Everything you need to know about NBI clearance renewal and applications from Canada. Can’t find your answer? Contact us or email info@nbirenewal.ca.
Quick Navigation
- Getting Started (4 questions)
- Renewal Process (4 questions)
- Processing Time and Delivery (3 questions)
- NBI HIT and Derogatory Records (6 questions)
- Requirements and Types (4 questions)
- Canadian Immigration (7 questions)
- Pricing and Service (6 questions)
- About Our Service (3 questions)
Getting Started
What is NBI clearance and why do I need one?
An NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance is an official document issued by the Philippine government certifying that the holder has no pending criminal case or derogatory record. You may need one for Canadian immigration applications, employment in the Philippines, travel, business permits, or other legal purposes. If you’ve lived in the Philippines for 6+ months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an NBI clearance as a police certificate.
How can I get an NBI clearance from Canada?
You have three options: (1) Visit the nearest Philippine Consulate to get NBI Form 5, have your fingerprints taken by an accredited agency, then submit to NBI Manila. (2) Renew online at nbi.gov.ph if you have a previous clearance issued from 2014 onward. (3) Use our hassle-free service — we coordinate everything from processing to delivery, including NBI Form No. 5 for first-time applicants. Fingerprinting for first-time applicants is arranged through accredited providers (separate cost). Canada-wide delivery available.
Do I have to visit the Philippine Consulate if I use your service?
No. When you use NBI Renewal Canada’s service, we handle the entire process remotely \u2014 application submission and delivery. For first-time applicants, fingerprinting is arranged through accredited third-party providers (separate cost). Simply apply online or email info@nbirenewal.ca.
I’ve never had an NBI clearance before. Can I still apply?
Yes! We process both first-time applications and renewals. First-time applicants require fingerprinting, which is available through accredited third-party providers or via mail-in fingerprint kit (separate cost).
Renewal Process
Can I renew my old NBI clearance online?
Yes. NBI clearances issued from 2014 onward can be renewed online through the official NBI website or through our renewal service. We handle the entire process so you don’t have to navigate the NBI website yourself.
How do I renew my NBI clearance from Canada?
The easiest way is through our service: (1) Submit your application with your previous NBI clearance details. (2) We process your renewal with NBI Manila. (3) Your new clearance is delivered to your Canadian address. Processing at NBI Manila takes 15–20 Philippine working days on Regular service, or 5–10 Philippine business days on Express, plus delivery.
What do I need if my name or marital status has changed?
If your marital/civil status or name has changed since your last NBI clearance, you must submit a new fingerprint application (not a simple renewal). You’ll need supporting documents such as your marriage certificate or court order. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the requirements.
How do I book an NBI clearance appointment?
If applying through our service, simply submit your application online — no NBI appointment needed. If applying directly through the NBI website, you’ll need to create an account at nbi.gov.ph, schedule an appointment, and visit an NBI branch in person in the Philippines.
Processing Time and Delivery
How long does it take to process an NBI clearance?
Regular: 15–20 Philippine working days. Express: 5–10 Philippine business days. First-time/name change: same windows, counted from arrival of Form No. 5 at NBI Manila. With a HIT: May take longer. See our detailed processing time breakdown for current estimates and what affects timelines.
Do you deliver NBI clearance across Canada?
Yes! We serve clients across all of Canada — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and all other cities and provinces. Your clearance is delivered anywhere in Canada.
Can you deliver my NBI clearance outside Canada?
Our standard service delivers within Canada. For international delivery requests, please contact us to discuss options and additional shipping fees.
NBI HIT and Derogatory Records
What is an NBI HIT?
A HIT means your name appears in the NBI database in connection with a criminal case or pending court matter. It can be a direct match or a namesake (someone shares your name). A HIT does not necessarily mean you have a criminal record. Read our full NBI HIT guide for detailed steps on resolving HITs.
What is a namesake in NBI clearance?
A namesake means another person shares the same name as you in the NBI database. This is common with Filipino names. If your HIT is due to a namesake, you’ll need to submit an Affidavit of Denial to prove the record does not belong to you.
What should I do if I have an NBI HIT?
