One of the requirements of a fiance visa to US is for the petitioned person to obtain police clearance from the country or countries where he or she stayed for more than six months since 15 years old and above.
I'm writing to let others know especially those who are applying for the Philippine-American fiance/fiancee or spouse visas. If you're from the Philippines and you have been in other countries for more than 6 months (from 15 years old above), you do need to get a police clearance from the countries you stayed especially if you have Non-immigrant visa, Immigrant visa, Working and Student visa. Tourist visa is exempted (at least, for me, that's my experience). You can go the country's embassy located in the country where you are from or where you are and they will help you process a police clearance. It is better to get the police clearance before your interview at the US embassy to save time.
For an Indonesian police clearance, you have to go there personally. The police headquarter is in Blok M, Jakarta. They are friendly and very helpful. Here is the full address of the police headquarter in Jakarta, Indonesia:MABES POLRI
Jalan Trunojoyo No.3
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan
Here are the required documents I got from Indonesia Reciprocity:
- Copy of all passport pages (old and current passport) - They just asked my old passports that I used while in Indonesia.
- Four recent color photographs with red background (40cm x 60 cm) - It doesn't have to be red because I had a blue background photograph and the police officer accepted it. Red is the formal background color for photos in Indonesia.
- Copy of KIMS/KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) - I used my ID from the university I have studied and a police card they issued to me while I was there. This may be required for those who have worked in Indonesia.
- Copy of letter from current employer while hiring in Indonesia stating dates of employment
- Fingerprints (to be taken at the time the application is submitted) - I don't think they took my fingerprints. Yeah, they didn't.
The processing time for the certificate is approximately one week from the date of submission - Well, they gave mine the next day so it really depends and the police officer did not ask for a fee. He's really kind because he said that I am already spending a lot just by trying to go to US. God is good!
Malaysia police clearance can be processed at the Malaysian Embassy at:10th-11th Floor
The World Center Building
No. 330, Sen Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City
- You will need photocopies of your passport, at least 2 sets
- Two passport size photographs
- The application form can be obtained at the embassy
- Application time is 9am-12nn only
The Malaysian embassy will be the one who will send it for you to the Malaysia police headquarter in Selangor, Malaysia. Fee is 300Php ($9) and the processing time will take 2-3months but mine only took less than 2 months and it already arrived. You can also check their website for more information: Malaysia Reciprocity
Thailand police clearance has a lot of requirements. The girl at the reception or the one who will entertain has an attitude. Her job is to help those who are applying but she can be mean sometimes and complain that you make her tired. My friend told me the same words she told me. I hope she is more accommodating and sincere because they ask 2,560 for a police clearance fee. Before you go to the Thai embassy,
The applicant must go to the NBI office located in Taft Ave in Manila and secure three Sundry Information with fingerprints. Tell them you need it to go abroad. The NBI official will ask you if you have any currencies for his collection. If you don't, he will hint you to give something which I didn't. I am not saying everybody will do that but the guy who took my fingerprints did. You DO NOT need to pay money at the NBI office. Just get the small piece of paper where it says when you can get the authenticated sundry information at the DFA office in Manila. The NBI Officer will be the one to forward the sundry information to the DFA office for authentication. It will take 3 days if you have given something to the officer and one week if you didn't. This is based on my experience.
You can get the authenticated sundry information documents with a 300php fee at the DFA office. After you get your authenticated sundry information, you pass it to the Thai Embassy along with the other required documents:
- Biodata
- Letter to the consulate of Thailand stating that you are requesting a police clearance
- Return envelop - this you don't need actually. You just send 100bht ($3) along with the documents to Thailand.
- 2 2x2 Photos/passport photos
- Photocopies of your passport and the sundry information
- Letter from employer or agencies where you have worked or volunteered
- Fee of 2,560Php ($58)
Processing time is 2-3 days and call the Thai embassy first before you go and get the sundry information with their seal back. Once you have it, you mail it to the police heaquarter in Bangkok, Thailand:
Section 3, Sub-Division 2. General Staff Division
Special Branch
Royal Thai Police Department
Rama I Road
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Include 2 2x2 photos and copies of your passport with the stamps that you were in Thailand. It will take 3 weeks to process. For more information, visit the Thailand Reciprocity website
