Whether you’re applying for an Australian visa, going through a character assessment, or responding to a Department of Home Affairs request, chances are you’ll need an AFP National Police Check application form. This certificate is one of the most commonly requested documents in Australian migration matters, and getting it right the first time can save you days of unnecessary delays.
At HECT Migration & Appeal Experts, we regularly assist clients who need police clearances as part of their visa applications, appeals, or responses to character-related concerns, including Section 501 cancellations and Notices of Intention to Consider Cancellation. We know how critical timing is, especially when you’re working against strict immigration deadlines.
This guide walks you through how to access and complete the AFP National Police Check form, what you’ll need to submit, how long it takes, and common mistakes to avoid so your application doesn’t get sent back. We’ve also included specific tips for applicants using the check for migration and visa purposes.
What the AFP National Police Check form is for
The AFP National Police Check is an official document issued by the Australian Federal Police that shows your disclosable court outcomes in Australia. It is not a character reference or a clearance letter. It is a factual record that lists any relevant criminal history held in police databases across Australian jurisdictions. Government agencies, employers, and migration decision-makers use it to assess whether you meet specific character or suitability requirements.
What the certificate actually shows
When you submit an afp national police check application form and receive your certificate, it will list disclosable court outcomes, which may include convictions, findings of guilt, and in some cases pending charges. What appears on the certificate depends on the purpose code you select when applying, as different purposes trigger different disclosure rules under the Spent Convictions Act 1988.
The certificate reflects your national criminal history, not just records from the state or territory where you currently live.
Here is a quick summary of what the certificate can and cannot show:
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Convictions within disclosure thresholds | Spent convictions (in most cases) |
| Pending charges (purpose-dependent) | Juvenile records (in most cases) |
| Findings of guilt without conviction | Overseas criminal records |
Who typically requests it
Australian visa applicants are among the most common people who need this certificate. The Department of Home Affairs regularly requires it for skilled visas, partner visas, and student visas, especially when you have spent 12 months or more in Australia. Courts, tribunals, employers, and licencing bodies also request it routinely.
For migration matters specifically, you often need to submit the certificate alongside your visa application or as part of a character waiver, so accuracy and timing are critical.
Step 1. Confirm you need an AFP check
Before you download and complete the afp national police check application form, confirm that an AFP-issued certificate is what the requesting party actually needs. Some organisations accept state-based police checks, while others, including the Department of Home Affairs, specifically require the AFP version. Submitting the wrong certificate wastes time you may not have.
Always read the requesting body’s exact requirements before applying, as some visa conditions specify both the issuing authority and the acceptable age of the certificate.
Common situations that require an AFP check
If any of the following apply to you, an AFP National Police Check is most likely the right document. The list below covers the most frequent migration and employment scenarios where an AFP check is specifically required:
- Visa applications lodged with the Department of Home Affairs (skilled, partner, and student visas)
- Character assessments requested following a Section 501 or Section 116 notice
- Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) proceedings involving criminal history
- Employer-sponsored visa nominations where the sponsor requests a formal clearance
- Licencing applications in regulated industries such as healthcare, security, and finance
Check your request letter carefully. If it references "AFP" or "national police certificate," you are in the right place.
Step 2. Choose the right purpose and code
When you complete the afp national police check application form, one of the first decisions you make is selecting a purpose code. This code determines which disclosable court outcomes appear on your certificate, so selecting the wrong one can produce an incomplete or incorrect certificate that the requesting body will reject outright.
Check with the Department of Home Affairs or your migration agent about which purpose code applies to your specific visa type before you lodge.
Common purpose codes for migration applicants
For migration and visa-related purposes, the most commonly used code is Purpose Code I (Immigration and citizenship). The AFP online portal lists all available codes during the application process, so you can confirm the right selection before you submit.
Here is a quick reference for the most relevant codes:
| Purpose Code | Common Use |
|---|---|
| Code E | Employment and licensing |
| Code I | Immigration and citizenship |
| Code V | Volunteer work |
Select the code that exactly matches what the requesting body specified in its letter or notice. If your request references immigration or a visa matter, Code I is the correct choice in almost every case.
Step 3. Prepare your ID and supporting details
Before you submit your afp national police check application form, gathering the right identity documents is essential. The AFP requires you to provide 100 points of ID, which must include at least one primary document. Missing or mismatched documents are the most common reason applications get delayed or returned.
Make sure all your ID documents show a consistent name, as any discrepancy will trigger a manual review and extend your processing time.
What documents count as primary ID
Your primary documents carry the highest point value and are mandatory in every application. A current Australian passport scores 70 points, and a foreign passport with a valid Australian visa also qualifies. You must include at least one of these to proceed.
Supporting documents to reach 100 points
To reach the 100-point threshold, combine your primary document with one or two supporting documents. The table below shows the most commonly accepted options and their point values:
| Document | Points |
|---|---|
| Australian passport | 70 |
| Foreign passport | 70 |
| Australian driver’s licence | 40 |
| Birth certificate | 30 |
| Medicare card | 25 |
For migration matters specifically, your passport and Australian visa evidence are usually the most straightforward combination to reach the required total without any complications.
Step 4. Lodge, pay, and track your check
Once your ID documents are ready and your purpose code is confirmed, submit your afp national police check application form through the AFP’s online portal at check.afp.gov.au. This is the fastest submission method and lets you track your application progress in real time.
Most online applications complete within 2 to 15 business days, with straightforward cases often returning faster.
How to submit online
The AFP portal guides you through registration, personal details, purpose code selection, ID upload, and payment in sequence. After you submit, the system generates a confirmation reference number you use to monitor your application status.
Follow these steps in order:
- Register at check.afp.gov.au
- Enter your personal details and select your purpose code
- Upload ID documents and pay the application fee by card
- Submit and save your reference number for tracking
Payment and what to expect
The standard fee is $42 per individual application, payable by credit or debit card through the portal. After processing, the AFP emails your certificate as a PDF, which you attach directly to your visa application or tribunal submission.
Your certificate is valid for 12 months in most contexts, but always confirm the acceptable age with the requesting body, as some migration matters require a certificate issued within the last three months.
What to do next if it affects your visa
Receiving your AFP National Police Check certificate is straightforward, but what you discover on that document can create serious problems for your visa. If your certificate shows convictions, pending charges, or findings of guilt, the Department of Home Affairs may raise character concerns or move towards cancellation. At that point, completing the afp national police check application form was only the first step.
Your next move matters significantly. A character issue on your record does not automatically end your visa prospects, but ignoring a notice or missing a deadline will. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a character waiver, a Section 501 response, or an appeal through the Administrative Review Tribunal. These pathways require careful legal submissions and strong evidence to succeed.
If your police check has flagged something that affects your visa status, speak to our visa appeal experts before your deadline passes.
