How to Renew NBI Clearance?

What are the uses of NBI Clearance in the Philippines?

The NBI Clearance is a multi-purpose government document in the Philippines that serves various purposes. Here are some of its uses:

• Visa applications: It is often required for long-term visa applications. The same is true for tourist visa extensions over 60 days, 13a permanent visa conversions, and permanent residency applications.
•  Job applications: Many employers, both local and abroad, require this clearance as proof of a candidate’s clean criminal record. It is particularly important for jobs that involve security clearances and handling large amounts of cash. Lastly, it may also be a requirement for jobs that include accessing confidential information or working with children or minors.
•  Proof of identity for legal document changes: This can serve as proof of identity for legal document changes.
•  Local employment: It is a common requirement for local job applications. This is the employers’ way to verify an applicant’s compliance with the law.
•  Overseas employment: For Filipinos seeking employment abroad, NBI Clearance is often a requirement prior to leaving the country.
•  Travel abroad: It has been used as a requirement for travel abroad, although specific instances may vary.
•  Background check for government agencies and organizations: The clearance is used by government contractors, NGO workers, bank or financial services employees, school teachers, and healthcare professionals, among others, to provide a background check for their work.
•  Proof of compliance with the law: It serves as a document that certifies an individual’s compliance with the law and their non-involvement in any ongoing criminal cases in the Philippines.

Steps to renew NBI Clearance in the Philippines

To renew your clearance, you can follow these steps:

1. Access the NBI Clearance Online Services Website. You can go to the NBI Clearance services website.
2.  Fill out the online renewal form. Provide your old NBI ID number and other supporting details. This includes your complete name, mobile number, and birthdate. However, only expired NBI clearances with an issuance date of October 16, 2016, and onwards, are eligible for online renewal. Once done, click Verify to proceed to the next step.
3.  Set your NBI renewal appointment online. Choose the NBI branch closest to you from the drop-down menu. On the calendar, select your preferred renewal date and time (either AM or PM). Dates with blue boxes indicate available slots for applicants.
4.  Pay for your clearance renewal. The payment box is located next to the appointment section. Choose your preferred payment option and take note of the payment reference number. You will need this when paying for your NBI renewal.
5.  Process your renewal application. You will then need to secure an online appointment through the NBI website. On your appointment date, bring your old/expired clearance and one valid government-issued ID.

For online renewals, you will no longer need to visit an NBI office. You will receive it at your address through the door-to-door delivery service.

What are the NBI requirements for first-time applicants?

The requirements for first-time applicants of NBI Clearance in the Philippines are as follows:

• Two (2) valid government-issued IDs: Applicants must present two valid government-issued IDs during the application process. Acceptable IDs include UMID (SSS and GSIS)
• Barangay Certification (for first-time job seekers): A first-time job seeker will need to present a valid Barangay Certificate. Moreover, the issuance must not be more than a year before the date of their NBI clearance application.
•  NBI Clearance Fee (waived for first-time job seekers): Under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, first-time job seekers are exempt from paying the fees for government documents required for employment, including the NBI Clearance.
•  Online Application Form: Applicants must fill out the online application form, providing accurate personal information, family background, education, employment, and complete contact details.
•  NBI Clearance Appointment: After filling out the online application form, applicants need to schedule an appointment for their NBI Clearance. Walk-in appointments are no longer accepted.
•  Valid IDs and Documents for the Interview: During the interview process, applicants must present at least two valid IDs or documents that prove their identity, as well as the NBI Clearance Official Receipt and a print-out of their online registration/application form

What to do in case of a “hit” status in the NBI Clearance application?

If you have a “hit” status on your NBI Clearance, it means that there is a record in the NBI database that matches your personal information and requires further verification. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Wait for the verification process. The NBI will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the criminal record belongs to you or a namesake. This process usually takes five to ten working days.
2.  Claim your clearance if the “hit” is not yours. If the NBI verifies that the criminal record belongs to a namesake, you can claim your clearance without any additional fee.
3.  Attend a Quality Control Interview if the “hit” is yours. If the NBI verifies that the criminal record belongs to you, you will be required to attend an NBI Clearance Quality Control Interview. During the interview, you will be asked to provide additional information and documents to prove your identity and clarify the details of the criminal record1.
4.  Bring the necessary documents. If you have a criminal case that has already been resolved, you need to bring court documents to prove case dismissal or acquittal.
5.  Follow up on your application. You can check your application status online or by calling the NBI hotline for clearances.

Who can apply for an NBI Clearance?

In the Philippines, both Filipino citizens and foreigners can apply for a clearance. The clearance is a multi-purpose document used for various official purposes, such as job applications and immigration-related transactions. Here are the details for each category:

Filipino Citizens:

• There is no age requirement for the application, meaning all Filipinos can apply for it regardless of age.
•  First-time job seekers can get a free clearance under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. 
•  The updated clearance is universally valid for all local and foreign purposes, removing the concept of the green NBI Clearance.

Foreigners:

• The clearance for foreigners in the Philippines serves the same purpose as for Filipino citizens. That is to show that the applicant is in good standing and not involved in any crime.
•  The process for foreigners living in the Philippines is almost the same as for Filipino citizens. They can apply online through any NBI branch.
•  Foreigners who are already outside the Philippines or back in their home country can follow a separate guide for getting or renewing NBI Clearance while abroad.

To apply for an NBI Clearance outside the Philippines, foreigners must visit a Philippine Embassy or Consulate General to have a consular officer imprint a fingerprint card and notarize the clearance form. Then, they need to mail their application card to the NBI in Manila for processing.