Not just a typical document, the NBI clearance holds a heavy meaning when it comes to knowing the reputation and civil standing of an individual in society. Employers and even organizations require this piece of paper as one of the minimum requirements for job applicants. Sometimes, companies treat this as a non-negotiable requirement.
Traditionally, you need to ensure long lines before the NBI issuing office to get a clearance. Many applicants even stay the whole day just to find out that they get a “hit” so they need to wait for a few more days before their NBI clearance can be released for the verification process. For this reason, it’s important to understand how you can obtain this document online to avoid the hassles.
What Is an NBI Clearance?
An NBI clearance is a piece of paper that is exclusively issued by the National Bureau of Investigation to prove that an individual has not committed a criminal offense or holds any derogatory records in the Philippines. Unlike before, you can now process your NBI clearance application using your mobile devices.
With a modernized workflow, the NBI now offers digital services to its clients across the country. The online processes include appointment booking for NBI clearance so that Filipinos can enjoy a hassle-free experience. You just need to secure all the requirements in order to set an appointment for your NBI clearance application online.
Purposes of an NBI Clearance
There are various purposes for this document such as for local employment, foreign trips, and proof of identity. For local employment, the NBI clearance is used by employers to background check potential employees. The HR department will look into it to make sure you don’t have any criminal records. If you’re traveling or working abroad, you will also be asked to present your NBI clearance before you can secure a visa.
Another important purpose for obtaining an NBI clearance is proof of identity. There are government agencies that accept this document as identification in addition to IDs and other identification documents. If you need to correct some errors in your birth certificate or other documents issued by the government, you can use your NBI clearance as proof of identity.
Requirements for NBI Clearance Application
When applying for an NBI clearance, you need to meet some basic requirements such as two valid IDS issued by the government. Here’s a list of the valid IDs you can use to apply for this document online:
- UMID
- PRC Card
- Passport
- PhilHealth ID
- Birth Certificate issued by PSA
- Voter’s ID
- TIN ID
- OFW ID
- PWD ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- Police Clearance
- Postal ID
- Driver’s License
- Seaman’s Book
- Marina ID
- National ID
The valid IDs you will provide should meet these requirements:
- Original copy
- Not expired
- In good condition, not torn or blurred
- With visible photo
Just a reminder that non-government IDs like barangay clearance and company IDs are not considered valid IDs accepted for NBI clearance applications. First-time job seekers can avail of the NBI clearance waived fee by simply submitting a barangay certificate to prove they are indeed a first-time applicant.
How to Apply for an NBI Clearance
Submitting an application for an NBI clearance can now be done online. Here are the easy steps to apply for this document:
Step 1: Create an online account with NBI. For online registration, go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and click on the No button when this question appears on the home page, “Do you have an old NBI clearance issued from 2014 to present?”
Follow the registration process and ensure your details are accurate before checking the box that says Read and Accept Terms of Services. Confirm that you’re not a robot and then sign up.
Step 2: Sign in to your new online NBI account using your email and nominated password.
Step 3: Complete the registration form. Go to the Applicant Information tab and fill out all the required fields. Save your details and a reminder will appear asking you to review your personal information. Click Submit if everything is good.
Step 4: Apply for your clearance online. Click on the Apply for Clearance button in the upper right corner of your screen. Provide your valid ID details which is the same as the one you will resent on your appointment. Click on the I Agree button to proceed.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment. Select an NBI clearance center location and choose your preferred time and date on the calendar. The available slots are those in blue boxes in the appointment calendar.
Step 6: Choose a payment option. You can pay for the NBI clearance fee via over-the-counter bank payments such as LANDBANK, RCBC, Security Bank, UnionBank, Chinabank, Metrobank, and more. If you want to pay online, you can also use BPI, UnionBank, etc. For Bayad Center, you can pay through LBC Express, Robinsons, Waltermart, Cebuana Lhuillier, and the Bayad Mobile App. Other payment options include ECPay, Gcash, and 7-Eleven.
Step 7: Pay the fee depending on the payment option you have chosen. The NBI clearance itself only costs Php 130, but you will need to pay for additional Php 25 if you’re using an e-payment service.
Step 8: Go to your chosen NBI branch during your appointment to submit your requirements. Your photo and biometrics will be taken at the encoding station.
Step 9: Wait for the NBI clearance to be released. If there’s no hit, it will be issued to you shortly. For those who have a hit, the clearance will be issued after a few more days.
Video: How to Apply for NBI Clearance Online Application
In this video, you will be provided with a step-by-step guide to applying for an NBI clearance with additional tips to schedule an appointment.
Summary
So, you’re now ready to apply for an NBI clearance in your preferred branch. Just make sure to secure all the requirements and that all details are correct to avoid any hassle. You will need this document when applying for a job or traveling abroad for vacation.
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