pre departure Seminar

[Denver422 10]

My fiance just attended the pre departure seminar and guidance counceling. My fiance is 21 . after the counceling session my fiance was informed that because she was not yet 25 yrs of age that they required a photocopy of her legal guardians valid ID, in this case her auntie, that signed the affidavid of consent. She was told by this beauracrat that the legal age has just very recently been changed to 25 yrs. HUH??? They will not issue her GCC(GUIDANCE & COUNCELING CERTIFICATE)until she comes back with a photocopy of aunties valid ID. OMG ! MY FIANCE IS IN MANILA AND HER AUNTIE IS 400 MILES AWAY IN ANOTHER PROVINCE

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS NEW "LAW" THAT LEGAL AGE IS NOW 25YRS .. I THINK THIS IS ERRONEOUS AND FALSE

P.S. WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND SHE HAS HER VISA

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I can't find anything except that under 21 is parental/guardian consent between 22 and 25 they need notice of parental/guardian advice.

In either event 400 miles is hardly a big deal. Get her to photocopy it, mail it to your fiancee and then take it in. East peasy. With something so easy it's better to just "do" than fight it. Then when she hands it over she should ask for evidence of it changing and she/you couldn't find anything and she's only asking so she can prove it to people she knows so they're prepared.

Edited December 27, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Denver422 10]

I can't find anything except that under 21 is parental/guardian consent between 22 and 25 they need notice of parental/guardian advice.

In either event 400 miles is hardly a big deal. Get her to photocopy it, mail it to your fiancee and then take it in. East peasy. With something so easy it's better to just "do" than fight it. Then when she hands it over she should ask for evidence of it changing and she/you couldn't find anything and she's only asking so she can prove it to people she knows so they're prepared.

Yes I understand, thank you,

I have already asked her to do that "AFTER" she has the certificate.

Her auntie has already scanned and emailed that to her within the hour now. But we are both shocked that this seems like another interview when we thought it was just a formality. The councilor also required she bring photos of us and her family together and any letters or evidence of relationship. The mere possibility that only one person can deny all our efforts by withholding a simple certificate of attendance to a guidance and counceling seminar has us both very distraught. I dont log on very often so I don't know if everyone is aware of the CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas)requirements. There was no mention of this at their website. Only to bring a specific list of documents times dates to attend ect...Then attend the thing and pay the fee and your done, or so we thought lol. Here is the link maybe someone can find this helpful.http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140 I'll be back to let everyone know the outcome

[Wally G! 58]

Hi Denver422

The were a few VJ'ers that asked this same question about age of consent. CFO website does not list this on there website or its just hidden. Here is the requirements if asked for consent

> If you are between the ages of 21-24, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental advice to marry.

> If you are between the ages of 18-20, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental consent to marry.

Here's why you didn't see anything on the CFO website about those requirements:

The following is from the CFO website:

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

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, or Local Civil Registry Offices; 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 <-----------------------------

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

CFO link.

The following forms may come in handy:

Sworn statement that advice of parents or guardian has been asked. (for those who are 21-24 years old)

Consent to marriage of a person under age. (for those who are 18-20 years old)

Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

U.S. Department of State link.

The quote above is from the section where they are talking about getting married in the Philippines. However, the CFO has been known to require parental advice or parental consent from K-1ers.

It's all on the Consular's discretion whether they require consent from a parent or guardian.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Yup, the CFO can require the consent/advice of the parents/guardian. It's a Filipino thing, not a U.S. requirement. They can also ask for the aunt's ID. You should feel lucky that they didn't want to speak in-person to her aunt. Important note: without the CFO sticker in her visa, your sweetheart won't be allowed to board her flight to the U.S. Better get auntie to email/fax her ID.

For others reading this thread:

For those under 21 years old, the CFO wants this.

For those 21-24 years old, the CFO wants this.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

**** Moving from K1 to Philippines regional forum as country specific ****

[Hank_ 9,174]

I have read on the CFO age requirement a number of times on here, and also read they are changing the age requirements so some of the info posted may be dated in regards to age . Have to be even older yet to not require consent letter.

[gretchen_darren 67]

After going through the CFO with Gretchen in September, I can give a few pointers as others have posted.

1) a copy of your passport information page

2) a copy of your birth certificate

3) copy of forms you would take to embassy (I-134, w-2's, I-129f, etc)

4) photos may be needed.

5) be prepared for any unreasonable request. Expect the unexpected.

6) if you accompany, stay outside. DO NOT go in. Do not hound her. Be careful in all you do. You will be called in at the end for "counseling".

7) Remember verbal communication in the Philippines is like signing a contract. What you say you will do, is the same as signing a contract.

Otherwise enjoy. We liked Good Shepard convent in Manila (St. Mary's CFO. -- Look for a green gate at the top of the overpass saying Good Shepard.) The St. Mary's sign is inside about 600 php to 800 php from Ermita area one way.

[TiklingGuy 211]

Denver i can't wait to be there with you to meet Ichelle at the airport! Lol!

[actob99 156]

My fiance just attended the pre departure seminar and guidance counceling. My fiance is 21 . after the counceling session my fiance was informed that because she was not yet 25 yrs of age that they required a photocopy of her legal guardians valid ID, in this case her auntie, that signed the affidavid of consent. She was told by this beauracrat that the legal age has just very recently been changed to 25 yrs. HUH??? They will not issue her GCC(GUIDANCE & COUNCELING CERTIFICATE)until she comes back with a photocopy of aunties valid ID. OMG ! MY FIANCE IS IN MANILA AND HER AUNTIE IS 400 MILES AWAY IN ANOTHER PROVINCE

DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS NEW "LAW" THAT LEGAL AGE IS NOW 25YRS .. I THINK THIS IS ERRONEOUS AND FALSE

P.S. WE HAVE BEEN APPROVED AND SHE HAS HER VISA

Can I ask which office you went to to try and avoid that one? Also is this a requirement of the Mother if she sign's the form? I'm going to get the form done now at the Registar in her province, but pretty sure mom doesn't have agood picture valid ID..

[Messybrownhair 251]

I think for those who are 18-21, they should be prepared to be asked for a consent form. And dont forget to know your hubby's mom's maiden name because middle name is not enough. I remember being asked that. I thought the entire CFO procedure was ridiculous and corrupt.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I couldn't find anything were the age of consent was raised to 25. Did find this form from the Philippines for marriage that is date 18 January, 2012. Near the bottom it shows that between ages of 21-25 you need a sworn statement from the parents and between 18-20 affidavit of parental consent.

http://www.philippine-embassy.de/bln/images/ConsularSection/OtherServices/pdf/lccm.18.jan.2012.pdf

Thing is you give the CFO COs what they ask for if you want your sticker.

[Cazwik 11]

My Fiance told me the CFO people hounded her over my last divorce , while the CO at the interview never even asked anything accept her time in Korea.

[southcalhog 43]

I think for those who are 18-21, they should be prepared to be asked for a consent form. And dont forget to know your hubby's mom's maiden name because middle name is not enough. I remember being asked that. I thought the entire CFO procedure was ridiculous and corrupt.

I thought the entire CFO procedure was ridiculous and corrupt.

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I Would Have to Agree with you But........ Its Required!

[/b]

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I thought the entire CFO procedure was ridiculous and corrupt.

I Would Have to Agree with you But........ Its Required!

it's strange. it's required for your country but not for ours. I've often wondered what it's all about (and have heard some people say it's like a "How to get a GC even if you don't stay with the American" class). I've heard of some countries needing to give their citizens permission to leave the country (which is ridiculous), is that what this is?