http://www.cfo.gov.

ph/
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/gcp.html
sjuanillas03@gmail.com fb pw
Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP)

Are you leaving as fianc(e) /spouse or partner of a foreigner or a former Filipino?

If yes, then you need to attend the Guidance Counseling Program (GCP)!

A. CFO Guidance and Counseling Program

B. GCP Online-Appointment System
C. Requirements
D. How to make an Online Appointment
E. Schedules
F. Location
G. Flyer (PDF Download)

A. What is CFO Guidance and Counseling Program

For the past three decades, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has
implemented the Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) for fianc(e)s, spouses and
other partners of foreign nationals or of former Filipino citizens. Republic Act 10906
(Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act of 2016) and Republic Act 10364 (An Act Expanding the
Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2012) require the conduct of mandatory pre-departure
counseling services for Filipinos in intermarriages.

The GCP is also a requirement under the implementing rules and regulations of Republic
Act 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act for Filipino fianc(e)s, partners and spouses of
foreign nationals or former Filipino citizens who are applying for a passport for the first
time or adopting the surname of the foreign spouse.

The main objective of the program is to assist the integration of Filipinos in their host
countries by counseling them on the realities of international migration, and preparing
them to meet the practical, cultural and psychological challenges in cross-cultural
marriage and migration.

B. GCP Online-Appointment System

To attend the Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP), you must secure an appointment
through the GCP On-line Appointment System (GOAS). Below are two links for the GCP
sessions in Manila or Cebu.
Sessions are based on your foreign fianc(e)s /spouses /partners citizenship.
Only 15 attendees per session will be accepted in CFO-Manila, while only 12 attendees
for CFO-Cebu.
The session will automatically close when all allocated slots are taken.
Only clients with confirmed slot/appointment and complete requirements will be
admitted to the counseling session.
Those with confirmed appointment should bring the printed barcoded confirmation
form or present the digital copy (saved PDF form) in their mobile phone or tablet PC
(copy must show name and reference number).
Slot is forfeited if you dont show up on set date of appointment. Reservation must be
done again online.

C. Requirements

Counseling Requirements:
(with or without visa)
No need to photocopy any registration document
No need to submit ID photos
1. Two (2) original valid identification cards with photograph (see samples below);
2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form to be secured at the CFO;
3. If married in the Philippines, original Certificate of Marriage on security paper from the
Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA);
4. If married overseas, original Report of Marriage duly registered by the Philippine
Embassy/Consulate or the Department of Foreign Affairs; and
5. Payment of PhP400.00 counseling and registration fee.

Additional documents may be required in the event that the counselor determines it to
be essential to complete the guidance and counseling process. It is advised for all the
GCP applicants to prepare the following documents (if applicable to them) in advance
and bring these documents when they come to CFO:
1. Divorce decree/certificate (of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married)
2. Annulment paper (of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if previously married)
3. Proof of residency/Alien Registration Card-ARC (of foreign spouse)

4. Proof of relationship (picture together, e-mails, among others)

5. Death certificate (of Filipino spouse or foreign spouse, if widow/widower)
6. Certificate of Family relations / registration (of foreign spouse)

Additional registration requirements for those with visa:

1. Original valid passport;
2. Original valid visa
3. Original Immigrant Data Summary (please do not detach fromyellow packet) for US-bound
emigrants, except for K visa holders;
4. Original Confirmation of Permanent Residencefor Canada-bound emigrants;
5. Original Visa Grant Notice for Australia-bound emigrants;
6. Original Certificate of Eligibility for Japan-bound emigrants;
7. Original CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate (if already attended the GCP); and
8. Duly completed emigrant registration form.

COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS adheres to very strict confidentiality standards.

Any information or counseling/documents that you provide are kept strictly confidential,
except in life threatening situations, cases of suspected abuse and danger on the part of
the CFO clientele, or when release is otherwise required by law.

D. How to Make an Online Appointment

1. Click the GOAS link for CFO Manila (www.gcp-appointment.cfo.gov.ph) or CFO Cebu
(www.gcp-cebu-appointment.cfo.gov.ph) where you intend to attend the Guidance and
Counseling Program (GCP).
2. Answer preliminary questions to verify if you need to attend the Guidance and Counseling
Program (GCP).
3. If eligible for the GCP
Indicate your e-mail address
Click on the link sent to your e-mail
Choose your preferred date of appointment
Provide personal information of yourself and of your fianc(e)/spouse/partner
4. Print barcoded confirmation form or save a digital copy (PDF format) in your mobile phone
or tablet.
5. Take note of your date of appointment. Go to CFO-Manila or CFO-Cebu on the confirmed
date at least an hour and a half before appointment and bring the complete set of required
documents.

Primary IDs
Passport, Drivers License, Postal ID, Social Security System (SSS ID), Goverment Service
Insurance System (GSIS ID), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC ID), Senior
Citizens ID Card, Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card), Consular ID, Seamans
Book, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ID, Philippine Overseas, Employment
Association (POEA) ID, PRA Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) ID, Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) ID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
ID, Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), Philippine National Police (PNP) ID, Voters ID
Secondary IDs
National Statistics Office (NSO) Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate (NSO
Authenticated), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance, Police Clearance,
Barangay Clearance/Certificate, Company/Office ID, Students ID or School ID, OFW ID,
Certification from the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP), Tax
Identification Number (TIN ID), PhilHealth Identification Card (PIC), Home Development
Mutual Fund (HMDF) or PAG-IBIG ID, Permit to Carry Firearms.

E. Schedules

CFO Manila
SESSION
(based on your fianc(e)s /
spouses /partners
citizenship)
United States
of America

MORNING SESSION 9AM 12NN

AFTERNOON SESSION 2PM 5PM

Monday to Friday
30 slots (2 sessions)

15 slots (1 session)

Tuesdays & Fridays

Canada
15 slots (1 session)

no session

Monday to Friday
Europe
15 slots (1 session)

no session

Mondays & Thursdays

Australia
no session
New Zealand

15 slots (1 session)
Wednesdays

no session

15 slots (1 session)

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Japan
no session

15 slots (1 session)

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Taiwan and
Asia Pacific

no session

15 slots (1 session)

Tuesdays & Thursdays

South Korea
no session
Middle East,South America,
South Africa and other
countries

15 slots (1 session)
Fridays

no session

15 slots (1 session)

CFO Cebu

SESSION
(based on your
fianc(e)s /
spouses /partners
citizenship)

MORNING SESSION
9AM - 12NN

AFTERNOON SESSION
2PM - 5PM

United States
of America and
Canada

Monday to Friday (12 slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Australia and New

Zealand

Mondays & Wednesdays (12

slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Japan

Tuesdays & Thursdays (12 slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

South Korea

Tuesdays & Thursdays (12

slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Europe

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

(12 slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Asia-Pacific and Other

Countries
(Middle East, South Africa,
Etc.)

Fridays (12 slots)

2:00 - 5:00 pm

F. Location of CFO

CFO-Manila

Citigold Center
1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue
corner Osmea Highway
Manila, Philippines 1007
Tel. No.: (02) 552-4700
Fax No.: (02) 561-8332
Email: info(at)cfo.gov.ph
Website: www.cfo.gov.ph

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