How to Change Your Passport Surname to Your Foreign Husband's



To all Philippine passport holders, are you by any chance planning to renew your passport and change your surname to your foreign husband's?

We have been married for almost 10 years and I have been using my maiden name the entire time in all of my local and international identification cards.  Since I won't be traveling outside the country very soon,  I found it the perfect time to do it.

Living abroad, there wasn't really any urgent need to change my name. Within the span of my expat life, I have changed my passport thrice and the thought of the long bureaucratic procedure made me cringe. Waiting for an online appointment schedule at my country's consulate in Dubai and the whole process of name changing deemed to be a nightmare. My then tight business trip schedules when I was working in the Middle East didn't have any window to accommodate this long wait. Additionally, I wanted to avoid my previous employers paying additional fees to renew my resident visas and to steer clear from all of the administrative hassles of name changing in all of my identification cards such as my driver's license, Emirates ID and etc. 

If I had a choice, I would still keep my maiden name.

As per the civil code, the woman can still continue using her legal name when she was single. It may not be mandatory to use my husband's surname in the Philippines, but in reality, the change makes everything a tad less complicated.   


Goal: Change my passport surname to my foreign husband's

I booked an online appointment schedule at the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) website for my passport renewal a month ago. The calendar is usually fully booked.

If you want an immediate appointment, I heard you can get it done through a travel agency by paying a fee of Php 500 or more.

I prepared all of their requirements as follows. 

General Requirements:
1. Personal Appearance
2. Confirmed Online Appointment - Printout
3. Most Recent Passport (Valid / Expiring/ Expired) - Original and Photocopy of first 4 pages
4. Valid Picture IDs with Photographs  (Digitized SSS ID, Driver's License, PRC ID etc.) -Original and Photocopy
5. Supporting Documents - Birth Certificate in Security Paper by National Statistics Office (NSO) - Original and Photocopy.  Order your NSO Birth Certificate Online here

For Spouse of Foreign National who would like to use their Married Surname (for the first time), provide original and photocopies of below documents:

1.  Marriage Contract in Security Paper issued by National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy of Marriage Contract issued by the Local Registrar duly authenticated by NSO. 

Oh, make sure you have an extra Marriage Contract because DFA will get the original copy  once you have everything. 

2.  Report of Marriage duly authenticated by NSO if married overseas
3. Original and Photocopy of Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counselling Certificate of Attendance and Registration

I was there at DFA Aseana 30 minutes before my appointed schedule.  Unfortunately, my mistake was, I missed no. 3- CFO Certificate which was a very important requirement.

Needless to say, I was asked to return. I could only proceed with the passport application once I obtain the CFO Certificate.

The good news is, your DFA online appointment is valid for 1 month and once you secure the missing requirement, you can pop in anytime during weekdays. 

Ideally, if you're planning to change your existing passport name, simultaneously organise your CFO online appointment here scheduling it several days prior to your DFA appointment and book your DFA appointment here ahead of time. 



CFO - Commission on Filipinos Overseas

What is this CFO seminar and guidance counselling and why do I need it?

The government created and implemented for the past three decades the guidance and counselling program for fiancees/ spouses / partners of foreign nationals and former Filipino Citizens under Republic Act 10364 (An Act Expanding Anti- Trafficking in Person Act of 2012). Its aim is to ensure preparation for Filipinos in Intermarriages before migrating to another country, to provide awareness of their rights, what to do in cases of domestic violence while overseas and to better equip them with proper knowledge of what to expect when they move to another country.

Having said this,  DFA will not issue and renew your passport without this GCP certificate and Immigration at the airport will not allow you to leave if you don't have the CFO stamp on your passport.

Like you, my reaction was, "Come on, I've been married for 10 years, do I still need it?"  Yes, you do. No way out. It's mandatory. Just go for it with an open mind, relax and enjoy the whole process.

CFO Commission on Filipinos Overseas - Manila
Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue Corner Osmena Highway
(South Super highway) Manila, Philippines 1007
Telephone: +632 5524700
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph
Website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

CFO Cebu
4th Floor, K&J Building  #4 Don Julio Llorente Street
Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000
Telephone: (032) 2555253
Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph
Website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

Where is it? Click here

Organise original and jpeg copy of your 1x1 or 2x2 coloured photograph with white background. You will need to upload this during your online application. Any recent image not more than 3 months old is acceptable.

Requirements for Attendance 
1. Appointment Details with Bar Code printout
2. Original and Photocopy of 2 valid Identification Cards with photograph
3. Original and Photocopy of Marriage Certificate on NSO Security Paper or from the Local Civil Registry Service; or Original  and Photocopy Report of Marriage duly registered by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate or DFA
4. Other documents may be required by the counsellors (copy of husband's passport, your birth certificate etc.)
5. Payment of Php 400 for Counselling and Registration Fee
6. Original and Photocopy of Passport

For those migrating to another country or with an existing / available long stay/ resident visa, please bring the following:
7.  Original and photocopy of visa (if you have one)
8.  For U.S. Bound Emigrants - Original and photocopy of Immigrant's Data Summary (except for K visa holders)
9. For  Canada Bound Emigrants - Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residents
10. For Japan Bound Emigrants - Original and photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility
11. Original CFO Counselling Certificate (Once you've satisfactorily completed the guidance counselling)
12. Duly completed Emigration Form

The scheduled appointment is organized according to your husband's country.  Click here to schedule your appointment.

Since my husband is from France,  there's a separate group seminar and discussion for Europe group, there was another for US, Canada, Middle East and etc. Our group seminar starts at 9AM but be there at around 7AM at least 1 hour and a half before, because there are loads of forms to be filled!

They will also take your photograph on the spot and be sure you know a lot of information about your husband / fiance' like his educational background- where he studied, his home country address, telephone number, other contact details and  parents' names and etc. Mostly information that's easy peasy for those married for a long time.



Once all forms are completed and submitted to the CFO officers at the desk, we were guided to a small classroom with a white board and attendees were about 10-12 in the room. Some arrived late and they had to stay behind after the group discussion to complete their forms.

The group discussion was for about 2 hours and we talked about what this seminar is for, the challenges of moving and living overseas,  facts about marriages, domestic violence, and preparation needed. Brochures were handed out about marriage laws and procedure at the airport for those who are leaving the country for the first time.

It was a lively discussion. I think it's helpful for young brides and brides to be. Personally, I could have gone without it since I've lived the life overseas before undergoing the group seminar. However, It's a good way to spot and track those who are in forced marriages and victims of human trafficking. It's also an interesting way to meet people who will be moving to the same country of destination to start building one's circle of friends and support system.

I just wish they have exceptions for those who have been married for multiple years and have lived abroad with their spouses for the same length of time.

