How To Get A CFO Certificate For Filipino Au Pair Bound For Europe (Country Familiarization Program)

Are you off to Europe to become an Au Pair? You will need to undergo a Country Familiarization Seminar to be able to go out of the country. The Commission on Filipino Overseas conducts seminars and gives a sticker/certificate which is required by immigration.  Here’s How to Get a CFO Certificate For Filipino Au Pair bound for Europe.

Au Pairs can be Filipinos who want to experience cultural exchange to a European or American host family. However, please note that this guide is for those bound only for Europe. You may need other steps if you are an Au Pair for the US since they have an EVP (Exchange Visitor Program) and not the CFP. For Au Pair Visa Holders off to travel to Europe, read more below.



Who Needs To Get A Country Familiarization Seminar?

An Au Pair bound for Europe

What Is An Au Pair?

As per the CFO, it’s described as

  • A Filipino  citizen between 18 to 30

  • Unmarried and without children

  • Placed under Cultural Exchange arrangement with a European or American host family for a stay of at most 2 years

Photo by Thiago Cerqueira

Why Is The Country Familiarization Seminar needed?

This program will help the Au Pair when they are abroad for immersion. Some topics that will be discussed are:

  • Cultural and Social realities of the country

  • Airport and travel procedures

  • Settlement, health, and safety

  • Support (especially in emergencies)

It’s to get you prepared, so you won’t get culture-shocked, lost, or treated unfairly when you are not anymore in the Philippines.

Requirements Needed For Au Pairs

  • Passport

  • Au Pair Visa

  • Contract with attachments with authentication or attestation – must be in one PDF file

  • Travel and Health Insurance – covering rebooking, accommodation especially when stranded overseas

  • Seven Cultural Activities – drafted by Au Pair and Host Family

  • Execution of Declaration – acknowledging risks involved due to COVID-19

Step-by-Step Guide To Get A CFO Certificate for Filipino Au Pair Bound For Europe

STEP 1: Go to this website. Please note that registration is only open every Wednesday and Thursday – 7 AM to 5 PM.

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STEP 2: Enter the details needed to create an account.

STEP 3: You will receive an e-mail to send soft copies of requirements to a CFO Officer assigned to you.

Once you are done, you will be given a schedule for your Country Familiarization Webinar.  

Photo by Chris Montgomery

STEP 4: Attend the webinar on the scheduled date. It’s usually done every Monday and Tuesday – 1 – 4 PM.

STEP 5: You will be then given a link to fill up an Online Registration Form.

STEP 6: Double-check what you have typed before proceeding to the next step.

STEP 7: Enter the delivery address and check the total amount you will be paying. Click Submit.

STEP 8: Preview and double-check your answers. Proceed to payment. There are many options to choose from (via online or over the counter)

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STEP 9: Send the proof of payment to ofcors.payment@cfo.gov.ph – Subject: Reference No. (123456 – as seen during your registration) – Name of Registrant. Attach your proof of payment as well as a copy of your passport and visa.

STEP 10: Receive a soft copy of the OF-CORS Temporary Certificate. In case you can’t wait for the sticker, you can present this to the immigration.

However, you will also be given a tracking number with regards to your CFO Certificate and Sticker.

STEP 11: Get your CFO Document. If it’s a sticker, you can place it on a blank page of your valid passport.

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That’s how to get a CFO Certificate or Sticker for Filipino Au Pair bound for Europe. Having a country familiarization seminar is important as they will help you get ready for your travels abroad, and you’ll know what to do during emergencies. Being an Au Pair will be an amazing experience. Good luck and keep safe!


About the Writer

lyzaPaloma.jpg

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.

 

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