In the context of NBI clearance applications, “complexion” refers to your skin tone or skin color. It is one of several physical characteristics recorded in your NBI clearance to help identify you. The complexion field is part of your physical description, along with height, weight, eye color, hair color, and other distinguishing marks or features.
Why NBI Records Complexion
The National Bureau of Investigation records your complexion for several important reasons:
Identification Purposes: Complexion is a visible physical trait that helps identify individuals
Physical Description: Creates a complete profile of your appearance for official records
Verification: Helps match the clearance holder with the actual person presenting it
Database Records: Part of the comprehensive information stored in NBI’s system
NBI Clearance Complexion Options
The NBI clearance application typically offers several complexion categories to choose from. While the exact wording may vary slightly between different NBI centers or application systems, the standard options include:
Standard Complexion Categories
| Complexion Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fair | Very light skin tone, pale complexion, minimal melanin |
| Light | Light skin tone, lighter than average Filipino complexion |
| Medium | Medium brown skin tone, typical Filipino complexion, kayumanggi |
| Dark | Dark brown skin tone, deeper complexion |
| Very Dark | Very dark brown to deep brown skin tone |
Alternative Terms You May See
Different NBI centers or application systems may use slightly different terminology:
- Morena/Moreno: Medium to dark brown complexion
- Mestiza/Mestizo: Fair to light complexion
- Kayumanggi: Medium brown, typical Filipino skin tone
- Light Brown: Between light and medium
- Brown: Medium to dark range
How to Choose Your Complexion Type
Selecting the right complexion category for your NBI clearance is straightforward. Follow these guidelines:
Step-by-Step Selection Guide
1. Look at Your Natural Skin Tone
Examine your skin in natural daylight, preferably looking at areas that aren’t frequently exposed to sun (like your inner arm or abdomen) for your true baseline complexion.
2. Choose the Closest Match
Select the option that best describes your overall skin tone. If you’re between two categories, choose the one that most people would use to describe your complexion.
3. Be Honest and Accurate
This is for identification purposes, so accuracy matters. Don’t choose a lighter or darker option than your actual complexion.
4. Consider Your Undertone
While the categories are simple (fair, light, medium, dark), think about the general shade rather than specific undertones.
5. Ask Someone If Unsure
If you’re uncertain between two options, ask a family member or friend for their objective opinion on which category best fits your skin tone.
Common Complexion Choices for Filipinos
Most Common: Medium (Kayumanggi) – This represents the typical Filipino complexion and is the most frequently selected option
Light to Medium: Common among those with lighter natural skin tone
Fair: Less common, typically those with naturally very light skin
When It Doesn’t Matter Much
Clearance Validity: Your complexion choice does not affect whether your clearance is approved or denied.
Background Check: The NBI background check focuses on criminal records, not physical characteristics.
Subjectivity: Complexion can be somewhat subjective, and NBI understands that skin tone can vary with sun exposure, lighting, and other factors.
Minor Variations: Small differences in complexion description (like choosing “medium” instead of “light”) won’t cause issues with your clearance.
Key Point: While you should be truthful and accurate, don’t stress too much about the complexion field. It’s one of many descriptive details and won’t impact your clearance approval.
Other Physical Characteristics in NBI Clearance
Along with complexion, your NBI clearance application records several other physical characteristics:
Complete Physical Description Fields
Height: Your height in feet and inches or centimeters
Weight: Your weight in pounds or kilograms
Eye Color: Color of your eyes (black, brown, etc.)
Hair Color: Natural hair color (black, brown, etc.)
Complexion: Skin tone as discussed above
Identifying Marks: Scars, tattoos, birthmarks, or other distinctive features
Gender: Male or female
Date of Birth: Your birthdate for age verification
Tips for Filling Physical Characteristics
Be Accurate: Provide truthful information for all physical characteristics
Use Approximate Measurements: Exact precision isn’t required for height and weight—reasonable estimates are fine
Mention Visible Marks: Include any obvious scars, tattoos, or birthmarks in the identifying marks section
Keep It Simple: Don’t overthink these fields—they’re basic descriptive information
Can You Change Your Complexion on NBI Clearance?
