Police Certificates for Australian Visa Applications | IMMIGRATION LAWYERS IN MELBOURNE

Understanding Police Certificates for Australian Visa Applications

At Katsaros & Associates, we offer expert legal services to assist you with the process of obtaining police certificates for your Australian visa or citizenship application. If you’ve been asked to provide a police certificate, we can guide you through the requirements and help you obtain the necessary documentation.

What is a Police Certificate?

A police certificate, also known as a penal clearance certificate, is an official document issued by a police authority or government agency that confirms whether you have a criminal record in a particular country. This certificate is often required for Australian visa applications and citizenship requests to prove you meet the character requirements set out by the Department of Home Affairs.

When Do You Need a Police Certificate?

You may be asked to provide a police certificate if you are applying for an Australian visa or citizenship and meet the following conditions:

• Age Requirement: You are over 17 years old.
• Residence Requirement: You have lived in any of the listed countries, including Australia, for a total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Police certificates must cover the period from when you turned 16 years old up until the issue date of the certificate, or the entire period you lived in the country, whichever is applicable.

For a comprehensive list of countries and additional information on the requirements, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ police certificate page.

Validity of Police Certificates

Police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you return to a country where you previously obtained a police certificate, you may need to get a new one if the previous certificate has expired.

Key Points for Police Certificates:

• Covering Period: Must cover the period from when you turned 16 up to the issue date.
• Validity: Police certificates are valid for 12 months.
• Renewal: You may need a new certificate if you return to the country and the previous one has expired.

How to Apply for a Police Certificate

Applying for Overseas Police Certificates

To obtain a police certificate from a country outside Australia, follow these steps:

1. Find the Relevant Authority:
   • Check the local police department or relevant government agency in the country where you lived.

2. Submit Your Application:

1. • Follow the specific application process outlined by the authorities in the relevant country.

3. Contact Australian Immigration:

1. • If you have difficulties obtaining a police certificate or if the country you lived in is not listed, contact your nearest Australian immigration office for assistance.

For a detailed guide on applying for overseas police certificates, see the Australian Government’s guide on police certificates.

Applying for an Australian Police Certificate

To apply for an Australian police certificate, you must complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Application Form:
   • Submit an Australian Federal Police National Police Check application form and select Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship.

2. Provide All Known Names:

1. • Ensure you list all names you have been known by, including any aliases.

3. No Fingerprints Required:

1. • Australian police checks do not require fingerprinting for this type of certificate.

4. Submit Your Application:

1. • Follow the instructions on the application form for submission and payment.

Important: The Department of Home Affairs does not accept state or territory-issued police certificates for Australian visa applications. 

Only the Australian Federal Police National Police Check with Code 33 is accepted.

You can access the AFP Application form here.

How Katsaros & Associates Can Assist You

At Katsaros & Associates, we provide full support for obtaining your police certificate and meeting the character requirements for your Australian visa or citizenship application. Our services include:

• Guidance on Application Processes:
  • We help you understand the application processes for both overseas and Australian police certificates.
• Assistance with Documentation:
  • We provide assistance in preparing the necessary documentation and ensuring that all requirements are met.
• Expert Advice:
  • We offer legal advice on how to address any issues related to your police certificate and how it affects your visa or citizenship application.
• Ongoing Support:
  • We provide ongoing support throughout your application process, from initial consultation to final submission.

Contact Katsaros & Associates for Expert Help with Your Police Certificate

If you need assistance with obtaining a police certificate for your Australian visa or citizenship application, contact Katsaros & Associates in Melbourne. Our team of immigration experts is here to guide you through the process and help you meet all the requirements for a successful application.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs police certificate page.