Police Clearance for Permanent Residency

Police Clearance for Permanent Residency

An applicant for permanent residency in the Philippines must always secure a police clearance certificate to prove that his or her records are clean regarding previous crimes and that no case has been filed against him or her. Thus, this guide shall help you in acquiring a police clearance for permanent residency with the most vital information and step-by-step procedures.

In this article, we will explore the importance of Police Clearance for permanent residency, the required documents, and the procedure to apply for it. 

What is Police Clearance?

Police clearance is a document from the police indicating that a person has no records or outstanding warrants in his name. This paper is often required for different legal and administrative purposes, such as job applications, visa applications, and permanent residency applications.

Types of Police Clearance

Generally, there are only two kinds of police clearances required in the Philippines:

  • Local Police Clearance: This is issued by the local police station in your area of residence. It is usually used for local matters.
  • National Police Clearance: This is issued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and is required for higher legal and international applications.

Why is Police Clearance Important for Permanent Residency?

The police clearance plays several important roles when it comes to applying for permanent residency, including:

  • Legal Obligation: This is an expression of your intent to stick to the ethical and legal call by the government of the Philippines.
  • Background Check: A police clearance aids relevant authorities in conducting background checks about applicants who are perceived to be a threat to security.
  • Reliability: A police clearance is an assurance for both the government and the applicant that they stand for safety and abide by the laws of the land.

Documents required for the Application of Permanent Residency

Before applying for your police clearance, you just keep the following documents with you:

  • A valid government-issued ID: passport, driver’s license, etc.
  • Application form: At the police station or online
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of residency: some sort of utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Any supplementary document as requested by your police station.

Procedure to Apply for Police Clearance for Permanent Residency

A procedural approach to achieve the same underlies the following steps:

Choose the Type of Police Clearance:

  • Local Police Clearance: It can be availed from the nearest available police station, whichever is nearer to where the applicant stays.
  • National Police Clearance: Apply to the National Bureau of Investigation in case one needs it for more formal applications or international submissions.

Prepare Your Documents:

Prepare all documents in advance so that no delay occurs in the process. Make sure all information is accurate and complete.

Visit the Application Center:

  • Local Police Clearance: This is available from the local police station. Some police stations also allow for online applications; do inquire about this in advance.
  • National Police Clearance: This can be acquired from any NBI branch. An online appointment might be needed in advance of a visit.

Application Form:

Fill out the application form with proper details. Application forms can be availed from the police station or the NBI.

Fees Payment:

  • Local Police Clearance Fees: It ranges between PHP 100 to PHP 300, depending on the locality.
  • NBI Clearance Fees: It is around PHP 130, plus an additional fee for online appointments.

Payment options may vary, but the general ones include cash, bank deposit, or online.  

Submission of Application:

Submit your accomplished application form, necessary documents, and the receipt showing your payment.

Processing time:

  • Local Police Clearance: These may be ready on the same day or within a few days, pending on the station.
  • NBI Clearance: This normally takes 3-5 working days to be processed.

Police Clearance Collection:

Head back to the police station or NBI for collection. Ensure that all information is accurate.

Attach the Police Clearance to Your Residency Application: 

Once you get your police clearance, attach this with other documents when applying for permanent residency.

Easy Application Process Tips

Following are a few tips that will help make the process as smooth as possible:

  • Double-Check Your Documents: Ensure that all necessary documents are completed accurately before submitting them.
  • Apply Early: It is advisable to apply for police clearance much in advance of applying for permanent residency to avoid any delays.
  • Follow Up: If, for any reason, your clearance is not ready within the estimated time, never hesitate to personally contact the issuing agency for updates over the phone.

By your going through these processes and having prepared the necessary documentation, you’ll efficiently get a police clearance in support of continuing your application process for permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Police clearance is a certification that no criminal records are found against the individual or warrants issued for their apprehension. It is required in an application for permanent residency as proof that the applicant does not have any questionable background and has been law-abiding.

  • A valid government-issued ID
  • Application form: can be downloaded from the website or obtained from the application center. 
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of residency: such as utility bills
  • Any additional documents required by the issuing agency.
  • LPC: At your nearest local police station. Some have online applications.
  • NPC:Any NBI branch. Online appointments may be required. 
  • Local Police Clearance: PHP 100–300, depending on the locality. 
  • NBI Clearance: PHP 130, with an added fee for online appointments. 

Local Police Clearance: Same day or within a few days, depending on the police station.

NBI Clearance: This normally takes 3–5 working days.

Several police stations and the NBI have opened the option for online application; please check if such is available from the issuing agency.

Final Words:

To conclude, obtaining a police clearance is a vital step in the permanent residency application process in the Philippines. By understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and following the outlined procedures, applicants can efficiently secure their police clearance. Ensuring accuracy in submissions, applying early, and staying proactive during follow-ups will further smoothen the process for the applicants. With your police clearance in hand, you will be one step closer to achieving your permanent residency goals.



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