A National Police Check (NPC), often called a “police clearance” or “police check,” is an official document issued by the Australian government or an accredited agency.
It provides a summary of a person’s police history in Australia, including any disclosable court outcomes or pending charges.
For Filipinos working or studying in Australia, as well as other non-citizens, it’s an essential document that confirms your criminal record status (or lack thereof) in Australia.
Brief history and background
The National Police Check is part of Australia’s national criminal history record system, managed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC). Historically, police checks were handled individually by state or territory police forces.
In recent years, ACIC has streamlined the process through the National Police Checking Service (NPCS), making it easier and faster to verify criminal history information across all jurisdictions in Australia.
Why is it required?
A police check is a common requirement in many areas of life in Australia. It helps employers, government agencies, or organisations assess a person’s suitability for certain roles, particularly where trust, safety, and security are involved.
Some of the main reasons for needing a police check include:
- Employment: Jobs in healthcare, aged care, child care, teaching, and government often require a police check as part of the hiring process.
- Volunteering: Many volunteer organisations want to ensure they’re working with people of good character.
- Visa and immigration purposes: Police checks are sometimes required for visa applications or renewals.
- Adoption or foster care applications: Ensuring the safety and security of children in care.
- Professional licensing or registration: Professions like nursing, teaching, and legal work may need police checks for initial registration or renewals.
For Filipinos and other foreigners living or working in Australia, a police check can also be requested by the Philippine Consulate or Embassy when dealing with matters such as dual citizenship or visa applications for other countries.
Methodology and use cases
A National Police Check involves searching police databases and records across all Australian states and territories. It checks for:
- Convictions
- Good behaviour bonds
- Charges pending before the courts
- Other police history that is deemed releasable under state legislation
The result is a single document that lists any disclosable records. It’s important to note that some spent convictions (older offences that are legally “forgotten” after a certain time) may not be disclosed under Australian law.
Typical use cases include:
- Applying for a new job
- Renewing or obtaining a visa
- Licensing applications
- Court matters or legal processes
- Rental applications in some cases
How to apply for a national police check
The application process for a police check in Australia is straightforward and can usually be done online or through authorised agencies. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
1. Choose a provider
You can apply through the following options:
- Australian Federal Police (AFP): The AFP issues national police checks specifically for immigration or visa purposes, such as Australian citizenship, visa applications, or adoption.
- ACIC-accredited agencies: These private providers are authorised by the Australian government to conduct police checks for employment, volunteer work, and other general purposes. They often offer faster turnaround times.
- State or territory services: Some people prefer to get checks through their local police force, though this can take longer.
For Filipino citizens in Australia, it’s usually best to apply online with an ACIC-accredited provider if it’s for work or volunteering, or directly with the AFP if it’s for immigration or citizenship.
2. Gather your identification documents
To apply for a police check, you need to prove your identity with Australian and/or overseas documents. Generally, you must provide:
- Primary identity document (e.g., passport, Australian birth certificate, citizenship certificate)
- Secondary identity document (e.g., driver’s licence, Medicare card, bank card)
- Supporting documents if required (e.g., proof of residential address or visa status)
The exact list of acceptable documents can vary by provider, so always check their specific requirements.
3. Submit your application
Complete the application form, either online or in-person. You’ll need to:
- Provide your full name (including any previous names)
- Provide your date and place of birth
- Supply addresses where you’ve lived in the past five years
- Indicate why you need the police check (e.g., employment, volunteering)
- Upload scanned copies of your ID documents
- Provide consent for the background check
4. Pay the fee
The cost of a police check depends on the provider and the purpose. Typical fees range from:
- A$42 – 60 for most employment or volunteering checks through ACIC-accredited agencies
- A$42 – 99 for checks through the AFP (immigration or visa purposes)
Some volunteer organisations may cover the fee for you, so check with your prospective employer or volunteer group if you’re unsure.
5. Receive your police check certificate
Once the check is processed, you’ll get a certificate, usually as a digital PDF or printed document. Processing times can range from a few hours (for simple, clear checks with no matches) to a few weeks if your record needs more detailed review.
It’s good to remember that police checks are generally valid for the purpose for which they were issued, but some employers or agencies might ask for a new check if your circumstances have changed.
Requirements and tips for Filipinos and other non-citizens
For Filipino nationals or other non-citizens in Australia, the application process is similar to that of Australian citizens. Here are some specific tips:
- Use your Australian visa documents as part of your identity check (e.g., visa grant notice or ImmiCard).
- Ensure your personal details match your official visa records to avoid delays.
- If you’re applying for a visa extension or new visa, check the Department of Home Affairs website to see if they require the AFP police check specifically.
For dual citizenship or overseas visa applications, your police check may need to be an AFP-issued certificate rather than a general employment check.
Final thoughts
A National Police Check is an essential part of life in Australia for both locals and newcomers like Filipinos.
Whether you’re applying for a new job, volunteering, or sorting out immigration paperwork, understanding what’s involved and how to apply makes the process smoother and less stressful.
Always make sure to:
- Double-check your application for errors
- Submit the correct ID documents
- Allow enough time for processing, especially if you have travel or work deadlines
This ensures you’ll have the right police check when you need it, and you can confidently take the next steps in your stay in Australia.