Australian Police Certificate current processing time?

[Liza E P 0]

Hi there!

I am at the NVC stage for my CR-1 immigration visa.

I sent off for my Australian police certificate over 2 months ago, and I know they are experiencing delays at the moment but I am starting to wonder if I will ever receive it or if it has been lost on its way back here to South Africa. I sent it registered, and know that it got to Australia, and I have sent 2 emails to the AFP because the phone queue is just too long at the moment there, but no response.

Has anyone obtained their Australian police certificate recently who may be able to help me with this?

Thank you so much!

Edited September 11, 2012 by Liza E P

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Australia and New Zealand regional forum; OP's question is specific to Australia.

[riss 12]

Hi Liza,

I don't know how things go with the AFP, I'm in the process of getting mine done through Victoria Police, but that's a separate organisation, so... Sorry I can't help but it occurred to me that perhaps I could phone them for you if you'd like? Send me a PM if you think that would be any use.

Riss

[Liza E P 0]

Thank you so much riss, that is very kind of you! I really appreciate the offer...

I actually phoned them first thing last night when they opened at 8AM Canberra time, was 9th in the queue, but got to talk to someone after 15 minutes. She said that because my police check included a fingerprint check, which is required for CR-1 visa, it takes a long time and was nearing completion - 2 and 1/2 months after I had sent it in!

I will call back next week to see how it is progressing, and for the record, please, anyone who is doing their I-130 petition now and who needs an Australian Police check - allow at least 2 months for processing WITH fingerprints. It it taking a long time!

Good Luck

[Lainie B 465]

Thank you so much riss, that is very kind of you! I really appreciate the offer...

I actually phoned them first thing last night when they opened at 8AM Canberra time, was 9th in the queue, but got to talk to someone after 15 minutes. She said that because my police check included a fingerprint check, which is required for CR-1 visa, it takes a long time and was nearing completion - 2 and 1/2 months after I had sent it in!

I will call back next week to see how it is progressing, and for the record, please, anyone who is doing their I-130 petition now and who needs an Australian Police check - allow at least 2 months for processing WITH fingerprints. It it taking a long time!

Good Luck

Applicants who are in Australia get their police certificate through their state police department, which is normally much faster than through Australian Federal Police. Only those outside Australia need to go through the AFP.

Edited September 14, 2012 by Lainie B

[Liza E P 0]

Applicants who are in Australia get their police certificate through their state police department, which is normally much faster than through Australian Federal Police. Only those outside Australia need to go through the AFP.

Thanks Lainie B !

~ I forgot to say that the 2 - 3 month wait for a police check was for applicants outside Australia.

[riss 12]

Hey Liza, glad to hear you got it worked out. Sometimes this stuff makes me feel like I'm trying to tie my shoes with one hand (or sometimes both, lol!) tied behind my back. I always get all stressed and discouraged for a while when I can't work something out, but It all seems to get figured out in the end - so far anyway! Best of luck to you too.

Thank you so much riss, that is very kind of you! I really appreciate the offer...

I actually phoned them first thing last night when they opened at 8AM Canberra time, was 9th in the queue, but got to talk to someone after 15 minutes. She said that because my police check included a fingerprint check, which is required for CR-1 visa, it takes a long time and was nearing completion - 2 and 1/2 months after I had sent it in!

I will call back next week to see how it is progressing, and for the record, please, anyone who is doing their I-130 petition now and who needs an Australian Police check - allow at least 2 months for processing WITH fingerprints. It it taking a long time!

Good Luck

Edited September 16, 2012 by riss

[Liza E P 0]

Thanks riss!

I have been calling the AFP for 3 weeks now, and they are STILL processing it! It has been over 3 months now and I am getting a little frustrated and worried that it may hold up my entire immigration process.

Hope it is all going smoothly and quickly for you