Applying for an Australian partner visa is a time-consuming process that requires meticulous attention to detail and often requires the help of a partner visa agent.
A critical component of this application is the submission of police checks, which serve to establish the good character of both the applicant and their sponsor. These checks are vital for assessing eligibility and ensuring the safety and security of the Australian community. Understanding the specific requirements, including which police checks are necessary, their validity periods, and the correct procedures for obtaining them, is essential to avoid delays or complications in your visa application.
In this blog, we address five burning questions about police checks to help you navigate this crucial aspect of the visa application process confidently.
Who Needs to Provide Police Checks?
Both the visa applicant and their sponsor are required to provide police checks. This includes obtaining clearances from every country where either party has spent a cumulative total of 12 months or more in the past 10 years since turning 16 years of age.
Which Police Checks Are Required?
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: If you have resided in Australia, you must obtain an AFP National Police Check. Ensure you select the correct purpose code, which is “33 – Immigration/Citizenship.”
Overseas Police Checks: For countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past decade, you must provide police certificates from those nations. This requirement applies to both the applicant and the sponsor.
How Recent Must the Police Checks Be?
Police checks are generally considered valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If your police check expires but you have not returned to the country of issue since its expiration, you may not need to provide an updated check. However, if you have travelled back to that country after the police check’s expiration, obtaining a new one is necessary.
What If You Cannot Obtain a Police Check from a Specific Country?
In exceptional cases where obtaining a police check is not feasible, such as due to political instability or other compelling reasons, you should provide a detailed written explanation and any supporting evidence to the Department of Home Affairs. You can ask your partner visa agent to help you out on this. Each case is assessed individually, and the department may consider alternative evidence of good character.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Steer clear of the following:
- Incorrect Purpose Code: When applying for an AFP check, ensure you select the correct purpose code (“33 – Immigration/Citizenship”) to avoid processing delays.
- Incomplete Travel History: Accurately account for all countries where you have resided for 12 months or more in the past 10 years to determine the necessary police checks.
- Expired Police Checks: Submit up-to-date police checks to ensure they remain valid throughout the processing of your visa application.
Navigating the police check requirements for an Australian partner visa is a critical aspect of the application process. That’s why you need the help of a partner visa specialist in Melbourne to turn the odds in your favour!
Fast-Track Your Partner Visa Application – Hire Our Visa Agents
Reach out to Visa Pro Migration & Education Services to assign you with a partner visa specialist. We’ve been in the industry for years with impeccable track records. Got queries? Get them answered at +61 433 454 580. Call today!
