Confused about sequence of events for US visa, CFO, DFA

[karbonline 0]

Hi all, I'm hoping that someone could help explain what needs to be done for my filipina wife and I. I'm a US citizen that will be living in the Philippines until my wife's IR-1 visa goes through. I have about one month to go until I can file the i-130 petition at the US embassy in Manila and begin the process. We've been working on getting all the paperwork and requirements together so that we can get the visa and return to the US as soon as possible. (I have a bad job here and will run out of money eventually.)

We went to the DFA last week so that she could renew her passport with her married name. They told her that she needs to get the CFO certificate before she can renew, because she married a foreign national. Now, looking at the CFO registration requirements, the big two that stand out are "Original and photocopy of visa" and "Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet)".

Based on what I've read elsewhere the actual approved visa is required to get the CFO sticker on the passport, but you can get the CFO certificate without it and then go back later with the visa to get the sticker on the passport. Does this mean that you still need the Immigrant Data Summary in order to get the CFO certificate? Or can you register and get the certificate without having the data summary? In other words, can my wife get the certificate and new passport before I even file the I-130 petition and get the visa packet in the mail?

All of this is confusing me and making my head spin and it's so so important to me that I would really appreciate some help here. Please let me know if any additional information is needed here to provide advice. Thanks!

[Nonofurbusiness 13]

Hi if the purpose of Getting CFO certificate is just because of DFA requirements to change name. Your wife can obtain certificate from CFO and just tell the Counselor at the CFO that she needs the certificate for Change name on passport as the DFA requires it to obtain renew passport using foreign spouse surname.

in obtaining CFO certificate.

She will just be needing Marriage Certificate from NSO or Marriage Certificate from LCR ( Local Civil Registrar ) Authenticated by NSO

2 Valid IDS

400 pesos for ( Seminar Fee )

Edited March 26, 2014 by Nonofurbusiness

[Nonofurbusiness 13]

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

1. Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form; ( to be Fill up at CFO )
3. If married, original 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)
4. Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
5. Payment of P400.00 counseling fee.
   
   Note : ( The Other Requirements below is for obtaining CFO Sticker)

TOP of page

Requirements for Registration

1. Original and photocopy of Passport;
2. Original and photocopy of visa
3. Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US-bound emigrants (except for K visa holders);
4. Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada-bound emigrants;
5. Original and photocopy of Certification of Eligibility for Japan-bound emigrants;
6. Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;
7. Duly completed emigrant registration form; and
8. Payment of the authorized registration fee.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi all, I'm hoping that someone could help explain what needs to be done for my filipina wife and I. I'm a US citizen that will be living in the Philippines until my wife's IR-1 visa goes through. I have about one month to go until I can file the i-130 petition at the US embassy in Manila and begin the process. We've been working on getting all the paperwork and requirements together so that we can get the visa and return to the US as soon as possible. (I have a bad job here and will run out of money eventually.)

We went to the DFA last week so that she could renew her passport with her married name. They told her that she needs to get the CFO certificate before she can renew, because she married a foreign national. Now, looking at the CFO registration requirements, the big two that stand out are "Original and photocopy of visa" and "Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet)".

Based on what I've read elsewhere the actual approved visa is required to get the CFO sticker on the passport, but you can get the CFO certificate without it and then go back later with the visa to get the sticker on the passport. Does this mean that you still need the Immigrant Data Summary in order to get the CFO certificate? Or can you register and get the certificate without having the data summary? In other words, can my wife get the certificate and new passport before I even file the I-130 petition and get the visa packet in the mail?

All of this is confusing me and making my head spin and it's so so important to me that I would really appreciate some help here. Please let me know if any additional information is needed here to provide advice. Thanks!

Don't need to wait for you to file the I-130. You are correct, you can get the CFO certificate to make DFA happy, then later when you have the visa go back to get the sticker - at that time they will ask for copies of the visa and data summary sheet.

Edited March 26, 2014 by Hank_

[karbonline 0]

Awesome! Thanks so much for your help guys, finally know what steps to do next.