So, you’ve found yourself abroad in 2023 and need to secure that all-important NBI Clearance from the Philippines? Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this endeavor! The process might seem a tad intimidating, but fear not, because this ultimate guide is here to help you navigate the labyrinth of requirements and procedures.

Introduction

Whether you’re an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), a student studying abroad, or simply a Filipino living overseas, obtaining an NBI Clearance is a crucial document for various purposes back home. From job applications to visa requirements and even legal matters, this document is your ticket to a hassle-free life.

In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the mysteries of obtaining your NBI Clearance abroad in 2023. We’ll cover the step-by-step process, requirements, and provide answers to frequently asked questions to make this journey as smooth as possible. So, buckle up and let’s dive right in!

NBI Clearance Abroad 2023: Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s start by understanding the basics of what an NBI Clearance is and why it’s essential.

What is an NBI Clearance?

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance is a document issued by the NBI, a government agency in the Philippines. It serves as a proof of a person’s criminal record, or lack thereof, within the country. It’s commonly required for various purposes, including:

• Employment: Many employers in the Philippines and abroad require an NBI Clearance as part of the hiring process.
• Visa Applications: When applying for visas to travel or work in other countries, an NBI Clearance may be requested.
• Legal Transactions: It can be required for legal matters such as court cases, adoption, or marriage abroad.
• Government-Related Requirements: Some government agencies may request an NBI Clearance for specific transactions.

Why is an NBI Clearance Important?

The NBI Clearance serves as proof that you have not been involved in any criminal activities in the Philippines, which is crucial for various aspects of your life abroad. Without it, you may face difficulties in securing employment, obtaining visas, or completing essential legal transactions.

Now that you understand the significance of this document, let’s move on to the steps you need to follow to get your NBI Clearance while living abroad in 2023.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Get NBI Clearance Abroad 2023

Obtaining your NBI Clearance abroad might seem like a daunting task, but fear not! We’ve broken down the process into manageable steps to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before you embark on this journey, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Duly Accomplished NBI Clearance Application Form: You can download this form from the official NBI website or obtain it from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country.
• Valid ID: You’ll need a valid government-issued ID with your photo and signature. Examples include your passport, driver’s license, or a postal ID.
• 2×2 Colored Photo: Prepare two recent 2×2 colored photos with a white background. Make sure you follow the photo requirements specified by the NBI.
• Fingerprint Card: This is where the NBI will take your fingerprints, so make sure to get one from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Step 2: Pay the NBI Clearance Fees

Getting your NBI Clearance abroad comes with a price tag. The fees may vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to check the latest fee schedule on the official NBI website or contact your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for information on the current rates.

Step 3: Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate

With your documents in hand and the fees paid, it’s time to visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Present your duly accomplished NBI Clearance Application Form, valid ID, and fingerprint card to the Consular Section.
• Pay the necessary fees at the Embassy or Consulate cashier.
• Wait for your turn to have your fingerprints taken.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting your documents and fingerprints, you’ll need to exercise some patience. The processing time for your NBI Clearance may vary depending on the volume of applications and the efficiency of the Embassy or Consulate where you applied. On average, it may take a few weeks, so plan accordingly.

Step 5: Claim Your NBI Clearance

Once your NBI Clearance is ready for pickup, the Philippine Embassy or Consulate will notify you. Here’s what you need to do:

• Return to the Embassy or Consulate in person and present your receipt or claim stub.
• Check your NBI Clearance for accuracy and make sure all your details are correct.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully obtained your NBI Clearance abroad in 2023. Now you can use this essential document for various purposes, whether it’s for employment, visa applications, or legal matters.

Who Can Get a Philippine NBI Clearance Abroad?

An NBI clearance is tangible proof that a person has no criminal convictions in the Philippines. It can be obtained by any applicant, Filipino or foreigner, for citizenship, immigration/permanent residency, school enrollment, or employment, to name a few.