After the group discussion, we were interviewed individually. How my husband and I met. When and where we were married  and more questions that the interviewer came up with based on the submitted forms to verify the facts written there.  Others were requested to show photos of their spouses.

Once that was done, we had to wait at the ground floor, cashier where we paid the fee and after several minutes, our GCP certificate was released. By 1 pm we were done.


Back to DFA

The next day, I went to DFA with my completed requirements and proud GCP Certificate and the whole process was a breeze!  Within an hour and a half after verifying my documents, taking my photo, fingerprints and signature and paying Php 1200 and extra for passport delivery door to door express service, I was done.  Yay!

You'll have to go back to CFO for your CFO passport stamp once you have your visa on your new passport.

Update: 

What if the issued CFO Certificate Name was initially registered under your maiden name and you wish to change and update it to your Foreign Husband's Surname ?

Liahonna, one who came across this article, shared her experience:

Good news! There's a new CFO policy whereby the certificate name should coincide with the name on the visa and passport name.  Having said this, for a fee of Php 400 for a surname revision, her GCP certificate and sticker was revised to her visa and new passport married name in 10 to 15 minutes. 


It was such a relief to get this over with.
I feel like a new bride still getting used to my new surname.
Don't give up, just keep calm and get going. 

Love & light,
Arni

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131 comments

  1. Didn't know changing your last name can be that tedious. But I figured it would be a lot difficult if your husband is a foreigner. I'm not sure who am I going to marry someday but if he is a foreigner, I'm definitely going to this post of yours for guidance.

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    1. Hi Marge, for some reason, why do I get the feeling that your husband will be a foreigner. :) Just saw you're currently traveling in Vietnam. Enjoy and have an awesome trip.

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    2. Hi i just want to ask do i need cfo to travel the state even where not together anymore ..thanks

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    3. For a short stay tourist visa to the U.S. you don't need it but for long term stay and you are still legally married, then you might need it.

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    4. Hi Ma'am,

      Thank you for your post. Just want to ask if do I need to get a CFO appointment even if we already live in the Pilippines for good with a foreign husband? Thank you.

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  2. Oh wow, this sounds really exhausting! I've never thought about all these things that can come with marriage! Maybe I'll be lazy and just keep my maiden name x)

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  3. Hi quick question! When you applied for your passport renewal, did you use your maiden name in the appointment application form, or did you use your husband's name already?

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    1. Hello Carmina, I used my husband's surname in the online appointment application form.

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  4. hello!!! how long did you wait for new passport?

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    1. Gosh, I can't remember the exact days but I think I paid for the express processing. Mine I think took 10 working days to 2 weeks. There's also the regular processing that takes more than 20 working days. This was last year. Perhaps, they're faster now with the new administration?

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  5. Hello Arni
    I am so pleased to come across your guide and goodness am I thankful?! We live and are still residents of Dubai and if you be so kind, can you confirm that I can only apply for a new passport with my husband's last name in the Philippines or can I do it from the consulate here as well as the GCP certificate and CFO stamp?
    Thanks ever so much in advance.
    Mg

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    Replies
    1. Hello Mg, good news, yes it is possible to change your passport surname at the Philippine Consulate overseas. They didn't mention anything about CFO though for those married to other nationalities in their requirements. Click the link for the requirements: http://abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/passport-renewal
      I checked the Dubai Consulate page but couldn't find any information regarding marriage name change, but it is possible under passport renewal at Abu Dhabi Consulate as well as consulates in Australia, SG, even U.S. If you do manage to process the name change without the CFO, I do suggest to look into getting the CFO stamp later. I was questioned at the immigration counter of NAIA Airport why I had none while traveling here many years ago. All the best Mg!

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  6. Hi Arni. . I'm married to a New Zealander and I need all of these info. . Thank you lots! <3

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    1. Glad to hear Cyrel, happy to share information. :)

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  7. Hi! Thanks for this post. Did you attend the CFO seminar by yourself? Is it okay to have the husband/husband to be there? My fiancé wants to go with me and I haven't set any sched since I haven't read up anything about that yet. Thank you!

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    1. Yes I did attend it by myself. It's not advisable to bring them because of the long wait. They will also not be allowed inside. That was the case for the husbands/fiance's of companions during the seminar. We felt bad for their partners waiting outside under the heat and there aren't even coffee shops nearby where they can hang around for more than 3 hours.

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  8. could i renew my Philippine Passport under my husbands surname? i just married last Jan.31,2015 to him here in USA and i i just have my 2 years Permanent residence card for now(CONDITIONAL).. I will be having my 10 years Permanent residence card this coming year (2018).what is your good advice to this situation? Do i still need to use my maiden name when i renew it?

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    1. Hello there, sorry, I'm not very familiar with USA rules regarding the residence process and I agree that changing your name can be crucial. You might want to consult some legal advice regarding the implications of a name change at this stage.

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  9. Hello po ask ko lng po..visa journey p lng po ako for korean spouse..after po ng CFO what should i do first..making visa in the embassy or renewing my passport using my husband surname?thanks po.

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    1. Hello there, it depends on how much time you have left. If you have time, then renewing your passport first is better so they can stamp your Korean visa on it and you don't need to worry about changing your passport later. Once you have your Korean visa, you would need to go back to CFO for a CFO stamp on your new passport. If in case there is no time, you can head straight to obtaining your visa in your existing passport and you can probably change it at the Philippine Consulate of the country you're moving to. You would also need to update your surname in your Korean visa later since the visa name is often dependent on the passport name, unless the embassy states otherwise.

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    2. Hi Arni,
      Thank you for the information,Actually I am currently living here in middle east same as you,but I was married to a foreigner just a month only and i go back again here in dubai but i don't have much time to authenticate all my papers,what i am planning here is to make it all here in dubai,Is it mandatory to change your maiden name to your passport once your planning to migrate in Europe?And how long it takes the processing?

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    3. Hello, I can imagine. I agree it would be easier if you arrange everything there in Dubai. In Europe they're more lenient with the surname, you can choose to continue with your maiden name. However, there are favorable aspects if you use his surname especially when you start having kids or when buying properties abroad, there should be less questions, they won't ask you for a copy of your marriage certificate all the time. Here in the Philippines, it took around 8-12 weeks for the entire process.

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  10. Hi. I have a valid US visa issued when i was still single. If i change passport/surname to my husband's last name, would you know if that visa will still be valid? or if need to go to the US embassy to have it updated?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Danes B. I was using my maiden name when I received my US tourist visas. Now that I have changed my surname in the new passport, I believe you'll have to have to re-apply for a new visa from the US Embassy as stated here https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/frequently-asked-questions/about-visas-the-basics.html

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  11. Thank you for the helpful info! Although i feel sad to lose the visa that I have, which is still valid for remaining 8 years - as we all know, it's a big hassle to get this one. I will have to think again the pros and cons of changing passport.

