I agree with mimi re CIIP. Just make sure to find time for it because although it is not compulsory, it may spell out turning our dreams to reality or to a nightmare...
Ang COA daw ay kapareho lang ng objectives and contents ng CIIP so kung kapos ka na sa oras, pwedeng CIIP na lang. Personally, baka patulan ko rin COA-- for networking purposes at baka sakaling may additional useful inputs sila...
Malamang kami ay mag COA and CIIP after VISA issuance na. Suggestion lang, magdeclare ka ng ETD na malapit sa date ng gusto mong seminar dahil mukhang ang scheduling ay call nila at nakabase sa ETD na ideclare natin, not sure though.
God bless.