Police Clearance Assistance
Fast, reliable coordination of police checks for Australian visa applications. Fixed fees, professional handling, and offices in Perth's northern suburbs.
Most Australian visa applications require police clearances from every country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Obtaining these clearances can be confusing, time-consuming, and costly if done incorrectly.
ACL Migration Agents provides assistance with Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearances and South African Police (SAPS) clearances. We handle the paperwork, lodge the application on your behalf, and follow up to ensure you receive your certificate as quickly as possible.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance
The Australian Federal Police issues National Police Certificates for visa and immigration purposes. If you have lived in Australia for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, you will likely need an AFP clearance as part of your visa application.
We prepare and lodge your AFP application with correct coding for immigration purposes. This ensures the certificate is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs and avoids the delays that occur when applications are submitted with incorrect purpose codes.
Fees
| Service | Professional Fee | Government Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFP Local (within Australia) | $110 inc GST | $47 | $157 |
| AFP International (outside Australia) | $165 | $47 | $212 |
What You Need to Provide
- Completed consent form
- Certified identification documents
- Payment of fees
AFP clearances typically take 2 to 4 weeks from lodgement, though processing times can vary. We recommend applying as early as possible in your visa process.
South African Police (SAPS) Clearance
If you are a former resident of South Africa, or if you lived in South Africa for 12 months or more in the past 10 years, the Department of Home Affairs will require a South African Police clearance certificate.
The SAPS process can be complex for applicants now living in Australia. Fingerprints must be taken and submitted in a specific format, and applications must be directed to the correct office in South Africa.
ACL Migration Agents coordinates the entire SAPS clearance process for you. We guide you through fingerprint collection, prepare the application, and manage correspondence with SAPS on your behalf.
Fee
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| SAPS Clearance Assistance | $572 |
This fee covers our coordination service. Any additional costs imposed by SAPS or courier services are passed through at cost.
What You Need to Provide
- Full set of fingerprints taken by an authorised person (we will advise where this can be done)
- Completed SAPS application forms
- Certified copy of your passport
- Proof of residential address in South Africa (if available)
- Payment of fees
SAPS clearances can take 6 to 12 weeks, and sometimes longer depending on processing volumes in South Africa. Early application is strongly advised.
Clearances from Other Countries
If you need police clearances from countries other than Australia or South Africa, we can advise you on the correct process, required forms, and where to apply. While we do not coordinate every country's clearance directly, we will point you in the right direction and review your certificates before they are submitted with your visa application.
Why Use a Registered Agent for Police Clearances?
Correct Purpose Codes
AFP applications for immigration must use Code 33. Using the wrong code means the certificate may be rejected by Home Affairs, causing delays.
Proper Documentation
Many applicants submit incomplete or uncertified documents, which causes applications to be returned unprocessed.
Time Saving
We handle the forms, follow up on delays, and track progress so you can focus on other parts of your visa application.
Peace of Mind
You know the clearance has been handled correctly the first time.
Common Questions
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs requires police clearances regardless of whether you have a criminal record. The absence of a record is itself the information they need.
AFP clearances are generally considered valid for 12 months from issue. SAPS clearances do not have a fixed expiry, but the Department of Home Affairs prefers recent certificates. If your application takes a long time, you may be asked to provide an updated clearance.
Yes, you can apply directly through the AFP website. However, many applicants make errors with purpose codes or documentation, which causes delays. Our service ensures it is done correctly the first time.
Delays are common and often outside anyone's control. We monitor your application and follow up where possible. If your visa application is at risk of timing out, we can advise on requesting an extension or providing evidence that the clearance has been applied for.
Our coordination fee is not refundable once work has commenced. Government fees paid to AFP or SAPS are also not refundable.
Need a Police Clearance? Get It Done Right.
Contact ACL Migration Agents to arrange your AFP or SAPS clearance. Fixed fees, professional handling, and offices in Perth's northern suburbs.