Immigrant Visa Information

Many Filipinos are leaving the Philippines as immigrant Visa holders and there are requirements they need to fulfill before leaving the country.

Article 19 of Presidential Decree No. 442 states that an emigrant or a person who is granted an immigrant visa must first register with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) before leaving the country to settle in a foreign land. Upon proper registration with CFO, an emigrant will be issued 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 or for Immigrant Workers, attend the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) or the Peer Counseling Seminar, and pay the authorized registration fee.

There is no reservation required for CFO PDOS. 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 teenage emigrants age 13 to 19 years, which aims to prepare them emotionally for the adjustments they will have to take.

source:commission on filipinos overseas

A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia

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