Requirements To Get NBI Clearance if You’re Outside the Philippines

The list of requirements below is the same for all applicants regardless of their current country of residence or nationality.

1. For New Applicants

a. NBI Form No. 5

Also known as the fingerprint form, you can get this for free at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Note that the NBI Form No. 5 is not the clearance itself but only an application form you will submit to the NBI Clearance office in the Philippines for processing.

You will need to get the NBI Form No. 5 if you’re one of the following:

• You’re a new applicant.
• You have lost the old copy of your NBI clearance;
• You still have a copy of the NBI clearance, but it was issued in 2013 or earlier;
• You have a copy of the NBI clearance but must update your personal information, like your last name.

For a complete list of requirements for obtaining NBI Form No. 5, please check out the official website of the Philippine Consulate in your country of residence. Here’s one tip: Enter the keyword “nbi form no. 5 requirements + your country of residence” (e.g., nbi form no. 5 requirements + australia) in Google to instantly get to the page you’re looking for.

Due to the pandemic, most embassies abroad now require NBI clearance applicants to secure an online appointment with them before coming to the Consular office.

This only applies to you if you prefer to accomplish the NBI Form No. 5 and have your fingerprint impressions taken at the Consulate. Otherwise, you can opt to have the form mailed, so you don’t have to go to the embassy personally.

Should you choose the walk-in application, the embassy may require you to secure other requirements like a Health Declaration form for safety reasons. For more information, please also check the official website of the Philippine Consulate General in your host country.

Alternatively, you can request a blank copy of the NBI Form No. 5 to be mailed to your address. All you need to do is send a letter of request and a self-addressed prepaid return envelope to the embassy. Note that the requirements for a mailed-in request may vary, so check with the Consular office in your host country for the latest details.

After receiving the envelope with the blank NBI Form No. 5, please complete it with the required details. If you’re a married woman, please write your name in the following order:

• Maiden surname (father’s surname);
• Husband’s surname;
• First or given name;
• Maternal surname (mother’s family name).

Next, proceed to the nearest police station to have rolled impressions of your fingerprint. The person who took your fingerprint impression must sign the form.

You will then mail back to the Embassy the accomplished NBI form together with a photocopy of your passport data page, money order/bank draft payable to the Philippine Consulate General (the amount of which varies according to your host country), and self-addressed prepaid return envelope with a tracking number. Do not enclose cash.

Upon receiving your mailed-in application, the Consular office will process your document/s and return the authenticated NBI form within 2 to 3 days.

b. One 2×2 photo

Note: A photo is usually required while processing NBI Form No. 5. According to the Mailed Clearance Section of the NBI, you no longer need to provide a different picture if there’s already one attached to your NBI Form No. 5.

The photo must meet the following requirements:

• Must show the full front view of your face
• Must have a white background
• Must be a recent photo
• Must not show the applicant wearing eyeglasses or smiling

The Mailed Clearance Section only requires one, but you can enclose an additional copy.

c. Photocopy of the passport data page

The passport biodata or bio page is at the front of your passport and on page 2. It shows all the data that confirm your identity, like your complete name, date of birth, passport number, and your passport’s expiry date, as well as your signature and nationality.

2. For Renewal Applicants (Note: Scanned copies are accepted)

a. Old NBI Clearance

If you still have the original copy of your old NBI clearance issued in 2014 onwards, you no longer have to submit the fingerprint form (NBI Form No. 5).

The old clearance is enough to provide them with your biometrics, provided that no changes have been made to your data.

b. One 2×2 photo

Same as new applicants. Please see the previous section for more details.

c. Photocopy of the passport data page

Same as new applicants. Please see the previous section for more information.

Note: As mentioned earlier, renewal applicants can send scanned copies of their requirements, including the 2×2 photo, to save time and money. However, it’s essential to instruct your representative in the Philippines to print the 2×2 picture on photo paper; otherwise, it will be rejected. If your representative doesn’t know how to do it, send the scanned copy of your picture, then ask him/her to go to any store that offers rush I.D. pictures to have your photo printed on photo paper.

