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How To Apply NBI Clearance In Canada

May 13, 2025
6 Min Read

Wondering how to get your NBI clearance now that you’re in Canada? It might seem complicated being far from the Philippines, but don’t worry! It’s definitely possible, and I’m here to walk you through the process.

Whether you need it for employment, residency, or other reasons, securing an NBI clearance from abroad is a common requirement. As long as you don’t have anything to hide regarding criminal records in the Philippines, the process is quite manageable. Let’s break it down.

NBI Clearance Canada: Essential Requirements for Applicants

The requirements are fairly straightforward. Make sure you have these ready:

  1. Completed NBI Clearance Application Form (NBI Form No. 5): You’ll get this from the Philippine Consulate.
  2. Recent 2×2 Photograph: White background, taken within the last three (3) months.
  3. Photocopy of your Philippine Passport: Specifically, the data page (where your photo and details are). It’s wise to have a couple of copies just in case.
  4. Original Passport: You’ll likely need to present this for verification.
  5. Consularization Fee: The amount varies, so check with the specific Consulate (payable in CAD$).
  6. (Possibly) Additional Valid IDs: While your passport is primary, having another Philippine government-issued ID handy might be helpful, though often not strictly required for this process.

Where to Apply for NBI Clearance: Philippine Consulates in Canada

Your first step is to locate the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General in Canada. They are authorized to process NBI Clearance applications (specifically, consularize your fingerprint form).

Here’s a list of locations (It’s highly recommended to contact them before visiting):

  1. Philippine Consulate General, Calgary: Suite 920, 517 10th Ave. SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8 | Tel: (403) 455-9483, (403) 455-9343, (403) 455-9457, (403) 455-9346
  2. Philippine Consulate General, Toronto: 7th Floor, 160 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 3B5 | Tel: (416) 922-7181
  3. Philippine Consulate General, Vancouver: Suite 660, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1 | Tel: (604) 685-1619, (604) 685-7645
  4. (Honorary Consulates – Verify NBI Services): Edmonton, St. John’s, Halifax, Saskatoon, Charlottetown (Check the DFA website or call for current contact details and confirm if they handle NBI applications).

Before Visiting the Philippine Consulate – Key Questions to Ask

Always call the Consulate office first to confirm:

  • Do they process NBI Clearance applications? Not all consular offices might offer this specific service.
  • Do you need an appointment? Many consulates require appointments for services. Avoid a wasted trip!1
  • What is the current consularization fee? Fees can change.
  • What are their accepted modes of payment? (Usually cash, bank draft, or money order payable to the “Philippine Consulate General”).

Your NBI Clearance Application Process in Canada

  1. Get the NBI Application Form No. 5: Obtain this form directly from the Philippine Consulate. This is also known as the Fingerprint Card.
  2. Fill Out the Form: Complete the form accurately and legibly. All information should be handwritten.
    • For Married Women: Follow this order for your name:
      • Maiden Surname (Your father’s last name)
      • Husband’s Surname
      • First Name (Your given name)
      • Mother’s Maiden Surname (Your mother’s last name before she married)
  3. Get Your Fingerprints Taken:
    • The Consulate staff may perform the fingerprinting.
    • Alternatively, they might instruct you to go to a local Canadian police station or an accredited fingerprinting agency.
    • If fingerprinted outside the Consulate: Ensure the police officer or agency official who takes your prints writes their full name, signs the form, and notes their official designation/badge number. This is crucial.
  4. Attach Your Photo: Affix your recent 2×2 photo onto the designated space on the application form.
  5. Submit for Consularization: Return to the Philippine Consulate with:
    • Your completed NBI Form No. 5 (with fingerprints and photo attached).
    • Photocopy of your Philippine Passport data page.
    • Photocopy of your Permanent Resident card or Work Permit (as proof of status in Canada).
    • The Consularization Fee (confirm amount and payment method beforehand).
    • (Optional but Recommended if Mailing): A self-addressed, prepaid return envelope (like Xpresspost) if you want the consularized form mailed back to you instead of picking it up.

The Consulate will verify your documents and authenticate your fingerprint card. This is called “Consularization.” They will stamp and seal the form. You might receive the consularized Form No. 5 back the same day, or they might mail it to you within a few business days using your provided envelope.

Sending Your Consularized NBI Form to the Philippines: Two Options

Once you have the consularized NBI Form No. 5 back, you need to get it to the NBI Head Office in Manila for processing. You have two main options:

Option 1: Mailing Directly to NBI Manila from Canada

  • You (or sometimes the Consulate might offer to forward it, confirm with them) will need to mail the consularized Form No. 5 to the NBI in Manila.
  • Include a payment for the NBI processing fee. This is typically P200 (Philippine Pesos). You’ll need to get this in the form of a Money Order or Bank Draft negotiable in the Philippines, payable to: “The Director, National Bureau of Investigation”.
    • Check with banks like PNB (Philippine National Bank) in Canada, as they might offer remittance services specifically for this purpose and provide a receipt you can include. Other banks like HSBC, ANZ, Metrobank, or BPI might offer drafts negotiable in the Philippines, but verify this.
  • Mail the Consularized Form No. 5 and the P200 payment to: The Director National Bureau of Investigation Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila Philippines (It’s often recommended to specifically address it to the attention of: Ms. Julie Macalit, IRD – Mailed Clearance Section, though addressing it to the Director is standard).
  • Processing Time: Once the NBI receives your application, processing and mailing the actual clearance certificate back to your Canadian address usually takes several weeks, potentially 1-2 months or longer, depending on NBI workload and international mail speed.

Option 2: Using an Authorized Representative in the Philippines

  • This is often faster. Mail your consularized NBI Form No. 5 to a trusted relative or friend in the Philippines.
  • You must also include a signed Authorization Letter, specifically empowering them to apply for, pay, and receive your NBI Clearance on your behalf.
  • Your representative will take the form and authorization letter to the NBI Head Office in Manila (or a designated satellite office that processes overseas applications), pay the P200 fee in person, and follow up on the processing.
  • Once they receive the clearance certificate, they can mail it to you in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Getting your NBI clearance from Canada involves a few steps, but by following this guide and preparing properly, you can navigate the process successfully. Remember the most important first step: contact your nearest Philippine Consulate to get the latest, most accurate information before you begin!