Guide: Getting a Singapore Police Clearance from the Philippines

[gretcheng 0]

Hi, 

(Ignore my first post) 

 

I happen to jump on this post and saw that we have a similar case. I was requested to obtain SG police clearance as well during my interview for my K1 visa. I do have questions:

       1. Will the process be shortened if I have it be done by my friend who’s in Singapore?

      2. I know for myself that I did not violate anything in SG. Is there a chance that my K1 visa be denied upon submission of COC?

    3. Upon submission of COC, how long did you wait for your visa, if approved?

    4. Can I send all together documents with the required list, fingerprints and money order so that I won’t have to send another doc for the second time? 

 

I know I have a lot of questions. I do hope you could accomodate me. Thank you so much!

 

Gretch

[gretcheng 0]

Well looks like there’s no delete button for my comments. LOL. I was able to figure out the application of COC. So my questions are left with numbers 2-3 only on my previous comment. Ha! Ha!

[ratstar77 6]

2 hours ago, Gretchengomez said:

Well looks like there’s no delete button for my comments. LOL. I was able to figure out the application of COC. So my questions are left with numbers 2-3 only on my previous comment. Ha! Ha!

Hi Gretchen, it’s a good thing you figured out; here’s a link to the SPF website, for anyone else interested: https://eservices.police.gov.sg/content/policehubhome/homepage/certificate-of-clearance-hub.html

 

Not sure what stage you’re at but it seems they needed more papers after you went for your visa interview? 

If you have no police record in SG then there should be nothing to worry about. 

I needed the COC for my UK work visa, so I’m not sure how it works for K1. The UK visa website is quite clear about how long the visa process takes, even for appeals.

[gretcheng 0]

On 10/19/2017 at 12:42 AM, rainey0914 said:

Hi guys! I just want to share with you how to get your police clearance from Singapore even if you're in the Philippines. 

 

If you've lived in Singapore for more than six months, then yes you do need to obtain a police clearance, or rather, a COC (Certificate of Clearance)from them.

 

I'll be editing this as soon as I get an update.

 

BTW, I applied for this for my K1 (fiancee) visa.

 

Before proceeding, please also read the FAQs of the Singapore Police Force's website.

 

Here goes:

1. Apply for an Appeal by Non-Singapore citizens to Apply for Certificate of Clearance. Please click the link and read the requirements needed, and I'll be elaborating the answers to usual questions about it below. BTW, the appeal is different from the actual application for COC. SPF (Singapore Police Force) needs to go through your request / appeal first and they'll approve it. Reason being, SPF doesn't really give out COCs just because.

 Requirements:

• Your FIN (Foreign Identification Number) - Just the number will do. I don't have a copy of my previous S Pass and they won't require it, just make sure that you can still remember your FIN.
• Scanned documentary proof indicating that a COC is required and for what purpose - I used my NOA2 for this. It's not indicated there that you need the clearance, so what I did was attach the K1 checklist found in US Embassy Manila's website.
• Scanned biometric page of applicant’s valid passport - Very straightforward, just give them a copy of your passport's biometric page (where your photo is)
• Scanned Identification Document (ID), front and back - I don't have a work permit anymore, I used my SSS card for this. Create one scan for front and another for the back.
• Scanned or digital passport-sized photograph - 400x514 pixels. Looks like Singapore's passport photo. I used a US passport-sized photo, scanned it, and cropped it to the required size. It's not exact, but it's within the 400x514 range.
• Valid Credit/Debit Card (VISA/MASTERCARD) or i-Banking account for online payment - I still have my Singapore account and I used I-banking for this. No worries if you use a normal credit card, as long as it's VISA/Mastercard and you can answer your bank's online security check that will prompt. I've read that previously they needed a bank draft, thankfully they now accept these modes of payment.
• Original hardcopy fingerprint impressions (Optional) - Since we're not in Singapore, then we have to mail it to them. More on this later.

 

2. After applying for the appeal, wait for a few days for their email. I applied mine on a Friday and got their response on Tuesday that my appeal was approved, and that it was time to Apply for the Certificate of Clearance. You have all the details saved on your profile, so all you need to do is to pay them. Make sure that your browser allows popups.

 

3. After payment, go back to your Application Portal (the first page). You should now see your your reference number in red. Print the page (The option for printing it is somewhere there).