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    1. Most welcome. I totally agree with you regarding the hassle, ahhh...I'm positive though it would be much easier for you to re-apply. All the best and hope all goes well.

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  12. Hello just wanna ask, Am I allowed to apply for surname/status change in Manila dfa branches even my passport was released in dfa cebu? I just got married to a foreigner and the consulate wanted me to change my passport status and surname. Or should I fly to cebu just to change my name?
    Also how and where am I able to have a sched for CFO Counselling Seminar?
    Thank you very much for you article, I find it helpful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, To be honest, I'm not so sure, but I believe it should be possible to request for your passport surname change in DFA Manila. My previous passport was issued by Phil. Consulate in Dubai. They did ask me and I told them I'm moving back to the Philippines for good. Perhaps you can try as long as you have an online appointment well in advance. If it's more convenient and more economical to do so in Manila, perhaps it's worth a try. Check out this CFO site. It will link you to which CFO you prefer for a schedule. Scroll down at the GCP Online Appointment System below the page http://www.cfo.gov.ph/gcp.html Hope this helps. Good luck!

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  13. Hi Ms. Arni,

    Thank you for your blog. My situation was partly the same as you. And was terribly confused on how to get the things done in the Philippines since they're asking for a thousand of documents that can never be found.

    I'm glad to have seen your blog. It's a great guideline! a lifesaver indeed. Many thanks!

    Lotsoflove to you and your family!
    XOXO,
    Kamille

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    1. Thank you so much Kamille for your heartwarming message. :)

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  14. Hello po could i renew my pilipino passport using my australian husband last name,thank you..

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    1. Hi There, yes you may, kahit malayo pa ang date of expiry ng passport, for as long as you have the above mentioned requirements from DFA and CFO.

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  15. Hello! I would like to share my concern Ms. Arni and I hope you can answer me, my passport will expire on 2019 and I already made an application which is renewal. The only thing that I made this is to change my maiden name to my husband's surname. Do I still need to push my renewal application or just go staright and tell to the DFA that the only thing I need is to change my civil status and my maiden name to my husband's surname. Another, what requirements did you brought specifically? Because so far I have the ff:
    NSO Birth Certificate
    NSO Marriage Certificate
    Police Clearance
    Barangay Clearance
    Alumni ID
    TIN ID
    And I also want to know what ID's did you present since I'm really worried if they will going to refuse my ID's. However I have other things on their list that I can provide if they need more information and requirements from me. Such as TOR, YEARBOOK and VOTERS REGISTRATION (since it took years to get your VOTERS ID). I really hope for your answer Ms. Arni and I would appreciate it. Anyways, thank you in advance!

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    1. Hello Abigail, I think your renewal depends on the urgency of the name change. If you're residing in the Philippines, changing your surname as soon as possible is beneficial and more ideal in the long run. The DFA process to surname change is renewal of passport. They would require Government issued IDs. In my case, I have changed my surname on all of my IDs (Driver's license, Postal ID and PRC) prior to my DFA Appointment. They also accept Alumni ID, Employment ID but I'm not sure if these should have your married name changed as well. They didn't ask for a lot of IDs. They only asked me to present 2 of them, both of which should have a photo and my signature on the IDs. All the best to your application.

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  16. Hello, thank you for your info here. I'm newly married, living aboard, and will be renewing my passport soon. So I was considering if I will have my surname changed upon renewal or keep my maiden name. This article here http://www.manilatimes.net/married-woman-obliged-use-husbands-surname/116208/ states surname change is not mandatory. I'm in Korea and the prospect of changing the last name for all my legal registrations here is daunting. Do you think it's better to put off the name change until I am in the Philippines for a considerable amount of time (like 3 years later)?

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    1. Hi Gem, it's definitely your choice. As I mentioned in the blog post, I kept my maiden name for more than ten years of being married while living abroad and I had no problem whatsoever. I only changed it when I moved back to the country since I'm starting a clean slate. It's all up to you, all the best.

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    2. Hello Arn,thank you for sharing your experience. This is very helpful to me. I'm married to American and I decide to renew my passport last 2015 in DFA Manila but I was deny because I dont have CFO cert.Actually I dont have idea about that because I have sister in SIngapore,she was change her status and she adopt the surname of her french husband last 2014,she submitted old passport and marriage certificate only.So I expected that was the same here. So I decide to keep my passport because it will be expired on May 2019. Now,I have plan to attend in GCP to get that CFO cert. but my big problem now is my baby,I cannot leave her for long time because she always with want to go with me,she is 3 1/2 years old now and its very hard for me to attend in seminar for almost half day. I know that she will cry a lot and I will feel so bad if something happen to her.
      My idea is I will do the same like yours. My.question is did you changed your civil status while you kept your maiden name? Is that no problem in DFA?

      Hoping for your response.

      God bless your family.

      Thank you,
      Jorie

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    3. Hi Jorie, You are most welcome. I can imagine how difficult it must be to have a toddler in the seminar. To answer your question, I did submit the necessary requirements to change my civil status since getting married while keeping my maiden name. I don't remember formally doing that in the consulate abroad but whenever I have to tick civil status boxes I changed it to Married for all agencies. Whenever they request for MC then I give them a copy. I didn't have a problem since they are more lenient overseas. The only issue was I had many NSO copies of my MC and I keep at least a copy with me all the time especially when traveling back and forth. God bless!

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  17. hello po,ask ko lang po sana if nong nagpa appointment ba kayo sa cfo surname ba ng foreign husband niyo ginamit niyo?

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    1. If I'm not mistaken, I used my husband's surname in my application since I presented IDs with my married name on them already.

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  18. Hello Arnie! just quick question how can i get Report of Marriage duly authenticated by NSO if married abroad ? I already move here in Phil and I'm Married in dubai. Hope you can help me, by chance if you could post the website that i can apply it trough online.

    Thank you.

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    1. The Embassy should automatically register your Report of Marriage to PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority).
      They usually send one copy to them during your filing overseas. Bring your original copy of PSA (previously known as NSO) certified Report of Marriage that you received from Dubai Consulate with authentication from UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
      Check first with the NSO helpline virtual assistant if you can obtain a copy https://nsohelpline.ph/order-now. Most likely, if it's your first time to request NSO authenticated Report of Marriage in the Phils.,the best way is to head to the central outlet main branch of PSA (NSO)in East Ave. Quezon City.

      It reminds me of a situation I went through when I had to request for the birth certificate (report of birth) of my daughter who was born in Dubai. I only had a copy of her Report of Birth and I needed a PSA / NSO authenticated BC. Apparently, when I got to PSA, I was asked to get some authenticated code from DFA. Yep, I had to take the MRT all the way to DFA Aseana that day. I assumed our consulate has directly registered it at PSA but I have no clue why such code was requested. Luckily there is a separate office /window at DFA for this so there's no need for an online appointment in advance. After all the verification required was done and the code was given, I went back to PSA and then NSO to get my daughter's authenticated BC the same day. It was just a really long wait and lots of commute. I hope yours would be easier and not as complicated.

