Apply for NBI Clearance as a First Time Job Seeker

Applying for your first NBI clearance as a fresh graduate or first-time job seeker can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with government requirements before. The good news is that the NBI clearance process has been streamlined with online applications, making it easier than ever for first-time applicants to secure this essential employment document.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know as a first-time job seeker—from understanding what NBI clearance is, to completing your application, to claiming your certificate without any hassle.

Why Employers Require NBI Clearance

First-Time Application vs Renewal

As a first-time applicant, your process is exactly the same as renewal applicants. Here’s what you should know:

Item	Cost
NBI Clearance Fee	₱155
Online Payment Fee (if applicable)	₱0 – ₱15
Transportation to NBI Center	Varies
Total (Basic)	₱155 – ₱170

Requirements for First-Time NBI Clearance Application

The requirements are minimal and straightforward for first-time job seekers:

Essential Requirements

1. Valid Government-Issued ID (Original)

You need ONE valid ID with your photo and signature. Accepted IDs include:

• Philippine Passport
• Driver’s License
• UMID / SSS ID
• PhilHealth ID
• Postal ID
• Voter’s ID
• PRC ID (Professional Regulation Commission)
• School ID with signature (for very recent graduates)
• National ID (PhilSys)

2. Online Application Reference Number

After completing online registration, you’ll receive a reference number via email and SMS. Save or print this.

3. Payment Confirmation

Proof that you’ve paid the ₱155 fee (receipt or transaction number).

What You DON’T Need

First-time applicants often worry about needing extensive documents. Here’s what you DON’T need:

Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide for First-Timers

Follow these detailed steps to successfully apply for your first NBI clearance:

Step 1: Online Registration

Visit the NBI Website:
Go to www.nbi.gov.ph using any web browser on your computer or smartphone.

Click “Online Application”:
On the homepage, look for and click the “Online Application” or “Apply for NBI Clearance” button.

Fill Out the Registration Form:
Enter your complete and accurate information:

• Full name (exactly as it appears on your valid ID)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city/municipality and province)
• Complete current address
• Contact number (active mobile number)
• Email address (you’ll receive confirmation here)
• Father’s full name
• Mother’s maiden name
• Height and weight (approximate is fine)
• Eye color, hair color, complexion

Step 2: Select Purpose

Choose “Local Employment”:
From the purpose dropdown menu, select “Local Employment” since you’re applying as a job seeker.

Other options you might see:

• Overseas Employment
• Travel / Visa
• Business / Professional License
• School Requirement
• Others

Step 3: Choose NBI Center and Schedule

Select Your Preferred NBI Center:
Choose from available NBI clearance centers nationwide. You can select any center regardless of your address—pick the one most convenient to you.

Popular choices for first-timers:

• NBI centers in malls (SM, Robinsons) – easier to find
• Provincial NBI offices – usually less crowded
• Main NBI offices in major cities

Book Your Appointment:
Select an available date and time slot. It’s recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance.

Tips for scheduling:

• Early morning slots (8-9 AM) are less crowded
• Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible
• Tuesday-Thursday usually have better availability

Step 4: Review Your Information

Double-Check Everything:

• Verify your name matches your ID exactly
• Check date of birth is correct
• Confirm contact number and email
• Ensure chosen date, time, and center are correct

Step 5: Submit and Get Reference Number

Click Submit:
After reviewing, submit your application.

Receive Reference Number:
You’ll get a unique reference number (combination of letters and numbers) via:

• Email (check spam/junk if not in inbox)
• SMS to your mobile number
• On-screen display (screenshot or write it down)

Save this reference number! You’ll need it for payment and your NBI appointment.

Step 6: Pay the ₱155 Fee

Your appointment isn’t confirmed until payment is complete. Payment options:

Online Payment (Easiest for First-Timers):

• Credit or Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB)
• GCash e-wallet
• PayMaya e-wallet
• Online Banking

Over-the-Counter Payment:

• Bayad Center
• SM Bills Payment counters
• 7-Eleven (CLiQQ kiosk)
• M Lhuillier branches

Payment Deadline: Pay within 24-48 hours to secure your appointment slot.

Step 7: Print or Save Confirmation

After Payment:
You’ll receive email confirmation with:

• Your booking reference number
• Appointment date, time, and location
• List of requirements to bring
• QR code (for some centers)

Options:

• Print the confirmation (recommended)
• Save as PDF on your phone
• Screenshot and save the reference number

Step 8: Visit NBI Center on Your Appointment Date

What to Bring:

• Valid government-issued ID (original)
• Appointment confirmation (printed or on phone)
• Payment receipt (if you paid over-the-counter)
• Pen (for signing documents)

Timing:

• Arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment time
• Allows time for security check and finding the right counter
• Being late may result in missing your slot

Step 9: Processing at NBI Center

Present Your Documents:
Show your ID and appointment confirmation at the reception or verification counter.

Get Queue Number:
You’ll receive a queue number. Wait in the designated area until called.

Biometrics Capture:
When your number is called, proceed to the biometrics station for:

• Fingerprint Scanning: All ten fingers will be scanned digitally
• Photo Capture: A picture will be taken for your clearance (smile naturally!)
• Signature Capture: Sign on a digital pad—this signature appears on your clearance

Database Check:

The system automatically checks if there’s a “hit” (someone with the same or similar name in the database).

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

1. Wrong Name Spelling

Mistake: Using nicknames or alternate spellings of your name

Fix: Use exact name from your valid ID. Cost to correct: ₱2,200-₱2,700

2. Not Paying on Time

Mistake: Delaying payment after online registration

Result: Losing your appointment slot and needing to rebook

3. Bringing Expired ID

Mistake: Showing up with expired driver’s license or old school ID

Fix: Renew ID first or bring a different valid ID

4. Missing Appointment

Mistake: Forgetting appointment date or arriving late

Result: Need to rebook and pay again

Is it hard to get NBI clearance for the first time?

No, it’s easy! The process is the same for first-timers and renewals: online registration, pay ₱155, visit NBI center, biometrics, and claim. Most first-time applicants get their clearance the same day if there’s no hit.

Can I walk in to NBI without online application?

While some NBI centers accept walk-ins, online appointment is highly recommended. It’s faster, guarantees you a slot, and reduces waiting time significantly.

Getting your first NBI clearance as a job seeker is a simple, straightforward process. With online registration, convenient payment options, and same-day release for clear records, you can have your clearance in hand within a day or week.

Remember the key steps: register online at www.nbi.gov.ph, pay ₱155, visit your chosen NBI center with valid ID, complete biometrics, and claim your clearance. The entire process is first-timer friendly, and thousands of fresh graduates successfully complete it every day.