 

4. Wait for their confirmation email with the receipt. The email will prompt you : Kindly mail us your hardcopy fingerprints together with a copy of the Acknowledgment Slip printed from the Application Portal

 

5. Time to get your fingerprints! No need to look for Singapore's fingerprint card, Camp Crame will give you a copy.

This can be obtained in Camp Crame in Quezon City. Now, this was the part where all forums didn't even specify where and how to go or navigate from the gate. Read on!

• Bring a pen, wet wipes, and passport-sized photos with you. Each application needs 2 photos (1 for their copy and 1 for ours). I used my US visa photo so they just cut it to make it fit.
• Go to Camp Crame. I took a Grabcar all the way from the South, but if you're commuting, alight at Santolan-Annapolis MRT Station. There are also buses through EDSA, if you prefer to take the bus.
  • Go to Gate 2. This is at the right side of the area. If you're walking, go past the vehicle entrance and you'll see another entrance for walk-ins. If I remember correctly, it's almost in front of an LBC store.
  • Since I took a Grab, once in Gate 2, go straight then turn right. There will be a small intersection and you'll see the Crime Laboratory on the left side.
  • If you're walking: Once inside Camp Crame, follow the vehicles' path from the gate. You'll see Landbank and a coffee shop/restaurants. There's also a clean restroom here. Walk past it until the non-airconditioned eatery. Turn right on the narrow street. At the end, you'll see the PNP Ladies' (I forgot the building name, but it has "Ladies" on it.) Then go to the right. You will see the Firearms building, and then the Crime Lab building.
  • Go inside the building. Leave an ID at the front desk and tell the police your purpose. They'll accompany you to the door going to the back and will lead you to the Fingerprinting Department.
  • Once there, go up then left. Enter the door and the nice old lady will give you a payment slip. Fill it out then go to Landbank. (Directions on how to go by foot: go out of the building, walk to the right, cross the street where there's a grill restaurant, walk through the narrow street, turn left.)
  • Pay the PHP200 fee. If you're obtaining multiple cards for different purposes, the fee would be higher. Note that you need to bring your fan and a small towel with you (maybe some water too!) because the aircon here is totally not working properly especially when there are lots of people. I was there for 2 hours.
  • Go back to the Fingerprinting Department and they'll give you the cards for you to fill out. If there are people queueing for fingerprints, you'll be given a number and you'll be asked to accomplish the cards downstairs. They'll call you once it's your turn. You can wash your hands there after fingerprinting. You can make use of your wet wipes here to wipe off additional ink smudges.
  • Wait for a while and then they'll release the card to you. Go home!

 

6. Ship the fingerprints to Singapore. (I'll be doing this tomorrow, so I'll update this soon!)

 

 

 

Back

 

 

Hi, 

 

I happen to jump on this post and saw that we have a similar case. I was requested to obtain SG police clearance as well during my interview for my K1 visa. I do have questions:

     1. I know for myself that I did not violate anything in SG. Is there a chance that my K1 visa be denied upon submission of COC?

    2. Upon submission of COC, how long did you wait for your visa, if approved?

 

I know I have a lot of questions. I do hope you could accomodate me. Thank you so much!

 

Gretch

 

[ratstar77 6]

4 minutes ago, Gretchengomez said:

Hi, 

 

I happen to jump on this post and saw that we have a similar case. I was requested to obtain SG police clearance as well during my interview for my K1 visa. I do have questions:

     1. I know for myself that I did not violate anything in SG. Is there a chance that my K1 visa be denied upon submission of COC?

    2. Upon submission of COC, how long did you wait for your visa, if approved?

 

I know I have a lot of questions. I do hope you could accomodate me. Thank you so much!

 

Gretch

 

What’s the point of reposting. 

[ratstar77 6]

6 minutes ago, Gretchengomez said:

Hi, 

 

I happen to jump on this post and saw that we have a similar case. I was requested to obtain SG police clearance as well during my interview for my K1 visa. I do have questions:

     1. I know for myself that I did not violate anything in SG. Is there a chance that my K1 visa be denied upon submission of COC?

    2. Upon submission of COC, how long did you wait for your visa, if approved?

 

I know I have a lot of questions. I do hope you could accomodate me. Thank you so much!

 

Gretch

 

When u post on this thread then all participants can see and respond accordingly, if they have time or are online. There’s no need to bombard this thread with so many reposts. Just wait for others to answer. 

