Australia 485 Visa AFP Police Check Application Guide – Process, Fees, and FAQs
If you are preparing to apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485), obtaining an AFP (Australian Federal Police) Police Check, i.e., a National Police Check issued by the AFP, is a mandatory requirement. This document confirms that you have no serious criminal records in Australia and is part of the health and character assessment process.
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I. What is an AFP Police Check?
II. Application Methods and Process (Online Application)
III. Online Application Tutorial
IV. Common Application Errors and Tips
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
VI. Conclusion: The AFP Police Check is an essential step in submitting your visa application
I. What is an AFP Police Check?
The AFP Police Check is a criminal record certificate issued by the Australian Federal Police. It serves multiple purposes, including:
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Applying for the 485 Graduate Visa
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Job or volunteer applications
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Other visa or immigration applications, such as:
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Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (186)
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Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (482)
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Skilled Independent Visa (189)
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Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
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Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)
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For the 485 visa, only the AFP-issued record is accepted—state or overseas police checks are not accepted. If you're applying for immigration-related purposes, you must apply for a National Police Check (Purpose Code 33 – “Immigration/Citizenship”).
III. Application Methods and Process (Online Application)
To apply online via the AFP official site:
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Click “Apply Online”, then select “For immigration/citizenship”.
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Fill in personal details in English, including:
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Full name, gender, date of birth
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Passport number
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Australian address
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Upload identity documents, such as:
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Passport photo page (required)
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Visa page or Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
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Additional proofs (e.g. student ID, Australian driver’s licence)
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Pay the application fee: AUD 56 (via credit card).
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After submission, you’ll receive the document—suitable to attach to your 485 visa application.
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AFP Official Website - Online Police Check Application Tutorial -
1. Go to the AFP website and select "Police Checks" from the top menu.
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2. Enter the application page: Click "How to apply" on the left, then click "Apply online".
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3. Confirm the terms and tick the box to agree: Click "Start New Online Application" to begin the application.
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4. Upload identity documents: You must select at least two documents, with a total score of more than 100 points and at least one Primary Document. -
5. Fill in personal information: Enter your surname, given name, date of birth, and other basic details, as well as your email address, according to the information in your passport.
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6. Select the purpose and objective: Select "Commonwealth Employment" and set the purpose to "33 – Immigration/Citizenship. -
7. Confirm information and terms: Confirm your personal information again, tick the box to agree to the terms, and click "Next".
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8. Upload documents and confirm: Upload the identification documents you selected above, check the confirmation box, and then click "Next". -
9. Provide birth and other name details: Enter your country of birth, phone number, driver’s license information, and any other names you have previously used.
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10. Fill in the address information: Enter your current address and check “Same as Current Residential Address” as the shipping address. -
11. Fill in your residential address records for the past ten years: If necessary, fill in your residential addresses and starting dates for the past ten years in order.
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12. Confirm the information and proceed to the payment process: Before submitting, the system will list a checklist. After confirming that your name, birthday, and identity documents are correct, click "Next" to proceed to payment. -
13. Enter your credit card information to complete payment and submit your application: After filling in your card number, expiration date, and security code, click Pay. Your NPC Reference Number will be displayed, completing your application. Please keep this number in a safe place.
IV. Common Mistakes and Important Notes
When applying for an AFP Police Check, the following common mistakes often occur. Please pay special attention:
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Choosing the wrong purpose code
The correct purpose code is Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship, which is used for migration or citizenship applications, including the 485 visa. -
Uploading unclear documents
Identity documents must be clear and easy to read. Avoid glare, blurriness, or incomplete cropping, as these may delay processing. -
Forgetting to save the receipt
The PDF receipt issued after completing the application is very important. Download and keep it safe, as it must be provided when applying for your visa. -
Incorrect address causing lost mail
If requesting an additional physical certificate, be sure to provide a correct and deliverable Australian address. Avoid using a PO Box or incorrect information.
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1：What is the AFP Police Check?
A：A criminal record certificate issued by the AFP for visa, work, or migration purposes.
Q2：Who needs the AFP Police Check?
A：Applicants for the 485 visa must provide an AFP-issued certificate.
Q3：Which purpose code should I choose?
A：Code 33 – Immigration/Citizenship.
Q4：Can I use police checks from other authorities?
A：No, only AFP-issued checks are accepted.
Q5：Can the application be done online?
A：Yes, through the AFP official website.
Q6：What is the fee?
A： AUD $56 (Name Check only, no fingerprints).
Q7：What documents are required?
A：100‑point ID documents, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Q8：How long does processing take?
A：Typically around 10 working days—delays may occur if further review is needed.
Q9：Is a physical certificate available?
A：Yes. Tick “Request for Hard Copy Certificate” to receive a mailed version.
Q10：Should I save the receipt?
A：Yes. The AFP-issued receipt (PDF) is required by immigration. Losing it may affect your application.
VI. Conclusion: The AFP Police Check is an essential step in submitting your visa application.
Whether you’re applying for the 485 Graduate Visa, a skills assessment, or other migration-related procedures, the AFP National Police Check is one of the basic requirements. Applying correctly and avoiding mistakes not only saves time but also prevents delays in your overall visa process. We recommend preparing early and ensuring all information is accurate, laying a solid foundation for the next steps in your visa application journey.
👉 Recommended reading: 2025 Australia Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa: Eligibility, Types, Fees & Application Guide — a comprehensive breakdown of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) requirements, required documents, and online application steps to help you smoothly transition from student status to post-graduation work and migration planning.
Disclaimer
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This article is provided by Level Up Studies for the purpose of sharing information about studying and migrating to Australia. The content is for reference only and does not constitute legal, visa, or migration advice. Please refer to official information from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and relevant educational institutions.
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Salary and job opportunities depend on market conditions. Data is sourced from public platforms (e.g., Seek, Talent), and actual outcomes may vary. We do not guarantee that readers will obtain specific roles or salaries.
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Visa application results vary from person to person. Even if you meet the requirements, approval is not guaranteed. We have an Australian-registered migration agent (MARA: 1790845) and licensed education agent (QEAC #2822) who can provide professional advice, but the final decision rests with the Australian Government.
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Course details and migration policies may change. All information regarding tuition fees, intake dates, and migration requirements is for reference only. Please confirm the latest details with the school or our consultants.
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We are not responsible for decisions made by third parties, such as school admissions, visa processing, or skills assessments. Applicants are advised to evaluate carefully and consult a professional advisor for the most suitable guidance.
For a personalised study and migration plan, please contact our professional consultant team.