Manila Tread for English Speakers - join here!

[scos]

See, if you had to do all the pre-marriage stuff you would have known what to expect. All the "take this paper to window X" back and forth and waiting for the seminar (with limited space). Been there, done that.

 

[GoonerClank]

So he went there at 8 to quickly sign in, and now 2 hrs later he is still there being held up there, texting me that he is starving!

It's starting!

This brings back memories..


Good luck with the seminar Steph

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Not that i know of... I just asked my wife what they asked her...

There is this description which might help you too

http://valleyofcoconuts.blogspot.ca/2011/03/how-to-get-your-cfo-certificate-in-cebu.html

Is a bloody shock to see the list of documents required. You need just as much documentation to get out of the Philippines as you do to get into Canada.

 

[Steph C]

So 11am they finally release him.. he's starving ! Bit grumpy.. and tired because he couldn't sleep nicely in the hotel. They already asked him a LOT of questions, including if he has kids and does he plan to bring the kids to Canada one day? (A: Yes, in a few years, when we can afford it!) It seems to be going well so far.. asked him to come back at 1pm not 2pm He's just focused on getting some food into himself at the moment.. whew!

Edit: I had to remind him again these are not Visa Officers.. he never listens the first time! Men! He felt better knowing they have nothing to do with the Embassy.

 

[scos]

O M G ! ! !

 

[scos]

There, now that my initial shock has worn off, I was surprised to check my email and find a PPR. I must admit I was stunned for a minute. Then my mind turned on again and the search for meaning began...

So, I had a PPR in my mail. I checked my wife's email and the PPR was not there (might be mail lag, who knows). There is no change in ECAS. And the only items being asked for are:

passport
re-medical
current address to mail passport back to

Soooooo... What can we learn from this?

First, when I sent the app I sent the NSO marriage certificate and I sent the CENOMAR from when we were married (proof she was single before our marriage). Is it possible that the combination of proof of no marriage then a marriage certificate is as acceptable as an AOM? My wife just got 2 copies of the AOM which I guess will go in our files for future use.

And second and the big question for everyone else still waiting: would I have gotten this without the GCMS order and MP visit? Unfortunately that is difficult to know. They have had 2 full work days in Manila since my visit. And I find it curious that I got the email and my wife's g-mail is still empty (my name is on the MP info request).

I guess I can't really say one way or another. The fact that no other docs were asked for, and the interview is waived means it was fairly simple on their end (when I get the GCMS file I will know more). So I am tending to believe my theory that it was sitting unopened till they were prompted to open it by the MP inquiry.

I think the takeaway from this experience is to listen to CJG and Steph's view. If your app has been sitting in Manila for 6 months or more it is worth an MP visit. I don't think it necessarily speeds things up or will get you done faster though. I think what is really happening is it forces them to actually OPEN and LOOK AT your application. As we've seen they like to pick the order they will process apps. I think the MP inquiry forced them to look at my app based on it's arrival sequence.

 

[Dan_from_Surrey]

Hey Congrats scos! and misses scos hopefully they will get you August peeps cleared off, and get a earnest start on the Sept applications

 

[scos]

Hey Congrats scos! and misses scos hopefully they will get you August peeps cleared off, and get a earnest start on the Sept applications

I was going to call her and tell her but I think it will be more fun to do the usual "here hun, check out where we are on the spreadsheet" (she's been following the rooster) and see her reaction tomorrow. ;D

Of course, that is assuming it doesn't hit her g-mail first and spoil the surprise.

 

[scos]

can anyone here know the true and exact email add in cem??i just want to send them an email about my application,,,coz i was in process since april 15,,but still no news untill now....

Sounds philosophical: Can anyone really know the true and exact email address in CEM? Sounds like something to meditate on...

But to answer your question we don't really know. I think at last count there were 5 addresses being bandied about and none were yielding any really useful answers. Well, except for the medical email address Steph found which apparently has some limited usefulness.

Our PPR came from the re-manil.immigration @ international.gc.ca account that has already been mentioned. That may be an outbound only address as the address they listed to send updates to was manil.immigration @ international.ga.ca.

I think the type and quality of response you get is really dependent on the mood of the person viewing it that day. Others who have gone In-Process seem to hear something in a few weeks so you should get something soon. It's only been 2 weeks.

 

[Steph C]

Congrats Mr and Mrs Scos! I think that the data we've collected on the AOM/Cenomar has just been proven correct. The checklist specifically says AOM or Cenomar. I think they just need one or the other to satisfy that requirement. No matter if it's before the wedding - Cenomar - or after the wedding.

Cool! I've been sleeping a bit lightly the guy just texted me he's in line for his interview at CFO.. the true test of a man

 

[Steph C]

Cool! I've been sleeping a bit lightly the guy just texted me he's in line for his interview at CFO.. the true test of a man

Fook me.. they're asking for him to come back with annulment papers! Before they will issue a certificate? SCREAAAAaaaaaaaaa

 

[Steph C]

Fook me.. they're asking for him to come back with annulment papers! Before they will issue a certificate? SCREAAAAaaaaaaaaa

Whew! Success! He dug up something from his folder of documents that made them happy. Certificate achieved!

 

[GoonerClank]

Whew! Success! He dug up something from his folder of documents that made them happy. Certificate achieved!

Congrats Steph... and congrats to Scos

 

[Tagum-N.B.]

I was going to call her and tell her but I think it will be more fun to do the usual "here hun, check out where we are on the spreadsheet" (she's been following the rooster) and see her reaction tomorrow. ;D

Of course, that is assuming it doesn't hit her g-mail first and spoil the surprise.

CONGRATULATIONS Now we will need a new column on the spreadsheet PPR ISSUED AFTER MP INQUIRY LOL

 

[jarry96]

So guys, he's getting ready for the CFO seminar today.. he is cool as a cucumber, while I am a bundle of nerves!
I really hope he gets it.. otherwise we can just try again in Manila.

Jerry, how was your CFO seminar?

The seminar on Tuesday was rough. There were about 15 applicants and 12 got through relatively unscathed at 1PM after 5 hours. Three applicants including my partner were held for additional "processing", which really turned out to be a blend of interrogation and gossip session with many irrelevant questions, eg. "How much was your tuition?" and "At what age did you discover you were gay?"

He thought it strange that he had to endure a grilling from them considering that the embassy approved his application after just 5 days of processing. Anyway by 3PM he took possession of the coveted sticker.