Fact: when you decide to work as an OFW, you need to secure TONS of documents to process your application. By documents, this includes NBI Clearance.
Usually, you need a NBI Clearance as part of the requirements you need to submit prior to leaving the country. It is valid for a certain period only and may be renewed whenever needed.
Why do you need to get this document when you’re already out of the country?
There are two scenarios:
- If you want to live permanently on the country where you currently work
- If you want to migrate to another country while working in a foreign country
Given these scenarios, does it mean you need to go back to the Philippines to get a NBI Clearance?
Thankfully, NO. In fact, all you need is a decent Internet connection because getting this document can be done online.
There are two options when you apply for NBI Clearance online:
- Through a proxy or an authorized representative
- By mail, which does NOT require an authorized representative
Here’s how you can apply or renew NBI Clearance WITH REPRESENTATIVE:
Step 1: Prepare all the documents.
For new application:
- NBI Form No. 5 or the Fingerprint form. You can get a form from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. If you have a representative, s/he can get the form at NBI UN Avenue branch.
- Duly signed Letter of Authorization, in case you have a representative
- Photocopy of passport, including the latest stamp of departure
- 2×2 photo in white background. Make sure that the photo was taken at least three months prior to application.
- Valid IDs provided by your host country
For renewal:
- Previous NBI Clearance in its original form
- Duly signed Letter of Authorization, in case you have a representative
- Photocopy of passport, including the latest stamp of departure
- Valid IDs provided by your host country
- NBI Form No. 5, although this is not a mandatory requirement
As soon as you prepared all documents, send these to the Philippines.
Step 2: Registration
Go to NBI Clearance website to register for a new account online. Make sure you provide all relevant information for faster verification process. You can also access the website here.
Step 3: Create an online appointment.
Once you successfully registered, set an appointment. Make sure you use “PASSPORT” as your valid ID.
Since you are overseas, choose NBI Clearance Center, UN Avenue, Manila as your branch.
Step 4: Payment of fees.
Depending on your preferred payment method, you or your representative must pay for the corresponding fees. A reference number will be generated after, which you should keep.
Step 5: Submission of documents.
Your representative must submit the documents and present the reference number at the NBI Central Office in UN Avenue. Make sure that your proxy will present valid ID to verify his or her identity.
Step 6: Mailing and Authentication.
Once your NBI Clearance is released, your representative must mail it to you. Once you received it, it should have NBI Dry Seal.
Then, go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate and have your clearance stamped.
Here’s how you can apply or renew NBI Clearance WITHOUT REPRESENTATIVE:
This is what you will do in case you cannot assign someone to process the NBI Clearance application or renewal on your behalf:
Step 1: Preparation of documents.
Prepare the documents mentioned above. With or without a representative, the requirements are the same.
Aside from the documents, you also need to attach money order or bank draft amounting to P200 to NBI Director. Take note that personal checks or cash are not accepted.
Step 2: Mail the documents.
This should be mailed at Mailed Clearance Section, 3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building, UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Step 3: Register online.
You can do this by creating an online account at the NBI Clearance website. If you have an existing account, then simply log-in at the website.
Step 4: Apply for clearance.
On the Applicant’s Information Page, click “Apply for Clearance.”
Skip the online appointment since you don’t have a representative who could go to the NBI Office in UN Avenue.
Step 5: Payment of fees.
Pay for the corresponding fees. A reference number will be generated, so make sure to take note of it.
Step 6: Processing of application.
Verification of documents and processing of NBI Clearance application often takes five days from the time the agency receives your documents.
Also, always check the status of your application through the NBI Clearance website.
Step 7: Mailing of documents.
Once approved, NBI will mail you the clearance. Make sure the document has NBI Dry Seal before you bring it to the Philippine Embassy for verification.
The process may not be perfect – for now – but this is an improvement that will definitely help Filipinos. Take advantage of this service and share on the comments section about your experience.
Hello! Do we need to include a prepaid mail envelope for NBI to mail the clearance to us? Or does the 200php money order cover that fee? Thank you! I hope to read your response.
Hi Enrica. We think the fee covers for that already since it’s no longer part of the requirements 🙂
Hello po! I was the representative of the applicant for renewal since he is working in Australia. But I only have scan copy if his NBI Clearance. Is it ok ?
