Guide: Getting a Singapore Police Clearance from the Philippines

[bing bing 0]

5 minutes ago, ratstar77 said:

Ok hopefully it will work out. 

If you can go to Singapore, you will need to stay a few days as SPF needs to verify what your FIN was. In other threads they mention having to bring proof that they tried everything but were unable to find their FIN. 

If ever there's no other choice but to go directly in Sg.  I am thinking if it would be easy for the immigration to approve me to go Sg. Do I need to have sponsor first from Sg or address to stay there? Or if I will just bring all the documents with me the proof that the reason I will go Sg if to get the COC? Since the US embassy requires me to obtain the COC from Sg.

[ratstar77 6]

24 minutes ago, bing bing said:

If ever there's no other choice but to go directly in Sg.  I am thinking if it would be easy for the immigration to approve me to go Sg. Do I need to have sponsor first from Sg or address to stay there? Or if I will just bring all the documents with me the proof that the reason I will go Sg if to get the COC? Since the US embassy requires me to obtain the COC from Sg.

For immigration to let you enter Singapore, you will need the following:

- valid passport (siempre 😅) 

- return ticket 

- address at Singapore 

- proof of funds showing you have enough to support your stay there, like a bank statement 

- or proof of employment in the Philippines to show you’re going back 

- or proof you own a business, to show that you can support yourself and you’re going back; include tax returns and other documents related to your business 

- if you have a relative or friend sponsoring you, get a letter of invitation from that person plus proof that they’re employed or have funds to support you 

- proof of purpose of visit - so since you’re going to SPF, show your application forms etc. 

 

We are visa free for 30 days, and we shouldn’t even have to show all these, but some immigration officers are strict. 

 

Just mention you used to work there, and need to sort out your COC in person, because you need it for your immigration to the US. (They will normally ask purpose of visit so be ready with a straightforward answer.) 

Edited May 17, 2019 by ratstar77
Typos.

[bing bing 0]

1 hour ago, ratstar77 said:

For immigration to let you enter Singapore, you will need the following:

- valid passport (siempre 😅) 

- return ticket 

- address at Singapore 

- proof of funds showing you have enough to support your stay there, like a bank statement 

- or proof of employment in the Philippines to show you’re going back 

- or proof you own a business, to show that you can support yourself and you’re going back; include tax returns and other documents related to your business 

- if you have a relative or friend sponsoring you, get a letter of invitation from that person plus proof that they’re employed or have funds to support you 

- proof of purpose of visit - so since you’re going to SPF, show your application forms etc. 

 

We are visa free for 30 days, and we shouldn’t even have to show all these, but some immigration officers are strict. 

 

Just mention you used to work there, and need to sort out your COC in person, because you need it for your immigration to the US. (They will normally ask purpose of visit so be ready with a straightforward answer.) 

Thank you for the information. I still need to figure out and hoping there still ways to retrieve my FIN without going to Sg. I dont have the address to stayin SG too. 

[seidj19 0]

On 5/13/2019 at 4:59 AM, seidj19 said:

I have the same predicament. Just got a letter from NVC last week that I'm scheduled for interview on June 7th.

I have all the required documents except for the COC (Certificate of Clearance) from Singapore.

I need to submit this as I lived and worked there from 2007 to 2013 and I was a Singapore PR.

 

I already submitted the appeal online via the link below.

https://eservices.police.gov.sg/content/policehubhome/homepage/certificate-of-clearance-hub.html

 

Just waiting on a response. Hopefully, I'll get the response this week.

You need your NRIC/FIN# before you can apply. Luckily, I still remember the remember and have scanned copies of my IC.

 

Will update this post once I get to apply online.

Judging from the previous posts, looks like it will take a while to get them as they sent thru snail mail. 

Hopefully I can get someone from SG to just pick it up for me and have it sent by courier.

