What is a Police Check in Australia? A Complete Guide

A police check is an official document that outlines an individual’s criminal history, if any, based on records held by police agencies. It is commonly required for visa applications in Australia, ensuring applicants meet character requirements. But what is a police check process, and why is it so important? 

Understanding the police check process is important to avoid delays in your visa application. In this guide, we’ll focus on police checks required for Australian visa applications, including both Australian police checks, and overseas police checks for those who have lived abroad. 

What is a Police Check? 

A National Police Check (NPC) is issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or state-based police agencies. It contains details of an individual’s criminal history, as recorded by police agencies across Australia. 

For visa applications, police checks are used to assess an applicant’s character. Not providing a police check can delay or even result in visa refusal. 

Police Checks for Australian Visa Applications 

Police checks are mandatory for visa applicants who must meet Australia’s character requirements. While some visas do not require a police check (such as tourist visas), others, like permanent residency and work visas do. 

If an applicant has any criminal history or pending charges, the Department of Home Affairs will assess the seriousness of the offense before making a decision. 

If you’re applying for a 485 visa, it’s important to understand the police check requirements. We’ve covered everything you need to know here.

Which Police Check Do You Need? 

If you have lived in any country for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, you will need a police check from each of those countries. This includes an Australian Police Check if you have resided in Australia for at least 12 months and an Overseas Police Check for any other country where you have spent a similar duration. If your residency history includes both Australia and other countries, you may require both checks.  

For example, if you have lived in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Australia in the past 10 years, you will need a police check from each of these three countries. 

Australian Police Check Requirements 

For visa and immigration applications, the Department of Home Affairs requires an Australian police check, specifically a National Police Certificate (NPC) issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP). 

• It is valid for 12 months 
• Standard processing time: Applicants should wait at least 15 business days before inquiring about the status of their check. Name and fingerprint NPCs may take between 15 to 30 business days. 
• It cost $56 AUD for a standard NPC. Additional fees apply for fingerprint-based checks if required. 
• Applicants also have the option to request a hard copy of their certificate, which will be mailed to them. 

How to Apply for an Australian Police Check 

1. Apply online via the AFP website. 

2. Provide identification documents (must meet the 100-point ID check). 

100-Point Identification Check for AFP Police Checks 

To apply for an AFP National Police Check, applicants must provide identity documents totaling at least 100 points. 

• Primary Documents (70 points each, at least one required): Australian passport, foreign passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate.
• Secondary Documents (40 or 25 points each, used to make up 100 points): Driver’s licence, proof of age card, Medicare card, utility bill, bank statement, tax notice, or rental agreement.

3. At least one document must have a photo (e.g., passport or driver’s licence). 

4. Pay the required fee using a credit or debit card. 

5. Receive your police check via email or mail. 

Overseas Police Check: When and How to Get One 

If you have spent 12 months or more in another country within the past 10 years, you may need to obtain police checks from those countries. These checks are used to evaluate your character based on your time abroad. 

How to Apply for an Overseas Police Check 

The process varies by country but typically includes: 

• Country-Specific Requirements: Check the specific procedures for obtaining a police check in each country where you have resided. 
• Application Steps: This may require reaching out to local police departments, embassies, or consulates in the relevant countries. 
• Fees & Payment: Costs differ by country and are usually paid directly to the issuing authority or institution. 
• Apostilles: What They Are and Why You Might Need One 

The Australian government typically doesn’t require apostilles for police checks, but getting one adds extra assurance. An apostille certifies a document’s authenticity for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention. It can help prevent complications in visa or residency applications. 

Certified Copies of Documents for Immigration Purposes 

When submitting a police check to the Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa or citizenship applications, it must be provided as a certified copy. A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document that has been verified as a true and accurate representation of the original by an authorised individual. 

Who Can Certify a Copy? 

In Australia, the following professionals are authorised to certify copies of police checks: 

• Justices of the Peace (JP) 
• Legal Practitioners (e.g., solicitors and barristers) 
• Police Officers 
• Notaries Public 
• Medical Practitioners (doctors) 
• Pharmacists 
• Commissioners for Declarations 

 The certifier must be someone independent—meaning they can’t be related to you or living with you. 

Certification Requirements 

To ensure the copy is correctly certified, the certifier must: 

1. Compare the original and the copy to confirm they are identical. 
2. Sign and date each page of the copy. 
3. Write or stamp the following statement on each page:
   “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.” 
4. Include their full name, occupation, and contact details below the certification statement. 

If you are outside of Australia, the certification must be done by an equivalent authority, such as a Notary Public or an authorised official at an Australian embassy or consulate. 

Why Need a Professional Translation of Your Overseas Police Check? 

Australian authorities only accept documents in English. If your overseas police check is in another language, you must provide an official translation to ensure: 

• Accurate translation of the information.  
• Compliance with Australian immigration requirements. 
• Prevention of visa application delays or rejections. 

If you are based in Australia, translations must be done by a NAATI-certified translator. 

How to Get Your Overseas Police Check Translated 

1. Find a NAATI-certified translator – Work with a professional translation provider specialising in official documents. Sylaba Translations offers high-quality and certified translation by NAATI-translators including police checks and other documents. 
2. Submit a scanned copy of your police check – Ensure all details are clear and legible. 
3. Receive a certified translation – The document will be stamped, signed, and ready for submission. After the translation, you will receive an electronically signed translation in PDF format, including a digital stamp and NAATI certification. 

Final Tips for a Smooth Police Check Process 

• Apply early – Police checks can take time, so don’t wait until the last minute. 
• Ensure your details are correct – Mistakes can cause delays. 
• Check your application status – Use the AFP National Police Check tracking system if needed. 
• Translate overseas police checks – If your document is not in English, use a certified translation services in Australia that works with NAATI-certified translator to ensure acceptance by Australian authorities. 

Need an overseas police check translation? We offer fast and reliable translations by NAATI-certified translators, ensuring your documents meet Australian immigration requirements. 

By following the correct process, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure your visa application is processed smoothly. Order your police check translation here today.