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
- Ask PSA for the record it holds on you through its civil registry request channels (see the PSA request page). Processing times vary.
- 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.
U.S. Embassy Manila has stated that, starting May 19, 2025, immigrant visa applicants who arrive without all required original documents will not be interviewed and must schedule a new appointment, and that the next available appointment may be months away (Embassy notice). Treat a wrong or missing civil document as a real risk to your slot.
Both documents are valid for exactly one year
The U.S. Embassy in Manila states that the CENOMAR and Advisory on Marriages are only valid for one year from the date they were obtained (Embassy FAQ). Plan so that your document is still inside that window on interview day.
K-1 and CR-1 cases can take many months or longer between petition and interview, and the timeline varies (see our timeline estimator and the official USCIS processing times). If you order too early, your document can expire before your interview.
Safe timing: order once your interview date is known, not when you file your petition, so the document is as fresh as possible.
What happens if you get the wrong document
According to the Embassy, you should reschedule if you cannot obtain all required documents before your interview, and the wait for a new appointment can range from a few weeks to months. For K-1 applicants, that can push back wedding and relocation plans.
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 are only valid for one year from the date obtained, per the Embassy.
Not sure which document you need or whether yours is still valid? Use the document validity check (free), or take the free Pathway Assessment. Related: NBI clearance validity and CDLI endorsement.