3. Other Requirements

a. Letter of Authorization (if applying through a representative)

You will need this to authorize your representative to file your NBI clearance application in the Philippines on your behalf.

b. Money amounting to PHP 200 (if applying without a representative)

According to the Mailed Clearance Section, applicants who will be sending their requirements directly to the main NBI Clearance office in Manila and don’t have any representative who can submit their documents on their behalf must enclose cash amounting to PHP 200 (PHP 130 for the NBI clearance + PHP 70 for the courier fee to send the NBI clearance back to the applicant).

Since most couriers don’t accept packages if there’s cash in them, the best thing you can do if you insist on sending the requirements directly to NBI is NEVER to declare the said money you have enclosed to the courier. If the courier discovers the money, enclose a note instead indicating the name of your representative in the Philippines and his/her contact number. If you do the latter, the NBI Clearance office will contact your representative upon receiving your documents to explain how to pay for and claim your newly issued NBI clearance.

c. Self-addressed envelope (optional, if applying without a representative)

Applicants applying without a representative may send the requirements with a self-addressed envelope. This way, you can receive your document faster through the express courier service, instead of PHLPost, which may take up to two months to deliver to their intended receivers abroad.

Since you don’t have anyone in the Philippines to pick up your NBI clearance, it’s essential to include a note containing your email address so the Mailed Clearance Section can notify you once your document is ready for release. Upon receiving the email notification, you will contact the courier (e.g., DHL or FedEx) and arrange a pick-up schedule. It’s your responsibility, not the Mailed Clearance Section, to request a pick-up schedule for the courier so your clearance can be shipped to you on time.

How To Get NBI Clearance in the Philippines While Abroad: 2 Ways

There are two ways to apply for NBI clearance abroad without flying back to your home country:

• With an authorized representative – Especially if you’re pressed for time, a relative or a friend in the Philippines can be the best person you can count on to do everything on your behalf. All you need to do is send that person a signed authorization letter and the other requirements.
• Without an authorized representative – Only choose this route if you don’t have anyone in the Philippines you can trust to make the application/renewal. This option involves going to the Philippine Embassy in your host country, securing all the requirements, and sending the documents to the main NBI clearance center at UN Avenue in Manila.

The succeeding sections provide a rundown of the procedures you’d expect for each of these two options.

Option 1: Steps To Get An NBI Clearance Abroad With An Authorized Representative

STEP 1: Gather all your requirements, especially the SPA.

You will also need to register on NBI’s website to have a profile and reference number.

STEP 2: Mail your documents to your authorized representative. You can also e-mail in advance the NBI Mailed Clearance Section – [email protected] or [email protected].

STEP 3: Let your representative contact the Mailed Clearance Section for an appointment or instructions if your representative passes in another province.

STEP 4: Your representative needs to go to NBI to pass your documents. If you have not yet paid the clearance of PHP 130, they can pay it in cash. There is also a PHP 70 courier fee.

STEP 5: The officer will verify the documents. Wait for a maximum of 5 days before the clearance is available.

STEP 6: Let your representative Claim your NBI Clearance. S/he will need your SPA, a copy of your passport/ID, and a receipt.

Please let them check the dry seal on the lower-left portion.

STEP 7: Have your NBI Clearance mailed to you.

Once you receive it, put a thumbprint on the space provided. You can ask for help from the local police.

Option 2: Steps To Get An NBI Clearance Abroad Without An Authorized Representative

STEP 3: Go to a post office and submit all the requirements to:

The Officer-in-Charge or Ms. Sandra P. Sobida
Mailed Clearance Section
3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Bldg.
UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Contact Number 523-8231 loc 5465

You can also e-mail in advance the NBI Mailed Clearance Section – [email protected] or [email protected] time may take 5 days upon receipt of documents.

