The CFO seminar is a Philippine requirement for all spouses and fiances of foreign nationals. It is a two hour class put on by the CFO (Counsel on Filipinos overseas) in which they will attempt to educate the immigrant of the dangers and pitaflls of life outside the Philippines. In the past, this was done by St. Mary's Euphrasia Foundation in Cebu and Manila, and Prism in Manila. That is no longer the case. As Of September 2012 CFO is now doing the counseling seminars themself.

At times, the CFO can be problematic. If the immigrant is young and female, or if the petitioner has multiple divorces or a criminal record, the CFO can and does tend to flex their muscles, so best for the beneficiary to go to them well prepared with EVERYTHING pertaining to their visa, parental consent/guidance affidavits, as well as information pertaining to the petitioner's past. Divorce decrees and court dispositions of past criminal convictions, plus income information, employer letters, all have been asked for on occasion at the CFO. In addition, if the beneficiary is under the age of 21, you can expect them to demand to see the parents in person.

CFO takes charge of the Guidance and Counseling Program

Beginning September 17, 2012, Monday the St. Mary's Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers will cease conducting the Guidance and Counseling Program for Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals. The Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) will be conducted EXCLUSIVELY at the CFO Main and Cebu Offices.

Fiancee, Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

What you need to know...

As Filipinos going abroad as fiancé(e)s, spouses or other partners of foreign nationals, you are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling session in order to secure the Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) and the CFO sticker. You need this certificate to renew or apply for a new passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs (per Department of Foreign Affairs Order Nos. 11-97 Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 8239, "Philippine Passport Act" and 28-94). You will also need to present this certificate together with your spouse/partner visa, at the Immigration office at the international airport on your day of departure.

To attend the Guidance and Counseling program of the CFO, you may proceed at CFO Manila or Cebu Office. You will have to bring with you the required documents to be accommodated in the counseling seminar. The counseling session runs for a minimum of four hours and is meant to provide you with adequate information regarding inter-marriage and migration, the cultural and social realities abroad as well as available support networks for women in distress, among others.

After you comply with all the requirements and finish the counseling session, you will be given the Guidance and Counseling Certificate which you will have to bring along with other pertinent documents, to the CFO, for registration.

Once you already have your valid passport and spouse/partner visa, you will need to register with the CFO and received your CFO Sticker which will be affixed on your Philippine passport..

Important Notes:

• The CFO has offices in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Visit the offices where it is most convenient.

• Please check the schedule of the counseling session before proceeding to CFO because it is country-specific and the slots are limited only to 15 per session. It is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

• You may avail of the Guidance and Counseling Session even while you are still processing or waiting for your visa. If such is the case, you will only be issued the GCC. Once your visa is released, you will return to CFO to continue with your registration. The CFO sticker will then be affixed on your passport.

• You will pay a counseling fee of PhP 400.00.

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

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/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound/ Certification of Eligibility (for Japan-bound);
4. Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;
5. Duly completed emigrant registration form; and
6. Payment of the authorized registration fee.

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

1. Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
3. 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)
4. Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
5. Payment of P400.00 counseling fee.