How to Obtain a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) for Immigration Purposes After Separation (Philippine Context)

A Certificate of No Marriage Record—commonly known by its acronym “CENOMAR”—is an official document issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It certifies that a person has no recorded marriage in the Philippine civil registry. For Filipinos applying for immigration, fiancé visas, or other types of visas abroad, the CENOMAR is often required as proof of single status or eligibility to remarry.

However, the process can be confusing for those who have been married but are now separated—especially if no formal annulment or legal separation decree exists. This article provides a comprehensive overview of:

What a CENOMAR is and Why It Is Required
Eligibility: “Separated” vs. “Single”
Documents and Requirements
Application Process
Fees, Validity, and Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a CENOMAR and Why Is It Required?

A CENOMAR is an official document from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that states whether a person has no records of marriage in the national civil registry. Formerly issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) (which is now subsumed under the PSA), a CENOMAR is also referred to as a “Certificate of Singleness.”

Why Immigration Agencies Ask for a CENOMAR

Proof of Single Status: Many countries require foreign nationals to prove they are legally free to marry or to confirm their legal capacity to enter into certain immigration programs (e.g., spouse/partner visas, fiancé visas).
Prevention of Fraud: A CENOMAR helps verify that the applicant is not committing bigamy or attempting marriage fraud.
Supporting Document: Together with birth certificates, police clearances, and other civil documents, a CENOMAR completes the profile of a visa or immigration applicant.

2. Eligibility: “Separated” vs. “Single”

Distinction in Philippine Law

Single: Under Philippine law, “single” means you have never been married or your previous marriage has been completely dissolved (e.g., through annulment or legal declaration of nullity, or recognized foreign divorce for certain circumstances).
Separated: This can mean either:
1. De Facto Separation: You and your spouse live apart without any legal decree. In the Philippines, this does not change your marital status.
2. Legal Separation: A court decree that recognizes the separation and settles certain legal consequences but does not dissolve the bond of marriage. You are still considered legally married.

Under PSA records, if you have ever been married and no annulment, nullity, or court-recognized foreign divorce has been finalized, the PSA’s database will reflect a valid marriage on file. Hence, you will not be issued a “clean” CENOMAR indicating you have never been married. Instead, the PSA would typically issue a document reflecting your existing marriage.

Important:

If you are only separated (de facto or legal separation), the PSA cannot issue a CENOMAR indicating you have “no marriage record.”
If your marriage was annulled or declared null and void via a final court decree, you may apply to have your PSA records updated, after which you can obtain a CENOMAR that reflects you are single.
For Filipinos who obtained a foreign divorce (initiated by the foreign spouse or meeting certain legal conditions in the Philippines), a local court recognition of the foreign divorce is required to update your civil registry records.

3. Documents and Requirements

Application Form / Letter of Request: Whether applying online or in person, you will need to provide personal information (full name, birth date, parents’ names, etc.).
Valid ID: A government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, UMID, PRC license) is usually sufficient.
Marriage Details (If Applicable): If you were previously married, the PSA might ask for the date and place of marriage. This is to check if any record exists.
Proof of Court Declaration (If Annulled/Nullified/Recognized Divorce): If your marriage was legally ended, you will need certified true copies of the court decision and the Certificate of Finality. These are needed to ensure your records at the PSA have been updated before applying for a CENOMAR.

4. Application Process

There are two main ways to obtain a CENOMAR: in-person at a PSA outlet or online through the PSA’s authorized platforms.

A. Walk-in Application at a PSA Serbilis Center

Locate the Nearest PSA Serbilis Outlet: You can find a list on the PSA website or inquire at local government offices.
Fill Out the Application Form: Provide the necessary details—name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ full names, and the purpose of the request (e.g., “immigration requirement”).
Pay the Required Fees: As of recent guidelines, the fee for one CENOMAR request is around PHP 210 – PHP 215 (this may change). Keep the official receipt.
Processing Time: In-person applications can sometimes be processed on the same day, but often you will need to return on the designated release date—usually within 2-5 working days.
Pick Up the Document: On the release date, present your claim stub and receive your CENOMAR.

B. Online Application

The PSA has authorized PSAHelpline.ph and PSASerbilis.com.ph to accept online applications for civil registry documents including CENOMAR.