The NBI will issue a Quality Report listing the case(s) associated with your name. You will need supporting documents — an Affidavit of Denial for a namesake, or court clearance for an actual case. Clearing a HIT is between you and the NBI, and it is not part of the service you have paid for. A HIT does not trigger any automatic charge from us — we do no HIT work unless you ask. If you do ask, we take it on only where a resolution is reasonably foreseeable, as a separate service quoted case by case, and we may decline. See our complete HIT resolution guide for step-by-step instructions.
If I get a HIT and my clearance is never issued, do I get my money back?
No — and we would rather you know that before you pay than be surprised afterwards. Our processing fee pays for preparing, submitting and coordinating your application, and we do that work regardless of what the NBI’s record search returns. The fee is earned whether or not a HIT is raised and whether or not a certificate is ultimately issued. A HIT is not a failure of our service; it is the NBI matching your name against a record, most often a namesake.
What you will not be charged for is HIT work you did not ask for. If a HIT appears and you never instruct us, you pay us nothing further. And if you are using your clearance for a Canadian immigration application, note that where certain remarks appear on an NBI certificate, IRCC requires a written explanation from the NBI, the court documents, and your own explanation of the incident — those are IRCC’s requirements, not ours.
What is a derogatory record on NBI clearance?
A derogatory record means the NBI database links your name to a criminal case, whether resolved or pending. This triggers a HIT during processing, which can be cleared by submitting the required documents to the NBI. Learn more about derogatory records and HIT resolution.
What is an NBI Quality Report?
An NBI Quality Report is a document from the NBI Quality Control section listing the case(s) that triggered a HIT and what documents you need to clear it. See our HIT guide for what to do after receiving a Quality Report.
Where can I get an Affidavit of Denial or Affidavit of Admission?
You can download the fillable form from the Philippine Consulate website and get it notarized and consulate-authenticated. Or have JCA Law Office draft, notarize, and authenticate it for you — a faster, hassle-free option. Email notary@jcalaw.ca for assistance.
Requirements and Types
What is NBI Form Number 5?
NBI Form 5 (also called the Blue Form) is the fingerprint application form used for NBI clearance applications from outside the Philippines. It is issued by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Where we’re able, we help first-time clients obtain one as a courtesy, subject to availability. See our NBI Form No. 5 page for full details.
What is a multi-purpose NBI clearance?
A multi-purpose NBI clearance is the standard clearance issued by the NBI that can be used for various purposes including employment, travel, immigration, business permits, and legal transactions. It’s the most commonly requested type.
What documents do I need for an NBI clearance application?
Requirements depend on your application type. Renewal: Previous NBI clearance reference number, valid government ID. First-time from abroad: Completed NBI Form 5, ink-rolled fingerprints, valid ID, passport copy. Name/status change: Supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order), fingerprints. Start your application and we’ll confirm exactly what you need.
What should I do if I need a court clearance or case disposition?
If the NBI requires a court clearance or case disposition, you must obtain it from the court where the case was filed in the Philippines. If you already have a copy, submit it with your application to avoid delays. If you don’t have one, we can help coordinate obtaining the document through our contacts in the Philippines.
Canadian Immigration
Do I need NBI clearance for Canadian immigration?
Yes. If you have lived in the Philippines for 6 months or more since turning 18, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires an NBI clearance as your police certificate. This applies to permanent residence applications, citizenship applications, and some work/study permits.
I’m not a Filipino citizen but lived in the Philippines. Do I need NBI clearance?
Yes. Regardless of citizenship, if you resided in the Philippines for 6+ months and are applying for Canadian immigration, IRCC requires an NBI clearance. This applies to all nationalities.
What is the difference between NBI clearance and police clearance?
An NBI clearance is the Philippine equivalent of a police clearance certificate. IRCC accepts it as the official police certificate from the Philippines. Read our full NBI vs Police Clearance comparison for details on how they differ and which one you need.
How long is an NBI clearance valid for immigration?
For Canadian immigration, police certificates including NBI clearance are generally valid for 1 year from the date of issue. IRCC may request a new one if processing extends beyond that period. Apply after receiving your immigration document checklist to ensure it remains valid.
