Why AFP Check Matter: Ensuring Safe and Secure Immigration to Australia
Australia’s immigration system is well-known for its strict regulations and processes to protect national security and societal well-being. At the centre of these operations is the Australian Federal Police (AFP), a vital organization in charge of many facets of immigration enforcement, including the AFP check process for immigration or visa application purposes. The AFP will issue a police check certificate called the AFP certificate, which is mandatory for your visa application in Australia.
How does the AFP keep the Australian community and immigration safe and secure? We will dive into the Australian Federal Police’s involvement in immigration management in Australia and how the Australian Federal Police check is fundamental for your Australian immigration journey.
AFP is Australia’s Frontline Guard
The AFP, Australian Federal Police, is Australia’s criminal law enforcement, national policing agency, and policing representative, as well as the Australian Government’s chief source of advice on policing issues. It was established in 1979.
The AFP check certificate is a critical element of the background verification for visa applicants to ensure they meet character requirements.
The Australian Federal Police protects Australia’s interests against domestic and international criminal activities. It reports to the Attorney-General’s Department and works with various federal and international organisations to carry out its objective.
AFP has the jurisdiction to investigate Commonwealth (federal) crimes across Australia and crimes that occur in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The Role of AFP Check in Character Requirements for Visas
The Australian government mandates that all visa applicants meet specific character requirements to determine their suitability for entry into the country and to protect the Australian community from individuals who may pose a risk due to their criminal background or behaviour. You must meet the character requirements if you are applying for:
- an Australian visa
- Australian citizenship
One of the character requirements stated that you should not have a substantial criminal record. After you apply for a visa, Australia’s government may ask you to provide a police certificate (also called a penal clearance certificate) from every country you live in. Suppose the Australian government asks you for one. In that case, it will usually be if you are over 17 and lived in any of the listed countries, including Australia, for at least 12 months in the past 10 years.
Read more: How Much Does Your Character Background Impact Your Visa Application?
What information is assessed on the AFP check?
The AFP check certificate is responsible for conducting thorough background checks on visa applicants, ensuring a comprehensive character assessment. This involves:
- National Police Checks: The Australian Federal Police provides National Police Checks (NPCs) that detail an individual’s criminal history within Australia. These checks, often referred to as the AFP certificates, are a mandatory part of the visa application process for many visa categories.
- Criminal History Assessment: The Australian Federal Police check assesses an applicant’s criminal history to identify any past convictions or criminal behaviour that may impact their eligibility for a visa. This includes checking for:
- Serious criminal offences,
- History of violence or sexual offences,
- Domestic violence offence or have been subject to a domestic violence order,
- Involvement in organized crime or terrorism,
- Repeat offences indicating a pattern of behaviour
Check the National Police Checks Application Form here.
How to Apply for a National Police Certificate?
Note that:
- You must include details of all names you have been known by.
- Fingerprints are not needed for Australian police checks.
- State- or territory-issued Australian police certificates are not accepted.
- Police certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
Here is a step-by-step for applying and filling out the form online for an AFP check for immigration purposes:
Step 1: Go to AFP’s website for the National Police Certificate.
Step 2: read the Online NPC Application’s instructions and click the ‘Start New Online Application’.
Step 3: fill in the Proof of Identity: you need to have a minimum of 100 points of identification. You have to scan the identity documents specified in the form that will be loaded into your application.
Step 4: fill in the Applicant Details. You have to provide your name and email address. In the Purpose of Check section, you MUST select Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship – for Supply to the Department of Home Affairs, including all Commonwealth and other state/territory offences as legislation permits. This selection is crucial as it ensures that the AFP provides the correct information for your visa application.
Step 5: Then read the Applicant Consent: Read and ensure that the details you are required are correct.
Step 6: Upload the Identification Documents: You need to upload the identification documents you have selected in the form of ‘proof of identity’.
Step 7: Verify the Applicant Details: you need to fill out the form with your birth data, contact number, Australian Driver’s Licence No, and issuing state.
Step 8: Fill in the Current Residential Address: Fill the form with your address, for the certificate will be mailed to your address by default.
Step 9: Confirm your details: you can edit your data by clicking ‘Back’ and editing the relevant section.
Step 10: Do the payment, and you can confirm your payment; no further change to your application will be allowed. Then, the payment receipt will be sent via email.
The fee, processing time, and the outcome
The application for AFP check for immigration purposes costs AU$56, and the AFP completes and posts most NPCs within 48 hours of receiving the application (this may vary if the AFP needs to get information from multiple states or territories).
Once the AFP check is completed, the digital certificate will be sent to your email address. For hard-copy certificates, you must have to wait at least 15 business days before contacting the AFP about the status of your check.
What’s next after you get the certificate?
After obtaining the AFP National Police Check certificate, the next steps typically involve submitting the certificate as part of your visa application process. The Department of Home Affairs, a key player in the immigration process, will review your police check certificate along with your other application materials. This review is part of assessing whether you meet the character requirements for the visa.
After your visa is granted, you are expected to comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. The AFP and the Department of Home Affairs may continue to monitor your compliance through regular checks and updates to your criminal record, if applicable.
What if you have significant criminal records showing on your AFP certificate?
If your AFP certificate shows significant criminal records, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an invitation letter to comment on the findings. This process is designed to ensure that you have the opportunity to provide context or explanation for any past issues, offering a sense of fairness and transparency in the immigration process.
Note that significant criminal records will directly affect your visa application. So, it is best to discuss your options with a registered migration agent to understand what to do if you face this situation.
We offer a personal consultation session with our Registered Migration Agent. Our consultation session is more than just a conversation. It’s a promise backed by a 100% refund guarantee if you’re unsatisfied with our service. We are proud to share that we have a 98% success rate and are experts in handling complex cases. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ve got you covered every step of the way.
We can ensure your immigration process is in safe hands
Australia’s visa application requirements obligate a detailed preparation to achieve a secure and safe entry to the Land Down Under. The safety of the Australian community and residents is a top priority, so we have to be cautious and well-planned. In doing so, we can guide you in processing the AFP check for the immigration purpose, especially for your visa application.
We at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during your visa application and health insurance enrollment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
