A Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, Country Familiarization Program, or Guidance Counseling Program is a requirement before departing from the Philippines. The IO mostly asks it from Emigrants, those with Resident Permits abroad, Type D Visas like Fiancés, Au Pairs, and many more. Here’s how you can get a certificate from the CFO Online.
The CFO or the Commission on Filipino Overseas is an agency responsible for the interest of Filipinos abroad, usually those who will be out of the country for a long time. Before, you’ll go anytime to the CFO office to attend a seminar and/or get your CFO Registration sticker. However, due to the pandemic, Online Services is the new normal – read instructions below.
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Guide in Online Registration for the CFO System
You’ll need to register first to avail of their services.
Requirements you might need
- Valid Passport (at least valid 6 months before travel date)
- Valid Visa – Long-term visa or Residence Permit
- Valid ID with Photo (SSS, GSIS, UMID, Driver’s license, etc.)
- Registration Fee – PHP 400
Step-by-Step Guide to Online Registration
STEP 1: Ready a soft copy of your Passport. Go to this website.
STEP 2: Enter the details needed and upload your Passport. Click “Submit.”
STEP 3: Check your email for the confirmation link. Click it.
STEP 4: Continue completing the information needed.
STEP 5: Choose “Proceed to Register.”
STEP 6: Click the “Register” button.
STEP 7: Fill in the information needed, there are 2 pages of this.
STEP 8: Preview and double-check your answers. Proceed to payment.
STEP 9: Enter the delivery address and check the total amount you will be paying. Click Submit.
STEP 10: Pay the registration fee through the Commission on Filipino Overseas Account in Land Bank. If you don’t want to go outside, you can pay through online bank transfer or G-Cash.
Account name: Commission on Filipinos Overseas
Account Number: 0012114923
Send Receipt to (your email)
STEP 11: Email proof of payment to [email protected]
Subject: Reference No. (123456 – as seen during your registration) – (Your Name).
Don’t forget to attach a copy of the deposit slip or the proof of the transaction.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an OF-CORS Temporary Certificate
STEP 1: Wait for the email with your payment confirmation. A CFO email notification will also be sent to you.
STEP 2: Proceed to print your CFO-OFCORS Temporary Certificate.
STEP 3: Your CFO Registration Sticker or Guidance and counseling certificate for Filipino spouses/fiancées and partners of foreign nationals or former Filipinos will also be sent to you by mail.
Appointment at the CFO
If you want to go to the CFO Office, you will need to have an appointment.
Rules at the CFO Office
- No Appointment, No Entry – You’ll need to have and Online appointment
- Offices are open from 8 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Thursday
- There are only 3 batches per day, at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
- Only ages 20 – 59 are allowed in the office
- One member per family are allowed
- Wear facemask at all times
- Observe Physical distancing
- Bring your appointment confirmation, own pen and the exact amount
Step by Step Guide in Registration and getting an Online Appointment Online
STEP 1: Choose the place where you want to have an appointment. Click the link.
(P.S. I’m choosing Davao as they are currently open.)
STEP 2: Prepare a soft copy of your visa. Answer the details asked, upload your visa, and click Submit.
STEP 3: Check your email for the confirmation link. Click it.
STEP 4: Continue completing the information needed.
STEP 5: Choose a schedule when you want to visit the CFO and “Proceed to Registration.”
STEP 6: Click the “Register” button.
STEP 7: Fill in the information needed; there are 2 pages of this.
STEP 8: Preview and double-check your answers. Print the form and use this for your online appointment.
If you have any further questions, you can go to CFO’s Facebook Page and send them a message via Messenger. They are quick to reply. You don’t need to go out or queue if you have transactions with the Commission on Filipino Overseas as they are adopting a new normal to keep us all safe. Happy Travels!
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