CFO Seminar 03/18/15

[musique 16]

I just had my seminar earlier today and it was easy breezy. CFO really does care about you and your safety when you're already in the US. They want to make sure you don't end up like the mail-order brides, or those doing human-trafficking.

I went there at 7AM and they didn't start letting people in until around 7:30. For the K1 applicants, we go to the line on the ramp and wait for the guard to tell us to come in. You have to submit a valid ID and he will give you a ID pass with a big pink F on it. You will then proceed to the 3rd floor.

The lady there will ask whether you have your visa already or not. If you do have one, they will give you an extra form to fill out. If not, then stick to the one form. For the forms, like others have already mentioned here in VJ, you do need the:

telephone number/landline number

your petitioner's mom's maiden name

petitioner's address in the US

petitioner's phone number

petitioner's education level and degree (if college, vocational or post graduate)

After filling out the forms, you will submit the required docs and they will check if you have all the requirements they need. If you're ok, then proceed to the other lady which takes your photo. Then she will tell you to eat breakfast and wait for 9am and go to room 3. Don't be late. If you're late, and they have already started, you won't be allowed to enter anymore.

Anyway, I just waited and talked to another person who was inside the room. At 9am, the Guidance counselor was carrying our files and started calling out our names one by one for the one-on-one interview. Some of the questions she asked me:

When did you two meet?

How did you two meet?

Where did you two meet?

How many times have you been in the US?

Have you met his family?

Then I was done. After each person was interviewed, she started a powerpoint presentation. It was 9:20 when she started and we finished at 11:30. She talked about the experiences of the filipinos over in the US. They gave us a brochure and CFO's telephone number in case something happens to us when we're there. The counsellor also talked about how we should be prepared emotionally, physically, mentally, psychologically, on our move to the US. She also explained what are the steps we're going to do once we go there.

We were instructed to proceed downstairs at the Cashier and after 5 mins, I got my sticker and certificate. I was done even before 12nn.

I think the CFO seminar was pretty good and not an actual waste of time. It's nice to know this kind of things to help us be prepared

PS. There was a lady who got divorced and she needs to go tomorrow to submit her divorce papers so she can get her sticker.

[Zedayn 485]

I just had my seminar earlier today and it was easy breezy. CFO really does care about you and your safety when you're already in the US. They want to make sure you don't end up like the mail-order brides, or those doing human-trafficking.

Yes they do care and they will also call you once you are in the US after a few months to see how you are doing. They will also call your family at home. They called my wife here in the US after she was here a few months, and they also called her mom there.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Some think the CFO is BS, but I for oen, as a USC, am embarrassed that an entity like CFO is needed because my fellow countrymen can't act like gentleman and abide by their marriage vows, local and federal laws so that no one gets harmed like many Filipino women have.

Pay attention at the seminar and listen to what they have to say. What they tell you may save your life. Error on the side of caution and use the information given if something like that happens to you. Most USC males are not like the bad ones but like in every country, your going to have a bad apple.

Thanks for sharing your experience at your CFO interview.

[musique 16]

Yes they do care and they will also call you once you are in the US after a few months to see how you are doing. They will also call your family at home. They called my wife here in the US after she was here a few months, and they also called her mom there.

Thanks for the heads up!

Some think the CFO is BS, but I for oen, as a USC, am embarrassed that an entity like CFO is needed because my fellow countrymen can't act like gentleman and abide by their marriage vows, local and federal laws so that no one gets harmed like many Filipino women have.

Pay attention at the seminar and listen to what they have to say. What they tell you may save your life. Error on the side of caution and use the information given if something like that happens to you. Most USC males are not like the bad ones but like in every country, your going to have a bad apple.

Thanks for sharing your experience at your CFO interview.

That is so true. I actually thought it would be non-sense and just a way of the government on making money ( )but it gave me more info on what's really happening with other filipino women..

[Sengledow 5]

My fiancé is 19 and has a notarized letter of consent from her mother. My concern is that they will request a photocopy of her ID. Her mother has never even had a birth certificate registered and has 0 IDs. They drove 2 hours today to try and get her Baptismal document to start the process of getting a late registration birth certificate so I hope they are successful. Has anyone had any experience with notarized letters of consent and do they ask for photocopy of the parent/s ID. Thank you for your help. She will be attending CFO in Cebu

[luckytwo15 13]

My 21 ywar old fiancée did CFO Cebu last year. No parent ID asked for. They did ask for her notarized advise letter.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

My fiancé is 19 and has a notarized letter of consent from her mother. My concern is that they will request a photocopy of her ID. Her mother has never even had a birth certificate registered and has 0 IDs. They drove 2 hours today to try and get her Baptismal document to start the process of getting a late registration birth certificate so I hope they are successful. Has anyone had any experience with notarized letters of consent and do they ask for photocopy of the parent/s ID. Thank you for your help. She will be attending CFO in Cebu

We have heard it both ways. Some CFO interviewer's will ask and others will not.

