Introduction
Getting married is an exciting chapter in one’s life. However, it’s important to comply with the legal requirements to avoid any problems in the future. One of the requirements for Filipinos who want to get married abroad is the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). In this article, we’ll discuss what CNI is, how to apply for it, and what you need to know before getting one.
What Is Certificate Of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a legal document that proves that a person is free to marry. It certifies that there is no legal impediment to the marriage and that the person is not currently married. This document is required for Filipinos who want to get married abroad.
How To Apply For Certificate Of No Impediment?
Here are the steps to apply for Certificate of No Impediment in the Philippines:
Step 1: Gather The Required Documents
Before you can apply for CNI, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid ID
- PSA Birth Certificate
- PSA Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- NSO-issued CENOMAR (if the applicant is based abroad)
- Passport and visa (if the applicant is based abroad)
Step 2: Attend The Pre-Marriage Counseling And Seminar
The Philippine law requires couples to attend a pre-marriage counseling and seminar before they can apply for a CNI. The seminar aims to provide couples with essential knowledge and skills to help them build a strong and healthy marriage. You can attend the seminar in your respective city or municipality.
Step 3: Submit The Requirements To The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
After attending the pre-marriage counseling and seminar, you can now submit the requirements to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). You need to pay a fee of Php 250 for the processing of your application. The processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications received by the PSA. It usually takes 2-3 weeks to process your request.
What You Need To Know About Certificate Of No Impediment?
Here are some important things that you need to know about Certificate of No Impediment:
It Is Valid For 120 Days Only
Once you receive your CNI, it’s important to take note that it is valid for 120 days only. You need to get married within that period, or you have to apply for a new one.
It Is Not A Marriage License
A CNI is not a marriage license. It only certifies that you are free to marry. To get a marriage license, you need to comply with the local requirements of the country where you will get married.
It Is Required By Most Countries
If you want to get married abroad, you need to check the local requirements of the country where you will get married. Most countries require a Certificate of No Impediment from foreign citizens who want to get married in their country.
It Is Not A Requirement For Filipinos Who Will Get Married In The Philippines
A Certificate of No Impediment is not a requirement for Filipinos who will get married in the Philippines. However, it’s still advisable to comply with the other legal requirements to avoid any problems in the future.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is an essential legal document that Filipinos need to comply with if they want to get married abroad. It certifies that there is no legal impediment to the marriage and that the person is not currently married. To apply for a CNI, you need to prepare the required documents, attend the pre-marriage counseling and seminar, and submit the requirements to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It’s important to take note that a CNI is valid for 120 days only, and it’s not a marriage license. It’s required by most countries, but it’s not a requirement for Filipinos who will get married in the Philippines. Complying with the legal requirements ensures that your marriage will be recognized and valid in the future.