Hello Shiela! The following requirements must be complete:
– Previous NBI Clearance in its original form
– Duly signed Letter of Authorization, in case you have a representative
– Photocopy of passport, including the latest stamp of departure
– Valid IDs provided by your host country
– NBI Form No. 5, although this is not a mandatory requirement
Hi Lara, this article is helpful. Can I ask what Adress should be included in the NBI FOrm? Is it the Philippine address or current address abroad?
Thank you!
Hi Chari! Philippine address 🙂
Hi, after the office mailed it back nbi clearance to ofw how long does it takes from mail post to here
Hello Joan! We’re not sure regarding the turnaround time of NBI 🙂 You may contact them here for a follow up – https://nbi.gov.ph/contact-us/
Hi! Thanks for the info. May I know what is the 200? Is it in cash or just a receipt that I also paid the 200?
Hello! The P200 is the fee for processing of NBI Clearance 🙂
What if you no longer have the original copy of the NBI clearance, but you have a scanned printed copy. Would that be acceptable to send for OFW NBI clearance renewal ?
Hi Marilet. Per NBI website, it should be original NBI Clearance.
paano pag nawala na yun copy ng old nbi clearance? consider new application na ba at hindi na renewal ang dapat iprocess?
Hello Annie! This might be considered as new application.
Hello po. Ofw po ako. Sa manila lang po ba pde mag renew ng nbi? Pag may representative? Hindi po ba pde sa ibang lugar like Davao city?
Sana po my makasagot sa tanong ko. Wala kasi akong kakilala sa manila. Salamat po.
Hello. You can mail your application and corresponding documents at Mailed Clearance Section, 3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building, UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Will it be mailed to Philippine embassy here in Singapore or to my registered address? If here in my registered address, and we arrange a courier service, how do i pay the service back here in my address? 😊
Hello Mel! This depends. If you have a representative in the Philippines who can process it for you, then it will be mailed in your registered Philippine address. Otherwise, it will be mailed to your foreign address.
Hi! NBI will mail the renewed certificate to foreign address or Philippine address?
Hi Anna! This depends. If you will renew your clearance with a Philippine representative, then the clearance will be emailed here. Otherwise, it will be sent in the foreign address.
Hi. Finollow ko un process pag may representative pero pag ibo book n nmen sya ng online appointment sa site ng nbi is wlang nag aa pear n slots sa khit na anung date pag NBI Clearance Center, UN Avenue, Manila un pinili na branch. may update po ba reg dito? Salamat. sana po may mka sagot.
Hello Juri. This is probably because of the Covid kaya they require appointment. You have to wait for slots to open po if this is part of their new procedure.
Hi. I’m trying to apply online from abroad with no representative. How should I do it? I skipped the appointment booking but it won’t let me pay it tells me booking appointment is needed. So difficult to do this. Please advise.
Hi Liz! “On the Applicant’s Information Page, click “Apply for Clearance.” Hope this helps!
I am also abroad and was instructed by the Phil. Embassy here to pay by money order or bank draft, so do you think we can pay thru gcash or online banks on the NBI website? I asked the staff of the Phil Embassy here, they cant answer on that, they advise me to call NBI Phils, but I cant contact them.
Hello Mina! The preferred mode of payment is money order to bank draft, perhaps to make it easier for them to track the payment.
Pag may representative po ba?, yung nbi file or email add ng representavie ang gagamitin pag kumuha ng sked ng renewal or new clearance ng applicant? Tnx po sa sasagot.
Hello! The applicant’s email is required. Thanks!
Paano po toh money order or bank draft? Same as cheque po ba toh? Kanino ko po ipapangalan?
Hello. This can be a manager’s check payable to NBI Director.
ano po ang ilalagay na recipient pag magbabayad thru money order? Salamat
As per the post, NBI Director. You can also check the NBI website since there might be changes in their process. Thanks!
Pwde po mag clarify. No need na ba NBI FORM 5, FOR RENEWAL? Thanks po.
Hi. NBI Form 5 is not mandatory 🙂
Good day!
Yung husband ko po nasa abroad and he need NBI. He sent me his documents to be his representative.
Medyo hassle po magbyahe pa-Manila dahil sa COVID.
Ang tanong ko po, pwede po ba na ako mismo ang mag-mail ng documents nya sa NBI kasi nasa akin na po ung mga requirements. Thank you po sa sasagot.
Hello Cath! Yes, you can apply on your husband’s behalf 🙂
Paano po babayaran ung 200 pesos?
Hello! Money order payable to NBI Director 🙂