Australian police clearance certificates required for visa applications, including AFP checks and national police checks for immigration purposes.
Overview
Most Australian visa applications require the applicant to provide a national police certificate. For Australian immigration purposes, the accepted format is typically an AFP (Australian Federal Police) criminal history check — not just an ACIC national check used for employment screening.
Which visas require a police check: Partner visas (309/100, 820/801), skilled worker visas (190, 491, 186, 189), permanent residency applications, employer-sponsored visas (482), and citizenship applications all require a police clearance. Parent and visitor visas may also require one depending on circumstances.
Overseas police clearances: In addition to an Australian police check, Home Affairs typically requires police clearances from every country the applicant has lived in for 12 months or more since turning 16. Refchecks can advise on which overseas clearances are needed and assist with the application process.
AFP vs ACIC: For visa purposes, Home Affairs accepts AFP criminal history certificates (not ACIC national checks). The AFP check covers Australian criminal history and is formatted to immigration standards.
Certificate validity: Most immigration police checks are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Apply as early as possible in your visa process to avoid expiry before visa grant.
What's Included
We confirm exactly which police checks your visa type requires — Australian AFP check, overseas clearances, or both — so nothing is missed in your application.
AFP criminal history certificates are the accepted format for Australian visa applications. We submit and manage the AFP application on your behalf.
We advise on overseas clearance requirements and help applicants understand what is needed from each country they have lived in for 12+ months since age 16.
The AFP application is completed and submitted digitally. Results are delivered electronically and stored securely for inclusion in your visa submission.
Process
Specify your visa subclass and Refchecks confirms which police checks Home Affairs requires for that visa type.
Refchecks submits the AFP criminal history application (and advises on any overseas clearance requirements) on your behalf.
You receive the official AFP criminal history certificate formatted to immigration standards, ready to include in your Home Affairs visa application.
Turnaround & Pricing
Turnaround Time
2-3 business days
Visa Police Check
From $42
AFP fee applies
FAQ
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