      Disclaimer: Please verify first with the government agencies concerned regarding requirements.

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    2. Thank you so much Arni..its really a big help.. :)

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  19. Hi Ms. Arni, your post is very helpful.

    Correct me po if I'm wrong. Hahanapan ba ako nang cfo cert sa naia airport at gamit ang new passport ko pag babalik na ako dito sa Dubai?
    Or pede Kong gawin next uwi namin nang pinas?
    Unfortunately, Walang cfo office sa davao. tas 2 weeks lang din bakasyon namin.
    Sa Dubai naman 2 months pa bago ako makakuha nang appointment for passport renewal.

    Thanks in advance for your reply.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Genie, Thank you :) Yes it might happen but not every time. Once,they asked me randomly sa check in- counter and stopped me from leaving I have been going back and forth - Philippines to Dubai many times pero that was the first time they asked me for a CFO stamp sa passport. They don't look for it naman all the time. Na- tyempo lang. I just argued with the person at the time and he eventually let me go when he realized I really had no idea. Totally understand, it's crazy, they should make CFO available there in Davao too or anywhere for that matter thru satellite offices kase it's such a hassle to travel just for that especially when you have a limited number of vacation days.

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  20. Hello po Ms. Arni how long it takes po ba to get the cfo

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    1. I would say the longest part of the process is getting an appointment for the guidance counselling. It all depends on the Guidance Counselling schedule availability. Once you have booked online, you'll get the GCP Certificate on the same day after your session and interview. If you are not changing your passport, just yet and it has a valid visa of your fiance' or husband's country, you can request for the CFO stamp the same day too. Otherwise, you can come back for the stamp once you have your new passport with a valid visa.

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  21. hello po Ms.Arni how long po ba it takes to get the cfo

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  22. I would say the longest part of the process is getting an appointment for the guidance counselling. It all depends on the Guidance Counselling schedule availability. Once you have booked online, you'll get the GCP Certificate on the same day after your session and interview. If you are not changing your passport, just yet and it has a valid visa of your fiance' or husband's country, you can request for the CFO stamp the same day too. Otherwise, you can come back for the stamp once you have your new passport with a valid visa.

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  23. Hi Ms. Arni,

    It's me again.
    Is it necessary po ba na before changing the passport surname kukuha na ako nang cfo or pede anytime before ako bumalik nang Dubai?

    Kasi ang hirap makakuha nang shedule ms.arni. sumakit na bangs ko sa mga papers. Hehehe

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    1. Hi Genie, if you're going to renew your passport now, during this trip with your new surname, yes, cfo is mandatory. Otherwise, you can do it next time before going to DFA. They won't change your surname sa DFA if you don't have the CFO GCP Certificate. I believe the CFO guidance counselling seminar can only be done in the Philippines - Cebu and Manila. Yes, getting a Guidance Counselling Schedule and arranging the requirements can be overwhelming.

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  24. Hi Ms. Arni!

    I just recently got married to my Irish fiance and I'm about to renew my passport for it is to expire this December and I'm also to apply for a spousal visa after. Now I've read about having to get a GCP but as I understand it that only applies if I change my last name and if I am to migrate to Ireland, is that right? Now considering about the changing of last name, can I opt to just not change it so I don't have to go thru the GCP thing for now? 'Cause my plan is to just take the GCP when I'm about to depart or is that a crazy, going nowhere idea? hehe. Please help.

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    1. Hello there, you can keep your maiden name should you wish for now. We have an option to do so here in the Philippines and I am positive it's even more flexible in Ireland. Just check though bec the government designed it in such a way that anyone travelling long term and migrating abroad especially related to marriage is expected to undergo the GCP. So yeah it would be a neat idea as you said to take the GCP before you leave. In this way at least you have the certificate and stamp regardless whether you are using your maiden name on your passport and visa. You can change it anytime later anyway. All the best!

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    2. Thanks po. Just a follow-up question. Is it really true that changing civil status will also require me to secure the CFO-GCP certificate? That's as per DFA website.

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    3. Hello again Ms. Arni! I'm sorry to bother you. This would be a long story btw. I went to DFA-CDO today and inquire regarding the need for CFO-GCP in updating my civil status and the likes. The lady I spoke to said that if I choose to keep my maiden name, I should present an affidavit explaining my reason why. Then she happened to open the idea of passport renewal without updating any of my info which brought my memory back to your story. As I understand it correctly, you've renewed passport twice over the course of your marriage and I assume you did not change your civil status nor your last name, isn't that right? My worry is, if I'd do the same, would the Philippine immigration question my not updating my passport's surname and ask me for an affidavit just like DFA?(Overthinking I know. hehe)I'm just really worried of not being able to leave 'cause of it.

      I know this dilemma can easily be resolved by simply attending GCP. (alam ko po, nakakaloka ako. Ako mismo, naloloka kakaisip tungkol dito. hehe) I really appreciate your response Ms. Arni. Salamat po, it's really helpful. More power to your blog. Last na to I hope. hehe

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    4. Yes, it appears they require it. As for me,pasaway ako in the past hehe, I didn't change my status sa DFA before until I returned and changed my surname because in the past (unless they changed the new passport format now), civil status was not indicated anywhere in the previous Philippine passports.

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    5. Totally understand your dilemma. No worries, the time I went through all of this,I was really overwhelmed. When I mentioned DFA, it was DFA within our country. My case is quite different because I was processing my renewal outside the Philippines. I was living in Dubai throughout the course of my renewal so I renewed my passport at the Phil. Consulate there twice. Thinking about it now (sorry, my memory's becoming blurry) I must have ticked off the civil status as "married" during my renewal when my passport expired.Perhaps I must have also shown a copy of my DFA authenticated marriage certificate, but I don't remember submitting any affidavit stating why I am keeping my maiden name at the Philippine consulate in Dubai. They didn't ask me for one at the time. (This was many many years ago so it's also possible they must have changed some things recently) They just renewed my passport as it was. I was also clueless about GCP before while I was living abroad. The next time I submitted a marriage certificate later at the Phil consulate was to process the report of birth of my daughter who was born in Dubai too. I didn't change my surname throughout my first 10 years of marriage. I rarely needed anything from the consulate that was related to issuance of my identification cards overseas except for renewal of passports. Most of the time, authenticated documents I needed were sent to me via FedEx from the Philippines. I asked my family to arrange them for me. Thus my civil status in all of my identification cards overseas were all updated. The marriage certificate duly authenticated by DFA and the country of residence sufficed. For those processing things here within the country, I suggest, go with DFA's recommendations in order to avoid any discrepancies or any issues later. Thank you. Hope this helps and all the best to your application

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  25. At the Immigration, as long as you have your DFA Authenticated NSO Marriage Certificate with you while you travel in your hand carry luggage and your passport is valid with the required valid visa, there won't be any issue. I was never asked to explain my maiden name during those years. I do get confused looks from the officer sometimes but the marriage certificate (esp when applying for the balikbayan visa for your spouse later upon entering the Philippines) says it all. Especially since it has your maiden name written on the MC.

