CFO Guidance and Counseling

CFO GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM
for Filipino Spouses, Fiance/es and
other partner of foreign nationals

• Registration Starts at 7:30 a.m.
• Counseling Sessions Schedules: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. for All countries from Monday to Friday
• SMEF-COW has ONE STOP PROCESSING for its CFO Guidance and Counseling
• CFO has an EXTENSION office at COW for immediate release of CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate and CFO Registration Sticker (if with Visa)
• P400.00 CFO Registration Fee
• P250.00 Counseling Fee

Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as spouses and other partners of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO’s guidance and counseling program as a pre-requisite to the issuance of passports.

The objective of this program is to help Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals make informed decisions regarding their marriage to foreign nationals and to prepare them for their adjustments in cross-cultural marriages.

Among others, Filipino spouses and other partners are provided with the following information:

• Migration laws affecting them;
• Welfare and support services available abroad;
• Rights of migrants overseas; and
• Coping up with the problematic and difficult domestic situations.

Requirements for Guidance Counseling

1. Two (2)  valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form  to be issued by SMEF-COW upon registration;
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 P250.00 counseling fee.

Note: After attending the guidance and counseling requirements in SMEF-COW, you can proceed to the CFO within the building who will issue the guidance and counseling certificate.  After receipt of the passport and visa, Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals will have to register with CFO prior to their departure.  CFO has an extension office in SMEF-COW building for immediate release of CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate.  And CFO Registration Sticker (An emigrant registration sticker) is affixed to the emigrant’s passport as proof of registration (if with Visa).  Registration is done from Monday to Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Requirements for Registration to the CFO office:

1. Original 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 in the amount of P400.00

SCHEDULE OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SESSIONS IN SMEF-COW