Everything You Need to Know About an AFP Police Certificate

If you are applying for a visa, citizenship, or permanent residency in Australia, you may be required to provide an AFP Police Certificate as part of your application. This document, issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), verifies whether you have any disclosable criminal history in Australia.

What Is an AFP Police Certificate?

An AFP police check for immigration is a certified national background screening that details any criminal records across Australia’s states and territories. It is frequently required for visa processing, employment in high-trust positions, and certain legal matters.

Why Do You Need an AFP Police Certificate?

• Residency Requirements: Required in ACT, Jervis Bay, and other Commonwealth territories.
• Employment with Commonwealth Government: Especially for roles in security, finance, or public trust.
• Compliance with Legislation: Healthcare, finance, or childcare sectors often require it.
• Immigration: Needed for citizenship, permanent residency, and some visas.
• Overseas Employment or Residency: Required by foreign governments or employers.
• Visa Applications Abroad: Especially for long-term stays or study programs.
• Overseas Adoption: Required to prove suitability for international adoption.

How to Apply for an AFP Police Certificate

1. Visit the AuthNTick website.
2. Submit valid ID (passport, driver's license).
3. Select the correct purpose code (e.g., Code 33 for immigration).
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Receive your certificate in 7–15 business days.

How Many Points Do I Need for an AFP Police Check?

To apply for an AFP police check, you must provide identification documents that total at least 100 points. This must include at least one primary document, with the remaining points made up of additional primary or secondary documents.

Documents Accepted for AFP Police Certificate?

Primary Documents

• Foreign Passport (current) Points Scored: 70
• Australian Passport (current or expired within last 2 years but not cancelled) Points Scored: 70
• Australian Citizenship Certificate Points Scored: 70
• Full Birth Certificate (not extract) Points Scored: 70
• Certificate of Identity issued by the Australian Government to refugees and non-Australian citizens for entry to Australia Points Scored: 70
• Australian Driver License/Learner’s Permit Points Scored: 40
• Current (Australian) Tertiary Student Identification Card Points Scored: 40
• Photo ID card issued for Australian regulatory purposes (e.g. Aviation/Maritime Security ID, security industry, etc.) Points Scored: 40
• Government Employee ID (Australian Federal/State/Territory) Points Scored: 40
• Defence Force Identity Card (with photo or signature) Points Scored: 40

Secondary Documents

• Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Card Points Scored: 40
• Centrelink Card (with reference number) Points Scored: 40
• Birth Certificate Extract Points Scored: 25
• Birth Card (NSW BDM only) Points Scored: 25
• Medicare Card Points Scored: 25
• Credit Card or Account Card Points Scored: 25
• Australian Marriage Certificate (Registry issue only) Points Scored: 25
• Decree Nisi / Decree Absolute (Registry issue only) Points Scored: 25
• Change of Name Certificate (Registry issue only) Points Scored: 25
• Bank Statement Points Scored: 25
• Property Lease Agreement – current address Points Scored: 25
• Taxation Assessment Notice Points Scored: 25
• Australian Mortgage Documents Points Scored: 25
• Rating Authority – e.g. Land Rates Points Scored: 25
• Utility Bill – electricity, gas, telephone (less than 12 months old) Points Scored: 25
• Reference from Indigenous Organisation Points Scored: 20
• Documents issued outside Australia (equivalent to Australian documents) – must have official translation attached Points Scored: 20

What Does an AFP Police Certificate Show?

• Disclosable court outcomes from all jurisdictions.
• Findings of guilt, even without convictions.
• Pending charges and outstanding warrants.
• Traffic offences and Children’s Court findings.
• Current investigations (if you're a suspect).

What is the Validity of AFP Police Certificate Check

AFP certificates are valid as a point-in-time check. For immigration or visa purposes, most agencies accept a certificate issued within the past 12 months.

I need an AFP Police Check with Fingerprints

Used for high-trust immigration or employment roles. It includes submitting a fingerprint card along with your ID documents.

• Purpose: Needed for select overseas visas or security roles.
• Process: Fingerprints are taken using ink cards (e.g., FD-258) by local police station. Please call your local police station
• Processing Time: Typically 15–30 business days.

Codes for Commonwealth Employment Purpose

• 22: Aged Care Staff/Volunteers
• 25–27: ASIC, AUSTRAC Employees
• 29: Supervision of Children
• 32: Access to Secret/Top Secret Info
• 33: Immigration Detention Centre Employment
• 36: Overseas Visa – Non-Australia
• 41: Other Commonwealth Purposes
• 46: Overseas Employment – Nursing, Healthcare

Difference Between NCCHC vs AFP Police Certificate

Both checks involve reviewing your criminal record, but they serve different needs:

• NCCHC: For general employment, volunteering, and tenancy.
• AFP Check: For immigration, overseas visas, and citizenship applications.

How long does my AFP Police Certificate take?

If you need your AFP Police Certificate quickly, applying directly via the AuthNTick online portal and ensuring your details are accurate can result in delivery within 7–10 working days. In some cases digital processing may be completed faster. However, if information is required from other jurisdictions or any issues arise, delays may occur.

Once AuthNTick receives your result, you will be notified via email, and a copy of your AFP Police Digital Certificate will be attached. If you selected the email & post option when purchasing your check, a printed copy will also be sent via Australia Post.

Why Leading Employers Trust AuthNTick

AuthNTick supports job applicants in meeting screening requirements for top companies like Woolworths, BHP, Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, and more.

Benefits of Choosing AuthNTick

• Fast Turnaround: Most AFP Checks submitted within 24–48 hours.
• Fully Online: Secure, mobile-friendly application process.
• Trusted & Accredited: Compliant with ACIC, ISO 27000, ISM, DISP, E8, and PSPF standards.
• Comprehensive Services: AFP checks, VEVO, ID verification, qualification checks, and more.
• Reliable Support: Australian-based team for document guidance and fast resolutions.
• HR & Platform Integration: Compatible with PageUp, real-time status tracking, scalable for large teams.

Need Help?

Partner with AuthNTick — a government-accredited platform designed to simplify and secure pre-employment screening. AuthNTick Pre-employment Screening Checks is SaaS product. Our end-to-end solution reduces manual handling, safeguards personal data, and ensures full compliance with PSPF and AS 4811:2022 standards. If you need assistance or have a sales inquiry, please contact us.