Do I need NBI clearance for Canada’s TR to PR pathway?
Yes. Police certificates, including NBI clearance, are a standard requirement for all Canadian permanent residence programs. While the TR to PR pathway details continue to evolve, preparing your NBI clearance now ensures you won’t face last-minute delays when the application window opens. Processing takes several weeks, so early preparation is critical. Learn more about NBI clearance for Canadian PR applications.
How early should I get my NBI clearance before applying for PR?
IRCC requires police certificates to be issued within 6 months of your PR submission date. We recommend starting your NBI clearance application 8–10 weeks before your expected PR submission. This gives you enough processing time while ensuring the certificate remains valid throughout the application review. If you already have a deadline, contact us and we’ll help you plan the timing.
I just received my ITA — can you expedite my NBI clearance?
Yes — contact us immediately. Express Entry Invitations to Apply (ITAs) give you only 60 days to submit your complete application, and a missing NBI clearance is one of the most common reasons for missed deadlines. We’ll prioritize your application and work to have your clearance processed in as little as 5–10 Philippine business days on Express service. Don’t wait — reach out today so we can start right away.
Pricing and Service
How much does NBI clearance renewal cost through your service?
Our NBI clearance service starts at $99 + tax. This includes processing, handling, and Canada-wide delivery. See our pricing page for a complete breakdown.
How do I pay for your NBI clearance service?
We accept Interac e-Transfer as our primary payment method. Payment instructions are provided after your application is reviewed.
Why should I use your service instead of applying directly with NBI?
Our service offers: fully remote processing, fingerprinting arranged through accredited providers near our office or via mail-in kit (separate cost), HIT resolution support with JCA Law Office backing, over 10,000 clearances processed since 2016, and Canada-wide service with optional delivery anywhere in Canada.
I don’t have anyone in the Philippines to help process my NBI clearance. What should I do?
That’s exactly what we’re here for! NBI Renewal Canada handles the entire process from Canada — application submission and follow-up with NBI. Fingerprinting for first-time applicants is arranged through accredited providers (separate cost). Apply online from anywhere in Canada.
Can I apply for NBI clearance for my whole family at once?
Yes! We handle family applications regularly. If multiple family members need NBI clearance for the same PR application — for example, a spouse and adult children aged 18 or older — we can process all applications simultaneously. Contact us for family package pricing and to coordinate your applications so all certificates arrive within the same validity window.
What is your refund policy?
The processing fee is non-refundable. Once we have your complete documents and your full payment, your application is endorsed to the NBI straight away and the government fees are paid at that point, so the fee is earned as soon as the work is done. What we do refund is anything we have not yet done for you: delivery is refunded in full while your clearance has not been shipped, the Form No. 5 shipping charge is refunded in full if we do not ship you a form, and the express add-on is refunded where express handling has not yet been applied. To cancel, email info@nbirenewal.ca with your reference number. Full detail is in our Terms of Service.
About Our Service
Who is NBI Renewal Canada?
NBI Renewal Canada is operated by 8655332 Canada Limited, a sister company to JCA Law Office Professional Corporation. We’ve been processing NBI clearances for Filipinos in Canada since 2016, with over 10,000 clearances processed and a 4.9/5 Google rating from 226+ reviews.
Where is your office located?
Our office is at Unit 204, 2323 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4P 2C9 (near Eglinton station — a major transit hub where TTC Line 1 (Yonge-University) and the new Line 5 (Eglinton Crosstown LRT) intersect). Walk-in fingerprinting for first-time applicants is available through accredited third-party providers near our office (separate cost), and we accept walk-in NBI clearance applications. We also serve clients across Canada by mail. Get directions and hours.
Can you help with my actual immigration application?
NBI Renewal Canada specializes exclusively in obtaining your NBI clearance from the Philippines. For immigration legal services — including Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, PR applications, and work permits — our sister company JCA Law Office provides licensed legal representation by experienced immigration lawyers. We work closely together to ensure your NBI clearance aligns with your immigration timeline.
Ready to Apply for Your NBI Clearance?
Over 10,000 clearances processed since 2016. Fast, reliable service with Canada-wide delivery.