For Filipinos leaving the country with immigrant VISA
What you need to know...
As a Filipino emigrant, or those who have been granted an immigrant-class visa, you are required by the Philippine Government by virtue of Article 19 of Presidential Decree No. 442, to register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas before leaving the country to settle in a foreign land. An emigrant who has properly registered with the commission will have in his passport the CFO sticker which will be inspected by the Bureau of Immigration upon departure.
Registration to the CFO requires the emigrant to present originals and photocopies of relevant documents, fill out a registration form for Emigrants (click here) or for Immigrant Workers (click here), attend the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or the Peer Counseling Seminar, and pay the authorized registration fee. The PDOS is a brief, two-hour seminar on settlement issues and concerns such as finding employment, rights and obligations of immigrants as well as policies and procedures on how to secure foreign citizenship. The Peer Counseling Seminar is a special session for those with ages 13 to 19 years, which aims to prepare them emotionally for the adjustments they will have to take.
Provided that all requirements have been presented and submitted, the whole process of registration shall be done in half a day.
No Reservations Required for CFO PDOS
Requirements for Registration
- Original and photocopy of passport (must be valid about six months before date of travel)
- Original and photocopy of visa
- One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph
- One (1) valid identification card with photograph (eg., SSS ID, GSIS E-card, PRC ID, driver's license, postal ID, ARC, etc.)
- Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet)
- Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada-bound emigrant (must not be torn or signed before departure)
- Original and photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility for Japan-bound emigrant
- Original and photocopy of Nulla Osta (for Italy-bound emigrants)
- Original and photocopy of letter of approval for Work to Residence visa (for New Zealand-bound emigrants)
- Printed copyof Visa Grant Notification Letter (for Australia-bound emigrants)
- Photocopy of employment contract (for immigrant workers)
- Duly completed registration form for Emigrants (click here) or for Immigrant Workers (click here)
- Payment of P400.00 registration fee
- Attendance in the PDOS, guidance counseling or peer counseling session
For youth emigrants aged 13 to 19, the following additional documents are also required:
- Photocopy of parent's passport or valid identification card, if accompanied by parent/s during registration
- Letter of authorization from parent/s authorizing the guardian to register the child with CFO on their behalf (if accompanied by guardian during registration)
- Original and photocopy of DSWD travel clearance (click here for the new guidelines on issuance of travel clearance)
- Original and photocopy of one(1) of valid identification card with photograph of the proxy
- Special Power of Attorney authenticated by Diplomatic Post if parent/s/ or guardian/s are based overseas; or a duly notarized authorization letter executed by parent/s or guardian/s while in the Philippines.
- Other documents that may be required by the registration officers.
The following emigrants are exempted from attending the PDOS and registering in person with the CFO, provided that they are registered by a proxy:
- Those who are 60 years old and above;
- Those incapacitated due to permanent or long-term ailments; or
- Those with mental health issues or psychologically-challanged.
In the registration of the above emigrants, the proxy is required to present the following documents in addition to the usual required documents:
- Medical certificate/report (except those 60 years old and above);
- Letter of authorization from the emigrant (if applicable to the case); and
- Original and photocopy of a valid identification card with photograph of the proxy.
Note: After satisfactory completion of the requirements, an emigrant registration sticker is affixed to the emigrant's passport
Schedule of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (first come, first served)
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Country |
Day |
Time |
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United States of America |
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10:00 am - 12:00 nn |
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2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | |
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Canada |
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9:30 am - 12:00 nn |
| Europe | Tuesdays and Fridays (70 slots everyday)* |
10:00 am - 12:00 nn |
Australia and New Zealand |
Tuesdays and Fridays (60 slots everyday)* |
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Japan and other Asian countries |
Mondays and Thursdays (70 slots everyday)* |
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
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Destination Country |
Day |
Time |
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All Countries |
Monday to Friday |
9:30 am - 12:00 nn |
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Destination Country |
Day |
Time |
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United States of America and Canada |
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10:00 am - 12:00nn |
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Australia and New Zealand |
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10:00 am - 12:00nn |
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Japan |
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10:00 am - 12:00nn |
| Europe and other countires | Fridays (40 slots per session)* |
10:00 am - 12:00nn |
*Due to capacity of venue
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Registration Procedure for Filipino Emigrants and Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals
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1. Issuance of Registration Form |
2. Completion of CFO registration |
3. Verification of Registration Forms |
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4. Payment of Authorized |
5. Attendance to Pre-Departure |
6. Passport Releasing |
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