During Renewal
When you renew your NBI clearance, you can update your physical characteristics, including complexion, if they have changed or if you want to correct the information:
Natural Changes: If your complexion has notably changed due to sun exposure, skin conditions, or other factors, you can update it during renewal.
Previous Error: If you feel your previous complexion choice was inaccurate, you can select a different option during renewal.
No Penalty: There’s no penalty for changing your complexion category between applications.
Correction Process
If you notice an error in your complexion or other physical characteristics after receiving your clearance:
Minor Variations: Small differences usually don’t require correction and won’t affect clearance use
Significant Errors: If there’s a major error, you may need to apply for a reprint or correction
Next Renewal: The easiest time to update information is during your next renewal application
Common Complexion Questions
What if I’m between two complexion types?
Choose the one that most closely matches your natural skin tone. If you’re truly in between, select either option—it won’t significantly impact your clearance. Most Filipinos fall in the “medium” or “light to medium” range.
Does complexion affect clearance approval?
No. Your complexion choice has no bearing on whether your NBI clearance is approved or denied. The background check is based on criminal records, not physical appearance.
Can I select a different complexion than what’s on my previous clearance?
Yes. You can update your complexion during renewal if your skin tone has changed or if you believe the previous selection was inaccurate.
What if the NBI staff thinks my complexion is different?
NBI staff may make observations, but complexion is somewhat subjective. As long as you’re in a reasonable range, there shouldn’t be any issues. They understand that skin tone can vary with lighting, sun exposure, and individual perception.
Is complexion the same as skin color?
Yes. In the NBI clearance context, “complexion” and “skin color” or “skin tone” mean the same thing.
Understanding Complexion in Filipino Context
In the Philippines, skin tone has cultural and social significance, which is why some applicants may feel uncertain about selecting their complexion:
Filipino Skin Tone Diversity
The Philippines has a diverse population with a wide range of natural skin tones, from very fair to very dark. This diversity is reflected in the NBI’s complexion categories.
Kayumanggi: The term “kayumanggi” (literally “the color of kamagong wood”) is often used to describe the typical Filipino brown complexion, which would generally fall under the “medium” or “brown” category.
Regional Variations: Different regions of the Philippines have populations with varying typical complexions, all of which are equally Filipino.
Be Objective: Choose based on your actual skin tone, not societal preferences
It’s Descriptive: This is simply a physical descriptor for identification, nothing more
No Judgment: NBI staff are trained professionals who record information without judgment
Complexion in NBI clearance refers to your skin tone or skin color, recorded as part of your physical description for identification purposes. The standard options include fair, light, medium, dark, and very dark, with “medium” being the most common choice among Filipino applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the complexion options for NBI?
The typical options are Fair, Light, Medium, Dark, and Very Dark. Some systems may use alternative terms like Morena/Moreno, Mestiza/Mestizo, or Kayumanggi.
What complexion should I choose for NBI?
Choose the option that most closely matches your natural skin tone. Most Filipinos select “Medium” (Kayumanggi), which represents the typical Filipino complexion. Look at your skin in natural light to determine the best match.
Does complexion affect NBI clearance approval?
No. Your complexion choice has no impact on whether your NBI clearance is approved or denied. It’s simply a physical descriptor for identification purposes.
Can I change my complexion on NBI renewal?
Yes, you can update your complexion during renewal if your skin tone has changed or if you want to correct the previous selection. There’s no penalty for changing it.
What if I choose the wrong complexion?
Minor inaccuracies won’t cause problems with your clearance. If you notice a significant error, you can correct it during your next renewal or apply for a correction if necessary.
What is kayumanggi in NBI?
Kayumanggi refers to the typical Filipino brown complexion, usually corresponding to the “Medium” or “Brown” option in the NBI complexion field.
Is complexion the same as skin color?
Yes, in the NBI clearance context, “complexion,” “skin tone,” and “skin color” all mean the same thing, they refer to the color of your skin.
Selecting your complexion is straightforward, simply choose the option that best matches your natural skin tone when viewed in normal lighting. While you should be accurate, don’t stress too much about this field. It’s purely descriptive and won’t affect your clearance approval or denial.
If you’re uncertain, “medium” or “kayumanggi” represents the typical Filipino complexion. You can always update your complexion during renewal if needed. The most important thing is to complete your application honestly and move forward with the rest of the NBI clearance process.