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  26. Thank you so much Ms. Arni. More power to your blog and may you help more confused Filipinos like me. :* super hug to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much as well and you're definitely most welcome. Wishing you all the best to this exciting time and an upcoming new adventure in your life. Hugs

      Delete
  27. Hello Arni, hope you're doing well!

    I've got my CFO certificate since May of this year and renewed my passport on the same month. The thing is on my CFO certificate they issued it with my husband surname but I chose to use my maiden name when I renewed my passport even though I have my CFO certificate. Next month I will be travelling to Dubai with my daughter to join my foreign husband. He will be sending us a UAE Family Residence entry visa. Please advise if there'll be any problem at NAIA since my pp and cfo are on different surnames?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, they're most likely not going to check, hopefully not when you fly. If they do, I think with the exact explanation you have mentioned here, they should understand. My sister has the same case as yours. She took the GCP with her husband's surname on the certificate. She didn't have the CFO stamp either because they're moving to another country as expats and not as migrants. The only difference is, she didn't have time to renew her passport =so she still has her maiden name on her passport and she has received her residence entry visa with her maiden name. She was able to leave the country without a problem. Carry your marriage certificate with you just in case. As long as your UAE Family Residence Entry Visa has the same name as the one on your passport,all is well.

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  28. Also, the CFO stamp you mentioned is it the same of the emigrant sticker? Coz with the nationality of my husband and even though I will get a residence visa to Dubai, I was advised by the CFO Office that the emigrant sticker is not required on my case.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes the CFO Stamp I mentioned is the Emigrant Sticker. Yes CFO won't issue a sticker if you're not migrating to the country of destination. They will only issue it if you have any long stay residence visa on your passport. GCP certificate in your case is enough for now until you decide to move to your husband's country.

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  29. Hi Arni, My name in Jon. lots of of very useful info, thank you. i'm Canadian, living in Canada and my wife Filipino, living in the Philippines. She hasn't gotten a name change yet, her passport is in her maiden name which is OK, for now. we are applying for a visitor visa for her to come here in the next few months, my question is, will there be issues with getting thru port of entry or having the marriage certificate should take care of that? thanks so very much for taking the time to address all the questions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jon, as long as she has a valid short-stay visitor visa from Canada, valid passport and she has a DFA authenticated NSO marriage certificate with her, then she should be fine with her maiden name. It only becomes a tad bit complicated if she has a long stay-visitor visa because she needs to undergo the CFO Guidance Counselling Seminar. This is required for those married to a foreigner, planning to migrate or stay long term in another country.

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    2. Hello Arni,

      Talking of visitors visa, my wife will be visiting me here in Ghana. And she will get three months visitors visa. Does she need to go for CFO seminar and get a sticker ? Your response will be highly appreciated.

      Delete
    3. Hello Arni,

      My wife will visit me here in Ghana(West Africa). And she has 90 days visitors visa. She still has lots of time on get passport. She may stay longer than the three months and therefore may extend her stay here.Does she still need to go for CFO seminar?

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    4. Hello Henry, yes she does. Anyone married to a foreign national who will be staying overseas, has to go through it. She may be denied leaving the country if the immigration officer does a random check for a GCP Certificate and/or CFO Sticker. In this case, buying another airline ticket and the hassle are going to be worse than enduring collecting documents and half a day at the CFO Office. I was lucky that the immigration officer at the airport let me go when I was totally oblivious of this requirement many years ago but it's better to have the peace of mind and to avoid buying another plane ticket.All the best!

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  30. Hello po,gusto ko lang po itanong,if ok lang po magstay ng matagal dito sa pilipinas po ang australian husband ko po,filipina po ako 10 years na po ako sa australia,andito po ako ngayon dito sa pilipinas dahil dinalaw ko po ang puntod ng parents ko,pero pabalik na din po ako sa sept.next week,gusto ko lang po malaman kung pwede po kami makapagstay ng matagal dito po sa pilipinas,plano po kasi namin na manirahan na po dito,dahil nagustuhan na rin po ng husband ko ang pilipinas,ask ko lang po if pwede po kami manirahan dito,salamat po.God bless po.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, pwedeng-pwede, kung Philippine Passport holder ka pa rin, pag nagtravel kayong magkasama pauwi, pwede ka mag request ng Balikbayan Visa sa Immigration counter sa airport. Dalhin mo lang yung marriage certificate mo sa hand carry luggage mo in case i-request na i-present ng Immigration Officer. At least meron syang 1 year na valid stay before sya mag decide na mag-apply ng 13A residence visa. Kung sakaling hindi ka na Philippine Citizen, pwede mo i-check yung PRA Philippine Retirement Authority SRRV (Special Resident Retiree's Visa) para makapag stay ng matagal. Tingnan nyo kung ano yung merong mas ok na benefits para sa inyong move sa Pinas. Best of luck and success sa inyong future plans.

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  31. hi there ,,gusto ko lang po magtanong last year 2015 nag process po ako sa aking passport and then sa family name ng asawa ko dati ,,, at ngayon nag aasawa ako ng german at dito kami ikinasal sa pinas and we are planning na gusto na nya akong pumunta sa germany at ang passport ko ay e change ko sa family name nya ano po ba yong dapit gawin ko ,,, at kailangan po ba mag simenar ng CFO at ano po bang visa na dapat sa akin thanks po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, It depends when you need to go to Germany because this process might take a while. Yes, you need to attend the CFO Guidance Counselling seminar first. To save time while collecting all of the requirements, please schedule online appointment with CFO and DFA for the seminar and application of passport name change. Once your new passport with new family name is ready, you can then apply for a Shengen visa. If you're pressed for time, you can do the name change later at the Philippine Embassy in Germany but do attend the CFO Guidance Counselling Seminar either way.

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  32. Hello poh ms arnie, tanong ko lng po nkhusband visa ako dito sa dubai, mgrrenew ako ng passport ko sa novmber, mgxxpired na ksi sa june 2018, ok lng po ba na hnd ko muna ggmitin ung married name ko?kailangn pa ba ung nso marriage crtifcte pra erenew ko dito sa dubai ung passport ko? Nreport ko na ung marriage nmn sa pinas pro hnd pa nrelease ung nso marriage crtifcte, salamat poh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jen, it's ok to continue using your maiden name. I remember when I applied for my husband visa in Dubai, I had to submit a DFA Authenticated NSO Marriage Certificate with a UAE Embassy/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Authentication. You can use the same. It doesn't say you need it on the website if you're not changing your surname as shown in this link: http://dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/services/passports/procedures

      You can try without it, or try giving them a call prior to your visit to the consulate. It helps if you have the PSA (NSO) Marriage Certificate since you'd be using this for other requirements in the future. Good luck!

