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.

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