SAPS police clearance for an Australian visa
How Australia's character requirements treat South African police clearance, and where a SAPS certificate fits in.
Australia's character requirements
Australia's Department of Home Affairs applies character requirements to most visa applications, and for many visa subclasses this includes providing a penal/police clearance certificate from every country you've lived in for a cumulative period (commonly 12 months or more) over roughly the past 10 years. For South African applicants and former residents, that means a SAPS Police Clearance Certificate is very often part of the required documentation — but the precise rule, validity window and document format depend on the specific visa subclass you're applying for.
Because Home Affairs sets and updates these requirements centrally, always check the character and police certificate requirements listed for your specific visa subclass on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before relying on general guidance like this page.
Frequently Asked
Does Australia require a police certificate for every visa?
Australia's Department of Home Affairs applies character requirements across most visa subclasses, and a penal/police clearance certificate covering countries you've lived in for a set period is a common requirement — but the exact rule depends on your specific visa subclass. Check the character requirements listed for your visa on the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au guidance.
How old can the certificate be for an Australian application?
Home Affairs typically expects police certificates to be recent — commonly within 12 months of the date they're provided — but this can vary by visa subclass, so confirm the current requirement for yours before you apply.
Does the SAPS certificate need to be an original for an Australian visa application?
Home Affairs generally specifies whether an original or certified copy is acceptable, and this can differ depending on how you're lodging your application. Check the document requirements for your specific visa subclass rather than assuming.
I've lived in South Africa and one other country — do I need clearances from both?
Generally yes — Australian character requirements typically ask for a police certificate from each country you've lived in for 12 months or more (cumulatively) in the past 10 years, not just your most recent country. Confirm the exact rule for your visa subclass.
Can I get my SAPS certificate sorted while living in New Zealand, ahead of an Australian application?
Yes — the certificate itself doesn't need to be obtained from Australia. EM Services coordinates the SAPS application from Christchurch, and the completed certificate is simply included in your Australian visa documentation.