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  33. Hi Arni! thank you for your very informational blog! I was going to renew my passport as is! Didn't know CFO is super important! I saw you last paragraph. "You'll have to go back to CFO for your CFO passport stamp once you have your visa on your new passport." does it mean every time I acquire a new visa I have to go back there just so they can stamp it? What about the non-expired visa I have on my old passport, I also have to let them stamp it? Hoping for your response. thank you so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, No I don't think so. The GCP Certificate is definitely a one time thing and I believe the stamp is as well. One stamp in the passport will do. The only reason you need to go back to CFO is for them to stamp the sticker on your new passport with your new name. They would only allow putting the sticker on the old passport if there is a valid long stay visa on it. I intend to experiment next time by showing my empty renewed passport (without a stamp/sticker) and by bringing my old passport where my CFO sticker is and see how that will go (of course only when asked). Thank you so much!

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  34. hello po....ask ko lng po kakasal ko lng po sa south african husband ko antay ko lng ma release mc po namin..klangan pa rin po ba mag attend ng seminar or ng cfo certificate kahit visit visa lng po visa ko...thanks po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Monique, all partners of foreign nationals are required to attend according to this article:
      http://www.loveonexcel.com/2016/09/faqs-part-ii-who-needs-to-attend-cfo.html It's a pre-requisite for departure. If you are planning for a long-stay overseas or to live abroad with your husband and/or if you intend to change your Philippine passport to your husband's surname, yes you really do need to attend the GCP seminar.

      Delete
  35. Hello Arni! is there any requirements for revising Surname in GCP certificate? I Wish to update my CFO certificate to my husband last name. Thank you for your very informative blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, based on a feedback from Liahonna, who went through this process, she went there with the original GCP certificate with her maiden name, her visa and new passport under her husband's surname and for a fee of Php 400, CFO was able to revise it in 10 to 15 minutes. All the best

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  36. Hello Ms. Arni,
    I am going to get an appointment asap with my maiden name, but me and my french fiance wants to use his surname after our wedding when I get my new passport... is it ok to use my maiden or current name for now for scheduling an appointment with DFA and then to put his surname to my new passport? I am confusing what should I do when I can have appointment for schedule of July. And I need to do soon because of difficulties with scheduling an appointment now and half of this year is already fully booked.
    I'll be waiting for an answer Ms. Arni... thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, sorry for my delayed response since I was traveling overseas. To avoid confusion, do use the new surname you are going to use. if you have already pre-booked with your maiden name, for as long as you inform the DFA officer that you want to change your surname in the new passport and your CFO certificate shows your new surname, I don't think it would be a much of a problem. All the best!

      Delete
  37. Thank you so much po Mrs. Arni for sharing this information. This helped me a lot po. More power and God bless!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Pretty article! I found some useful information in your blog, it was awesome to read, thanks for sharing this great content to my vision, keep sharing..
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    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello Ms. Arni!
    Doy DFA online appointment still valid for 1 month? Is it ok if i don't show up in dfa on my appointment date cause i dont have CFO certificate yet?

    Thank you in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Years ago it was. As of late, it's better you call the DFA Appointment Hotline at (02) 737-1000 to confirm. Always bring the printed online appointment form. When I returned after my lapsed appointment, I informed the guard at the entrance that I was asked to come back because my requirements were incomplete. It's better to check with the DFA Customer Care Officer to be sure you don't lose your appointment because it's such a long wait nowadays.

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  40. Hi there. Just wanna ask if you renewed your passport in Manila and did you get married in Manila as well? I looked up the requirements for changing the surname in the passport if it's renewed in Manila and they are asking for a PSA-authenticated marriage certificate. I won't be married in the Philippines and was informed by the embassy that it might take minimum 3 months to get a PSA-authenticated marriage certificate and I need to get it in Manila pa. Problem is I need to renew my passport shortly after my wedding as it's due to expire soon so I would like to have my married surname already -- time is my issue and it's quite tight if I would still wait for the minimum 3 mos thing from PSA.

    Anyhow, my questions is -- if you got married overseas, did they accept a report of marriage from the embassy in charge or were they strict about the PSA-authenticated marriage certificate?

    Thanks in advance :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, yes I renewed my passport in DFA Manila. I got married in the Philippines, but not in Manila. Since you will be married overseas, the embassy in that country will issue you a Report of Marriage. Is it possible for you to renew your passport there where you are getting married? If the renewal is done overseas through our embassy, passport renewal is much easier. They have passport extensions for emergency and special cases which would allow you to have more time to process your new passport.

      Delete
    2. Actually, this is my plan but I am not sure if the embassy will allow me to renew my passport there as I don't have permanent residency yet in that country. I wish they would reply to my emails pero wala kaya ako nasstress about this. I am wanting to get my new name in the passport as we also plan to immigrate months after and it will just look better if I am using my future husband's name (would justify better that we are in a genuine relationship).

      It would be much better if I can renew it in the embassy! Thanks for your reply :)

      Delete
    3. Hi there, I consulted with a friend who formerly worked for our consulate overseas. I have learned that even if you're not a resident there, our embassy will entertain you even if you're just there for a short period. Requesting for both Report of Marriage and Change of Surname Passport Renewal is a usual case they receive. However, if you won't be staying long enough there, you might not be able to claim your new passport in time. You can request for extension but it's a case to case basis. You can perhaps try and should show proof of its urgency, such as your flight details and etc. It's up to the head of the consulate to decide. There were exceptional cases in the past where they allowed the application of the passport renewal to be done there overseas and then the new passport is claimed in the Philippines. It all depends on the embassy and if ever they would still allow this. I was also told that PSA MC is not applicable for you yet because this process takes a long time. Once your Report of Marriage is ready, the consulate overseas /DFA will forward it to PSA for recording your marriage back in the Philippines. Just inquire when you're there. Based on my experience, the consulate abroad have simpler procedures and they usually understand various situations and circumstances. All the best. Would love to find out later how it goes.

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    4. Just to be sure, please do check the DFA website of the country you are getting married in if there are any changes and updates on the rules regarding what I have written above.

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  41. Hi ma'am,

    Reading your article here and it is very helpful, would you mind if I ask? Got married few months ago and planning to change my passport status ,we are living here in the Philippines do i really need to get a CFO or not? Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, belated best wishes to you. Yes, you would need to attend the CFO seminar for the GCP certificate as a mandatory requirement in changing your surname in your passport to your husband's foreign surname whether you continue living in the Philippines or overseas.

