the one-on-one counselling and issuance of certificates. When I attended the CFO, the counsellor made us come back the following day because we weren't able to cover all discussions during the session.

Step 5: One-on-one Counselling
- The purpose of this is to get more in-depth information about the participant and to determine that she understood what was discussed during the open forum. Based on certain circumstances, the counsellor may opt to ask for additional documentation to ascertain that the relationship is valid and the Filipina won't find herself in any untoward circumstances once she is already abroad.
- You need not be intimidated about this part especially if you have a genuine and loving relationship with your husband/fiance. Just answer the counsellor's questions sincerely, honestly, and directly.
- Among the questions the counsellor asked me are:
*** How did I meet my fiance?
*** How long have I known him?
*** Do I really know him well?
*** What are my plans when I arrive in the US?
*** What do I expect when I get there?
*** Am I in love with him?
***Why do I want to marry him?

Step 6: Issuance of Certificate of Attendance
- As proof that you have completed the guidance and counseling program in compliance with DFA Orders No. 28-94 and No. 11-97, you will be issued a certificate of attendance.
- In some cases, the certificate will not be issued until the participant has submitted additional documents and evidence as required by the counsellor.
- As soon as you have this certification, have it photocopied as this will be required for the issuance of the CFO stamp and certificate.
- For girls who don't have their passports/visas yet, this is where you stop in the meantime. Keep the certificate and present it to the CFO officer when you get your sticker.

Step 7: Stamping of Passport by CFO
- It is more convenient now for those who will have their passport stamped because the CFO already has an extension office at the Good Shepherd Convent. You need not go to the Citigold Tower in Quirino Ave. anymore to get the CFO sticker.
- Have these documents ready: photocopy of Guidance and Counseling Certificate, photocopy of visa and photocopy of passport. These will be attached to the form which you need to fill-out at the CFO. Again, take note of your husband's/fiance's address in the US and other pertinent information such as your US visa number because these will be required.
- Payment of Php250 registration fee will be collected.
- A CFO staff will review and verify your documents before your passport is released with the CFO sticker on it.

They are asking 2 valid Id's.
Passport can be counted as one. Others can be company ID, Drivers license, or SSS ID.

POSTAL ID ARE VALID???

Hi Brit, I thought St. Lukes forwards your passport to the embassy. So when you go for the interview you won't have it with you right? So for embassy interview you need one photo id and interview letter correct? I think the OP was asking about the interview mainly if you will notice the title of the thread.

Greetings!

Knowing that St. Lukes will keep your passport, It is your responsibility to have a copy of the first and last page of the passport. So, that during your interview if you dont have any other valid id you may show secondary id's like NBI, SSS and back it up with a copy of the passport.

Oopss.. sorry for the confusion. I'm referring to the CFO seminar and of course I assumed that the passport is with him .

During the Embassy interview, you will only need ID's if you are going to surrender your celfone or any battery-type technology. Otherwise they're not going to need your ID.

Of course, you need to bring your interview letter.

Counseling Requirements for Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals


Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office (NSO), or Local Civil Registry Offices (LCRO); or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if married abroad)
Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.


P.S.

IF YOU HAVE PASSPORT OTHER SECONDARY ID'S WILL BE OKAY LIKE FOR EX. NBI,SSS, POSTAL ID