Partner Visa Police Certificate Expired: When Do You Need a New AFP or Overseas Police Check?

Police certificates used for Australian immigration purposes are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If your Partner Visa is still processing after that period, Home Affairs may ask for a new Australian Federal Police certificate or overseas police clearance depending on your residence and travel history.

This article focuses on expiry and renewal of applicant police certificates. Sponsor police checks are covered separately in our Partner Visa sponsor police checks guide.

How long is a police certificate valid?

Home Affairs states that police certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date. A certificate should cover the relevant period from age 16 and the time spent in the country as required by the Department.

Which countries require police certificates?

For family visas, Home Affairs generally requires a police certificate from any country where the applicant has spent a cumulative total of at least 12 months in the past 10 years. Several shorter visits can add together to reach the 12-month threshold.

Do you always need a new certificate after 12 months?

Not automatically in every case. Home Affairs may ask for a new certificate, particularly where the applicant has returned to the country after the earlier certificate expired or where updated character information is needed. The safest approach is to monitor the application and be ready to obtain an updated check when requested.

Which Australian police certificate does Home Affairs accept?

For Australian immigration purposes, Home Affairs requires the National Police Check issued by the Australian Federal Police and instructs applicants to use Code 33 for immigration/citizenship purposes. State or territory police certificates are not accepted for this requirement.

What if you moved to another country while the Partner Visa was processing?

A move can change the character-document picture. If you accumulate 12 months in a new country, a new police certificate from that country may become necessary. Update your residential history accurately rather than relying only on the documents that existed at lodgement.

Illustrative case example: 309 applicant relocates for work

Composite example: A 309 applicant submitted police clearances at lodgement and then moved to a third country for a 14-month work assignment. By the time the visa was ready for decision, the original checks were old and the applicant had now spent more than 12 months in a new jurisdiction. Updated character documents were obtained rather than assuming the lodgement-stage certificates would remain sufficient forever.

See Home Affairs’ character requirements guidance for police-certificate validity and country requirements. For the Partner Visa pathway, visit our Partner Visa hub.

General information only. Police certificate requirements depend on age, residence history, travel history and the Department’s current request.