AFP Police Check – How to Apply Online, Costs and Times

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Certificate is a document that summarizes an individual’s criminal history at the federal level in Australia. It is issued by the AFP and widely required across employment, immigration, and licensing sectors. This guide explains what the certificate is, how to apply, and what to expect at each stage of the process.

Whether you are pursuing a visa, seeking employment in a government agency, or volunteering with vulnerable populations, understanding the requirements and procedures for obtaining an AFP police check can save significant time and prevent unexpected delays.

The certificate is sometimes referred to as a national police check or AFP criminal history check. It covers convictions, pending matters, and other relevant information recorded at the federal level across all Australian states and territories.

What is an AFP Police Check?

An AFP police check is an official document issued by the Australian Federal Police that provides a summary of an individual’s criminal history at the federal level. It is commonly referred to as a National Police Certificate (NPC) and serves as proof of a person’s background for various legal and professional purposes.

• Apply well in advance of any deadline to account for processing delays.
• Having digital copies of your identification ready can significantly speed up the online application.
• The purpose category you select directly affects the information included in your certificate.
• If you need the check for state-specific employment, confirm whether a state-based check is required instead.
• Keep a personal copy of your certificate after receiving it, as reprints may require a new application.
• Processing volumes can affect turnaround times, so check the official AFP website for current estimates.

How Do I Apply for an AFP Police Check?

Applying for an AFP police check involves a series of steps, from verifying your requirement to submitting the completed form. Most applicants use the online portal, which offers the fastest route to receiving a certificate.

Step 1: Verify Your Requirement

Before beginning an application, confirm that you need an AFP-issued National Police Certificate rather than a state-based police check. The AFP certificate covers federal offenses and is required for immigration, federal government employment, and certain national-level licensing. State checks cover offenses under state legislation and are typically needed for roles within a specific state or territory.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your application, collect the following information and documents: your full legal name, date of birth, and contact details; a valid form of photographic identification such as a passport or driver’s license; any previous names you have used; and payment details for the applicable fee. Ensuring all documents are current and legible helps avoid processing delays.

Step 3: Access the AFP Portal

Visit the official AFP National Police Check website at www.afp.gov.au/crimes-and-incidents/criminal-records-checks to begin your application. The online portal is the preferred method for most applicants due to its convenience and faster processing times compared to mail applications.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields accurately. You will need to provide personal information, contact details, and the purpose of the police check. Selecting the correct purpose category is essential, as it determines the scope of information included in your certificate.

For visa and immigration purposes, select “Commonwealth employment / purpose” when asked about the purpose type and use code “33” when prompted for the purpose of the check. This ensures the certificate meets the specific requirements of the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Depending on your application type, you may need to upload scanned copies of your identification documents. These should be clear, readable, and certified if required by the requesting organization. Incomplete or illegible uploads can lead to delays or rejection of the application.

Step 6: Make Payment

The standard processing fee for an AFP National Police Certificate is AUD $42. If a fingerprint-based check is required, additional costs apply. Payment is typically accepted via credit card or bank transfer. Retain a copy of your payment receipt for your records.

Step 7: Submit and Track Your Application

Once you have completed the form, uploaded the necessary documents, and processed payment, submit your application. Before submitting, double-check all information to avoid errors that could cause delays or rejection. After submission, you will receive a reference number that allows you to track the status of your application directly on the AFP website.

How Long Does an AFP Police Check Take and What is the Cost?

The processing time and cost of an AFP police check depend on the type of application and the method of submission chosen. Understanding these factors helps applicants plan accordingly.

Processing Time

Standard processing for an AFP National Police Certificate typically takes between 10 and 15 business days from the date of submission. However, processing volumes and application complexity can extend this timeframe. Applicants applying through the online portal generally receive their results faster than those using postal applications.

Associated Costs

The standard NPC application costs AUD $42. Fingerprint-based checks, which may be required in certain circumstances, involve additional fees. Payment is processed securely through the online portal using a valid credit or debit card.

Delivery Method

Upon completion, the certificate is sent via email in digital format. A hard copy can be requested during the application process, though this adds to the delivery time due to postal processing. Applicants automatically receive a digital copy regardless of whether a hard copy is selected.

Who Needs an AFP Police Check?

An AFP National Police Certificate is required in a range of circumstances. Identifying whether you need this document—and whether you might also need a state-level check—is an important first step before applying.

