NBI Clearance in the USA is an important document for Filipinos who are living, working or studying in the United States. It is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines. People often need it for jobs, immigration, visa applications, business and legal purposes in the Philippines and other countries.
This complete guide explains what NBI Clearance is, why Filipinos need NBI Clearance in USA, requirements, fingerprinting locations, processing time, costs, claiming methods and renewal.
What is NBI Clearance and Why Do Filipinos in the USA Need
NBI Clearance is an official government document issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines). It proves that a person has no criminal record in the Philippines or has been properly cleared of any possible record.
For Filipinos in the USA NBI Clearance is usually required when dealing with:
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Philippine government offices.
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Employers (local or overseas).
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Immigration and visa applications.
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Business and legal transactions.
Why Do Filipinos in the USA Need NBI Clearance?
Filipinos living in the United States may need NBI Clearance in USA for many reasons including:
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Employment in the Philippines or abroad.
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Visa or immigration requirements.
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Dual citizenship or naturalization applications.
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Marriage or annulment processing.
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Business permits and transactions.
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School, scholarship or professional licensing.
NBI Clearance serves as proof of good moral character and legal background verification.
Who Can Apply for NBI Clearance in USA?
You can apply for NBI Clearance while in the USA if you are:
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A Filipino citizen.
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A former Filipino citizen.
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A dual citizen.
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A Filipino permanent resident, worker, student or tourist in the USA.
Requirements for NBI Clearance in USA
Before you start your application make sure you have these ready:
- A valid Philippine passport.
- A fingerprint card (Form FD-258 or NBI Form No. 5).
- Two recent 2×2 photos with a white background.
- A valid U.S. ID like a driver’s license, state ID or green card.
- An authorization letter if someone in the Philippines will claim your NBI Clearance for you
- A printed copy of your NBI online application form.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for NBI Clearance from the USA
Step 1: Register Online
Go to the NBI Clearance website and make an account. Type your name, Date of Birth and passport number correctly.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form
Complete the form carefully. If any information is wrong your application might take longer.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Even if you are outside the Philippines you still need to choose an NBI branch and date online.
Step 4: Get a Fingerprint Card
Download the fingerprint form from the NBI website or ask for one from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. You can find them in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Honolulu.
Step 5: Have Your Fingerprints Taken
Go to your local police station, an FBI-accredited fingerprint center or a Philippine Consulate. Bring your passport and fingerprint card. The officer will take your fingerprints then sign and stamp the card. The stamp is very important.
Step 6: Pay the NBI Fee
The NBI fee is around ₱130 to ₱200. You can ask someone you trust in the Philippines to pay for you.
Step 7: Mail Your Documents to the Philippines
Send your fingerprint card, passport and ID copies, photos and authorization letter to your representative or directly to the NBI Clearance Section Through Courier companies.
You can aslo get NBI Clearance Online in Indonesia.
NBI Clearance Processing Time
The processing time for NBI Clearance in USA depends on several factors:
| Situation | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| No name “hit” | 2–4 weeks |
| With name “hit” | 4–8 weeks or more |
| Incomplete documents | Delayed |
Where to Get Fingerprinting in the USA
You can have your fingerprints taken at these places:
- Local police stations
- FBI-approved fingerprint centers
- Philippine Consulates or Embassies in the U.S.
Each place may charge a small fee, usually between $15 and $30.
NBI Clearance Processing Time
Here is how long it usually takes:
- Fingerprinting and sending documents: about 3 to 7 days
- NBI processing in the Philippines: about 5 to 10 working days.
- Sending the clearance back to the U.S: about 7 to 14 days
Estimated Costs Of NBI Clearance
Here is about how much you might spend:
- NBI fee: ₱130–₱200
- Fingerprinting: $15–$30
- Courier: $50–$100
So the total cost is around $70–$130 depending on where you live and which courier you use.
How to Claim Your NBI Clearance in the Philippines
If you asked someone to get your NBI Clearance for you they must bring:
- Your signed authorization letter.
- A copy of your passport.
- Their own valid government ID.
They can claim your clearance from the NBI main office and mail it back to you through a trusted courier service.
Renewal of NBI Clearance While in the USA
If your old clearance has expired but your name and personal details are still the same you can renew it online through the NBI website. Usually you don’t need new fingerprints unless the NBI asks for re-verification.
Final Thoughts
Applying for an NBI Clearance from the USA can take a little patience but the process is simple once you understand the steps. Prepare your documents, follow the NBI’s requirements, and choose trusted courier services. With accurate details and proper planning you can secure your clearance ensuring your employment, immigration and legal transactions wherever you are in America.
FAQS
Q1: Is NBI clearance needed for US visa interview?
Yes NBI Clearance is required for your U.S. visa interview if you are a Filipino applicant aged 16 or older. The clearance must list all names you were used, including your maiden name, birth name, married name, and any alternate spellings found on official documents like your birth certificate or marriage certificate. This ensures the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can verify your background accurately during the visa process.
Q2: Can you get an NBI clearance from abroad?
If you are overseas you will mail your fingerprint card, passport copy, photos and authorization letter to someone in the Philippines who can process it for you. The NBI’s Mailed Clearance Section found on the 3rd floor of the NBI Clearance Building, UN Avenue Manila handles all overseas applications.
Q3: How long is the processing time for NBI?
In the Philippines the processing time for NBI Clearance usually ranges from three to five (3–5) working days if there are no issues with your application. However if your name produces a “hit” (meaning someone with a similar name has a record in the database) the verification process may take up to ten (10) working days or more.
Q4: What country has NBI?
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is an agency of the Philippine government operating under the Department of Justice (DOJ). It serves as the Philippines main investigative and forensic agency similar to the FBI in the United States.
Q5: What does no criminal record mean in NBI?
In the NBI Clearance the phrase “No Criminal Record” means that the person has no criminal cases, pending investigations or derogatory records filed against them in the Philippines.
