A crucial step for upcoming employees in the Philippines is obtaining the usual SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth requirements as well as the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) Clearance.
The latter certifies that you have no criminal record. Unlike a police or barangay clearance that is area-specific, the NBI Clearance has nationwide coverage. The document is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
The process will mostly take place online, followed by a personal appearance for biometric data capture. It's also a lot easier than you think.
The best part is that first-time job seekers can get an NBI Clearance for free under Republic Act No. 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act.
This exemption is a one-time benefit, so make sure to take advantage of it while you can!
Eligibility and requirements for the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act
To qualify, an individual must:
- Be a Filipino citizen
- Be seeking employment for the first time in local or international job markets
- Provide a barangay certification stating that they are a first-time job seeker
Really, the only extra step for a free NBI Clearance is to secure a barangay certification.
Visit your barangay hall to request for a certification confirming that you are a resident for at least six months and a first-time job seeker. You may need to present a birth certificate or any valid ID and fill out a form.
The barangay will issue a certification after verifying your status as a first-time job seeker.
Make sure you meet all the criteria before applying under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act to ensure a smooth application process.
Another option worker is to just pay the application fee if you would rather skip the step of having to get a barangay certification.
Also read: GUIDE: How to Apply for a Digital TIN ID
How to get an NBI Clearance for employment
Online Registration
The first step is to register at the official NBI Clearance Services website. Here, you will create an account, fill in your personal details, and set a password.
Make sure to use an active email as this will be used for confirmation and further communication. A one-time password (OTP) will then be sent to your mobile number to proceed with the sign up.
Remember, accuracy is key, as any discrepancies can lead to delays in your application process.
After registration, you'll receive a verification email. Click on the link provided to activate your account.
Apply for NBI Clearance
Once registered, log in to your account then select the "Apply for Clearance" option. You'll be asked to provide a valid ID for verification. Some of the acceptable IDs include the following:
- UMID or SSS ID
- Passport
- Driver's license
- Birth certificate (original copy)
- PRC ID
- Philippine National ID
- TIN ID
- PhilHealth ID
Take note that non-government-issued IDs such as company IDs are not considered valid in processing the NBI Clearance.
Proceed to fill out the application form after uploading the valid ID. Again, double-check all the information for accuracy.
Schedule an appointment
After submitting your application, you need to book an appointment at an NBI Clearance Center. Choose the most convenient NBI branch for you.
Select a slot (AM or PM) from the available dates. The blue AM/PM button indicates how many slots are still available on that day.
Appointment slots can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to schedule yours as soon as possible. We recommend setting your appointment at least two weeks in advance.
Payment of fees
Upon scheduling your appointment, you will be instructed to pay the NBI Clearance fee. Application costs PHP130 regardless of where you're from. Pick-up at the nearest NBI office is free, but a hard copy can also be delivered to you.
Payment can be made through various channels, including bank over-the-counter transactions, online banking, mobile payments, and payment centers. Take note that paying via GCash and similar online wallets entails a PHP25 service fee.
For first-time job seekers with a barangay clearance, there should be a field where you can indicate that you are applying under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. Select this option.
It's highly important to keep the receipt or transaction reference number as proof of payment. You will need to present this on the day of your appointment.
Biometrics and photo capturing
On the day of your appointment, bring your two valid IDs, your barangay certification if you're a first-time job seeker, and the reference number from your payment.
You can also choose to have a printout of your application form in case, but this is not required.
At the NBI Clearance Center, you'll undergo biometric fingerprint scanning and have your photo taken. Make sure to dress appropriately, as this photo will be printed on your NBI Clearance.
On that note, it's best to avoid wearing white or light-colored tops to ensure contrast with the background.
Your details will be verified against the NBI database to ensure there's no record of criminal activity. Be prepared for waiting times, especially if you're scheduled later in the day or at a busy branch.
Clearance issuance
After your biometrics and photo capturing, you will wait for the issuance of your NBI Clearance. This can take from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
If there are no hits (no similarly named person with a criminal record), your NBI Clearance will be printed and issued to you on the same day.
If there's a namesake with a criminal record, you might be required to return on a specified date for clearance or undergo a quality control interview.
Don't hesitate to follow up with the NBI branch if there are delays in the issuance of your clearance. The physical document should look similar to this:
Also read: How to Apply for a PhilHealth ID
Requirements for NBI Clearance
To summarize, here's a quick recap on what you'll need for the whole process:
- Online account for appointment application
- A barangay certificate, for first-time job seekers
- Two valid IDs for verification
- Payment of the NBI Clearance fee
- Keep a screenshot or printout of the appointment schedule and payment receipt
- Personal appearance on the scheduled appointment for biometric and photo capturing