Immigration and Visa Applications

Australian visa and citizenship applications frequently require an AFP police check as part of the supporting documentation. Applicants over the age of 17 who have lived in Australia for 12 months or more within the last 10 years are generally required to provide one. For immigration purposes, selecting the correct purpose category during the application process is particularly important to ensure the certificate meets the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements.

Employment and Volunteering

Many employers, particularly those in government agencies and organizations requiring background checks, ask for an AFP police check as part of their hiring process. Roles involving work with vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, or people with disabilities—commonly require this document. Overseas employment or visa applications that require Australian police clearance also typically need an AFP certificate. For detailed guidance on employer obligations regarding police checks, refer to the Fair Work Commission’s fact sheet on police checks.

State vs. Federal Requirements

State and territory police forces conduct their own criminal history checks alongside the AFP’s national offering. For state-specific employment or volunteer work within a particular state, you may need to apply through the relevant state police authority rather than the AFP. In some cases, both a federal AFP check and a state-level check may be required. For further information on state-level background checks, see our guide on Number Plate Check QLD.

What Happens After My AFP Police Check Results?

After your application is processed, you will receive your certificate via the delivery method selected during the application. Once received, it should be submitted to the requesting employer, immigration authority, or organization as required.

Receiving Your Certificate

The certificate is delivered digitally via email, with an option to request a physical copy by post. Upon receipt, review the document to ensure the personal details and information recorded are accurate. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the AFP immediately using the details provided with your certificate.

If a Criminal Record Is Found

A criminal record appearing on your certificate does not automatically disqualify you from employment, visas, or other purposes. The impact depends on the nature of the convictions and their relevance to the specific requirement. Employers, immigration authorities, and licensing bodies assess each case individually, taking into account factors such as the seriousness of the offense, how recently it occurred, and whether it is directly related to the role or application in question.

Keeping Records and Renewal

Retain a copy of your certificate for your personal records, as you may need to present it again in the future. While AFP National Police Certificates do not have a formal expiration date, many organizations accept certificates only if they were issued within a certain timeframe—typically within the last 12 months. If your certificate is older than the acceptable period, you will need to submit a new application.

For those considering further study in Australia as part of their immigration or career pathway, our resource on Online Study Australia provides additional context on relevant requirements and opportunities.

Understanding What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear

For the most current and authoritative information on procedures, fees, and requirements, consulting the official AFP website or contacting the AFP directly is strongly recommended.

Why the AFP National Police Certificate Matters

The AFP National Police Certificate serves as a nationally recognized proof of background for both federal employment and immigration purposes. Unlike state-based checks, which cover offenses under individual state laws, the AFP certificate reflects federal-level criminal history across all Australian jurisdictions.

This distinction is important for applicants who need to demonstrate a clean background at the national level. The certificate is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for visa and citizenship applications, by federal government agencies for employment screening, and by organizations operating across multiple states that require a consistent national standard of background verification. More information about the national checking service is available through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

State police forces maintain their own check systems for roles and activities governed by state legislation. Understanding whether your purpose requires a federal AFP check, a state check, or both is essential before submitting your application. Applicants in New South Wales can also access national police certificates through the NSW Service portal.

Key Sources and Further Guidance

The Australian Federal Police issues the National Police Certificate for individuals requiring a federal-level criminal history check for employment, immigration, or licensing purposes in Australia.

— AFP National Police Check information

• AFP National Police Checks: www.afp.gov.au/crimes-and-incidents/criminal-records-checks
• NSW Service: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-national-police-certificate
• Department of Home Affairs: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/police-certificates
• Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission: www.acic.gov.au/national-police-checking-service
• Fair Work Commission: www.fairwork.gov.au/tools-and-resources/fact-sheets/rights-and-obligations/police-checks

Summary

The AFP National Police Certificate is a federal-level criminal history document required for immigration, employment in government agencies, and roles involving vulnerable populations. Applications are submitted online through the official AFP portal, with standard processing taking 10 to 15 business days and a fee of AUD $42. Selecting the correct purpose category during the application is essential, particularly for visa applicants who must use specific codes. Results do not carry a formal expiration date, though requesting organizations typically require a certificate issued within the last 12 months. For detailed guidance and the most up-to-date procedures, always refer to the official AFP channels or relevant government authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions