In this article, we will discuss the most common questions you might have about CFO seminar Philippines:
What is the CFO seminar Philippines?
Do I need to attend the CFO seminar?
How do I get a CFO certificate in the Philippines?
Where can I attend the CFO seminar?
What is the CFO seminar Philippines?
The Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) is a program of the Philippine government that aims to protect Filipino fiancés and spouses of foreigners who wish to migrate overseas from human trafficking and other schemes.
Do I need to attend the CFO seminar?
All Filipinos leaving the Philippines and going abroad as fiancés, spouses, or family members of foreigners are required to attend the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) guidance and counseling session in order to secure the Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) and the CFO sticker. This is a requirement of the Philippine government and not the United States government. Filipinos need to secure a CFO certificate before leaving the country.
How do I get a CFO certificate in the Philippines?
To obtain a CFO certificate in the Philippines, you will need to attend the Guidance and Counseling program of the CFO. To do this, you can attend online through the Overseas Filipinos – CFO Online Registration System (OF-CORS) or onsite in Manila main office, or Cebu and Davao satellite offices through the Reserve and Registration (R&R).
The counseling session runs for about four hours and is meant to provide you with adequate information regarding inter-marriage and migration, the cultural and social realities of living abroad, as well as available support networks for women in distress.
OF-CORS Online Registration
With the online registration now available, fiancés, spouses or family members of foreigners no longer need to go in-person to any CFO office. They can simply print their own OF-CORS digital certificate, which they will need to show to the Bureau of Immigration on the day of their departure from the Philippines.
OF-CORS CFO-Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) Requirements
1. Clear copy of valid passport
2. Clear copy of valid visa
3. Petitioner/sponsor’s passport and
4. Marriage certificate and/ or Report of Marriage (ROM) on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) security paper (if married).
You may need to submit additional so it’s a good idea to prepare the following documents as well:
1. Proof of residency in the Philippines (electricity bill, Internet bill, barangay certificate, etc.)/Alien Registration Card-ARC of foreign spouse for those who have stayed for more than 59 days in the Philippines.
2. Proof of relationship (pictures together, e-mails, among others)
- Declaration of undertaking of travel in letter format to include an itinerary of travel and how to ensure safe travel and stay
4. A letter explaining why the foreign partner cannot travel to the Philippines
5. Valid document showing you do not have a criminal record - Certificate of family relations (birth certificate, marriage certificate or photocopy of the biodata page of the foreign spouse’s passport) / registration
7. Affidavit of invitation and support (financial support/safety/medical insurance) written by the sponsoring spouse notarized and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over the destination or host country
8. Divorce decree/certificate of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married
9. Annulment paper of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married
10. Death certificate of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if widow/widower
For OF-CORS online registrations, register here.
R&R In-Person Registration
If you choose to register using the R&R in-person option, you’ll need to make a reservation and register online to receive a barcoded form that will show the appointment time, date, location of the office, and other necessary details about your visit to CFO.
R&R CFO-Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) Requirements
1. Barcoded Confirmation form of GCP appointment
2. Two valid identification cards with photo
3. Marriage Certificate (PSA) or if married overseas original Report of Marriage duly registered by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate or the Department of Foreign Affairs
Registration Requirements (for those with immigrant, spouse or fiancé, partner or tourist visa):
- Two valid identification cards
- Original valid passport
- Original valid visa
- CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate
You may be required to submit so it’s a good idea to prepare the following documents as well:
- Proof of residency/Alien Registration Card-ARC of foreign spouse
2. Proof of relationship (pictures together, e-mails, among others) - Declaration of undertaking of travel in letter format to include an itinerary of travel and how to ensure safe travel and stay
4. A letter explaining why the foreign partner cannot travel to the Philippines
5. Valid document showing you do not have a criminal record
6. Certificate of family relations (birth certificate, marriage certificate or photocopy of the biodata page of the foreign spouse’s passport) / registration
7. Affidavit of invitation and support (financial support/safety/medical insurance) written by the sponsoring spouse notarized and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate which has jurisdiction over the destination or host country
8. Divorce decree/certificate of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married
9. Annulment paper of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married
10. Death certificate of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if widow/widower
Scheduling an Appointment
1.Reserve and register online to attend the Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) in person:
2. Answer all the questions and supply your email address, select the date of appointment and input you and your fiancé/spouse/ partner’s personal information.
3. Check your email and search for the confirmation message from the CFO. Click on “Confirm Email“ and supply information as specified in the “PERSONAL INFORMATION” page.
4. Complete the online registration procedure and print the barcoded confirmation form or save a digital copy (PDF format) on your mobile, phone or tablet
5. Go to your selected CFO office (Manila, Cebu, or Davao) on the confirmed date at least one hour before your appointment and bring all the GCP required documents.
CFO Certificate
CFO Sticker
CFO Manila Building
CFO Manila Address, Email and Phone
Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue
corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway)
Manila, Philippines 1007
Tel. No.: (02) 552-4700
Fax No.: (02) 561-8332
E-mail: info@cfo.gov.ph
CFO Cebu Building
CFO Cebu Address, Email and Phone
4th Floor, K&J Building,
#4 Don Julio Llorente St.,
Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000
Cebu, Philippines
Telefax: (032) 255-5253
Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph