Korea Only Accepts the National Federal Check
Korean immigration requires the federal-level AFP National Police Checkprocessed through ACIC's national criminal database. State police checks (NSW Police, Victoria Police, etc.) cover only that state and are not accepted by Korean immigration. Always apply for the AFP National Police Check, not a state-specific one.
Important
The AFP National Police Check must be issued within 6 months of your contract start date in Korea. Time the request so the DFAT apostille completes 2–3 months before your departure — too early and the check expires, too late and you miss the visa deadline.
Step 1: Apply for the AFP National Police Check
Two routes are available. Authorised service providers are usually faster because they handle identity verification by video call rather than in-person at an Australia Post outlet.
Option 1: Authorised Service Provider (Recommended)
Authorised providers like IdentityMate or GetInCheck process AFP checks through ACIC's system but offer faster identity verification.
- Visit IdentityMate.com.au or GetInCheck.
- Apply online with name, date of birth, address, and citizenship.
- Verify identity via 5-minute video call.
- Pay the provider's fee (~AUD $42 + provider service fee).
- Receive the AFP National Police Check by email — typically faster than direct AFP.
Option 2: Apply Directly via AFP
- Go to afp.gov.au/national-police-checks.
- Apply online with name, date of birth, address, and citizenship.
- Verify identity online or at an Australia Post outlet.
- Pay approximately AUD $42 (check AFP website for current fee).
- Receive the check — allow up to 10–15 business days.
Korvia Tip
For most Australian teachers, an authorised provider is the simpler route — video-call verification means you don't need to visit an Australia Post outlet, and the certificate is the same official AFP National Police Check either way.
Step 2: DFAT Apostille
Once you have your AFP check, send it to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for apostille. DFAT is the federal authority that issues apostilles for Australian documents.
DFAT Office Locations
DFAT operates apostille offices in six cities. In-person submission is the fastest option — same-day to 1–2 days in many cases:
- Canberra (head office)
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
The DFAT Process
- Download the apostille request form from smartraveller.gov.au/legalising-documents.
- Submit the AFP check, request form, and apostille fee in person at a DFAT office, or by post.
- Apostille fee: approximately AUD $93 per document (verify on DFAT's website).
- For mail-in: use Australia Post tracking or a courier — never regular mail.
- DFAT processes in-person in 1–2 days; mail processing typically 1–2 weeks plus shipping.
Realistic Timeline by Route
| Stage | Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AFP check via authorised provider (recommended) | Faster than direct AFP | ~AUD $42 + provider fee |
| AFP check direct via afp.gov.au | Up to 10–15 business days | ~AUD $42 |
| DFAT apostille — in-person | Same-day to 1–2 days (fastest) | ~AUD $93 per document |
| DFAT apostille — mail | 1–2 weeks + shipping | ~AUD $93 per document |
Total Time Scenarios (Apostille Only)
The numbers below cover the AFP check + DFAT apostille only. The E-2 visa application at the Korean Consulate is a separate process.
- Best case (provider + DFAT in-person): ~2 weeks
- Standard case (provider + DFAT mail): 3–4 weeks
- Worst case (direct AFP + DFAT mail): 4–5 weeks
After Apostille: E-2 Visa Application (Separate Process)
Once the DFAT apostille is attached, the document is fully authenticated. The Korean Consulate (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide depending on your state) does not re-authenticate the apostille — they accept it as part of your E-2 visa application packet. The E-2 visa application is a separate process from the apostille; see our E-2 visa guide for details.
Korean Consulate Jurisdictions in Australia
- Sydney — covers NSW and Australian Capital Territory
- Melbourne — covers Victoria and Tasmania
- Brisbane — covers Queensland
- Perth — covers Western Australia
- Adelaide — covers South Australia
Other Documents You'll Need for the E-2 Visa
- Apostilled AFP National Police Check (issued within 6 months of contract start)
- Apostilled university degree
- Sealed university transcripts
- Valid Australian passport (6+ months remaining)
- Employment contract from your Korean school
- Medical exam results (chest X-ray, blood test)
- Passport photos (4×6 cm)
- Completed E-2 visa application form (provided by consulate)
Common Mistakes Australian Teachers Make
- Ordering a state-based police check: Korean immigration accepts only the federal AFP National Police Check.
- Forgetting the DFAT apostille: An un-apostilled AFP check is automatically rejected — no exceptions.
- Using regular mail to DFAT: Use Australia Post tracking or a courier. Lost certificates mean restarting the entire process.
- Letting the 6-month window expire: The check must be issued within 6 months of contract start. Time the request precisely.
- Name mismatch with passport: Verify every name field and date of birth before submitting to DFAT. Mismatches cause consulate rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between AFP National Police Check and state-based police checks?
The AFP National Police Check (processed through ACIC's national database) covers all states and territories. State police checks cover only that state. Korean immigration accepts only the federal AFP National Police Check, not state-specific ones.
How long does the AFP National Police Check take?
AFP National Police Checks typically take up to 10–15 business days for standard applications. Online applications through authorised providers (such as IdentityMate or GetInCheck) can be faster as they handle identity verification more efficiently. Processing time depends on the complexity of your criminal history.
Where do I get the check apostilled?
AFP National Police Checks are apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT offices operate in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. In-person submission is the fastest option. The apostille fee is approximately AUD $93 per document — check DFAT's website for current pricing.
Can I apply for the AFP check while living overseas?
Yes. You can apply online through authorised service providers even if living abroad. They handle identity verification digitally and email the result. Some verification steps may still require an Australian postal address depending on the provider.
What's the realistic total timeline for Australian teachers?
Best case (provider + DFAT in-person): approximately 2 weeks. Standard case (provider + DFAT mail): 3–4 weeks. Build the timeline so the apostilled check is ready 2–3 months before your contract start in Korea, given the 6-month validity rule.
Apply With Korvia
As EPIK's exclusive international recruiting partner since 2008, Korvia guides Australian teachers through every visa document step — AFP coordination, apostille timing, and full E-2 visa preparation. Free for teachers.