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  42. Hello mam
    Kumusta po kau.Isa po akong OFW dito sa Hongkong. Next year po my bf and I are planning to get married in the Philippines.My question is.. Kailangan ko bang mag change ng passport kung in case dalhin nya ako sa Germany for short visit? At kung sakali din po na doon na ako titira.. Mga ano po ang mga requirements ang kailangan kung I provide dito sa pilipinas. At ano po ba ang asking 1st step na kailangan gawin.. Sorry po wala talaga akong alam sa mga ganito case.. Salamat po... Take care and God bless you..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, thank you for your message. First off, no need to call me ma'am. Arni would do.:) It all depends how much available time you have in the Philippines to process all of the requirements. It's all up to you. If it were me, I wouldn't change my passport yet at this time since I'd need it to apply for shengen visa to travel to Germany. Your marriage certificate in the Philippines and the German marriage certificate would suffice in obtaining the short stay visa (or even long term) Changing your passport would considerably take time and with all of your marriage preparations, it could add extra stress to your post wedding trip. If given the chance you want to change your passport, you can always do it at the Philippine Consulate/ embassy in the country where you are at. This would also save you from the long appointment schedule in the Philippines. All the best and Best Wishes to you and your fiance'.

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  43. Hi Ms Arni
    I was married po last April 2018 in HK to a German national.In the marriage certificate po from hk I still have my maiden name.same as po s Report of marriage and from PSA.Were on the process of applying for Family reunion visa.wait n lng po Ng appiappoint date nmin s embassy.Im still using my maiden name on my passport hence I just renewed it before we get married.My question is,need ko din po b Ng CFO when I travel to Germany,once our visa is approved(hopefully) with my son. Last concern ko po is yon pag change Ng surname(with my husband's) s marriage certificate nmin.is it possible to do it here in the Philippines and which office shall I go? Thanks po for any helpful information you can give..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Armie, Best wishes to your wedding. Don't worry about the name change in the marriage certificate. It will always retain our maiden name. The surname change will only take place in our passport and consequently all of our other identification cards (bank cards, shengen visas etc). If you decide to use your maiden name as shown in your existing Phil. passport in order to apply for a Shengen (short or long stay visa) wala namang problem. They won't question it for as long as you have the requirements and they are all supporting the name written on your existing passport. Regarding CFO, the German government when applying Shengen won't ask for that. If you are flying from HK straight to Germany, they won't ask for this either. It is only when you decide to fly from the Philippines to Germany, they might randomly ask for this sa airport in the Philippines. Our government requires CFO for those coming from the Philippines and settling abroad as an orientation and to prepare those who are leaving. In case you decide to change or renew your Phil Passport with your husband's surname in the future while overseas through our consulate abroad, please check their requirements. It's basically up to them if it's required. Pero if you decide to do the renewal and name change in the Philippines, CFO is mandatory. Hope this helps.

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  44. Dear Ms. Arni,

    I have read your article and it has really helped me a lot. I commend you for also being patient and comprehensive in answering your readers' queries. I myself have a few clarifications lang po if you don't mind:)My husband (Australian)and I got married last Aug 2017 in Australia. I am still using my maiden name in all of my IDs (banks, PRC, Driver's) and passport.. but I plan to change my last name to my husband's now that I have the time and have gathered all the requirements. We live currently in Thailand due to my husband's work and my son is just starting school here..(and I don't have a dependent visa yet)but our plan in the future is to migrate to Australia. I am already scheduled next week for my CFO seminar for the GCP certificate. My question is....would the GCP certificate be enough for me to show the Immigration officers at NAIA just in case they ask or do I need a stamp as well? Although I have been going in and out of Thailand for more than a year now and they have not questioned me yet, I always carry with me all my legal/civil documents and certificates just in case. I've also learned through this article and thread of Q&A that the my last name in the GCP certificate should bear the same name as the one in my passport (hence my maiden name for now?)...and that before I could change my passport name/renew my passport, I have to change all of my IDs first, is this correct? I also just recently got my Aussie Toursit Visa under my maiden name so I cannot actually renew my passport just yet..maybe next year.
    Thank you very much for hearing me out. All the best!

    Mari Grace:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mari Grace for your kind message.

      I will just share my experience with you. To my recollection, CFO sticker will be given and affixed only once you have a long stay visa in your passport. I have a sticker in my old passport (the one with the maiden name) but not the new one (the new surname) but I do have the GCP Certificate which I always carry with me when traveling along with the old passport, just in case. I can't assure for sure but the GCP is a good proof that you have already complied, since you don't have a long-stay visa as a requirement for the sticker yet. Please do check with them to be sure in case they have changed the rules now.

      One of their requirements in the GCP name change is to present at least 2 valid IDs with your new surname. In my case the easiest and the fastest then to process were postal ID and Driver's License with the new name. If you can present these new IDs on the day of your GCP, perhaps they can issue your GCP Cert under your new surname to avoid going back and changing them in the future. Otherwise, there's always a chance to have it changed later.

      Both my GCP certificate and my CFO stamp carry my new surname, even though the latter was stamped in my old passport (the one with the maiden name). This was because I was able to present IDs with my new surnames to show proof of my intention to change my name.

      Delete
  45. Hello po Ms. Arni,

    Very helpful po talaga nitong info nato. My question lng po aq. Ano pong valid ID ang kailangan ng CFO? For now po kasi I have only 1 id with my husbands surname on it.

    Thank you so much po.. God bless..


    JerAne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi JerAne, for CFO they have the valid primary and secondary IDs listed in this link. Scroll below https://www.cfo.gov.ph/gcp.html for the list.

      Delete
  46. Good afternoon po maam,isa po akong ofw dto sa hk at hiwalay ng 8yrs sa ex husband ko sa pinas,dahil po sa mahal ng annulment sa pinas naisipan ko pong dto mag file ng divorve sa hongkong two yrs ago at na ganted na po ang divorve ko laat uear under hongkong government law.ngayon po plan nmin magpakasal ng bf Kong Australian,pero nag aalala po kami sa passport ko,pwde po bang mapalitan ang sure name ko gamit ang sure name ng mapapangasawa ko after nmin ikasal?sana po ma help nyo ko.maraming salamat po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, I'm afraid you'll have to seek for legal advice on this. Sorry if I can't be of much help in this matter.

      Delete
  47. helo po tanung ko lang kung pwede ba yung cfor cert. ko ay yung last name ko pa is sa pagkadalaga? mag renew ako ng passport pro they said need daw ng cfo pro mero. ako kaso lang yung last name ko is sa pag kadalaga ko pa.. 2nd question ilang oras o minutes mag pa change ng last name sa cfo cert. ? kasi i hve 2 hours before mag close yumg cfo manila kasi i arrived 3pm so i have 2 hours left before they close pro ang iniisip ko kasi after ako aarrived pupunta ako ng immigratiob tas hanap ng taxi.. tatanggapin ba pa nila mga requirements ko sa pag change ng last name sa cfo cert. ko?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there, as far as I know, the new surname should be indicated sa CFO Certificate para sa new passport name change renewal. Need to go to CFO first. I think changing the surname sa CFO should not take too long. With a fee of Php400 according to Liahonna, one reader who shared her experience she was able to do it. Then you can proceed to DFA after that.

