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[truesmile]

In case it fits your situation in the future, I think I found a loophole on the PH Immigration web-site that says something to the effect of: 'spouses of PH Nationals my stay for a period of ONE YEAR, but both MUST enter PH at the same time' . . . I thought that might be handy to know, I may have to print that one and carry it with me (if that's ever our plan).

 

[the_14th]

In case it fits your situation in the future, I think I found a loophole on the PH Immigration web-site that says something to the effect of: 'spouses of PH Nationals my stay for a period of ONE YEAR, but both MUST enter PH at the same time' . . . I thought that might be handy to know, I may have to print that one and carry it with me (if that's ever our plan).

I thought we can stay there with/without a husband for 6 months. After 6 months we can still stay but we're no longer covered by our respective health plans. I've stayed there before for 3 months without having to pay any charges.

 

[WoodyKatie]

LOL
Sorry, I don't mean to laugh, but that sounds too funny to ignore it..
"do I need to undergo guidance and counseling?"

That sounds like something they would force you to do if you have some kind of mental problems.
But seriously, I'm not familiar with all this PDOS and the other things you're talking about, and I've never heard of something similar being required. So is this specifically aimed at the Filipino community? And if so, who is making all this stuff mandatory? Is it the Philippines government? The Canadian government? I can't imagine that Filipinos are required to do some kind of special counseling before getting into Canada and other nationalities are not. That doesn't sound right

Yeah... Funny thing! Ive read that itll be presented at the airport before departure.

 

[Luckyman]

It would sure be nice to get some clarification on the seminars.....

 

[Steph C]

It would sure be nice to get some clarification on the seminars.....

I found the following here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LF-oK0c_F9kKPfiP9MjlKZZ1RzqQVCRLOKWV3QsRGZI/edit?hl=fil&pli=1

(7) Acquire CFO Sticker >> Sponsored person is required to attend seminar A (PDOS) or seminar B (GCS) prior issuance of CFO sticker. For more info visit http://www.cfo.gov.ph/.
a. CFO sticker is issued at CFO offices.
b. No reservation required to attend the seminar. Slot is limited so come early.
c. Print out the necessary registration form and fill-up before going for CFO seminar to save time in line.
d. Photocopy the following: Passport, Visa, MCOPR
e. Seminar A: PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) >> when fiancée, spouse, common law or conjugal partner of a Canada permanent resident sponsor; visa is needed to attend; conducted at CFO offices:
i. Commission on Filipinos Overseas Manila
Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue Cor. South Superhighway, Manila
Tel. (632) 561-8321 ext. 104, 105, 201-204, 300-304
E-mail: cfodfa@info.com.ph; cfomieo@info.com.ph
ii. CFO Cebu Extension Office
Causing Lozada Bldg, Osmena Blvd, cor MJ Cuenco Ave, Cebu City
Tel. (032) 255-5253
iii. The Peer Counseling Seminar is a special session for those with ages 13 to 19 years, which aims to prepare them emotionally for the adjustments they will have to take.
iv. Fees and Requirements: (click here to go directly to the website)
f. Seminar B: GCS (Guidance and Counseling Seminar) >> when fiancée, spouse, common law or conjugal partner of a Canadian citizen sponsor (also Filipino Canadian citizen); can attend with or without the visa; conducted at any CFO service providers:
i. People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization (PRISM)
2nd Floor Equitable PCI Bank (BDO) Bldg.
2422 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Tel. Nos.: (632) 525-3114, (632) 525-3783, (632) 525-4314
E-mail: prism_inc06@yahoo.com.ph
ii. St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation - Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW)
Good Shepherd Convent
1043 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City
Tel. (632) 913-6439
E-mail: smef_cow@yahoo.com.ph
Website: www.smef-cow-phil.org
>> SMEF-COW has ONE STOP PROCESSING for its CFO Guidance and Counseling. CFO has an EXTENSION office at COW for immediate release of CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate.
>> Counseling Sessions Schedules: 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. for All countries from Monday to Friday
iii. Fees and Requirements: (click here to go directly to the website)
iv. To renew or apply for passport at Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) certificate from GCS/ Seminar B is required.
g. Seminar C: COA (Canadian Orientation Abroad) >> a one-full day pre-departure orientation seminar offered voluntarily by Canadian gov’t through the International Organization for Migration [IOM] for Temporary Workers in the Live-in Caregiver Program and all categories of immigrants; free-of-charge; attendance in these seminars is not mandatory.
i. Participants: voluntary for all Filipinos leaving the country as temporary workers under the Live-in Caregiver Program or in any permanent resident category.
ii. Where: IOM office on the 24th Floor of the Citibank Tower Bldg. at 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
iii. To register, accepted applicants must call the IOM office upon receiving instructions included in their visa package.
iv. The COA seminar is held at the IOM office. Their telephone number: 811-3445, SMS: 09175684868, Fax: 848-1272, E-mail: COAmanila@iom.int
h. Do not fill-up/sign at the COPR (dikit-dikit na me carbon paper). Filling-up/signing must be done in the presence of Canadian customs or immigration officer.

 

[Luckyman]

Thanks Steph C....

So according to the website www.smef-cow-phil.org My wife should be able to take the GCS seminar at any time, then she would have to go back to register for CFO sticker once visa and COPR is issued.

Cheers!

 

[doljan]

It's definitely the Philippine government's bureaucracy. They like to make their citizens jump through hoops to be able to leave the country. They are experts at this since you can imagine how many of their citizens work abroad. It's their country, which they created and they can do what they like : until their own citizens complain which would probably be never. They also have a 'travel tax' on citizens wanting to travel abroad who are not working abroad. It's around $75 and they will slap that on at the airport.

steph c, my wife would give you a thumbs up for this.... our only comment for this is "what can you do, if you live in a shoe"... :

 

[BC_guy]

My plan is, if they do ask my wife for anything we send them promptly, and that's it....BUT, if they ask for interview, then I'll send email to embassy contact email as provided by my sponsorship approval, stating that I'll be visiting my wife at that time and would love to attend the interview with her if possible......as an example, I believe this is the best type of correspondence method

You don't need to request permission to accompany your wife to an interview. You just show up at the embassy with her. If the VO doesn't want you to be there, they will simply ask you to stay in the waiting area. But at least you've demonstrated you're there to support her.

 

[Luckyman]

True, but it's also an opportunity to have legitimate correspondence even if they don't let me in.... Don't you think?

 

[WoodyKatie]

tnx for the info step c!

 

[Nash13]

another question.. my spouse and I are both Filipino but my spouse is also a canadian citizen by naturalization, what do I need to undergo (PDOS or Guidance and Counseling) or both? :

you have to undergo Guidance and Counseling seminar conducted by CFO

 

[WoodyKatie]

you have to undergo Guidance and Counseling seminar conducted by CFO

thank you nash13... haist.. ;D

 

[tuyen]

you have to undergo Guidance and Counseling seminar conducted by CFO

LOL

It's still funny...even hours later.

 

[WoodyKatie]

LOL

It's still funny...even hours later.

well, I have no choice but to do it.. lol

 

[Nash13]

LOL

It's still funny...even hours later.

thats the way it is hehehe