When applying for a visa, demonstrating good character is a crucial part of the process. One of the key steps to fulfill this requirement is providing police clearance certificates. Below, we outline everything you need to know about obtaining and submitting these certificates to ensure your application proceeds smoothly.
Who needs to provide a Police Clearance?
All visa applicants aged 16 or older must provide police clearance certificates. Certificates are required for every country where you have spent 12 months or more cumulatively in the last 10 years, including your home country.
How to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate?
Each country has its own procedures for issuing police clearance certificates. Detailed guidance on how to request these certificates for specific countries can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. If you’re unsure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance.
Validity of Police Clearances
Police certificates are typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Ensure your certificates are valid at the time of submitting your visa application to avoid any delays.
Additional important information – only originals or certified copies of the police certificates will be accepted. The name on your police clearance certificate must match the name on your visa application. If your name has changed, you may need to provide additional evidence, such as a marriage certificate or change of name document.
Providing police clearance certificates demonstrates your compliance with visa requirements and ensures that your application can be processed without unnecessary delays. Missing or incorrect documents can lead to significant setbacks in your visa approval timeline.
If you have questions or require support with obtaining or submitting your police clearance certificates, our team is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your visa application process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Australian Police clearance take?
Most digital certificates arrive in your inbox within a few days if you apply online, although some take longer. Fingerprint checks take at least 15 working days.
What if I haven’t lived in any other country?
If you have only lived in Australia, you generally need to provide an Australian National Police Check. However, specific visa requirements may vary, so it’s essential to check the guidelines for your specific visa type.
How do I obtain different police certificates?
You need to contact the relevant law enforcement agencies in each country where you have lived and follow their procedures for obtaining a police clearance certificate.
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is intended to offer general guidelines for informational purposes only. The information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
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