      Delete
  48. Hi. Thanks for the information you shared. I am going to renew my passport with my married name on it. I am married to a dual citizen (Filipino/Swedish). Do I still need the GCP certificate? Also, I don't have my PSA copy of my marriage certificate yet since we just got married last month, is my LCR copy with PSA authentication be accepted? Also, if in case I got approved for tourist visa, do I still need the CFÖ stamp? From what I've understand on the comments, I only need the stamp if I have long term visa. Do I also need to go back and register in CFO after I received my tourist visa (hopefully)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, please do check where you are renewing your passport for the requirements. Personally I believe, if your husband has a Filipino Passport, he is then still considered a Filipino so I don't think you'd need it unless he was a former Filipino citizen and has renounced his citizenship. The CFO stamp is only issued for long stay (long term visa). No need for CFO stamp unless you have plans for long term travel. Remember, DFA will take your Original MC so it's better to order one from PSA for DFA submission.

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  49. Hi arni hindi ka ba hinanapan ng cfo cert sa immigration nung umalis ka gamit mo yung maiden name mo sa passport mo since tourist visa ka noon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, been going home for vacation at least every other year. Not really. Random checking sya usually. During those back and forth trips, I was on UAE (employment) resident visa and at one point as a spouse on husband's visa (when I left my job). So far, I never faced a problem. It was just one time during a vacation in the Philippines, I was traveling from Manila going to another Asian country for a quick leisurely travel, I was randomly asked. It was the person at the check in counter who was adamant about the CFO sticker, pero I guess she sensed I really had no idea about this so she let me go. Lucky, I suppose. I continued traveling without it until I had to change my passport. I suggest better to get the CFO cert for peace of mind.

      Delete
  50. Hi Arni, I am Indian National & My asawa is Filipina, we got married here in india, & then we have done all the Red Ribbon from NSO etc, now she's in Paris & wants to add my surname in her passport, so with NSO red ribon copy i think she can do it, & does she have to change all other documents too? if she added my surname later on? from my understanding of the Law, even if she added my surname in her passport , all her previous documents are still legally valid, as it's natural if a woman got married she will add the husband name, can you please share your knowledge on this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Regarding the requirements, she would need to check with the Philippine Embassy in the country she intends to renew her passport from. Eventually, if you both decide to live in the Philippines, it's better to gradually change her identification cards (BIR TIN, SSS, Driver's License etc.) This is to avoid confusion later especially when you decide to buy properties together in the Philippines. This transition need not be done overnight. Only when the card expires like the driver's license for example..while renewing it, she can change her surname and civil status at the same time. It's also an advantage when driving abroad, the name on her driver's license coincides with the surname on her passport.

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  51. hi arni! thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, tanong ko lang po, so pwedi po bang mag acquire na nang cfo cert kahit di pa ako nag a apply nang visa and gusto ko lang mag pa change name in advance? para sa passport ko?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, yes you may go ahead with the seminar for the CFO certificate in advance even before obtaining your long stay visa.

      Delete
  52. Hello Arni,

    I plan on eventually going to the US but before I do so I am going to change my last name to my husband's. I was trying to make an appointment using the GCP Online Appointment System and it said since I answered "no" to the first two questions I don't need to undergo the GCP. The first question asked if my spouse is a foreign national and the second asked if he is a former Filipino citizen. My husband is currently living in the US and he is not a foreign national there since he is a US Citizen. It is my understanding a foreign national is anyone who is not a naturalized citizen in the country in which he or she is living. Am I answering this question the right way? Is the question meant to ask if my husband is a foreign national in the Philippines or the US? I think he would be a foreign national here in the Philippines but he doesn't live here.

    Thanks

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  53. Hello! In the introduction (upper part) of GCP page https://cfo.gov.ph/gcp.html , it is mentioned "Are you leaving as a fiance(e) of a foreign national or a former Filipino? If yes you need to attend the GCP." If your husband is non-Filipino (foreigner) born abroad then he is a foreign national. If he is a naturalized citizen, a former Filipino who changed his nationality and now a resident abroad then he is the former Filipino mentioned. Either case, you'd need the GCP. Please do check with CFO to be sure. All the best!

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  54. Hello, just want to ask if changing name.from.maiden to married can be taken in any branches of dfa? Or it should be only dfa main branch?is Dfa aseana is the main branch?.tnx

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    1. DFA Aseana does it yes. I went to DFA Aseana because it was more accessible for me at that time. I haven't really checked whether the other smaller branches or satellite offices accommodate the name change.

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  55. Hi Arni! I am just confused, if Im going to enroll online appointmet to get passport will I write my married name already or maiden name?I just want to renew my passport and the same.time.change my status from single to married..tnx much

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    1. Hi Vine, Write your married name already on the form to avoid DFA from re printing your new passport with your maiden name. I assume you did the same with your CFO?

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  56. hi ms. arni...tanong ko lang po kasi nun kumuha ako ng CFO dipa kmi married ng hubby ko..maiden name pa nklgay sa cert.,need ko pa ba palitan muna before i re!ew my passport?? TIA

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    1. Yes, I believe so. They have a policy sa DFA that the surname on your CFO certificate should be your husband's surname. You can have this changed at CFO for a fee. It used to be Php400. More or less around this much or a bit more should there have been any increase.

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  57. hello po paano po kaya ako makakakuha ng cfo.. my husband died 9 years ago pero di ko po agad napapaltan dati un passport ko ng surname nya.. still maiden name p po ang passport ko... the problem is i dont have his death certificate...

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    1. On my experience, I got my cfo using my maiden name, as long as you have marriage certificate is ok.

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  58. hi i need to change my passport for my husband surname..my husband is foreigner so i have appointment ready for passport change surname ..but i dont have yet cfo certificate it is possible to change my passport ..
    tnx and regard's

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  59. Hello i just wanted to ask if it's possible to renew my passport with my husband's surename without visa? My husband is ukrainian citizen and we are planning to get visa after i got my new issued passport with his surename. We got married on ukraine which i only have type C visa with 30 days staying validaty that time.

    I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you and godbless

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  60. Hello i just wanted to ask if it's possible to renew my passport with my husband's surename without visa? My husband is ukrainian citizen and we are planning to get visa after i got my new issued passport with his surename. We got married on ukraine which i only have type C visa with 30 days staying validaty that time.

    I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you and godbless

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