Victoria police check

[kdude1 3]

Hi there, I filed for the K-1 in April. Some April filers have been approved lately so I'm thinking that some time over the next 3 months, we might get the Noa 2.

I was thinking of getting the police check now so that it's ready when packet 3 arrives. I figure if it has 12 months validity that should be plenty of time.

Can anyone advise me as to what I have to do in Victoria to get the right police check?

There is some confusion about weather to get a federal police check or a state police check? And can I get them to send me the police check so I can send it along with packet 3 myself as opposed to them sending it off to the embassy and possibly getting things mixed up?

I'm guessing I just walk into a police station and say, "hi, I need a police check with fingerprints for a US visa application"?

Thanks for any help on this

Edited July 25, 2013 by kdude1

[Lainie B 465]

You need a national name and fingerprint check from the Victorian Police. The current fee is $144.

You fill out the online form here and print it. The form and instructions are here:

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274

If you are near Melbourne you need to go to the customer service at the World Trade Centre. You have to call and make and appointment. If they tell you they don't have anything available for weeks, just keep calling and explain it's urgent.

If you are not near Melbourne, you need to go to one of these places:

http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=31613

They will send the certificate to you.

[Pinkinsight 3]

How do you know you need a FINGERPRINT background check and not a name check? I haven't come across any of the consulate guideline that it stipulates a fingerprint background check?

[Lainie B 465]

How do you know you need a FINGERPRINT background check and not a name check? I haven't come across any of the consulate guideline that it stipulates a fingerprint background check?

It was specified in the email I got from the Sydney consulate (in Packet 3). That was in 2011. Funny they don't specify it on the embassy website. I wonder if they have changed the requirement?

[kdude1 3]

Can anyone confirm if it's a fingerprint check or a name check that I should ask for? About to call them as soon as I find out.

[turtlegirl 6]

Copied directly from Packet 3 that we received in June 2013:

Obtaining an Australian Police certificate must be based on a fingerprint check, please refer to the following website: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/obtain_police_cert.html

The link will take you to the website that specifies what to do based on where you live.

[SherryandDaniel 4]

Yes definitely fingerprint check.

[Lainie B 465]

I wish they would specify this on the embassy website instead of just in the Packet 3 email. I bet a lot of people who try to prepare ahead get the wrong one.

Turtlegirl, thanks for confirming

Edited July 30, 2013 by Lainie B

[SachaAndIain 10]

On the link they refer you to it says you need a form P799 and pay $52, which is the fee for a name check.

[Pinkinsight 3]

On the link they refer you to it says you need a form P799 and pay $52, which is the fee for a name check.

Yeah the website is misleading. I was one of those people that tried to prepare ahead (as I am going away for 2 1/2 months in Sept and wanted to get everything prior as we are currently awaiting our Packet 3 to arrive). The US Consulate Canberra website does not mention fingerprint. When i did my J1 visa 5 years ago it was only a name check - understandably it is only a J1 Visa and ages ago though. It is just really frustrating!

[turtlegirl 6]

On the link they refer you to it says you need a form P799 and pay $52, which is the fee for a name check.

I'm not sure why it says that on the link, because it's incorrect. If you follow the link below that information (I'm assuming you were referring to the NSW area) and then click on "criminal records" on the right hand side, it says this:

Individuals requiring a criminal record check for Australian citizenship, residency, spouse visa, guardianship of a child from another country, working visa or whilst travelling or living abroad, must apply via the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Details on applying for a criminal record check via the AFP is available at www.afp.gov.au.

It seems that most states are using the AFP these days, but not all. Sometimes the information is hard to find. Most of the information on that main page seems to be wrong. If in doubt, the Embassy always will accept the AFP check.

Just in case anyone comes looking for links in the future, to avoid having to dig through the main page with it's incorrect info, here are the direct links to what each state wants:

NSW: uses the AFP check: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/structure/specialist_operations/forensic_services/criminal_records_section which can be found here: http://www.afp.gov.au/

Queensland information is here: http://www.police.qld.gov.au/services/purchase/polcert.htm and it too is different from the info posted on the main page.

ACT uses the AFP check here: http://www.afp.gov.au/ per the main page http://canberra.usembassy.gov/obtain_police_cert.html#act ignore the fee listed, it's wrong on there.

WA uses the AFP check: http://www.afp.gov.au/ per the main page http://canberra.usembassy.gov/obtain_police_cert.html#wa

Victoria uses the AFP check: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274 which can be found here: http://www.afp.gov.au/

Tasmania: http://www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/police-history-record-checks/ says that the local police checks cannot be used for Australian immigration (they are for jobs, registration, etc) so you need to do them through the AFP here: http://www.afp.gov.au/

I think I might start that in a new topic so everyone can find it if they search.

[Pamala Bull 4]

defently need a fingerprint check , i Did just the 52$ check and they sent a rfe stating it was the wrong one and i needed one based on Fingerprints.. Very important you get the right one other wise it will slow down the process

AUSTRALIAN POLICE CERTIFICATE: Submit the original and one photocopy. The certificate must be issued on the basis of afingerprint check, please click here for instructions, police instructions.

Submit the original or certified copy

Submit one photocopy

The police certificate you submitted is incorrect. The letter should be issued verifying that the search of the police records was based on a fingerprint search and not on a Name Check as they did for you. Your police report and the fingerprint chart are being returned to you by mail today to obtain the proper documentation.

[SachaAndIain 10]

Turtlegirl, there's no indication that an afp check is required. The information you've quotedIs from nsw police, not the consulate, and refers to Australian visas. Consulate requires a fingerprint check and the nsw police fingerprint check meets this requirement. Afp check is more expensive and takes a lot longer. I know I've been wrong about this before, so I'll report back after my interview to confirm, but it seems pretty clear

[JEC777 13]

It seems the information provided on the US Embassy website has changed since I did my K1 last year. It does not mention fingerprints, just a police check, but I would stay on the safe side and get the fingerprint check done as you are sure to be asked for it in your Packet 3. I would email the Consulate in Sydney sydneyiv@state.gov and ask them, they usually respond within a couple of days. Make sure you include in your email to them your full name contact details and case number.