You're applying for a US visa and you need a Philippine civil status document. You go to PSA and order what you think is the right one — then the US Embassy rejects it. You're confused because you're unmarried. The problem: you ordered a CENOMAR when PSA had a marriage record and issued an AoM instead. This one mistake can cost you your interview slot.
What PSA actually issues: Two documents, one choice you don't make
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issues exactly two civil status documents for adults:
- CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage Record) — issued if PSA has no marriage record on file for you
- Advisory on Marriages (AoM) — issued if PSA has a marriage record on file, regardless of current status
The critical detail: you don't choose which one you get. PSA's database decides. Whatever document PSA issues is based on what they have on record — not on whether you're actually married right now.
The dangerous assumption: "I got it annulled, so I get CENOMAR"
This is where most people fail. You got married, then had the marriage annulled. You assume you're back to "never married" status and order a CENOMAR. PSA pulls your record, sees the marriage on file, and issues an AoM instead. You don't realize this until your interview is five days away.
Annulments don't erase marriage records from PSA. PSA annotates the record with the annulment, but the marriage entry remains. Same applies to widowhood — if PSA has a marriage record, they issue AoM.
The fix comes before you order, not after. Verify your PSA record first.
How to check your PSA record before ordering
- Order a transcript of records from PSA Serbilis or a PSA outlet. This shows exactly what PSA has on file — marriages, divorces, annulments, everything. Processing time is 3-5 business days.
- Contact PSA directly by phone or email and ask about your civil status record. Have your full name, date of birth, and place of birth ready.
As of May 2025, arriving at Embassy Manila with the wrong document means you lose your slot with no exceptions. Next appointment may be months away.
Both documents are valid for exactly one year
CENOMAR and AoM both have a 12-month validity from date of issue. The Embassy will not accept an expired document.
K-1 timelines run 8–14 months from petition to interview. CR-1 runs 12–18 months. If you order too early, your document expires before your interview.
Safe timing: order when you receive your NVC interview appointment letter — not when you file your petition.
What happens if you get the wrong document
The Embassy will reject your application and ask you to reschedule with the correct document. Rescheduling from Manila typically means waiting 2–4 months for the next available slot. For K-1 visas, that pushes your wedding and relocation plans back significantly.
Key Takeaway
CENOMAR and AoM are not choices — they're determined by what PSA has on record. Before ordering, verify your PSA record. Order when your NVC appointment letter arrives, not before. Both expire after 12 months.
Not sure which document you need or whether yours is still valid? Use the TVP Document Checker — free, takes 2 minutes.