As indicated on the list of requirements, please enclose cash amounting to PHP 200 for the payment of the NBI clearance fee and the courier fee to send the processed NBI clearance back to you. After a processing period of 5 days, your NBI clearance should be ready for release.

PHLPost will deliver the NBI clearance to each applicant’s respective country by default. Depending on the country where you currently live, it may take up to 2 months to receive the document from PHLPost. However, if you want to receive your clearance faster, a self-addressed envelope and a note containing your email address must be included in your requirements. When the NBI clearance is ready for release, you will receive an email notification through the email account you have indicated. Upon receiving this email, arrange a pick-up schedule with an express courier service like DHL or FedEx so that the clearance will be picked up from the Mailed Clearance Section and shipped to you via airmail.

If you can’t enclose cash, the Mailed Clearance Section will look for a note containing your representative’s name and contact number here in the Philippines. They will then contact your representative to let him/her know how to pay the NBI Clearance fee and claim your newly issued clearance.

Depending on your preference, you can have your NBI clearance shipped to you via JRS Express (if your representative has the pouch) or have your representative receive it on your behalf and then send it to you through your preferred courier.

If you have other questions about your NBI clearance application via mail, you can call Ms. Sandra Sobida, the officer-in-charge, using one of her cellphone numbers.

As of July 2023, the following are Ms. Sandra Sobida’s phone numbers:

• +639156893113 (preferred)
• +639201223327
• +639267152001

The Mailed Clearance Section can answer your calls every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Philippine Standard Time).

Once received, check the embossed NBI dry seal at the lower left portion to ensure you’re receiving a genuine NBI clearance.

Additional Tips and Warnings

• Renewal applicants are not required to obtain NBI Form No. 5 and enjoy the advantage of a simpler application process.
• When sending cash with your requirements, avoid declaring the enclosed money to the courier, as most couriers do not accept packages containing cash.
• If you have specific questions about your NBI clearance application via mail, you can contact Ms. Sandra Sobida, the officer-in-charge, using one of her cellphone numbers. Ms. Sandra Sobida can answer your calls every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. (Philippine Standard Time).
• Upon receiving your NBI clearance, verify the presence of an embossed NBI dry seal at the lower left portion to ensure its authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions for getting an NBI Clearance Abroad

Now that you have a better understanding of the process, let’s address some common questions and concerns you might have about getting your NBI Clearance abroad in 2023.

1. Can I apply for an NBI Clearance online while abroad?

As of 2023, online application for NBI Clearance is primarily available for applicants within the Philippines. If you’re abroad, you will need to follow the manual application process as outlined in this guide.

2. Is it possible to authorize someone in the Philippines to apply for an NBI Clearance on my behalf?

Yes, you can authorize a representative in the Philippines to apply for your NBI Clearance. Your representative will need to present an authorization letter from you, along with a copy of your valid ID and their own valid ID. They will follow the standard application process on your behalf.

3. What if there is no Philippine Embassy or Consulate in my host country?

If there is no Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your host country, you can inquire about the nearest Philippine consulate or diplomatic mission that can assist you with the NBI Clearance application process. In some cases, they may provide mobile services or guidance on how to proceed.

4. Can I request expedited processing for my NBI Clearance?

Expedited processing may be available in certain cases, such as for urgent employment requirements or travel purposes. However, this is typically subject to the discretion of the Embassy or Consulate. It’s best to check with them directly to inquire about expedited processing options.

5. What if there are errors on my NBI Clearance?

If you discover errors on your NBI Clearance, such as incorrect personal information or typographical errors, you should immediately inform the Embassy or Consulate where you applied. They will provide guidance on the necessary steps to rectify the errors.

6. How long is the NBI Clearance valid?

As of 2023, an NBI Clearance is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, the validity period may vary depending on the specific purpose of your clearance, so it’s essential to check the expiration date on your document.