NBI Clearance HIT: What It Means & What to Do Next
If your Nbi clearance application shows “WITH HIT,” it means your information needs additional verification before the certificate can be released.
A HIT can happen when your name matches, or is similar to, a name in the records being checked. It does not automatically mean that you have a criminal record or that the record belongs to you. The additional verification helps confirm the correct identity and determine what happens next.
What Does HIT Mean in NBI Clearance?
An NBI HIT means your application needs some extra checking before the clearance can be released.
During the application process, your details are checked against the agency’s records. If the system finds a possible match, your application may show “WITH HIT” instead of being released right away.
A HIT can be related to:
- A matching or similar name
- A possible namesake
- A record that requires further checking
- Information that needs to be confirmed with your identity
A HIT does not automatically mean that the record belongs to you. It simply means that additional verification is required.
What Is an NBI Name Hit?
A name hit means your name has produced a possible match in the records being checked. This can happen when another person has the same or a similar name.
The match does not automatically mean that the record belongs to you. The agency may carry out additional checks to confirm whether the record is connected to your identity.
Does an NBI HIT Mean You Have a Criminal Record?
No. A HIT by itself does not prove that you have a criminal record.
A HIT simply means that more verification is required before your clearance can be released. This is especially common when another person has the same or a similar name.
The additional checking helps determine whether the record belongs to you or to someone else with a similar name.
Why Did My NBI Clearance Get a HIT?
A HIT does not have just one possible reason. It means your application needs additional checking before the clearance can be released.
Some common situations include:
Similar or Matching Name
Your name may be the same as, or similar to, another name in the records being checked.
Possible Namesake
A namesake is another person who shares your name. When this happens, the agency may need to check additional details to make sure the record belongs to the correct person.
Record Requiring Verification
The available information may need to be checked against your identity before the application can move forward.
In its April 2026 public statement, the agency described a HIT as a possible criminal record or namesake that requires further verification.
What Happens After an NBI Clearance HIT?
A HIT does not mean that your application has been rejected.
The next step depends on what the verification process finds. Under the current Citizen’s Charter, applications marked “No Hit” can proceed to printing. Applicants marked “WITH Hit” are asked to return on the scheduled release date.
Cases marked “WITH Hit” or “For Quality Control” may be sent to the Quality Control Section for an interview and further verification.
NBI HIT Verification
The purpose of verification is to check whether the possible match actually belongs to you.
Depending on the case, the agency may review your information or ask for additional documents before releasing the clearance.
When Does Quality Control Apply?
Quality Control is not exactly the same as a HIT.
The Citizen’s Charter lists “WITH Hit” and “For Quality Control” as separate statuses. Cases marked for Quality Control go through an interview and verification at the Quality Control Section.
So, seeing a HIT does not automatically mean that you will go through the same procedure as every other applicant.
How Long Does an NBI HIT Take?
There is no fixed processing time for every HIT case. The time can vary depending on the verification required and whether your application is sent for Quality Control.
The current Citizen’s Charter says that an applicant with a HIT should return on the scheduled date for release. For a Quality Control interview, the listed processing time is at least 15 minutes for that specific step.
This does not mean that every HIT is resolved within 15 minutes. The total time depends on your individual case and the checks required.
If you receive a scheduled return date, follow the instructions given by your clearance center.
What Should You Do If Your NBI Clearance Has a HIT?
If your application shows WITH HIT, follow the instructions given for your application instead of starting a new one.
Follow the Instructions
Check the instructions from your clearance center and return on the date provided, if applicable.
Keep Your Reference Number
Keep your Reference Number safe throughout the process. It can help identify your transaction when checking or discussing your application.
Bring Any Requested Documents
If you are asked to provide additional identification or supporting documents, bring the specific documents listed in the instructions.
Not every HIT case requires the same documents.
Attend the Required Verification
If your case is referred for an interview or Quality Control verification, follow the instructions provided by the office.
Avoid Unofficial Agents or Payments
Do not pay anyone who claims they can remove a HIT or guarantee immediate release.
In an April 2026 press statement, the agency reported a case involving an applicant who offered money for the immediate release of a clearance with a HIT. The agency later conducted an operation and arrested the individual.
NBI HIT Requirements
There is no single list of extra documents that applies to every HIT case.
Follow the instructions given for your application. Depending on the situation, you may be asked for:
- A valid government-issued ID
- Your Reference Number
- Applicant information
- Supporting documents requested during verification
- Additional records, if specifically required
In one 2026 case, the agency reported that an applicant was advised to obtain a court clearance and a certificate confirming that he was not the person involved in the case. This was a specific verification requirement for that case, not a standard document required from every HIT applicant.
For the standard documents required for an application, see our NBI Clearance Requirements guide.
What If the NBI Record Is Not Mine?
If the possible match belongs to someone else, explain this to the officer handling your case. The verification process is used to check whether the record actually belongs to you.
Tell the Officer
Clearly explain that you believe the record is not yours.
Complete the Identity Verification
Provide the information requested so the agency can compare your identity with the person linked to the record.
Provide Supporting Documents if Requested
If additional documents are requested to confirm your identity or distinguish you from a namesake, provide the documents listed in the instructions.
Follow the Release Instructions
Once the verification is complete, follow the instructions provided for the release of your clearance.
Can an NBI HIT Be Cleared?
A possible match can be resolved through the NBI’s verification process when the record does not belong to the applicant.
However, it is better not to describe every HIT as something that is automatically “removed.” The outcome depends on the verification of the specific record and the applicant’s identity.
If the matching record belongs to another person, follow the instructions provided to complete the verification and receive your clearance.
Does an NBI HIT Cost Extra?
A HIT does not automatically mean you have to pay an extra “HIT fee.”
Your regular clearance payment and any applicable payment charges are separate from the verification process.
For current fees and payment methods, see our NBI Clearance Fee & Payment Guide.
Can I Still Get My NBI Clearance After a HIT?
Yes. A HIT does not automatically mean that you cannot receive your clearance.
The current Citizen’s Charter shows that applications marked “WITH Hit” follow a scheduled release process, while cases marked “For Quality Control” may require an interview and further verification.
What happens next depends on the result of the verification for your application.
If you are asked to return to a clearance center, follow the date and instructions provided by the office.
For help with scheduling or managing your visit, see our Appointment Guide.
NBI HIT vs No HIT
| Status | No HIT | With HIT |
| Record check | No matching issue requiring additional review | A possible matching record is identified |
| Additional verification | Usually not required | May be required |
| Processing | Continues through the normal process | May require additional checking |
| Release | Proceeds to the applicable release or printing stage | Follow the scheduled release instructions |
| Quality Control | Not automatically indicated | May apply if the case is marked for Quality Control |
The current Citizen’s Charter distinguishes between “No Hit,” “WITH Hit,” and “WITH Hit / For Quality Control.” These statuses indicate different stages of checking and processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Note About NBI HIT
An NBI HIT is a verification status, not a conclusion about your identity or criminal record.
If your application shows WITH HIT, follow the instructions from the clearance center, attend any required verification, and provide the documents specifically requested for your case.
For the rest of the application process, see the relevant guides:
- NBI Clearance Application — online application process
- NBI Clearance Requirements — standard documents and valid IDs
- NBI Appointment — appointment and branch information
- NBI Clearance Fee — current fee and payment information