[rainey0914 8]

3 hours ago, gretcheng said:

Hi, 

 

I happen to jump on this post and saw that we have a similar case. I was requested to obtain SG police clearance as well during my interview for my K1 visa. I do have questions:

     1. I know for myself that I did not violate anything in SG. Is there a chance that my K1 visa be denied upon submission of COC?

    2. Upon submission of COC, how long did you wait for your visa, if approved?

 

I know I have a lot of questions. I do hope you could accomodate me. Thank you so much!

 

Gretch

 

Hey Gretch,

 

1. A COC is needed for your K1 visa if you stayed in Singapore for 6 months or more --- it's in the list of needed documents for the K1 visa. They won't release the visa until you present the COC to them, they need proof that you really did not violate anything during your stay there.

2. Visa release would depend on the completeness of your documents. If they ask for additional documents / additional proof and you are unable to provide it to them, your visa will be on hold until you send it to them. This may take a few weeks to months.

 

As for my case, everything went well during the interview and we weren't asked for additional proof. We had our interview Dec. 1, 2017 and claimed my K1 visa Dec. 12. Flew to San Francisco Dec. 14.

 

Goodluck!

[marianwalley 0]

good day! 

 

i just want to ask for some advise.i have been to Singapore sept.1990 to dec 1992. And during my interview in US Embassy i was told by the officer to have  my police my clearance( certificate of clearance) form Singapore, but it require a FIN ( foreign identification number )  to have an access   to their ( Singapore Police Force ) website. My concern is, is it still necessary for me to acquire a Police Clearance ( Certificate of Clearance ) though it was already 26 years ago since my stay in Singapore?.Thank you and hoping for your reply.

[Rubelyn adorador 0]

hi good morning i'm working to singapore for 2 years and i need police clearance for singapore i don't know how to get I forgot  my FIN  i'm using for k1 visa we approved by  USICS and i need the documents for my k1 visa I don't know  what to do. I hoping  that you can help me  thank  you and bless.  I'm waiting for response thank you. 

[yelitachi 0]

Hi po regarding sa COC ng Singapore. I overlook yung place of birth. Then nagproceed naman kaso nakita ko na lang nung nasa acknowledgement part na. Nakabayad na din. Naghihintay na lang ng confirmation email. Tingin nyo po maaapprove pa din yun? dun kasi sa appeal ok naman lahat ng info.  Sana po may sumagot kasi kinakabahan ako. Salamat po.

 

 

Edited December 25, 2018 by yelitachi

[Ljay 0]

Hi... for the scanned copy of identification, you said you used your sss card because you no longer have your work permit. Can the passport be used again for this?

[Ljay 0]

On 10/18/2017 at 9:42 AM, rainey0914 said:

Hi guys! I just want to share with you how to get your police clearance from Singapore even if you're in the Philippines. 

 

If you've lived in Singapore for more than six months, then yes you do need to obtain a police clearance, or rather, a COC (Certificate of Clearance)from them.

 

I'll be editing this as soon as I get an update.

 

BTW, I applied for this for my K1 (fiancee) visa.

 

Before proceeding, please also read the FAQs of the Singapore Police Force's website.

 

Here goes:

1. Apply for an Appeal by Non-Singapore citizens to Apply for Certificate of Clearance. Please click the link and read the requirements needed, and I'll be elaborating the answers to usual questions about it below. BTW, the appeal is different from the actual application for COC. SPF (Singapore Police Force) needs to go through your request / appeal first and they'll approve it. Reason being, SPF doesn't really give out COCs just because.

 Requirements:

• Your FIN (Foreign Identification Number) - Just the number will do. I don't have a copy of my previous S Pass and they won't require it, just make sure that you can still remember your FIN.
• Scanned documentary proof indicating that a COC is required and for what purpose - I used my NOA2 for this. It's not indicated there that you need the clearance, so what I did was attach the K1 checklist found in US Embassy Manila's website.
• Scanned biometric page of applicant’s valid passport - Very straightforward, just give them a copy of your passport's biometric page (where your photo is)
• Scanned Identification Document (ID), front and back - I don't have a work permit anymore, I used my SSS card for this. Create one scan for front and another for the back.
• Scanned or digital passport-sized photograph - 400x514 pixels. Looks like Singapore's passport photo. I used a US passport-sized photo, scanned it, and cropped it to the required size. It's not exact, but it's within the 400x514 range.
• Valid Credit/Debit Card (VISA/MASTERCARD) or i-Banking account for online payment - I still have my Singapore account and I used I-banking for this. No worries if you use a normal credit card, as long as it's VISA/Mastercard and you can answer your bank's online security check that will prompt. I've read that previously they needed a bank draft, thankfully they now accept these modes of payment.
• Original hardcopy fingerprint impressions (Optional) - Since we're not in Singapore, then we have to mail it to them. More on this later.

