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Everything you need to know about getting an NBI clearance from Canada. Whether you’re renewing an existing clearance or applying for the first time, this guide covers the complete process — requirements, costs, processing times, and how to handle a HIT.
Table of Contents
- What is an NBI Clearance?
- Who Needs an NBI Clearance in Canada?
- Types of NBI Clearance
- NBI Clearance Requirements
- How to Renew NBI Clearance from Canada
- How to Apply for NBI Clearance for the First Time
- What is an NBI HIT?
- NBI Clearance Processing Time
- NBI Clearance Cost
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NBI Clearance?
The NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) clearance is the Philippine equivalent of a police clearance certificate. New to the NBI system? See our introduction to NBI first. It is issued by the NBI in Manila and certifies whether or not you have a criminal record in the Philippines.
An NBI clearance is required for a wide range of purposes including immigration applications, employment background checks, travel documentation, and legal transactions. It is one of the most commonly requested Philippine documents for Filipinos living in Canada. A clean clearance is printed with the phrase “no derogatory record found”; a flagged result is reported as a HIT.
An NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. After expiration, you will need to apply for a new clearance.
NBI Clearance in the Philippines vs. Abroad
An NBI clearance is a Philippine document, issued by the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila. It cannot be issued by a foreign police force, the RCMP, or a Canadian background-check service — only by NBI itself. If you have lived in the Philippines for six months or more, this is the police certificate Canadian immigration, foreign embassies, and Philippine institutions will ask for.
If you are physically in the Philippines, you can walk into any NBI satellite office, complete the application, get fingerprinted on the spot, and pick up the printed clearance the same day — or within a few business days if a HIT needs adjudication. The standard fee is approximately ₱155 (₱130 NBI fee + ₱25 system fee). Door-to-door delivery within the Philippines is also available for around ₱355 total.
If you are in Canada (or anywhere outside the Philippines), the process is different. You cannot walk into an NBI office, and the standard online portal does not ship internationally. You have three practical options:
- Renewal (2014 onward) via NBI Renewal Canada — fully remote, we handle the Manila side, clearance delivered to your Canadian address
- First-time application via NBI Renewal Canada — we ship you the required NBI form, you complete the ink-and-roll fingerprint card, mail it back, and we submit to NBI Manila on your behalf
- Apply through a representative in the Philippines — a family member or proxy applies on your behalf (slower; requires a Special Power of Attorney)
The renewal path is significantly simpler than the first-time path. If you held an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onward, your biometrics are already on file in Manila — no new fingerprints required. See our NBI Form No. 5 guide for first-time applicants.
Who Needs an NBI Clearance in Canada?
Immigration
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires an NBI clearance as a police certificate if you lived in the Philippines for 6 or more months since the age of 18. This applies to permanent residence applications, citizenship applications, and some work and study permit applications.
Employment
Canadian employers in healthcare, education, government, and security sectors may require a Philippine police clearance as part of their background check process. An NBI clearance satisfies this requirement.
Legal & Travel
You may need an NBI clearance for visa applications to other countries, Philippine property transactions, business permit applications, or any legal matter requiring proof of a clean record in the Philippines.
Not sure if you need one? Check our FAQ page or contact us for a quick assessment.
Types of NBI Clearance
NBI Renewal
If you have had an NBI clearance issued from 2014 onward, you are eligible for a renewal. The renewal process is simpler — no new fingerprints are needed because your biometrics are already on file with NBI. You can renew online through the NBI website, and the new clearance can be mailed to your Canadian address. Typical processing time is 2 to 3 weeks.
First-Time Application (NBI Form 5)
If you have never had an NBI clearance, or if your name or marital status has changed since your last clearance, you will need to apply as a first-time applicant. This requires fingerprinting using NBI Form Number 5, which is the official application form submitted to NBI Manila. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks because the fingerprints need to be processed and verified.
Multi-Purpose NBI Clearance
The multi-purpose NBI clearance is the standard type that most Canadians need. It can be used for immigration, employment, and any other general purpose. Unless you need a clearance for a specific government agency in the Philippines, the multi-purpose clearance is what you should apply for.
