Ensure your smooth and successful application the first time around

You'll need an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check when you apply for a visa, plan to immigrate, look to pursue certain careers in Australia (including the ACT), or hope to adopt a child.

After processing thousands of checks each year, we see a few common (yet preventable) mistakes applicants make. These mistakes cause delays, sometimes require you to reapply, and end up costing you more.

Here's the 6 most common mistakes applicants make and how you can avoid them:

1. Forgetting to list all of your former names

An AFP Check requires you to list your current full legal name and any other aliases you were known by. If your application is for immigration purposes, follow the exact instructions you receive from the Department of Home Affairs.

Are you unsure if you listed all your names correctly? Our team will happily review your application and walk you through the process.

2. Adding an incomplete address history

You'll have to provide all residential addresses from the past 10 years. Make sure it includes short stays and overseas addresses.

When you apply with us, our system will pick up missing dates most of the time. But mistakes still filter through. So, it's important that you double-check the information you provide.

3. Uploading incorrect photos or ID

Don't use blurry photos, cropped scans, or invalid documents. Remember to upload 100 points of ID, with at least one primary document in your current name.

Make sure the photos or scans are clear, readable, and listed as an acceptable form of ID to avoid delays in processing times.

4. Not allowing enough processing time

This is one of the most common mistakes. It happens because applicants get confused between an AFP Check and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC).

NCCHCs (aka police checks) can have a turnaround time of 24 hours. Whereas AFP Checks usually take 48 hours to 15 business days once submitted to the AFP. Since the Department of Home Affairs often gives applicants 28 days to obtain an AFP certificate, applicants can often miss this deadline.

5. Providing details that are inconsistent with your ID documents

There are 3 things to remember with your ID documents:

• You need to provide 100 points of ID
• At least one primary document should be issued in your current name
• You're allowed to use an ID document that's issued in a previous name, alias, or shortened name, as long as the ID document is still valid. Ensure that this name variation is listed in your application.

6. Selecting the incorrect purpose code

When you select a purpose code, you should always provide sufficient information for the reason.

For example, if you apply for a visa, you must list the correct purpose code and country. Simply choosing code 39 and listing “for visa” as your reason, isn't complete information and could slow down your application.

How should you apply for your AFP Check?

You can apply for your AFP check with an accredited broker like us, or directly with the Australian Federal Police.

Our team is here to support you through the process, ensuring a correct and complete application the first time. All of our checks are 100% online and will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete. If you need any more information, contact our team today.