Getting an NBI clearance the hassle-free way (apply for e-clearance online)

I've read lots of horror stories in blogs and fora regarding people's experiences with applying for an NBI clearance and fortunately I also discovered that others applied using the E-clearance on NBI's website.

I applied online using the E-clearance and followed the instructions which are pretty straightforward.  They also have a list of FAQs or frequently asked questions  (click here).  Make sure to read and understand it thoroughly before proceeding.  The NBI branch I will be referring to in this post is the U.N. branch.

The main advantage of using the E-clearance is convenience.  You can go at your  preferred time schedule (based on your booking), have your picture and biometrics taken, and get your clearance in less than 1 hour.  If the NBI's branch in U.N. Avenue is more accessible to you, you can opt for the e-clearance.

I'm not sure if you can also use the e-clearance for the satellite centers (like those in Robinsons malls and city halls in the Metro).  It's better if you inquire from NBI directly.  If you still prefer to go to its satellite centers without using the e-clearance, you can also print out a copy of the application form found on the website.

Some tips and important things to note:

• there are no more renewals for clearances.  Everything is considered a new application because their contract with Mega Data Corp. had ended last June 2011 and according to reports, there was no agreement to transfer the software and technology (see related report).


• The NBI's main office is on Taft Avenue but they have a separate compound for the clearance processing which is in U.N. Avenue, located across Manila Doctors' Hospital (Go here directly).

• If you had a "hit"/namesake before, you will encounter it again when you apply and you'll be asked either to proceed to Quality Control on the 1st floor or to come back after 3 days.  In my case, I was asked to return after 3 days.


• Bring your government-issued ID like passport, driver's license, SSS ID, TIN card, birth certificate, etc.


• Bring your own black pen.


• Dress appropriately.  This goes for both sexes.  They don't allow entry to people dressed in shorts, flipflops/sandals,  sando, sleeveless tops.

Here's an outline of the process for the E-clearance:

1.  Pay the appropriate amount  for the type of clearance you're applying for.  For local employment, it's P115.  If you have a Globe Gcash account, you can send the amount to the NBI number 09175638053 (refer to screenshot below for the correct format).  If you don't have a Gcash account or a Globe number, you can proceed to any of Globe's business centers.  Make sure to save the payment confirmation message or the receipt.

•  For other types of clearances and their respective cost, go here and look for the dropdown box on the lower righthand side under the words "Choose a purpose."

clearance types and cost

2.  After payment, register here your valid email address, including your Payment Reference No. and other details.  Click "Validate."

3.  Then check your email for the confirmation number (copy it)  and click on the link in the email (it should be https://nbi-online.com/register).  Enter the confirmation number, verify, then fill up the form with your personal details.  If you wish to continue at a later time, you can save your details by clicking "Update Info" then click Sign Out.  You'll need to login again at the NBI website to complete the process.

4.  Once you're finished with the details, click on "Save Info to Clearance."  Make sure to double check everything because once you saved it to clearance, you won't be able to edit it anymore.

5.  After you click "OK" click on the green "Print" button on top to print your personal QR code.  You can also check your registered email for the QR code with your details.  Make sure to bring this printout together with your valid ID and receipt (if you paid at Globe) when you go to NBI U.N.

6.  Follow the instructions to book your appointment.  Wait for the confirmation message via SMS after your booking.

7.  On your appointment date, proceed to NBI compound at U.N. Avenue.  U.N. Avenue is the one between the white WHO compound and the Times Plaza, near the U.N. LRT station.  It's the compound located across Manila Doctors' Hospital.  Enter through the second gate (the first gate is the Exit) and proceed directly to the 4th floor, E-clearance (1st door to your right).

Picture taking and biometrics take less than 5 minutes although it will depend if there's a queue.  Not many people are familiar with e-clearance (judging on the long snaking lines inside the compound) so there were many who said that only 2 or 3 of you will be there.

If you have a "hit," the NBI clearance officer will give you a piece of paper and tell you when to come back or proceed to Quality Control on the 1st floor.  In my case, I was asked to return after 3 days but since I applied before Holy Week, I decided to return after the long holiday.  I immediately proceeded to Releasing area (only a short queue of 2 or 3 people), showed the paper/receipt, got my clearance and was out the door in less than 5 minutes.

If you don't have a hit (lucky you), you can claim your clearance at the Releasing area on the 1st floor.

Disclaimer:  Information posted in this blog are based on my personal experience only.
For more updated information and other inquiries, please contact NBI directly.
They have a number posted on their website.