Apply for an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check Online
Fast, secure & trusted by individuals, employers and government departments
Getting your Australian Federal Police (AFP) check through CVCheck is the fastest and most streamlined way to obtain a valid AFP Check. Our AFP police checks are ordered 100% online, with results delivered directly to your secure dashboard, saving you time, paperwork and follow-up calls.
Simply apply online, upload your ID documents, and track your certificate status in real-time.
CVCheck obtains AFP checks directly from the Australian Federal Police, ensuring your certificate includes any criminal record, pending charges, and relevant history recorded across all Australian police databases, in compliance with spent convictions legislation.
Whether you need an AFP check for immigration or visa lodgement, to verify permanent residency for employment, or to meet Australian Government security and licensing requirements, there is no faster way to get an AFP police clearance than with CVCheck.
Need help applying? Contact us.
Why Choose CVCheck for Your AFP Police Check?
CVCheck is trusted by individuals, employers, licensing authorities, and government departments across every Australian state and territory.
Benefits of using CVCheck’s AFP Check service:
- Fast & 100% online ordering
- Secure digital identity verification
- Results delivered directly to your dashboard
- View AFP police check status online in real-time
- No paper forms or in-person appointments
- Trusted by Australian Government, Defence, education, and licensing authorities
CVCheck is a trusted provider of background screening services, processing hundreds of thousands of police checks across Australia every year.
When Do You Need an AFP Check?
AFP checks are typically required for:
- Recruiting employees for Commonwealth or Federal Government departments
- Government or Defence roles governed by legislation or security regulations
- Industry-specific standards and compliance requirements (eg. In the Financial Services industry)
- Overseas employment
- Australian visa, immigration, and citizenship applications
- Permanent residency verification for employment screening
- Any requirement where an AFP-issued National Police Certificate is specifically requested
Your AFP check will list disclosable court outcomes, pending charges, and criminal history recorded across all Australian police databases, in accordance with spent convictions legislation.
AFP Police Check
Australian Federal Police Check for Visa & Immigration Purposes
Many visa subclasses and immigration pathways in Australia require an AFP National Police Certificate, not a state police check and not an ACIC National Police Check.
When the AFP Check is Required
The AFP check is used to meet Department of Home Affairs character requirements, including for:
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Permanent Residency (PR)
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Partner visas
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Skilled migration visas
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Citizenship applications
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Character assessments under section 501
Important for Visa Applicants:
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You must select the correct Purpose Code: Code 33 – Immigration / Citizenship
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ACIC National Police Checks are not accepted for visas
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AFP certificates are valid only at the time of issue (no expiry), but migration agents recommend obtaining one issued within the last 12 months.
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Your AFP check must show the original date it was issued.
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Results must be submitted exactly as required by Home Affairs (PDF digital certificate is acceptable)
The AFP-issued National Police Certificate is the only certificate accepted for Australian visa and citizenship purposes.
How CVCheck’s AFP Check Process Works
1. Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal details and upload your identification documents (e.g. passport, licence, proof of address).
If your name has changed, you may need to upload a marriage certificate, name change certificate, or other supporting documentation.
Ensure your uploaded documents are clear, complete, and meet AFP identification requirements.
2. Verify Your Identity Securely
CVCheck uses secure digital verification to meet AFP requirements.
In rare cases, applicants may be required to undergo fingerprinting at a police station to resolve identity discrepancies.
3. Receive Your Certificate
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You will be notified as soon as your AFP certificate is ready. Your result will include:
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Your certificate is delivered electronically and stored in your CVCheck dashboard. Or you can download it as a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an AFP police check and a national police check?
While a national police check is used in most instances for employment purposes, you may need to obtain an Australian Federal Police check in special circumstances such as immigration purposes.
Federal Government departments or industries with specific compliance requirements such as the Financial Services industry may also require an AFP Police Check.
Learn more about Australian Federal Police checks.
Learn more about national police checks.
How long is an Australian Federal Police Check valid for?
An Australian Federal Police check (AFP police check) is a ‘point-in-time’ check, meaning that it is current as of the date of issue recorded on the check certificate.
An AFP Check has no formal period of validity. However, many employers and organisations will only accept a check that has been issued in the past 12 months.
How do I order an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check?
Ordering a Federal Police check has never been easier than with CVCheck.
We liaise directly with the Australian Federal Police to perform Federal Police Checks in Australia, so you can simply create an account with us, then order and pay for your police check.
Learn more about Australian Federal Police Checks.
How much does a Federal Police Check cost?
An Australian Federal Police (AFP) police check costs $119.79 including GST with CVCheck.
Will I receive a hard copy certificate of my AFP police check?
When you order a Federal Police check from CVCheck, please note the original certificate will not be posted. AFP police checks are provided as an electronic copy only.
Can I get a refund if I submitted the wrong check?
Refunds may not be available once your AFP request has been submitted to the Australian Federal Police.
A smarter way to get a check
* All turnaround times are estimated working times for Australian checks and are provided as a guide only. Turnaround times are based on our experience of the time taken for the majority of these checks to be delivered. However, CVCheck is reliant on third parties for supply of information, and in some cases those third parties may take longer to supply that information. Accordingly, CVCheck does not give any time guarantees for any checks or packages. It is CVCheck’s policy and practice to keep you informed as much as possible if there are any unusual delays. Read more about our delivery times here.
Start Your AFP Check Today
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