Filipinos who live or work abroad still need an NBI Clearance for many things like jobs, immigration, visa applications or personal records. If you are in Canada and cannot go back to the Philippines just to apply don’t worry. There is a way to get your NBI Clearance while you are abroad.
This guide will show you how to apply for NBI Clearance in Canada what documents you need, the step-by-step process and some important reminders to make sure your application goes smoothly.
Why Do You Need NBI Clearance in Canada?
Filipinos in Canada may need an NBI Clearance for:
-
Jobs: Some employers ask for it to check if you have a clean record.
-
Immigration or PR: Visa and residency applications often need police clearances like the NBI.
-
Travel or Study: Some schools and agencies require a background check.
-
Personal Records: To update your legal papers and ID records.
Requirements for NBI Clearance Application in Canada
Before you apply for NBI Clearance ph, You need these:
-
NBI Clearance Form No. 5 (Fingerprint Card): Special form for Filipinos abroad. You can get it from the Philippine Embassy (NBI Website) or Consulate in Canada.
-
Philippine Passport: Photocopy the page with your personal details.
-
2×2 Photo: White background, taken in the last 3 months.
-
Proof that you live in Canada: Like PR card, work permit or student permit.
-
Authorization Letter: If someone else in the Philippines will process your NBI Clearance for you.
-
Payment: NBI fee plus mailing or courier charges.
You can also change your last name On NBI Clearance after marriage.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for NBI Clearance in Canada
1. Go to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
-
Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Canada (Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, etc.).
-
Ask for the NBI Clearance Form No. 5.
2. Get Your Fingerprints Taken
-
Fill out the NBI Form No. 5 with your personal details.
-
Have your fingerprints taken at the Embassy, Consulate, or a local Canadian police station.
-
Make sure the officer signs and stamps the form.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Attach these to your form:
-
2×2 recent photo (white background)
-
Photocopy of your valid Philippine passport
-
Proof that you live in Canada (PR card, work permit, or student permit)
4. Send Your Application to the Philippines
You can send it in two ways:
-
Through the Embassy/Consulate: They will forward your documents to NBI Manila.
-
Through a Representative: Give your documents to a trusted relative or friend in the Philippines who can submit them to the NBI Main Office.
5. Pay the Fee
-
If applying through the Embassy, pay the fee there (in Canadian dollars).
-
If through a representative, send them the money for the fee and courier charges.
6. Wait for Processing
-
Processing in Manila usually takes 2–3 weeks (plus mailing time).
-
If your name matches someone with a record (“hit”), it may take longer.
7. Get Your NBI Clearance
Your NBI Clearance can be:
-
Picked up at the Embassy/Consulate.
-
Mailed to your Canadian address.
-
Given to your representative in the Philippines, who can then send it to you.
Where To Get NBI Clearance in Canada?
Here are the list of Philippine Consulate offices and phone numbers in Canada.
1: Philippine Consulate Calgary
Suite 920, 517 1oth Ave. SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8 (Centre 10 Bldg. corner of 4th and 5th St.)
Telephone Numbers: (403) 455-9483, (403) 455-9343 and (403) 455-9457
2: Philippine Consulate Edmonton
Room 107, 4990 92 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6V 2V4
Telephone Number: (+780) 415 4303
3: Philippine Consulate St. John’s
27 Symonds Ave., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1E 3A4
Telephone Numbers: (+709) 777 4486 and (+709) 754 2823
4: Philippine Consulate Toronto
7th Floor, 160 Eglinton Avenue, East Toronto, Ontario, M4P 3B5
Telephone Numbers: (416) 922-7181
5: Philippine Consulate Vancouver
Suite 660, 999 Canada Place Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1
Telephone Numbers: (604) 685-1619 and (604) 685-7645
6: Philippine Consulate Halifax
1559 Brunswick Street Ogden Pond Building Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2G1
Telephone Number: (902) 240-0833
7: Philippine Consulate Saskatoon
14-115 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 1L7
Telephone Number: (+306) 384 7800
8: Philippine Consulate Charlotte Town
10 Shell Court Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 2Z8
Telephone Numbers: (902) 894-7701 and (902) 393-4850
Option 2: Get NBI Clearance by Mail
- Download the NBI Form
Go to the NBI official website and get the application form. Fill it out with your details like your name, Father name, Date of birth and Valid ID. - Visit RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for Fingerprinting
Go to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for fingerprinting services. Here officer take your fingerprints. - Prepare Your Documents
prepare your NBI documents Including your filled-out form, fingerprint card, passport photocopy, and two photos. Pack all these docoments. - Mail the Application
Send your packed documents to the NBI Main Office in Manila. By Use a trusted courier service with tracking. - Receive Your Clearance
The NBI will mail the clearance and send it back to your address. This can take 4-6 weeks.
NBI Fees for Filipino in Canada and Processing Time
The cost for an NBI Clearance is around 130-150 PHP. However, if you are mailing documents or using a representative, you will need to budget for courier fees. Expect to spend CAD 50 or more for mailing and shipping.
Processing times. If you go through the consulate, it might take 2-4 weeks. By mail, it takes 4-6 weeks. Representatives can often speed things up, depending on their availability.
Conclusion
For applying NBI Clearance in Canada is not difficult as it sounds. By using these steps you can easily apply for the NBI Clearance and will have your clearance in on time. So, gather your documents, follow the steps, and you are good to go!
FAQs
Can I renew my NBI Clearance from Canada?
Yes, you can renew your NBI Clearance the process is the same. Just tick on renewal on the NBI form No 5.
How long does it take to get the clearance?
It takes 2-6 weeks normally, But it also depend on the method you choose.
Do I need to visit the consulate in person?
No, you don’t need to visit the consulate you can apply by mail or through a representative if you prefer.
