Sep 20, 2011

How to get an NBI clearance

The only requirement I needed to complete before applying for a China visa was an NBI clearance. I had been putting it off for several months because of work and school load, which I totally regret after my arduous NBI clearance application experience. It was such a major hassle that took 9 hours to finish plus I had to file a leave of absence just for it.

Because of the new system, every application is treated as a new application. Your old NBI clearance (clearance before July 2011) is of no use since they don't have a renewal process anymore.

Hopefully, this post can shed light on what to expect when applying for an NBI clearance these days.


One, there are several office where you can apply but there are maximum number of applicants that can be accommodated per office per day.

Here's a list for Metro Manila area:

NBI MAIN OFFICE, TAFT AVENUE MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 7:00AM TO 5:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 2,000 persons

ROBINSONS PLACE ERMITA (BASEMENT 1)
M. ADRIATICO COR. PEDRO GIL ST. ERMITA, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS OTIS (LEVEL 2)
DR. PAZ MENDOZA GUANZON ST., PACO, MANILA
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS GALLERIA (EAST LANE, BASEMENT 1)
EDSA COR. ORTIGAS AVENUE, QUEZON CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS METRO EAST PASIG (LEVEL 4)
MARCOS HIGHWAY, BRGY. DELA PAZ, PASIG CITY
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

ROBINSONS CAINTA (LEVEL 2)
ORTIGAS AVENUE EXTENSION, JUNCTION CAINTA, RIZAL
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

Ever Gotesco Grand Central (3rd floor, Cinema 5)
Rizal Avenue Extension (Monumento), Caloocan City
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

Ever Gotesco Manila Plaza (3rd floor, Cinema 3)
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
MONDAY TO FRIDAY - 8:00AM TO 5:00PM
SATURDAY - 10:00AM TO 7:00PM
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 500 persons

Quezon City Hall
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 1,000 persons

Mandaluyong City Hall
No. of applicants that can be accommodated: 300 persons

Muntinlupa City Hall

Click here for the complete list.

For Quezon City Hall and Mandaluyong City Hall, applicants line up as early as 12 midnight just to be first in line. Hence, I opted to apply at the NBI Main Office (can be reached via LRT1 UN Avenue station) where I have more chance to be accommodated.

Just outside the NBI, there will be persons selling you cedula, don't fall for this 'coz you'll just need a valid government-issued ID to apply for an NBI clearance. Also, bring a black pen to fill up the application form. Before you enter the NBI Clearance Bldg., there are separate lines for men and women but once your in, these lines will merge as you proceed.

Once in, the process is...
1. Get application form and fill-out the required data
2. Have data checked at the Data Check Counter
3. Pay corresponding fee (Php115 for employment and travel abroad)
4. Data entry
5. Image capture
6. Fingerprinting (using new system biometrics instead of the old stamp pad)
7. Printing and releasing

Two, the whole process will really take you a whole day. The line is just toooo long. The holding areas are different for each process. There are fans available but not enough to keep the whole area cool. So better bring food, water, umbrella, hanky, fan and gadgets to keep you sane.

Next, you will be disappointed to know that for the 2,000 applicants, there are only about 10 encoders/computers to input your details, around 5 biometrics station and 4 printing stations. This is the very reason why the process takes forever!

Lastly, you can claim your NBI clearance on the same day once printed unless you have a namesake (like me), you will get your NBI clearance after a week. Good thing, you don't have to fall in line again. Just present your official receipt to the guard on duty then go inside to claim your NBI clearance. If you are traveling abroad, better ask for a dry seal just to be sure.

For more information, visit NBI's FAQ section here.

Dreading the day 'til my next NBI clearance application,
shla

1 comment:

  1. according to NBI's website, they are open on Saturdays but unfortunately this is not true. tsktsk. sana naman ayusin nila information sa website nila.

    ReplyDelete