If you’re a Filipino living in Canada, you may need either an NBI clearance or a police clearance — or both. These two documents serve similar purposes but come from different agencies and are used for different things. This guide explains the key differences.
NBI Clearance vs Police Clearance at a Glance
| Feature | NBI Clearance | Police Clearance (PNP) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Agency | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) | Philippine National Police (PNP) |
| What It Certifies | No criminal record in NBI database | No criminal record in PNP database |
| Validity | 1 year | 6 months |
| Processing Time | 2–6 weeks (from Canada) | Varies |
| Accepted by IRCC | Yes — preferred | Yes — acceptable |
| Can Get from Canada | Yes — online renewal or through service provider | More difficult — typically requires in-person |
| Cost (through us) | From $99+HST | Not offered |
| Fingerprints Required | Only for first-time applicants | Yes |
| HIT/Record Check | Checks NBI database (nationwide) | Checks PNP database (local jurisdiction) |
What Is an NBI Clearance?
An NBI clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation, a government agency under the Philippine Department of Justice. It serves as a nationwide criminal record check, covering all Philippine jurisdictions.
The NBI clearance is the most commonly requested Philippine police certificate for immigration purposes. It can be renewed online if your previous clearance was issued from 2014 onward, making it accessible for Filipinos living overseas.
Key facts about NBI clearance:
- Covers a nationwide criminal record check across all Philippine jurisdictions
- Valid for 1 year from date of issue
- Types: Regular/Multi-Purpose (most common), Travel, and Employment
- Can be renewed online from Canada if previously issued from 2014 onward
- First-time applicants may need to provide fingerprints
What Is a Police Clearance?
A police clearance is issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the local or municipal level. Unlike the NBI clearance, which draws from a nationwide database, the PNP police clearance checks criminal records for a specific jurisdiction only.
Key facts about PNP police clearance:
- Issued at the local/municipal PNP station in the Philippines
- Checks criminal records in the PNP database for a specific jurisdiction
- Valid for 6 months
- Typically requires in-person appearance at the local PNP station
- Harder to obtain from overseas compared to NBI clearance
- Some IRCC officers accept it as an alternative to NBI clearance, but it is not the standard
Which One Does IRCC Require?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires a “police certificate” from the Philippines for certain immigration applications. The NBI clearance is the standard and preferred document — IRCC specifically names the NBI clearance in their requirements.
You need a Philippine police certificate if you lived in the Philippines for 6 or more months since turning 18. This applies to:
- Permanent residence applications
- Canadian citizenship applications
- Some work and study permit applications (LMIA-based)
While a PNP police clearance may be accepted by some officers, we strongly recommend the NBI clearance to avoid delays or requests for additional documents.
Need help getting your NBI clearance for immigration? Apply through us — we handle the entire process remotely.
When to Get an NBI Clearance
An NBI clearance is the right choice for most situations where you need a Philippine criminal record check. Common use cases include:
- Canadian immigration applications — permanent residence, citizenship, LMIA-based work permits
- Employment background checks — healthcare, education, government, and security positions
- Philippine business permits and government transactions
- Visa applications to other countries
- Property transactions in the Philippines
- Legal proceedings
When to Get a Police Clearance Instead
There are limited situations where a PNP police clearance may be the better option:
- When specifically requested by an employer or agency that requires a PNP clearance
- For local Philippine government transactions that specify PNP clearance
- When you need a clearance from a specific municipality or city
In most cases for Canadian immigration, the NBI clearance is what you need.
Can You Get Both from Canada?
NBI Clearance: Yes. Renewals can be done online through the NBI website. First-time applications can be processed through service providers like us — we handle the entire process remotely so you don’t need to travel.
Police Clearance: Much more challenging. The PNP generally requires an in-person appearance at a local police station in the Philippines. Some Philippine consulates may offer limited assistance, but the service is inconsistent.
This is why most Filipinos in Canada choose the NBI clearance — it’s easier to obtain remotely and is the document IRCC prefers.
How We Can Help
NBI Renewal Canada specializes in NBI clearance processing for Filipinos in Canada. We handle everything from application to processing so you can focus on your immigration goals.
- NBI Renewal — $99+HST
- First-Time NBI Application — $149+HST
- HIT Resolution — we help resolve NBI records that trigger a “HIT”
- Fully remote processing — no travel required
- Canada-wide service — pickup at our Toronto office or delivery anywhere in Canada for an additional fee
- Backed by JCA Law Office for complex immigration cases
- 10,000+ clearances processed since 2016
Common Questions
Is NBI clearance the same as police clearance?
No. NBI clearance is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation and covers a nationwide criminal record check. Police clearance is issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and covers a local jurisdiction check. Both certify criminal record status but draw from different databases. For Canadian immigration purposes, the NBI clearance is the standard requirement.
Which one is better for Canadian immigration?
NBI clearance. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) specifically lists the NBI clearance as the required police certificate from the Philippines. While some officers may accept a PNP police clearance, we recommend the NBI clearance to avoid processing delays.
Do I need both?
Usually no. For most Canadian immigration and employment purposes, the NBI clearance alone is sufficient. The NBI clearance covers a nationwide check, which is more comprehensive than a local PNP police clearance.
Can I use a police clearance instead of NBI clearance for PR?
While some IRCC officers may accept it, the NBI clearance is the standard requirement listed by IRCC. We strongly recommend getting the NBI clearance to avoid potential delays or requests for additional documents.
How long does each one take?
NBI renewal takes 2–3 weeks when processed through NBI Renewal Canada. First-time NBI applications take 4–6 weeks as fingerprinting is required. PNP police clearance processing times vary and may require someone physically present in the Philippines to obtain it on your behalf.
Need Your NBI Clearance?
Skip the confusion — we handle everything for you. Apply today and get your NBI clearance processed quickly and professionally.
Questions? Email info@nbirenewal.ca or read our complete NBI clearance guide.