NBI Clearance Requirements
For Renewal
- Previous NBI clearance issued in 2014 or later
- Valid government-issued ID (passport or driver’s licence)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
For First-Time Application
- Valid Philippine passport or PSA birth certificate
- 2 passport-size photos (white background)
- Fingerprints on ink (using NBI Form 5)
- Completed NBI application form
For Both Renewal and First-Time
- Payment of processing fee
- Canadian address (for optional delivery service)
How to Book an NBI Appointment Online
If you are renewing through NBI’s official portal yourself, the appointment booking step happens after you create your account and select “Apply for Clearance” → “Renew”. The system walks you through:
- Sign in at clearance.nbi.gov.ph using the email and password from your previous clearance
- Update your personal information if anything has changed (address, contact, marital status — though name changes typically require a first-time application, not a renewal)
- Select the purpose of your clearance (Local Employment, Travel Abroad, Immigration, etc.)
- Choose your delivery preference — for international clients this is where the online portal limits options, which is why most Filipinos abroad route through a service like NBI Renewal Canada
- Pay the fee online (GCash, Maya, credit card, or 7-Eleven over-the-counter)
- Wait for your reference number — if your renewal is clean (no HIT), you typically get a downloadable clearance within 2-3 business days
If you are using NBI Renewal Canada, you do not need to book an NBI appointment yourself — we handle the Manila-side processing entirely. Our role is to receive your documents (passport scan and, for first-time applicants, the completed Form No. 5 fingerprint card), submit them to NBI on your behalf, and courier the finished clearance to your Canadian address.
For a deeper walkthrough of the official booking system — including the Quick Renewal path, slot-availability fixes, and rescheduling rules — see our NBI appointment online guide.
How to Renew NBI Clearance from Canada
If your previous NBI clearance was issued in 2014 or later, you can renew it online. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Create or Log In to Your NBI Account
Go to the NBI website at clearance.nbi.gov.ph and create an account or log in if you already have one. You will need a working email address to receive your confirmation and updates.
Step 2: Select “Renewal” and Fill In Your Details
Choose the renewal option and enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your previous NBI clearance. Any discrepancy in your name may trigger a HIT or delay processing.
Step 3: Pay the NBI Fee Online
Pay the NBI processing fee of u20b1155 using the available online payment methods. Keep your payment confirmation for your records.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for results with no HIT. If your name generates a HIT (name match in the NBI database), processing will take longer.
Step 5: Download or Print Your Clearance
Once your clearance is ready, you can download and print it from the NBI website. If you need a physical copy with a wet signature, additional arrangements will be needed.
Skip the hassle? Apply through NBI Renewal Canada and we handle everything — from application to processing. Canada-wide delivery available. No need to navigate the NBI website yourself.
How to Apply for NBI Clearance for the First Time
If you have never had an NBI clearance, or if your name or marital status has changed, you will need to apply as a first-time applicant. Since you are in Canada, you cannot walk into an NBI office. Here are your options:
Option 1: Through NBI Renewal Canada (Recommended)
We coordinate the entire process for you. This includes handling your NBI Form 5 as part of our first-time service, submitting it to NBI Manila, following up on processing, and delivering the completed clearance to your Canadian address. Fingerprinting is available through RCMP-accredited third-party providers or via mail-in fingerprint kit (separate cost).
Option 2: Through the Philippine Consulate
The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) offices in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary also offer fingerprinting services for NBI clearance applicants. We recommend checking the consulate website or calling ahead to confirm schedules, appointment availability, and requirements. The consulate handles the fingerprinting portion; Form 5 and submission to NBI Manila are coordinated separately.
Option 3: Through an Authorized Representative in the Philippines
You can authorize someone in the Philippines to process your NBI clearance on your behalf. This requires a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) that has been consularized. This option works but involves additional steps and costs. Compare DIY vs our service →
The easiest option? Apply through us — we handle everything from start to finish so you don’t have to travel. No SPA needed.
What is an NBI HIT?
When you apply for or renew an NBI clearance, your name is checked against the NBI database. A “HIT” means your name matched a record in the system. This does not necessarily mean you have a criminal record — most HITs are caused by common Filipino names.
Namesake HIT
This is the most common type. It means someone else with the same name as yours has a record in the NBI database. A namesake HIT is resolved by submitting an Affidavit of Denial, which confirms you are not the person with the record. This adds about 1 to 2 weeks to processing time.
