Police Clearance For OFWs Abroad
Many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) applying for jobs, visas, or residency abroad are required to submit a Police Clearance as part of their background check. However, in most cases, foreign companies and embassies usually require an NBI Clearance rather than a Police Clearance because the NBI Clearance allows for a nationwide review of the individual’s criminal record.
This guide will show the differences between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance, how OFWs can obtain these documents, and which one is necessary for working or settling abroad.
Police Clearance VS NBI Clearance – Which One Do OFWs Need?
Before applying, OFWs must understand the difference between Police Clearance and NBI Clearance:
| Feature | Police Clearance | NBI Clearance |
| Issuing Authority | Philippine National Police (PNP) | National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) |
| Coverage | Local (City/Municipality) | Nationwide |
| Purpose | Local employment, business permits, and minor transactions | Employment abroad, visa applications, and immigration purposes |
| Validity | Typically valid for six months | Valid for six months to a year |
While some foreign employers and immigration offices accept a police clearance online, others can specifically request an NBI Clearance because it provides a more comprehensive background check that covers the entire country. It’s best to verify the requirement with your employer or embassy.
Why Do OFWs Need a Police Clearance?
OFWs can need a Police Clearance or NBI Clearance for various reasons, including:
- Employment Abroad: Some international employers require background checks before hiring workers.
- Visa or Work Permit Applications: Some countries require a clean criminal record for visa approval.
- Residency or Citizenship Applications: Individuals applying for permanent residency or citizenship abroad can need a clearance.
- Legal Purposes: Some legal purposes can require a Police Clearance to confirm identity or background.
Requirements for Police Clearance for OFWs
To apply for a Police Clearance, OFWs need to provide the following documents:
- Valid government-issued ID (Philippine passport, UMID, driver’s license, or similar).
- Application form (varies by city/municipality or consulate).
- Recent 2×2 ID photos (white background).
- Police Clearance payment fee (varies by location).
For NBI Clearance, additional requirements include:
- NBI Clearance Application Form No. 5 (from Philippine embassy and consulate)
- Fingerprinting card (must be done at a Philippine embassy, consulate, or local police station).
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if a representative will process the application in the Philippines.
How to Apply for Police Clearance as an OFW?
Method 1: Applying in the Philippines
If an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is currently in the Philippines, they can apply for a Police Clearance at their local PNP Station:
- Visit the nearest PNP station with a clearance facility.
- Present valid IDs and complete the application form.
- Have biometrics and photos taken for the clearance.
- Pay the required fee (varies per city/municipality).
- Wait for processing and receive the clearance.
Method 2: Applying from Abroad
If an OFW is already abroad, they can obtain a Police Clearance through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate:
- Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the host country.
- Request for Police Clearance and submit required documents.
- Undergo fingerprinting (can be done at the consulate or a local police station).
- Pay the processing fee and submit the application.
- Wait for the clearance (some embassies send it to the Philippines for processing).
How to Get NBI Clearance as an OFW?
Since most OFWs need an NBI Clearance, here’s how to get one while abroad:
Applying through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate
- Request for NBI Clearance Application Form at the Philippine Embassy.
- Complete the form and have your fingerprints taken at the consulate or local police station.
- Send the application to a representative in the Philippines (with a Special Power of Attorney).
- The representative submits the application at the NBI Office in the Philippines.
- Once processed, the NBI Clearance is sent back to the OFW abroad.
Fees and Processing Time
- Police Clearance Fee: PHP 150
- NBI Clearance Fee: PHP 130 and PHP 25 service fee.
Processing Time:
- Police Clearance: 1 day (in the Philippines), 2–4 weeks (abroad).
- NBI Clearance: 3–7 working days (in the Philippines), 4–6 weeks (if sent abroad).
How to Verify and Authenticate Police Clearance for OFWs?
Some employers or embassies require authentication of police clearances. Here’s how:
- DFA Apostille Authentication: The clearance must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines for apostille certification.
- Embassy or Consulate Authentication: Some employers can require additional authentication by the Philippine Embassy abroad.
Conclusion
A Police Clearance or NBI Clearance is essential for OFWs applying for jobs, visas, or residency abroad. While Police Clearance is a local document, most OFWs need NBI Clearance, which provides a nationwide criminal record check.
To avoid delays, OFWs should check their employer or embassy’s specific requirements and follow the correct application process. Whether applying in the Philippines or abroad, having the right documents and understanding the procedure will ensure a smooth application.