Go to the Official Website:
- PSAHelpline.ph
- PSASerbilis.com.ph
Provide Personal Details: Fill out the online forms accurately—your full name, date of birth, parents’ names, etc.
Payment: Fees are slightly higher to include service fees and shipping (ranging around PHP 430 – PHP 450 per copy). Payment can be made via credit card, GCash, or other available methods.
Delivery: After payment confirmation, documents are typically delivered within 3-9 working days (Metro Manila might be faster; provincial deliveries take longer).

5. Fees, Validity, and Common Issues

Fees

Walk-in: Approx. PHP 210 – PHP 215 per copy.
Online: Approx. PHP 430 – PHP 450 per copy (including service and shipping fees).

(Check the PSA website or its authorized partners for up-to-date fees.)

Validity

Technically, a CENOMAR has no stated expiry; however, many embassies or immigration offices require a recently issued document—often not older than six (6) months. Always verify the specific requirements of the embassy or immigration authority.

Common Issues and Pitfalls

You Appear as “Married” in the PSA Records Even if Separated
- If your marriage has not been legally dissolved, the PSA database will still reflect the marriage. You cannot obtain a “clean” CENOMAR stating “no marriage record.”
Court Decree Not Yet Registered
- Even if you have an annulment or nullity decree, it must be recorded with the Local Civil Registrar and the PSA before you can obtain an updated CENOMAR. This process can take several months.
Name Discrepancies
- Inconsistent use of middle names or typographical errors can delay processing. Make sure the details in your birth certificate, previous marriage certificate (if any), and any court decree all match.
Multiple Requests
- Some immigration authorities might require multiple copies or duplicates within a certain timeframe—plan ahead to avoid extra costs and delays.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am only “de facto separated.” Can I get a CENOMAR stating I am single?

No. If there is an existing record of marriage in the PSA database, a CENOMAR will show that you have a recorded marriage. The PSA cannot label you as “single” unless your marriage has been legally dissolved (annulment, declaration of nullity, or recognized foreign divorce).

2. What if I was married abroad and separated abroad?

If the marriage is not recognized in the Philippines or not recorded with the PSA, the CENOMAR may still come out “no record of marriage” if no report of marriage was filed. However, if you are seeking to remarry, sponsor someone for a spouse visa, or apply for certain immigration benefits, you could be required to clarify that prior marriage in the other jurisdiction.

3. How long does it take to update my civil status after an annulment or recognition of foreign divorce?

It varies. After you receive a final court decision, you must register it with the Local Civil Registrar and the PSA. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on administrative backlogs.

4. Can I speed up the PSA process to obtain a CENOMAR?

The PSA offers priority lanes for certain situations (e.g., senior citizens, persons with disability, or pregnant women), but generally, there is no official “rush” service. If you apply through online channels, the main difference is convenience and home delivery—not necessarily a faster release.

5. The embassy or immigration authority requires a recent CENOMAR. How recent is acceptable?

Policies differ by country or immigration program. Most prefer a CENOMAR issued within the last six (6) months. Always confirm with the requesting office.

Key Takeaways

Being “Separated” Does Not Mean “Single.”
- If you have not obtained an annulment, decree of nullity, or court-recognized foreign divorce, the PSA records will still reflect your existing marriage.
Document Requirements Are Strict and Time-Sensitive.
- Ensure you have accurate and up-to-date IDs, payment receipts, and, if applicable, court documents before applying.
Plan Ahead for Processing and Shipping Times.
- Whether applying in person or online, factor in 2-3 weeks (or more) for the entire process—especially if you are gathering documents for an impending visa application.
Legal Advice May Be Necessary.
- If you are unsure about your marital status and how it may affect your CENOMAR or immigration application, consult a Philippine attorney experienced in family law and/or immigration law.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is straightforward if you have never married or if your previous marriage is legally dissolved and duly recorded. However, for those separated without annulment, the PSA will still record a valid marriage, and you cannot acquire a “clean” CENOMAR indicating zero marriages. This can significantly impact immigration applications where proof of being single or free to marry is required.

Pro Tip: Start the process early, confirm whether your court decrees (if any) have been recorded with the PSA, and always check the specific requirements of the immigration authority or embassy to which you are applying. If in doubt, seek legal guidance to ensure that your status and documentation align with Philippine law as well as the regulations of your destination country.