Derogatory Record
A derogatory record means there is an actual case on file under your name. This may require legal documents such as court orders, certificates of disposition, or other clearance documents to resolve. The timeline depends on the nature of the case.
Our team, backed by JCA Law Office, handles HIT resolution including preparation of affidavits, notarization, and consulate authentication. Contact us if you received a HIT and need assistance.
NBI Clearance Processing Time
Processing times depend on the type of application and whether your name generates a HIT in the NBI system.
| Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| NBI Renewal (no HIT) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| First-Time Application | 4 to 6 weeks |
| HIT Resolution (Namesake) | Additional 1 to 2 weeks |
| HIT Resolution (Derogatory) | Varies by case |
Processing times are estimates and do not include delivery time. Canada-wide delivery is available for an additional fee. See our detailed processing time breakdown →
NBI Clearance Cost
Our pricing is straightforward with all fees included — you do not need to make a separate payment to NBI.
- NBI Clearance Renewal: $99 + HST
- First-Time NBI Clearance: $149 + HST
All fees cover the NBI processing fee, handling, and Canada-wide delivery. For full pricing details and additional services, visit our pricing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my NBI clearance online from Canada?
Yes, if your previous NBI clearance was issued in 2014 or later, you can renew it online through the NBI website or through our service. Your fingerprints are already on file, so no new biometrics are needed.
Do I need to visit the Philippine Consulate?
No. Whether you are renewing or applying for the first time, we handle the entire process remotely. For first-time applicants, fingerprinting is available through accredited third-party providers or via mail-in fingerprint kit (separate cost).
How long is an NBI clearance valid?
An NBI clearance is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. For IRCC immigration applications, the clearance must be valid at the time of submission and remain valid throughout processing.
What if I get a HIT?
If your application generates a HIT, our team handles the resolution. For namesake HITs (the most common type), we prepare and submit the required Affidavit of Denial. For derogatory records, our legal team at JCA Law Office can assist with obtaining the necessary court documents. Learn more about NBI HITs and how we resolve them →
Can you deliver outside Toronto?
Yes, Canada-wide delivery is available. Whether you are in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, or anywhere else in Canada, we deliver the completed clearance to your address.
What is NBI Form Number 5?
NBI Form Number 5 is the official application form issued by the Philippine government for first-time NBI clearance applicants, available from the Philippine Consulate or Embassy. It includes sections for your personal information and space for ink fingerprints. The completed form is submitted to NBI Manila for processing. If you apply through us, Form 5 is included in our first-time service. Learn more on our NBI Form No. 5 page.
Have more questions? See all 31 answers on our FAQ page.
What does NBI mean?
NBI stands for the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine government agency that maintains the country’s central criminal-records database and issues the NBI clearance. It is housed under the Philippine Department of Justice and headquartered in Manila.
Can I apply for NBI clearance online from outside the Philippines?
Yes — but the official NBI online portal at clearance.nbi.gov.ph is designed for applicants inside the Philippines, and it does not offer international shipping. For Filipinos in Canada, the practical paths are: (a) route through NBI Renewal Canada so the clearance reaches your Canadian address, (b) coordinate with a representative in the Philippines, or (c) wait until your next trip home. Renewals (for clearances issued from 2014 onward) are fully remote — no return trip required.
Ready to Get Your NBI Clearance?
Whether you need a renewal or a first-time application, we make the process simple. Apply online in 5 minutes and let us handle the rest — from submission to NBI Manila to completion. Canada-wide delivery available.
Questions? Email info@nbirenewal.ca or visit our FAQ page for quick answers.
Service in your city
NBI clearance service is available across Canada with locally-relevant fingerprinting and delivery info: Toronto · Vancouver · Calgary · Edmonton · Montreal · Ottawa · Winnipeg · Halifax · Hamilton · London · Kitchener-Waterloo · Quebec City · Regina · Saskatoon · Victoria · Windsor.
Outside Canada? See our service for Filipinos in the United States or the UAE and Middle East.
Curious about how the NBI compares to other Philippine agencies like the PNP, CIDG, or the U.S. FBI? See our explainer on NBI vs PNP, CIDG, and FBI.