Police Clearance Explainer

⚡ At a Glance: Police Clearance Rules

Who needs it: All applicants aged 16 or over.

Validity: Usually 12 months from issue date.

Australia: Apply to the Australian Federal Police |AFP – Code 33.

Overseas: Must provide clearances from every country lived in for 12+ months since turning 16.

Applies to: All major visas ( Skilled, Partner, Employer, Student, Family).

💡 Introduction

A police clearance certificate is one of the most important documents in an Australian visa application. It shows that you and your family members meet the character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs |DHA.

Without the correct police clearance, your visa application can be delayed or refused.

📜 What Is a Police Clearance?

A police clearance certificate confirms whether you have any criminal history. It is a mandatory part of the character test under Australian migration law.

Both the primary applicant and any family members included in the visa must provide police clearances.

A police clearance certificate is a crucial document in an Australian visa application. It verifies that you and your family members meet the character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs |DHA. Without the correct police clearance, your visa application can be delayed or even refused.

This certificate confirms whether you have any criminal history and is a mandatory part of the character test under Australian migration law. Both the primary applicant and any family members included in the visa must provide police clearances.

🌟 Why It Matters

Providing the correct police clearances proves you meet Australia’s character test.

Without them, DHA cannot finalise your visa application. Incomplete or incorrect certificates can lead to requests for further information (RFIs), delays, or outright refusal.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Police Clearance

Australia (AFP)

Apply online or via form., Select Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship., Provide ID documents and payment.

Overseas

Contact the national police authority of the country. , Follow their process | fingerprints, forms, fees. , Ensure certificate is in English or translated.

Submit to DHA

Upload scanned certificates through ImmiAccount., Ensure documents are valid at the time of decision.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using the wrong AFP code |e.g., Code 28 instead of Code 33).

Forgetting to provide overseas certificates for long-term stays.

Submitting expired police checks.

Not including all names/aliases |e.g., maiden names

Providing unofficial translations of foreign certificates.

Always check the AFP website and DHA instructions before applying.

Required Documents

AFP Police Clearance |Code 33.

Foreign police certificates for every country lived in ≥ 12 months since age 16.

Certified translations |if not in English

Statutory declarations |if unable to obtain a certificate from certain countries

❓ Police Clearance Frequently Ask Questions

How long is a police clearance valid?

👉 Generally valid for 12 months from issue date.

Do children need police clearance?

👉 Only if they are 16 or over at time of application.

What if I can’t get a police certificate from a certain country?

👉 Provide a statutory declaration explaining why, plus any supporting evidence.

Can I use the same police clearance for multiple visa applications?

👉 Yes, provided it is still valid at the time of decision.

Do I need a new clearance if I travel after it’s issued?

👉 Usually no, but if you live overseas again for 12+ months, a new certificate will be required.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.