How to Get CFO Certificate

Here’s how to get CFO Certificate! 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.

For trips that take time to enjoy – like visiting the floating village of Makoko, riding across the beauty of Eritrea, or catching a flight at NAIA through designated exits – CFO Certificates might come in handy. Finance professionals seeking excellence and demonstrating solid financial management and leadership skills will find that this process validates their work experience and overall skill set.

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The CFO, or Commission on Filipino Overseas, is an agency responsible for the interests of Filipinos abroad – typically those who will be out of the country for a long time. Previously, you’d have to visit the CFO office in person to attend an exam-style seminar and obtain your CFO sticker; now, due to the pandemic, online services have become the new normal. When planning your journey, consider getting travel insurance to protect yourself during travel.

Make sure you have all the following documents at hand: a digital certificate, your original report of marriage (or annulment paper and divorce decree if applicable), an original valid visa, and – for widows – your death certificate, along with proof of relationship between the Filipino spouse and the foreign spouse. Additionally, having a portable phone stand can be useful for hands-free viewing of your confirmation emails.

Before proceeding, gather all the following documents along with your PSA-issued records and any additional paperwork required by your local consulate. Whether you’re based in Clark or planning a migration to the GCC region, applicants are expected to meet the minimum registration requirements and demonstrate a minimum level of work experience. It might also be helpful to keep a journal to record your registration process and any important notes.

Requirements You Might Need to Register

• 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 and visit the designated website.

STEP 2: Enter the details needed and upload your passport (remember, the pdos system will verify your data). Click “Submit.”

STEP 3: Check your e-mails 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 required; there are 2 pages of this, so review your registration requirements carefully.

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. This process, overseen by the EVP, ensures that every petitioner meets the highest standards. If you plan to document your appointment for future reference, consider bringing a tripod to capture clear photos or videos.

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.

• Manila Office
• Cebu Office
• Davao Office

(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 required; 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!

FAQ