Navigating NBI Clearance 2023: A Step-by-Step Application Guide

Whether you're a recent graduate, a first-time job seeker, or in the process of filing a benefit claim, chances are you'll find yourself in need of an NBI Clearance. However, it's no secret that obtaining this document can be quite a daunting task, earning it quite an unfavorable reputation.

An NBI clearance is used to establish your status as a law-abiding citizen, confirming that you have maintained a clean record and have not been involved in any legal misconduct. Moreover, the significance of the NBI clearance extends to various crucial situations, including employment applications (both local and international), civil service examinations, and the like. It serves as a vital document in these contexts, affirming your credibility and suitability for such endeavors. 

Historically, acquiring an NBI clearance used to be an absolute ordeal due to the extensive queues and sluggish procedures at NBI offices. However, there's good news to share: the NBI has taken significant strides to enhance the experience, implementing a streamlined, expedited, and citizen-centric process. As a result, obtaining an NBI clearance has become remarkably more convenient, with a noticeable improvement in efficiency and overall organization.

In today's blog, we will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step guide on obtaining an NBI clearance. From setting up an online account on the official NBI website, to understanding the required IDs and documents, as well as the associated fees, we've got you covered. Prepare to navigate the process with ease and confidence.

What you need to prepare

Before you begin the application process, you need to prepare two valid government-issued IDs, such as:

• UMID (SSS or GSIS)
• Passport
• Driver's License
• PSA Birth Certificate
• PRC License
• Postal ID
• Solo Parents' ID
• Senior Citizen ID
• and other GOVERNMENT-ISSUED IDs

Non-government issued IDs such as your company ID and Barangay Clearance are NOT ACCEPTED as valid IDs in processing an NBI clearance application. On the other hand, if you are a first-time jobseeker, you may present a Barangay Certificate as proof of your residency and as your pass for the free NBI clearance application (pursuant to the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act). 

How to apply for an NBI Clearance for the first time:

1. Visit the NBI Clearance Online Services Website. Read the Data Privacy Statement and additional reminders and then click I Agree.

2. Fill out the form under Register As New Account on the right side of the screen. As a first-time applicant, do not forget to tick the No box asking if you have an NBI Clearance issued from 2014 to present. Click the Sign Up button when done and ready to submit your form.

3. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) through your registered mobile number. Key-in the OTP on the pop-up window before your submission goes through completely.

4. At this point, you should already be ready to log in to your online account. Sign in using the email and password you registered earlier and then fill out the Applicant Information Form. You will be asked for your personal details such as your birth place and citizenship, as well as your most updated contact details such as your address, mobile number, and email address. Be able to provide all the needed information and double check that all entries are accurately indicated before submitting your form. Click the Save Information and the Submit button when ready.

5. At the top right corner of the screen, click the Apply for Clearance box. You will then be asked what types of IDs will you be presenting on the day of your appointment. Click the box under Type of ID and choose the ID type you will be bringing. At the lower box, type in the ID number and then click the I Agree button to proceed.

6. On the next page, choose the NBI branch you wish to visit for your clearance. Here are some things you need to know when choosing the NBI branch:

• You may choose any NBI branch as long as it is listed in the choices.
• After you have paid the fee and have confirmed your appointment and you realize that you would like to have your clearance done at a different branch, you can still change your option by calling the branch where you made an appointment and request them to send your records to the new branch that you would like to visit. 
• If you fail to do the second step and still insist on visiting a branch that is different from the one where you have a confirmed appointment, your application will not be processed. 

7. Select your appointment schedule by choosing from among the blue boxes on the calendar page. 

• You can change the date of your appointment if you have not paid the fee yet. You can no longer change the date and time after you have paid the fee. 
• If, for any reason, you are unable to make it on your appointment date and time, the NBI will give you a 15-day grace period to appear at your chosen NBI branch to process your application.
• If you fail to show up at all, your application will be cancelled and your payment will be forfeited.

8. Choose your preferred mode of payment and pay the NBI clearance fee. You may through the following channels:

• Over the counter at participating banks such as BDO, Metrobank, Chinabank, Landbank, Eastwest, etc.
• Pay online using your bank's online app (if NBI Clearance payments are included in your bank's billers)
• Pay over the counter at Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhullier, LBC, Villarica Pawnshop, Waltermart, Robinson's, ECPay terminals, 7-Eleven stores.
• Visa/Mastercard 
• GCash, Maya, ShopeePay, and DragonPay

You will be directed to a payment screen corresponding to the payment channel you chose. Take note of your reference number as this will be asked of you when you make your payment. 

9. After paying your fee, you will receive an email confirmation. You may also login to your online account to see if the application's status has changed from pending to Paid.

10. You have the option to print your application form or simply take a screenshot and save on your photo album to show at the NBI on the day of your appointment. Also, take note of your reference number because this may also be used to trace your application. 

On the day of your appointment, be at the NBI branch at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Make sure you have your IDs, proof of payment, screenshot of your application, and your reference number.

You may go straight to the encoding station for your biometrics and photo. And then, if your name does not have any hits, your clearance will be released in a few minutes.

Reminders:

• Bring your IDs. You will not be entertained at the NBI if you cannot present your IDs.
• The NBI does not entertain walk-in applicants. If you do not have an appointment, please create one online first.
• If your name gets a hit, you will be asked to return after a few days to give the NBI time to review your records and confirm that yours are clear. 
• Fresh graduates and first-time job applicants (with the corresponding supporting documents) may apply for their NBI Clearance for free. 

Reference:

NBI Website