This is precisely the reason why there are long queues at NBI offices and satellite locations on any given day.
In fact, many years ago, requesting for an NBI clearance was a very dreary experience. Doing so entailed long queues, battle with fixers, uncomfortable locations, and lots of patience and will power. It was a Darwinian battle with no way of winning
Thankfully, a new system has been put in place to allow applicants to file and pay for their clearance requests online at clearance.nbi.gov.ph. This is most certainly welcome news for people who do not like to spend their whole day battling with the crowds at any of the NBI's offices with no certainty of even getting a clearance.
How does the new system work? Here's a quick guide to help you get started.
1. Go to the NBI clearance page here and register for a new account.
In the homepage, you will be given two options for registration. If you do not have an existing NBI clearance, tick the item for NO CLEARANCE. Otherwise, tick YES.
2. After completing the registation, you will need to log back in using your designated email and password.
3. Click the option for REQUEST FOR A CLEARANCE. If you haven't had a clearance or you don't have your old clearance handy, you will be required to fill out additional information. You will also be required to indicate the government ID that you will be bringing.
Only the following IDs are allowed:
- Valid passport
- Voter’s ID
- Driver’s License
- PRC License
- SSS ID
- GSIS UMID
- Postal ID
- School ID
- TIN ID
- Philhealth ID
- Authenticated Birth Certificate
- Alien Certificate of Registration
- Senior Citizen ID
- Previous Copy of NBI Clearance
4. Once the form is filled out, you can now request and pay for the clearance.
In the request page, you will be prompted to choose an NBI office location where you can go for the next step and the date as to when you can come. Each workday has a morning and afternoon option.
The clearance fee is P130. Pending the payment of the transaction, the status of your request will be set at PENDING.
5. There are different payment methods available. These are: over the counter payments in banks, electronic fund transfers with DragonPay, 7-Eleven, Bayad Center, MultiPay, and ECPay.
Depending on your payment method of choice, NBI may charge an additional convenience fee of P25.00. DragonPay likewise charges a minimal verification fee.
Have the payment validated. Once the payment is validated, the status of the transaction will switch to PAID. Print or sceeencap the verification window.
6. On the day of your appointment, go to your NBI location of choice and present your payment validation receipt wih the corresponding reference number.
The photo-taking and biometrics will be taken at the NBI office itself.
7. If you are cleared, you will get your clearance on the same day. If you get a HIT, or if your name (or somebody else wih the same name) happens to be included in the database of those with convictions, red flags, or pending cases, your clearance shall be available in 8-10 working days.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The NBI's web-based clearance request website is not perfect -- it is not intuitive enough, it lags, and it sometimes crashes -- but it does help in reducing the time it takes to request for an NBI clearance or renewal thereof.
* * *
Have you tried NBI's online clearance application? How was your experience? Join in the discussion by posting your thoughts in the comments section below.