My CFO stories- Follow up on K1 Visa Application Procedures

Okay, Pals! CFO is a Commission on Filipinos Overseas. I know there are some of you out there who are not aware of this, just like me. I was not aware that there was this CFO or Commission on Filipinos Overseas thing. To tell you the truth, when I first heard of this word, I was like, "What is that?". I thought I was ALL ready to go to the US of A. My fiance (now husband) booked his ticket to go the Philippines and also booked mine to go to America. Imagine, I got my packet from the US embassy in Manila in October. But, before I received that packet, my documents were all in my hands already. The last papers that I was waiting that time was my singleness or CENOMAR. On the 29th of October, I went to National Statistics Office to get my CENOMAR ( I had to wait for one week before NSO released my CENOMAR ). Then on that same day, I got the packet from the US embassy. I have to call the embassy call center for my interview date. It was my fiance (now husband) who called and scheduled my interview date. He chose November 10, it was Monday.

It was not as easy as anyone would have thought. Let me share it to you. Here is what I did when I was still doing what you are doing right now.

So, you had your medical exam at St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic. After you completed all your medical examinations and SLMEC don't see any problems in regards with your health condition, that very same day, you will know. SLMEC will forward your medical reports to US embassy in Manila. They will show you the CD of your medical reports or medical records before they submit it to the US embassy in Manila. Keep in mind, save all the papers from SLMEC, especially your medical record supplement or the vaccination supplement, I don't remember the name of that document. You are going to use that when you get here in the US

You also completed all the necessary documents that you need for the interview. You are waiting for your packet to arrive. When you have the packet in your hand, talk to your fiance, inform him that you have the packet. I advice that he call the embassy call center, they accepts credit card and it's expensive. As I may recall, I think they charge per minute, I am not sure.

OK, so you have your interview schedule. Relax. Everything is gonna be alright. But, the day before you leave the house for your visa interview, be sure that you have everything. Be sure that you filled up all the papers. There are some US embassy employees that's kinda rude. Be patient. Just keep this in mind. YOU ARE GOING TO LEAVE THEM BEHIND!

Congratulations! You passed the interview. The consul will tell you that you will receive your US visa by DELBROS. Delbros is the authorized courier of the US embassy. They have te instructions on how you are going to pay at Delbros.

Do not book your ticket yet unless you have your US visa with you. Your Philippine passport is in that packet that Delbros is going to deliver. In my case, after I told my fiance (now husband) that I passed the interview. He booked our tickets immediately. He was the one who was so excited when he heard the news, LOL....

When my neighbor overheard that I am going to leave for the US on November 25. My fiance (now husband) chose that date. Mind you, I do not have the visa yet. I was like, OMG! She asked me if I have this CFO sticker. I said, "What is that?!" Then she explained it to me.

November 19, he arrived in the Philippines. He proposed to me at the NAIA... it was like a movie, hahaha... everyone was watching us. He was on his knees, asking me to marry him. Do I have a choice?! LOL...Of course, I said YES!

I was panicky, because my fiance (now husband) was there, we have to leave on the 25th, but I do not have my visa yet and my passport. To be honest, that was a wrong sweet move. but there is nothing we can do, it's already there. So we just waited for the packet. The packet arrived on the 20th, thank God! At last, I could attend the CFO seminar. CFO - Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
All the Filipinos who are going outside the country needs to attend the CFO seminar. It's a one-day seminar only. But, it takes time before you can have your certificate. After the seminar, you will receive your certificate and your badge or sticker. You cannot leave the country without this CFO sticker. They will check your passport if it has the CFO sticker on it. Or else, you will not board the plane.

Here is how you should do to take the CFO seminar:

• Call the CFO office - click on the "CFO"link and you will learn everything that you need to know about CFO. 

*NOTE: Don't worry clicking the link, it is not something like ads or whatsoever.  That is the exact link to the CFO site.  

• Schedule your seminar and they will tell you what else you will have to bring.  Just make sure that you are telling them everything, it is for your own good. Do not forget to mention about your passport if you don't have your passport with you (I am sure your passport is still at St. Luke's after your medical or still at the embassy, whichever way, you must tell the CFO people about your case and it won't be a hassle.)

• The seminar is good for one day only and you are good to go.  
• Bring some money and food.  MONEY because you will pay for something, picture I think.  (Pardon me for it was almost four years when I had my schedule so I am not sure if they changed or not.)   FOOD so you won't get hungry if you happen to wait.
• At the end of the seminar they will give you a sticker for your passport and some papers, too.  Keep them.

Good luck on your seminar!!!

My Visa Interview Story

November 9, 2008. Sunday, 7:00 pm. I could not get to sleep. I was very excited for my visa interview the next day. All my documents were ready. My appointment for my visa interview was Monday of November 10, 2008. I have to be at the US embassy in Manila before 7:00 am. But, I could not sleep that Sunday night. I have to get some sleep so my mind would be fresh and relax, I said that to myself.

November 10, 2008. Monday. I got up at 3 am, didn't get enough sleep. I only had an hour or less than an hour, I think? But, I have to get up early so I can prepare for everything before going to the embassy for interview. I took a shower, I get dressed, then leave at exactly 4 am.

I was renting a small room in Malibay, Pasay. US embassy is in Roxas Blvd. But, I preferred to leave the house that early, so I do not have to rush myself. Aside from the fact that I am not familiar with the location, I was planning to go to Chowking and eat my favorite chao fan.

5:30 am. I reached US embassy. I still have plenty of time. So, I went to Chowking which is opposite US embassy. I got my chao fan to go. I want to be the first person in line. And I was right! I was the first person in line. The only person in line for K1 visa interview. There were so many visa applicants but they are applying for a different visa category. The embassy guard told me that I can come back at 6:30, that I was so early for the interview. I said, it is alright. I can wait. I do not want to stand there in line waiting for my time. It is better to be early than sorry.

6:00 am. The security decided to let us in, K1 visa applicants. I was the first in line, haha! I made it! There was another line before we can get inside the embassy. But, it did not take long.
The security were checking our bags.

Cellphones are not allowed inside the embassy. So, if you are going to the embassy for an interview, DO NOT EVER try to bring your cellphone with you, unless you prefer to go back home and wait for another interview date. They will not let you in once you have your cellphone.

9:00 am. I was interviewed. I was a little nervous because I do not know what would be the out come. The consul asked me a couple of questions and I answered it politely. Then, he welcomed me to the United States of America. Yes! My visa was approved! I was floating with happiness. And when my fiance learned that I passed the interview, he booked a ticket for the Philippines.

After that interview, I went home and go back to bed then sleep. Hehe... At last, I can sleep soundly. Mission accomplished!