The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance Form No. 5 serves as a crucial document for Filipinos residing abroad who need to obtain an NBI Clearance. This fingerprint card form is specifically designed for new applicants who have never been issued an NBI clearance or those whose clearances were issued before 2014. The form requires careful completion and proper authentication to ensure successful processing of the NBI Clearance application. Understanding the requirements and procedures associated with this form is essential for Filipinos living overseas who need this important government-issued document.
Purpose and Legal Framework
The NBI Clearance is an official document attesting that an individual has no pending criminal cases or derogatory records in the Philippines. This document is governed by Republic Act No. 157, as amended by R.A. 10867, which establishes the NBI’s authority to issue clearances. The processing of NBI Clearance applications also adheres to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173), ensuring protection of personal information throughout the application process For Filipinos abroad, the NBI Form No. 5 serves as the initial step in obtaining this vital document for various purposes including employment, immigration, travel, or other legal requirements.
Who Needs to Use NBI Form No. 5
The NBI Form No. 5 is specifically required for two categories of applicants. First, it is necessary for individuals who have never applied for an NBI Clearance before and are currently residing outside the Philippines. Second, it is required for those who previously obtained an NBI Clearance before 2014 and need to renew it while abroad. Notably, those who received their NBI clearance from 2014 onward have their records digitally stored in the NBI database and can renew their clearance online through the official website at www.clearance.nbi.gov.ph.
Obtaining the Form
The NBI Form No. 5 can be obtained through several official channels depending on the applicant’s location abroad. Primarily, the form is available at Philippine Embassies and Consular Offices worldwide. Alternatively, an authorized representative in the Philippines can secure the form from the Mailed Clearance Section, Information and Communications Technology Division at the NBI Clearance Building in Manila, upon presentation of an authorization letter and a photocopy of the applicant’s passport biodata page.
Step-by-Step Guide for NBI Form No. 5 Application
Applying for NBI Form No. 5 requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps precisely to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
- Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out all required fields carefully. Avoid any erasures, as they may invalidate the form.
- Follow the Naming Format (For Married Female Applicants): Write your maiden surname (father’s surname) first. Follow it with your husband’s surname. Then, write your first name and maternal surname (mother’s maiden surname).
- Attach a Recent Photograph: Use a 2″x2″ photo with a white background. The photo must be taken within the last three months.
- Include a Photocopy of Your Valid Passport: Attach a copy of your passport biodata page.
Fingerprinting Requirements
The most critical element of the NBI Form No. 5 is the fingerprinting section. Applicants must proceed to the nearest Philippine Consulate, Embassy, or authorized police station (such as RCMP in Canada) to have their fingerprints taken. The fingerprints must be “ROLLED IMPRESSIONS,” meaning each finger is rolled from one side to the other to capture the complete fingerprint pattern. The official who takes the fingerprints must sign their name, state their official designation, and stamp the seal of their office on the designated space on the form. In some jurisdictions, the fingerprinting official must also stamp their seal on the applicant’s photo attached to the form.
Submission and Authentication
Once properly completed with fingerprints, the NBI Form No. 5 requires authentication or consularization by the appropriate Philippine diplomatic post. In Vancouver, for example, applicants can either appear in person at the Philippine Consulate General or mail the completed form along with required documents and payment. The consularization process typically involves a fee, such as CAD$38.75 in Vancouver, with options for expedited or regular processing.
Processing Options
After receiving the consularized NBI Form No. 5, applicants have two primary options for processing their NBI Clearance. The first option involves designating an authorized representative in the Philippines to submit the form to the NBI Main Office in Manila. This representative must be provided with an authorization letter from the applicant. The second option is to mail the consularized form directly to the Mailed Clearance Section at the NBI headquarters in Manila.
Regional Variations
The exact procedures for obtaining and submitting the NBI Form No. 5 may vary slightly depending on the country of application. For instance, in Abu Dhabi, applicants must purchase an E-Dirham (50 AED) and visit the CID-Ministry of Interior for fingerprinting before returning to the Embassy for form submission. In contrast, applicants in Canada must use RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agencies. These regional variations emphasize the importance of consulting the specific instructions provided by the local Philippine diplomatic mission.
Conclusion:
The NBI Clearance Form No. 5 represents a critical document for Filipinos abroad seeking to obtain their NBI Clearance. While the process may seem complex, understanding the specific requirements and following the prescribed procedures ensures successful application. As technology advances, it is worth noting that the NBI has modernized its systems, allowing those with clearances issued from 2014 onward to renew online. For new applicants or those with older clearances, however, the Form No. 5 remains an essential starting point in the clearance application process, requiring careful attention to detail in its completion and submission.
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