What “HIT” means
The current NBI how-to page explains that a HIT can occur when your name is similar or identical to a person who has a pending case or record. NBI then needs panel reviewers to manually verify whether the record belongs to you.
How long does a HIT take?
The current NBI how-to page says applicants are usually asked to return after a specified period, commonly 5 to 10 working days. Treat the exact date printed or given by your branch as the controlling instruction.
What about Quality Control?
The First-Time Job Seeker Citizen’s Charter explicitly describes a “For Quality Control” path where applicants with HIT may proceed to the Quality Control Section for interview and verification. If the branch directs you to Quality Control, follow that instruction rather than trying to solve the HIT through a third party.
Why a namesake can trigger an NBI HIT
The NBI is checking identity against records, and names are not unique identifiers. People can share the same first name, middle name and surname, or have very similar personal details. A HIT gives the NBI time to confirm whether the matched record belongs to you.
This is why a HIT should be treated as a verification status rather than a legal conclusion. Do not tell an employer or family member that the system “found you guilty” simply because the clearance is under HIT review.
What to do after the branch tells you to return
- Keep the slip, transaction details or instructions given by the branch.
- Return on the date stated by NBI staff.
- If the branch requests a court clearance or another document because of a specific matched record, obtain the exact document they requested.
- If directed to Quality Control, follow that interview/verification path.
The correct response depends on what the NBI reviewer found. A generic online article cannot replace branch-specific instructions after a real record match.
NBI HIT FAQs
Does HIT mean I have a criminal record?
No. It means a possible match requires further verification. A namesake or similar identity can trigger the review.
How long does a HIT take?
The current NBI how-to page says the usual return period is around 5–10 working days, but the branch’s exact return date is what you should follow.
Do I pay again after a HIT?
The current NBI how-to guidance says the applicant returns to claim the clearance after review without paying extra for the HIT review itself.
What is Quality Control?
The NBI FTJS Citizen’s Charter describes a Quality Control Section interview/verification path for certain HIT cases.