CLS Capital Link Services

    Australian Federal Police Check Services Australia

    • Over 30 years of visa and document service experience
    • Assistance with Australian Federal Police Checks
    • Australia and New Zealand wide service
    • English and Arabic speaking consultants
    • End-to-end support from application through to certificate delivery
    Overview

    An Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check is an official National Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police, confirming an individual's disclosable court outcomes and criminal history information based on the purpose of the application.

    Whether you need an AFP Check for Australian citizenship, immigration, overseas visa applications, employment, licensing or document legalisation, CLS provides professional assistance throughout the application process.

    Our experienced team supports individuals, migration agents, employers and organisations across Australia and New Zealand by helping prepare and lodge AFP Police Check applications while ensuring the correct purpose code and supporting documentation are provided.

    Last reviewed: August 2026. AFP application requirements and processing times are subject to change.

    What Is an Australian Federal Police Check?

    An Australian Federal Police Check (AFP Check) is an official National Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police.

    The certificate provides details of an individual's disclosable criminal history based on Commonwealth, Territory and State police records available at the time of issue.

    It may also be referred to as:

    AFP National Police Check
    Australian Police Clearance Certificate
    National Police Check
    AFP Criminal History Check
    Federal Police Clearance
    Police Certificate

    The certificate is commonly required for Australian and overseas government authorities, employers and licensing bodies.

    Australian Federal Police Check document preparation with CLS
    When It Applies

    When Is an AFP Police Check Required?

    You may require an Australian Federal Police Check for:

    Australian Citizenship applications
    Australian Immigration requirements
    Overseas visa applications
    Foreign residency applications
    Employment screening
    Government employment
    Aviation and security clearances
    Professional registration
    Volunteer positions
    Adoption applications
    Overseas document legalisation
    Embassy and consular requirements
    Who Needs Certified Services

    Who Needs an Australian Federal Police Check?

    An AFP Police Check may be required if you are:

    Applying for Australian Citizenship
    Applying for permanent residency
    Working in regulated industries
    Seeking employment with Commonwealth agencies
    Applying for an overseas visa
    Completing employer background screening
    Applying for professional licences
    Providing documents to foreign governments

    Different organisations may require different AFP purpose codes depending on the intended use of the certificate.

    What You Need

    Documents Commonly Required

    Applicants generally require:

    Valid passport or Australian driver's licence

    Required Info

    Proof of identity documents

    Required Info

    Medicare card (where applicable)

    Required Info

    Current residential address

    Required Info

    Previous names (if applicable)

    Required Info

    Supporting identification documents

    Required Info

    CLS reviews every application before submission to help minimise delays.

    How It Works

    How the AFP Police Check Process Works

    1

    Application review

    We confirm the purpose of your AFP Police Check and determine the appropriate application pathway.

    2

    Identity verification

    Our team assists with confirming your identity documents and application information.

    3

    Application submission

    The completed application is submitted to the Australian Federal Police.

    4

    AFP processing

    The AFP conducts the required criminal history assessment and issues the certificate where appropriate.

    5

    Certificate delivery

    Your AFP Police Check is securely delivered once processing has been completed.

    Additional Services Available

    Many clients also require additional document services after receiving their AFP certificate.

    CLS can also coordinate:

    Apostille Certificates
    DFAT Authentication
    Embassy Legalisation
    NAATI Certified Translation
    Certified Copies
    Notary Public Services
    Ink Fingerprint Certificates
    What Slows Applications Down

    Common Causes of Delays – and How CLS Helps

    Every common cause of delay — and how CLS prevents it before submission.

    Pre-Vetted

    Incorrect purpose code

    Selecting the wrong purpose code may result in the certificate not being accepted.

    How CLS Prevents It

    We help identify the appropriate application purpose.

    Pre-Vetted

    Identity verification issues

    Incomplete or inconsistent identification documents can delay processing.

    Pre-Vetted

    Incorrect personal information

    Names, previous names and dates of birth must match official identification documents.

    Pre-Vetted

    Additional verification requirements

    Some applications require further identity verification before processing can continue.

    30+
    Years of visa & attestation experience
    End-to-end
    Review, preparation, authentication, legalisation & return
    Ready
    Documents prepared for overseas use
    Why CLS

    Why Choose CLS?

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Australian Federal Police Check through CLS.

    Next Step

    Need an Australian Federal Police Check?

    Whether you require an AFP Police Check for citizenship, immigration, overseas employment, visas or official purposes, CLS can assist from application through to certificate delivery.

    Request Your Consultation

    Get expert assistance with your australian federal police check — fast, secure and embassy-ready.

    1300 909 488help@capitallinkservices.com.au
    8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday (AEDT)

    We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.