Ever since I got married, especially now that I have Nate, I request NSO-related documents online. It’s a lot more expensive since the payment is doubled but if I think of the hassle that I have to go to (think queues, time wasted, fare, food orders when I get hungry, Nate tagging along) just get an NSO- (now PSA-) authenticated documents, doing it online is still waaaaaay more convenient.
Let’s talk about DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) – we all know how hard it is to set up an appointment online with them. If been trying to get one since June 2017. I was finally able to schedule one for September 11. Unfortunately, though, Nate was extremely sick that time so we had no choice but to cancel.
I was hoping we could just apply via priority lane since Nate is 3 but when we went to DFA Cubao on October 2, the guard wouldn’t let us in for two main reasons:
1. Yes, Nate is for priority lane but I am not.
2. Since my passport is also expired, Nate can’t apply because I have to have a valid passport.
Thankfully, I got another appointment which I’m still thankful to God even now on October 14. Guess where — in LUCENA, QUEZON! lol. But still, thankful ‘coz other branches either don’t have any available appointment or the nearest appointment in November. We need the passports in January so we can’t waste time.
Last Monday, I looked at the requirements one more time just to make sure we have everything. I’m hoping we won’t have to go back to DFA Lucena to submit missing requirements. Then I was in a panic because I don’t have a PSA-authenticated birth certificate. I’m not sure if DFA still accepts NSO-authenticated ones but their list says PSA-authenticated. So for the sake of assurance that I’m bringing the right document, I immediately ordered for another birth certificate online.
After a few hours, I checked my requirements again (paranoid ba? haha) and all of a sudden, there’s a PSA-authenticated birth certificate for me already! Ugh!
I was not expecting a refund but I still tried contacting NSO helpline to see if they can assist with order cancellation and getting my money back. I emailed them the same day I placed my order.
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| My pambungad na salita, haha. |
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| This was the reply |
I was unable to reply right away so they called spoke to me on the phone. The day after, I got a message confirming order cancellation.
I have checked my card transactions and yes, I the charge was voided. I’m happy they were able to cancel. Although in case they couldn’t, that would’ve been fine, I’ll just keep the document for future use. But it’s still a lot better that the order was canceled so I can use the money somewhere else. And I can just reorder when I need one.
I’m guessing as long as the order is not processed yet, then they can still cancel. I didn’t ask though. Have you used NSO helpline before? Did you have to cancel any order? How did it go?
This is so informative. I am glad you were able to cancel without too much of a hassle. I hope everything will turn out fine when you get to Lucena. Ang layo.Good luck sis!
This is so helpful and most way convenient way. At, hassle free to cancel pa. Thank you for this Sis. Magagamit talaga to for future use for my siblings back home.
http://www.wish4less.info
Thank you! Yes, super layo! Thankfully, everything turned out well.
You're welcome! ♥
Good to know that you were able to cancel it, most of the time transaction is final. Parang may mali naman sa DFA Cubao kasi as far as I know, child + 1 companion pwede magrenew sa courtesy lane. I told my friend about it and nakapagrenew sila sa DFA Alabang, 3 yrs old + mother. Yung brother nga niya senior citizen + 1 companion, nakarenew din.
I've used NSO / PSA, as well the DFA online appointment system, and I have to say I super love them. These platforms make it doubly easy for us busy moms to get the job done. I don't mind paying extra for convenience. 🙂
Whoah, buti pa sila! Balikan ko kaya 'tong guard na to? lol. I guess each branch has a different rule pa? Ang laki tuloy ng gastos namin sa pamasahe. haha. Nevertheless, salamat at naayos na din sa wakas.
That's so right! Ako din, I've been using NSO helpline for years now. It's my first time to cancel and I was happy I got my refund.
I looove NSO helpline! I've had multiple transactions with them over the years and everything was so smooth. Pero kadali lang, wala ko kasabot sa DFA. Do they expect the toddler to line up by himself sa priority lane while his parent is in the regular lane? Ano ba, DFA! Hahaha
Thank you for the information, I am not aware that there is this NSO Helpline. Ayos to less hassle. Online helplines are so in-demand and very helpful to us moms.
Reminded me of our recent passport appointment! Ang layo sa Quezon pa kayo? What I did to get an appointment is to check everyday kung may slot. As in inaraw araw ko. Minsan oras oras pa nga. LOL. I hope everything goes well. Buti na lang may online helplines.
I know, it doesn't make sense! lol. And yes, like you, NSO helpline na ko for years! Not planning to go back to PSA/NSO branch anymore, lol.
Yes, sis! Super true 'yan! Mas mahal ng x2, but you save time, so it's fine for me. 🙂
Grabe, ang tiyaga mo! That's what I did sa bro-in-law ko before, as in auto-refresh the DFA site, lol.