How to Cancel Your NBI Clearance Appointment?

If you’ve booked an online appointment with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines but can’t make it anymore, you might be wondering if there’s a way to cancel or reschedule. Life happens, whether it’s a scheduling conflict, a change in travel plans, or simply an error during booking. While the NBI system is designed to streamline clearance processing, it does have some rules you’ll need to understand before you cancel or change your slot.

Can You Cancel an NBI Appointment?

Currently, the NBI online system does not offer a direct “cancel appointment” button once you’ve booked a slot. Once your reference number is generated and your payment is confirmed, the appointment is considered final.

That said, you do have options:

• If unpaid: You can simply ignore the reference number. Unpaid appointments automatically expire if not settled within the payment window (usually 24 hours for e-wallets or 2–3 banking days for over-the-counter transactions).

• If paid: You can’t get a refund, but you may reschedule instead of fully canceling.

Steps to Reschedule or Adjust Your Appointment

If you’ve already paid for your NBI appointment, you can’t cancel outright. However, you can transfer your payment to a new date. Here’s how:

Step 1: Log in to the NBI Clearance Online System

Sign in using your registered email and password at clearance.nbi.gov.ph.

Step 2: Check Your Current Appointment

On your dashboard, you’ll see your booked appointment with the reference number. If unpaid, you can ignore it and simply create a new one. If paid, proceed to rescheduling.

Step 3: Request Rescheduling

At present, NBI requires you to personally coordinate rescheduling at the NBI branch where you intended to appear. Bring your reference number and official receipt, and ask for assistance. Many branches allow you to move your date, especially if you provide a valid reason such as illness, travel, or emergency.

Step 4: Print Your New Appointment Slip

Once confirmed, print your updated appointment details. This slip is what you’ll present on your new schedule.

What Happens to Your Payment?

• Unpaid Reference Numbers: No action is needed. They automatically expire after the payment window.

• Paid Appointments: Payments are non-refundable, but they are transferable to a new schedule (subject to NBI approval).

For example, if you paid ₱130 clearance fee plus ₱25 service charge through GCash but can’t make your original date, that ₱155 total will still apply to your rescheduled appointment.

Tips to Avoid Future Issues

• Double-check your availability before confirming a slot.

• Choose a payment channel with a short confirmation time (e-wallets confirm faster than over-the-counter).

• Reschedule early if you already know you can’t make it, to avoid long queues when requesting changes.

• Keep a copy (digital or printed) of your reference number and official receipt at all times.

Key Takeaways

Canceling an NBI appointment isn’t as simple as clicking a button, but you’re not without options. If you haven’t paid yet, you can simply let the reference number expire. If you have paid, the best course of action is to coordinate with your NBI branch for a reschedule.

Remember, your NBI Clearance is valid for six months to one year (depending on the type), so getting your appointment right ensures you can use it without delays for job applications, travel, or other legal requirements. With the steps above, you’ll be able to manage your booking confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.