Here's an update on my Singapore COC application so far:

 

• 5/12/2019 - Sent appeal online to apply for COC.
• 5/14/2019 - Appeal was approved
• 5/15/2019 - Applied for COC online. I chose to have a proxy pick it up as mailing it to me would take longer. Got email that I need to send hard copy of my fingerprints to the COC office.
• 5/17/2019 - Went to Sta. Rosa Police station (I'm from Laguna) to get my fingerprints. Talked to the Desk Sergeant and explained why I need to be fingerprinted. He then directed me to the Custodial officer's office which is next to the Jail! Went to the said office, explained to the officer on duty why I need to be fingerprinted. At first he was reluctant as he said that they only fingerprint those who are going to jail. So, I politely (and jokingly) asked "Sir, do I need to commit a crime first to be fingerprinted by a police officer?" I again re-iterated, that I need the fingerprints to obtain a Singapore police clearance and that this is also a requirement to process my US Visa, and his assistance would be greatly appreciated. He then agreed to assist me. Had me go back to the main station as it's much better for me to wait there as their office is quite small and right next to the jail cells. After about an hour wait, one of the officers fetched me and asked me to go back to the custodial office. Got my fingerprints taken. I used the form that was provided on the COC site. Thanked to officer who helped me and off I went. Sent the copy of my fingerprint impressions together with the Acknowledgement page of my application and receipt to the COC office via DHL. I was told that it should arrive by Tuesday next week (5/21).

[ratstar77 6]

48 minutes ago, seidj19 said:

Here's an update on my Singapore COC application so far:

 

• 5/12/2019 - Sent appeal online to apply for COC.
• 5/14/2019 - Appeal was approved
• 5/15/2019 - Applied for COC online. I chose to have a proxy pick it up as mailing it to me would take longer. Got email that I need to send hard copy of my fingerprints to the COC office.
• 5/17/2019 - Went to Sta. Rosa Police station (I'm from Laguna) to get my fingerprints. Talked to the Desk Sergeant and explained why I need to be fingerprinted. He then directed me to the Custodial officer's office which is next to the Jail! Went to the said office, explained to the officer on duty why I need to be fingerprinted. At first he was reluctant as he said that they only fingerprint those who are going to jail. So, I politely (and jokingly) asked "Sir, do I need to commit a crime first to be fingerprinted by a police officer?" I again re-iterated, that I need the fingerprints to obtain a Singapore police clearance and that this is also a requirement to process my US Visa, and his assistance would be greatly appreciated. He then agreed to assist me. Had me go back to the main station as it's much better for me to wait there as their office is quite small and right next to the jail cells. After about an hour wait, one of the officers fetched me and asked me to go back to the custodial office. Got my fingerprints taken. I used the form that was provided on the COC site. Thanked to officer who helped me and off I went. Sent the copy of my fingerprint impressions together with the Acknowledgement page of my application and receipt to the COC office via DHL. I was told that it should arrive by Tuesday next week (5/21).

Wow Tuesday 🙂 but I guess a period of 1-2 business days is the norm. 

 

I am glad your local police station was agreeable. I have a friend in another country (Pakistan) and every precinct he went to, refused to take his fingerprints. In the end my friend had to go to Singapore. 

 

At the Malate police station where I had my prints taken, the cops were puzzled because indeed only criminals are printed. They had just done a bunch of tambays (this was around the time Manila police were told to crack down on these folks). 

 

I showed them the email from SPF (which I printed out) plus the fingerprint form and they complied. Even refused any “pang-merienda” as a token of thanks. Our public servants are really showing integrity and helpfulness 🙂

 

thank you for the updates. Hopefully everything gets done in a timely manner.  

[bing bing 0]

Hi. I was asking my mom to scan my old passport and send to my email. And I got it today. I was reviewing all the stamp and found out that there is letter and numbers that looks like a FIN. It started with first letter followed by 7digits numbers and it ends with letter. I was thinking that iit is maybe my FIN

[ratstar77 6]

2 hours ago, bing bing said:

Hi. I was asking my mom to scan my old passport and send to my email. And I got it today. I was reviewing all the stamp and found out that there is letter and numbers that looks like a FIN. It started with first letter followed by 7digits numbers and it ends with letter. I was thinking that iit is maybe my FIN

Sounds likely, try it on the website that checks the FIN 🙂 

[bing bing 0]

On 1/6/2018 at 9:07 AM, Arnesh28 said:

Gosh i really dont have any idea where those now..that was long time ago already..since 2005 to 2009.this is sucks..anyway thanks ☺

hi. I have same situation. Have you already obtain your COC?

[bing bing 0]

On 5/17/2019 at 8:38 AM, ratstar77 said:

For immigration to let you enter Singapore, you will need the following:

- valid passport (siempre 😅) 

- return ticket 

- address at Singapore 

- proof of funds showing you have enough to support your stay there, like a bank statement 

- or proof of employment in the Philippines to show you’re going back 

- or proof you own a business, to show that you can support yourself and you’re going back; include tax returns and other documents related to your business 

- if you have a relative or friend sponsoring you, get a letter of invitation from that person plus proof that they’re employed or have funds to support you 

- proof of purpose of visit - so since you’re going to SPF, show your application forms etc. 

