Australian Immigration Police Check: Requirements and Process

Sometimes it can be a bit confusing as to whether whether a partner visa sponsor needs to provide a police check, because the Department’s guidance is often confusing and contradictory.

Australian Federal Police check for visa

Things changed a few years ago, and the Department is now requesting police checks for most, if not all, sponsors.

In all cases, now the applicant and the sponsor a will need to provide a police clearance from every country in which they have lived for more than 12 months (cumulatively) within the past 10 years.

How do I get my Australian Police Check for Immigration?

Follow this link, fill in your details, select option 33 and pay the fee ($42 at time of writing). It will typically arrive in 2-3 weeks.

The Australian government requires certain individuals to undergo a police check as part of the immigration process. This is known as a “character check.” The purpose of the police check is to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record and whether they are of good character.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is responsible for conducting police checks for immigration purposes. If you are applying for a visa to live, work, or study in Australia, you may be required to undergo a police check.  This includes visas for permanent residency, temporary residency, and citizenship. This will provide you with a police clearance certificate for Australian immigration.

To complete a police check for immigration purposes, you will need to provide the AFP with a range of personal and identification documents. This includes proof of identity, such as a passport or driver’s license, and any other documents that may be required, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate. You will also need to provide the AFP with details of any countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.

There are certain circumstances in which you may be exempt from the police check requirement for immigration purposes. For example, if you are under 18 years of age, you are generally not required to complete a partner visa police check.

Overall, the police check requirement for immigration to Australia is an important part of the process for ensuring that those who are granted visas to live, work, or study in the country are of good character and do not pose a risk to the community. By providing the AFP with the necessary documents and information, you can help to ensure that your application for a visa to Australia is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Save Time


Save dozens of hours using our guides and templates

Save money


Save $9,910 on agent fees by doing the work yourself

Protect your investment


Be confident you are doing everything right

valuable insights

Into what the Government does (and does not) care about in making decisions

100% money-back guarantee

if you are unhappy for any reason (you won’t be)

NEED A HAND?

Get your Ultimate DIY Australian Partner Visa Guide, the most comprehensive guide available!

30 pages of step-by-step guidance for lodging your own partner visa application, crafted by industry experts.

We simplify and demystify confusing Government requirements! Our detailed guide includes the full range of templates, worksheets and checklists so you can be confident you are including the right things.

We show you the preferred form and structure of submissions to reduce the likelihood of follow-up requests and maximise your chances to get your partner visa granted faster.

Includes information to help you make important decisions including on work rights, Medicare and bridging visas.

Make life easy on yourself! Save time and money with our Ultimate Guide.

You might also like

Tourist Visa to Partner Visa Australia: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Visitor (Tourist) Visas intersect with Partner Visas in two ways: If you are...

Partner Visa Australia Cost: Things you Must Know

For a range of reasons, the Department of Home Affairs has determined that the...

Partner Visa Australia Processing Times & Tips to Expedite Your Application

If you’ve thought about lodging a partner visa application, the odds are good...

Partner Visa in Australia: Onshore vs. Offshore Application – What’s Best for You?

First, eligibility criteria for the partner visa Onshore (Subclass 820) and...
Scroll to Top