Bruce&Nelson

If an appointment is required before attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling session in Manila, the CFO really needs to fix their online scheduling system. I have yet to get it work work with multiple attempts on different days, using different web browsers and three different computers.

My experience as of 15 January 2015: I am having difficulty scheduling the CFO Guidance & Counseling session online. Is an appointment required for a K1 visa recipient before attending a CFO Guidance & Counseling session in Manila? I see conflicting information on CFO official websites. It is stated that it is "first come, first serve" on the website at http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348&Itemid=918.

"Schedule of Guidance and Counseling Session in CFO (first-come, first serve basis)"

AND

"To attend the Guidance and Counseling program of the CFO, you may proceed at CFO Manila or Cebu Office."

However, on the main page at www.cfo.gov.ph, a flashing notice states, "CFO ONLINE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM. GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM FOR FILIPINO FIANCE(E)/SPOUSES/PARTNERS OF FOREIGN NATIONALS OR FOMER FILIPINO CITIZENS. CFO Manila Office only (No more walk-in clients) Effective May 15, 2014."

And on the page listing the "Steps" for securing an appointment for the CFO Guidance and Counseling Program at

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2342:steps-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858

it states below step 8 that, "Only clients who have a confirmed slot/appointment will be admitted to the counseling session upon presentation of the barcoded confirmation form (with confimred date and time of the counseling session) and complete requirements."

The conflicting guidance on CFO websites is confusing. Plus, it is quite concerning that every time I try to set up an appointment online, I get any one of the following results:

1) an error saying that I have given an invalid email format, even though my email is typed correctly.

2) an error saying "access denied"

3) an error message telling me that the email address I am using has already been used before

4) nothing. After typing the security code seen in the graphic and clicking on "Submit", NOTHING happens except that another security code appears as if I incorrectly typed it.

I tried multiple times using a laptop and a desktop, and attempting with three different browsers: Chrome, Firefox and IE. I also tried on different days.

Can anyone report on their experience with CFO, currently or within the recent weeks. Was an online appointment required, or could somone walk-in to see if there is a slot available in Manila?

Thank you,

Bruce