 

We are visa free for 30 days, and we shouldn’t even have to show all these, but some immigration officers are strict. 

 

Just mention you used to work there, and need to sort out your COC in person, because you need it for your immigration to the US. (They will normally ask purpose of visit so be ready with a straightforward answer.) 

 

59 minutes ago, ratstar77 said:

Sounds likely, try it on the website that checks the FIN 🙂 

Thanks for your reply. Is this the website the one you sent to me https://wponline.mom.gov.sg/WPOLLoginController?action=WPOLLoginAction&actionType=WPOLNonLogin where I can check the FIN?

[seidj19 0]

On 5/17/2019 at 7:23 PM, ratstar77 said:

Wow Tuesday 🙂 but I guess a period of 1-2 business days is the norm. 

 

I am glad your local police station was agreeable. I have a friend in another country (Pakistan) and every precinct he went to, refused to take his fingerprints. In the end my friend had to go to Singapore. 

 

At the Malate police station where I had my prints taken, the cops were puzzled because indeed only criminals are printed. They had just done a bunch of tambays (this was around the time Manila police were told to crack down on these folks). 

 

I showed them the email from SPF (which I printed out) plus the fingerprint form and they complied. Even refused any “pang-merienda” as a token of thanks. Our public servants are really showing integrity and helpfulness 🙂

 

thank you for the updates. Hopefully everything gets done in a timely manner.  

Hi ratstar77, just wanted to check with you. When you had your prints taken at the Malate police station, did the police officer who took your prints just sign at the bottom where it says "Signature of official taking prints" (assuming that you used the form provided at the COC website)? I only had mine signed by the Patrolman who took the prints. I'm just getting paranoid I guess and thinking that maybe the Singapore COC would look for an official seal or something. Although it didn't mention anywhere in their site that it should be stamped with an official seal.

[ratstar77 6]

4 hours ago, seidj19 said:

Hi ratstar77, just wanted to check with you. When you had your prints taken at the Malate police station, did the police officer who took your prints just sign at the bottom where it says "Signature of official taking prints" (assuming that you used the form provided at the COC website)? I only had mine signed by the Patrolman who took the prints. I'm just getting paranoid I guess and thinking that maybe the Singapore COC would look for an official seal or something. Although it didn't mention anywhere in their site that it should be stamped with an official seal.

Hi, yes the police officer just signed it and I also asked him to put his designation to be sure. It was a bit illegible so I was worried too. But it did get accepted so don’t worry 🙂

[bing bing 0]

On 5/20/2019 at 2:27 PM, ratstar77 said:

Sounds likely, try it on the website that checks the FIN 🙂 

I've tried the FIN that I found on the  stamp in my old passport but it shows no result. I remembered on my 3rd employer I exit Sg to JB Malaysia while my agency was looking for my new employer . I would like to clarify if I change an employer my FIN will also change? And if I exit Sg while waiting for my agency to find another employer would it be the same FIN when I get a new employer? Thank you

[ratstar77 6]

8 hours ago, bing bing said:

I've tried the FIN that I found on the  stamp in my old passport but it shows no result. I remembered on my 3rd employer I exit Sg to JB Malaysia while my agency was looking for my new employer . I would like to clarify if I change an employer my FIN will also change? And if I exit Sg while waiting for my agency to find another employer would it be the same FIN when I get a new employer? Thank you

Hi Bing. To my understanding, the FIN does not change if only a short amount of time had passed between jobs or between visit passes. It’s best to ask MOM/ICA but I base it on my friend’s experience. He had a new FIN when he got a new job at SG after about 10 years. Later he had the same FIN when his old pass was cancelled and he applied and got a new one (within the same year). 

 

Why not not try this FIN on the appeal for COC (if all else failed). Then upload a copy of the page of your passport showing the FIN.

 

May bayad ang appeal for COC but it’s still cheaper than going to Singapore. 

 

I suggest calling the SPF for further details 😅 ok naman sila kausap. 

 

On a side note, for overseas phone calls I use my Skype account. Cheaper than using one’s cellphone... 

 

 

[bing bing 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. If I may ask. Can I apply an appeal for the COC on Saturday?

[ratstar77 6]

48 minutes ago, bing bing said:

Hi. If I may ask. Can I apply an appeal for the COC on Saturday?

Yes you can apply it online anytime. They might not respond right away though. It will take a few working days before they respond.