The NBI clearance document is not meant only for Filipinos. Some situations require even foreigners to get NBI clearance.
You may think that the process will be a tedious one, especially since it is for foreigners. It is quite straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home. This article will guide you on NBI clearance for foreigners’ online registration.
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Reasons A Foreigner May Need NBI Clearance
As you may know, the NBI clearance is a document that shows good standing and a clear criminal record in the Philippines. It may be required by your employer for work in the Philippines or other government agencies.
Generally, as a foreigner in need of NBI clearance, you likely fall into these categories:
- You have lived in the Philippines for up to six (6) months but now want to immigrate or relocate to a new country.
- You are seeking a permit for residency in the Philippines.
- You want to renew your 13a immigrant visa issued to you by marriage to a Filipino citizen.
How To Go About NBI Clearance For Foreigners Online Registration
Regardless of the reason you are seeking NBI clearance as a foreigner, you can conveniently apply for it online. Applying as a foreigner is almost the same as applying as a Filipino.
All you need to do is follow these steps:
1.Visit The Official NBI Clearance Website
This is the first step in the application process. Visit their website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
If you have an old NBI account, sign into it. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) that is 6 digits long. This will be sent to your phone number or email address. If you don’t receive it double-check that your details are entered correctly and click resend OTP.
If you do not have an old NBI account, you can create a new one. Answer “No” when asked whether you have an NBI clearance document issued on or after 2014. This applies to first-time foreign NBI clearance applications.
2.Fill In The Necessary Details
As soon as you have logged in, click online registration. You will find a button that says “edit information”. Click on it and fill in all the required details. Typically, it will require information like date and place of birth, full name, middle name, etc.
If you don’t have a middle name, simply input “MNU” meaning “Middle Name Unknown” or “NA” meaning “Not Applicable”. The NBI recognizes the absence of a middle name.
Double check that all the details entered are correct then click “save information”.
3.Apply For Your NBI Clearance
After your information has been saved successfully, click on “Apply For Clearance”. If you are using a mobile phone, it is located at the top of the screen. While on a computer or laptop, you can find the button at the right corner of your screen.
A prompt will come up asking you for your preferred IDs. As a foreigner the IDs that the NBI accepts from you are:
- Valid passport issued by the Philippine government.
- Alien certificate of registration or ACR-1
You will find several other IDs but do not pick those as they don’t apply to foreigners.
4.Book An Appointment Online
The next thing for you to do is to book an online appointment. After you have selected your IDs, a new prompt asks you to select an NBI branch will come up.
If you live in the National Central Region (NCR), the only place that deals with foreigner NBI applications are NBI’s main office, U.N Avenue, Ermita, Manila. This is the branch you should select.
If you reside outside Metro Manila, you can pick the nearest NBI branch to you. Just keep in mind that it may take an additional 10 – 15 days for your application to be processed. This is because your selected NBI branch will have to mail your application to the NBI headquarters.
After choosing a branch, select a date and time that is convenient for you. You will be shown the dates and times available so you can book the one that works for you.
5. Make Payment For Your NBI Clearance
Below the appointment booking section, you will find a button to make payment. Click on it and choose your preferred payment option. There are 7 payment options when applying for NBI clearance as a foreigner:
- ECPay
- GCash
- 7-Eleven
- Bayad Center Mobile or Outlets
- Visa / MasterCard
- Bank Over The Counter
- Online Bank
After you have selected your payment method, a pop-up box with your reference number will appear. Copy this down as you will provide it when making payment and at the NBI branch.
After you have successfully made the payment, check transactions under your application status and it should have changed from “pending” to “paid”.
6.Visit Your Selected NBI Branch
Go to the NBI office on the scheduled date time to complete your application process. Make sure to dress properly(no shorts or slippers) before visiting the office.
Bring the following requirements with you:
- Valid passport
- Alien certificate of registration or ACR-1
- Official receipt
- Print-out of your application form
You don’t need to take a photograph as the NBI personnel will use a camera to capture your photo there. Although, you can take it along just in case.
Follow through with all the requirements at the NBI office. When you are done, you will be informed of the date to come to pick up your NBI clearance document. For Filipinos, it can be gotten the same day but as a foreigner, it can take up to 6 days to receive your document.
- Claim Your NBI Clearance Document
Congratulations! You have successfully applied for NBI clearance. On the appointed day, go to the NBI office to collect your NBI clearance document.
You may also send a representative to collect it for you in your absence. Just ensure to give them an authorization letter with your signature and full name appended. They may also take their valid ID along.
Conclusion
From the article, you can see that the process of applying for NBI clearance as a foreigner is just as seamless as that of a Filipino citizen.
If you went ahead to register for your NBI clearance, I would love to hear how it went! Leave your story and questions(if any) in the comment section below.
