Overseas police clearance certificates are a common requirement for Australian visa applications, but they can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to obtain — especially from certain countries. So what happens if you’ve already provided a police check for a previous visa application and the Department asks for another one? Can you reuse an existing overseas police check?
When Are Overseas Police Checks Required?
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The Department of Home Affairs requires police clearance certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (for most visa types). This is part of the character assessment that applies to virtually all Australian visa applications.
The standard validity period for police checks is generally 12 months from the date of issue. However, the practical question of when a new check is needed versus when an existing one can be reused is more nuanced than many people realise.
Can You Reuse a Previous Police Check?
According to experienced migration professionals, there are circumstances where you may be able to rely on a previously provided police check rather than obtaining a new one. The key factors include:
- You haven’t returned to the country: If you provided a police check from a particular country for a previous visa application and haven’t returned to that country since, there’s a strong argument that a new check is unnecessary — as there would be nothing new to report.
- The previous check was sent directly to Immigration: In some cases, police checks are sent directly from the issuing authority to the Department. Even if you don’t have a copy, the Department should have it on file.
- Policy guidance supports reuse: The Department has issued policy guidance (including a bulletin from November 2019) indicating that in certain circumstances, previously provided police checks can be relied upon.
How to Respond to a Request for a New Police Check
If you receive a Section 56 Request for Information asking for a police check from a country where you’ve already provided one and haven’t returned since, you can:
- Respond to the request explaining the situation: Clearly state when the previous police check was obtained, that it was provided for a specific visa application, and that you have not returned to the country since.
- Provide details to help locate the previous check: Include the approximate date it was issued, the visa application it was provided for, and any reference numbers.
- Reference the relevant policy: A migration agent can reference the appropriate Department policy that supports reuse of previously provided police checks.
- Request the Department refer to their own records: If the check was sent directly to Immigration, ask the case officer to refer to their own files.
When You Will Need a New Check
There are situations where a new police check will be required:
- If you’ve returned to the country since the previous check was issued
- If the previous check is very old and predates your most recent stay in that country
- If the Department specifically requires a fresh check and is not willing to accept the previous one
Police checks can be one of the most frustrating parts of a visa application, especially when they’re from countries with slow or complicated processes. If you’re being asked for a police check that you’ve already provided, or if you’re unsure what’s required, professional advice can save you time and stress.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents for advice tailored to your specific situation.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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