 

2. After applying for the appeal, wait for a few days for their email. I applied mine on a Friday and got their response on Tuesday that my appeal was approved, and that it was time to Apply for the Certificate of Clearance. You have all the details saved on your profile, so all you need to do is to pay them. Make sure that your browser allows popups.

 

3. After payment, go back to your Application Portal (the first page). You should now see your your reference number in red. Print the page (The option for printing it is somewhere there).

 

4. Wait for their confirmation email with the receipt. The email will prompt you : Kindly mail us your hardcopy fingerprints together with a copy of the Acknowledgment Slip printed from the Application Portal

 

5. Time to get your fingerprints! No need to look for Singapore's fingerprint card, Camp Crame will give you a copy.

This can be obtained in Camp Crame in Quezon City. Now, this was the part where all forums didn't even specify where and how to go or navigate from the gate. Read on!

• Bring a pen, wet wipes, and passport-sized photos with you. Each application needs 2 photos (1 for their copy and 1 for ours). I used my US visa photo so they just cut it to make it fit.
• Go to Camp Crame. I took a Grabcar all the way from the South, but if you're commuting, alight at Santolan-Annapolis MRT Station. There are also buses through EDSA, if you prefer to take the bus.
  • Go to Gate 2. This is at the right side of the area. If you're walking, go past the vehicle entrance and you'll see another entrance for walk-ins. If I remember correctly, it's almost in front of an LBC store.
  • Since I took a Grab, once in Gate 2, go straight then turn right. There will be a small intersection and you'll see the Crime Laboratory on the left side.
  • If you're walking: Once inside Camp Crame, follow the vehicles' path from the gate. You'll see Landbank and a coffee shop/restaurants. There's also a clean restroom here. Walk past it until the non-airconditioned eatery. Turn right on the narrow street. At the end, you'll see the PNP Ladies' (I forgot the building name, but it has "Ladies" on it.) Then go to the right. You will see the Firearms building, and then the Crime Lab building.
  • Go inside the building. Leave an ID at the front desk and tell the police your purpose. They'll accompany you to the door going to the back and will lead you to the Fingerprinting Department.
  • Once there, go up then left. Enter the door and the nice old lady will give you a payment slip. Fill it out then go to Landbank. (Directions on how to go by foot: go out of the building, walk to the right, cross the street where there's a grill restaurant, walk through the narrow street, turn left.)
  • Pay the PHP200 fee. If you're obtaining multiple cards for different purposes, the fee would be higher. Note that you need to bring your fan and a small towel with you (maybe some water too!) because the aircon here is totally not working properly especially when there are lots of people. I was there for 2 hours.
  • Go back to the Fingerprinting Department and they'll give you the cards for you to fill out. If there are people queueing for fingerprints, you'll be given a number and you'll be asked to accomplish the cards downstairs. They'll call you once it's your turn. You can wash your hands there after fingerprinting. You can make use of your wet wipes here to wipe off additional ink smudges.
  • Wait for a while and then they'll release the card to you. Go home!

 

6. Ship the fingerprints to Singapore. (I'll be doing this tomorrow, so I'll update this soon!)

 

 

 

Back

 

 

Hi... for the scanned copy of identification document, you said you used your sss card because you no longer have your work permit. Can the passport be used again for this?

[Ljay 0]

Can you go to Singapore and pick up the COC directly?

[sure 1]

On 1/9/2019 at 9:52 AM, Ljay said:

Can you go to Singapore and pick up the COC directly?

yes. that's what i'll be doing

[sure 1]

Hi everyone!

 

Just wanted to add to this thread. I needed to get a COC too and dreaded making the trip to Camp Crame. So I called the Makati Central Police Station and they will help you with your fingerprinting. Just look for Mang Domeng. It's also for free  But i gave him a tip since i was prepared to pay anyway. He's super nice and efficient. 

 

I didn't have to wait at all to get my fingerprints done since there wasn't a line and they don't really have a process to getting it done. Just walk up to him and ask him if he can help you with the fingerprinting. Easy!