NBI Clearance Renewal Guide 2016

So I just got my NBI Clearance renewed the other day and of course I wanted to share the whole experience with you guys. The NBI Clearance is a clearance issued by the National Bureau of Investigation, which is a staple requirement for employment in the Philippines. Here's how easy it went:

Simply go to www.nbi-clearance.com and sign up for an account by filling out a form, for those who haven't yet. For people who have already registered online, just enter your previously registered email address and password. Only one valid email account per user/applicant is allowed.

After saving your information, click on the Apply For Clearance button for the next step.

 

Indicate application type, whether if it's a new application, or renewal for those with 2014 NBI clearance certificates.  For new applicants, just provide a valid government ID. For renewal, enter your unique NBI ID number which you can find on your old NBI clearance certificate.

 

Mine was for renewal. After clicking the Apply For Clearance button, a small window asking for confirmation that I was to present my driver's license for verification popped out. I double checked if the driver's license number on the screen matched mine before I clicked on the I Agree button.

I chose Pick Up (they're still working on the Delivery option in the future, which I think would be amazing once implemented), the nearest NBI branch, clicked on an afternoon slot for the day (yes, you have to schedule an appointment to make a personal appearance at one of their centers), chose local for purpose, local employment for purpose detail, after which the amount that I needed to pay appeared. I then clicked Bank Over The Counter as my chosen mode of payment and took a photo of the reference number that was provided once I finalized the online renewal application.

Methods of Payment include:

• Bank Over-The-Counter (BDO, BPI, Union Bank, please check the NBI website for updates)
• Online Banking
• Mobile Payment
• Bayad Center
• MultiPay

By the way, the status of clearance applications can be verfied by clicking on the Transaction button found at the left side of the pane. 

I went to the bank and paid the amount of 115 pesos using the reference number of course, then straight to the NBI branch that I chose with receipt in hand. I arrived at the branch at around 1:30pm and there was like 300 applicants in front of me, waiting in line. Once it was my turn, I gave them the receipt which had the reference number I got from the NBI website and my driver's license. I had my picture and finger print biometrics taken next and got my clearance in a matter of seconds. The whole process just took less than 5 minutes.

The NBI branch (Robinson's Metro East) that I went to only had 2 windows to serve applicants, so even though the process was fast there is always a long line all throughout the day. I think more windows would do the trick. Other than that, getting an NBI clearance is pretty easy.

Reminders & Tips:

• Scheduling of appointments for clearance applications are done online 
• Walk-in applicants without scheduled appointments will not be entertained
• You ONLY need a government ID and proof of payment as requirements (local employment - purpose)
• Make sure to write down the Reference Number for payment, you don't have to print the whole transaction statement.
• Settle payment before going to the NBI center.
• Don't leave the line except for a toilet break. Even if you ask the person next to you to save your space, you might just find it gone if you leave it to have a meal.
• Eat before you go to the NBI center, bring some snacks and water too. I was in line for 3 hours...

Did you just apply for an NBI clearance too? How was your experience? Shoot us a message by leaving a comment below.

References:
http://nbi.gov.ph/
http://www.nbi-clearance.com/