=======================

Here is the information for CFO Cebu. You may want to call them and ask them directly your question about needing the parents picture ID.

Causing-Lozada Building, Osmeña Boulevard corner

MJ Cuenco Street, Cebu City, Philippines

Telefax: (032) 255-5253

Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

=======================

Those at least 18 but below 21 years of age are required to obtain parent's consent to the marriage.

http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/consenttomarriage.pdf

Those at least 21 but below 25 years of age are required to obtain parent's advice to the marriage.

http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/parentadvice.pdf

Persons 25 years and above, need not get either of the two abovementioned forms

[Hank_ 9,173]

My fiancé is 19 and has a notarized letter of consent from her mother. My concern is that they will request a photocopy of her ID. Her mother has never even had a birth certificate registered and has 0 IDs. They drove 2 hours today to try and get her Baptismal document to start the process of getting a late registration birth certificate so I hope they are successful. Has anyone had any experience with notarized letters of consent and do they ask for photocopy of the parent/s ID. Thank you for your help. She will be attending CFO in Cebu

If they do not live too far from CFO have mom come along, no ID needed then.

[Sengledow 5]

Very helpful answers. Thank You

[dynb 17]

After filling out the forms, you will submit the required docs and they will check if you have all the requirements they need.

Hi! Thanks for the detailed account. Did they ask any other documents about your fiancé (his birth cert for example) or did you bring only those listed on their website? : http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2345:requirements-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=85

P.S. My fiancé has never been married, and I'm over 25 years old.

Edited March 24, 2015 by dynm

[Hank_ 9,173]

Info on CFO in the link below, follow the flashing arrow. Then click the CFO tab.

[luckytwo15 13]

Hi! Thanks for the detailed account. Did they ask any other documents about your fiancé (his birth cert for example) or did you bring only those listed on their website? : http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2345:requirements-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=85

P.S. My fiancé has never been married, and I'm over 25 years old.

CFO asked for both of our birth certificates, petitioner and beneficiary.

[CopseyHalili 0]

Hi everyone. Can anyone tell me pls if my 3 yrs old daughter need to attend the cfo ? Nd how much is the fee for cfo? Thanks in advance :-)

[E K 4]

Hello...

Can someone answer this question for me...

my fiance was an immigrant then became a us citizen in april 2008. Unfortunately, he lost is certificate of naturalization. in our petition, as a proof of his citizenship, we submitted a copy of his passport ( all pages). Now my question is... in the CFO seminar? Would they still be asking for his certificate of naturalization? would it be enough that I bring along a copy of his passport and his birth certificate? Thank you.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Hi everyone. Can anyone tell me pls if my 3 yrs old daughter need to attend the cfo ? Nd how much is the fee for cfo? Thanks in advance :-)

No she only needs to be registered to get the sticker in her passport.

Exemptions from PDOS and Peer Counseling Seminar

For children 12 years old and below are exempted from attending the PDOS. They must, however, be registered, even if by proxy.

Requirements for Registration

1. Original and photocopy of passport (must be valid about six months before date of travel)
2. Original and photocopy of visa
3. One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph
4. One (1) valid identification card with photograph (eg., SSS ID, GSIS E-card, PRC ID, driver's license, postal ID, ARC, etc.)
5. Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet) except for K visa holder
6. Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada-bound emigrant (must not be torn or signed before departure)
7. Original and photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility for Japan-bound emigrant
8. Original and photocopy of Nulla Osta (for Italy-bound emigrants)
9. Original and photocopy of letter of approval for Work to Residence visa (for New Zealand-bound emigrants)
10. Printed copyof Visa Grant Notification Letter (for Australia-bound emigrants)
11. Photocopy of employment contract (for immigrant workers)
12. Duly completed registration form for Emigrants (click here) or for Immigrant Workers (click here)
13. Payment of P400.00 registration fee
14. Attendance in the PDOS, guidance counseling or peer counseling session

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1347:for-filipinos-leaving-the-country-with-an-immigrant-visa&catid=139

Edited June 28, 2015 by Hank_