About AusCheck background checks
AusCheck background checks assess information from organisations which may include national security and criminal intelligence agencies to identify whether an individual is a security risk.
This helps organisations decide whether to let individuals access critical infrastructure, secure airports and seaports, and traveller programs.
How it works
Background checks can be requested for workers, volunteers or travellers as part of a scheme or program we support.
The organisation you applied through will tell you if you need a background check. You’ll need to:
- submit an application
- confirm your identity.
Once AusCheck receives your application, we coordinate checks with our partner agencies and assess the information they give us.
Each scheme and program has its own application process, so make sure you check how to apply.
What’s included in a check
Each background check is made up of checks by our partner agencies.
This can include:
- a criminal history check by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission(Opens in a new tab/window) (ACIC)
- a criminal intelligence assessment by the ACIC – for Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) and Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) applicants only
- a national security assessment by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation(Opens in a new tab/window) (ASIO)
- a check of your right to work in Australia through Visa Entitlement Verification Online(Opens in a new tab/window) (VEVO) – if you hold a visa
- a defence force service history check with the Australian Defence Force – for Global Entry program applicants only.
If you’re under 18
Your parent or guardian will need to provide consent to AusCheck as part of the application.
What we look for in your criminal history
We only look at criminal offences relevant to security and your scheme or program (security-relevant offences).
We do consider:
- any guilty findings in court, even if the court didn’t record a conviction
- each criminal act as a separate offence, even if they show as a single penalty
- all sentences of imprisonment, including home detention.
We do not consider:
- offences where you were found not guilty
- offences that have been acquitted, withdrawn or set aside
- convictions that are not security relevant (excluding the Global Entry program)
- convictions where you were pardoned
- most spent convictions (exceptions apply).
Learn more about criminal offences.
Your privacy
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide some personal information. This might include:
- residential address history
- identity documents
- a statement of operational need.
Learn more about how we protect your privacy.
How much it costs
See the fees for background checks.
How long it takes
Learn more about how long background checks take.
Application progress
Application processing times vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of each applicant’s background.
Background checks can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
If your application remains pending after 8 weeks, you can contact AusCheck@homeaffairs.gov.au.
How to withdraw your application
You can withdraw your application at any time before we complete your background check.
To withdraw your application, contact the issuing body, organisation, employer or responsible entity you applied through. You can also withdraw your application in the applicant portal.
To withdraw an application for the Global Entry program, contact AusCheck.
Possible results
The exact results we provide depend on your scheme or program.
For most schemes or programs, (excluding the Global Entry program), you won't be issued a card or accreditation if:
- your identity is unable to be verified
- you have a Tier 1 security-relevant offence
- you receive an adverse security assessment (ASA) or qualified security assessment (QSA) from ASIO
- you receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment from the ACIC (for ASIC and MSIC only).
We won't give the details about your criminal history to anyone else without your consent.
However, we must tell the organisation if you receive an adverse or qualified security assessment from ASIO or an adverse criminal intelligence assessment from the ACIC.
If the result is unfavourable
Where your criminal history indicates you might pose a security risk, we’ll send you:
- the information we received from the background check
- our proposed decision about your background check result (for example, not eligible)
- instructions on how to respond and when you need to respond by.
If you fail to respond to confirm your criminal history or make representations within 28 days from the date of the proposed decision, AusCheck will use the information received in your criminal history to make a final decision about your background check.
If you believe the criminal history information is incorrect
Respond to tell us if you believe the criminal history information is incorrect.
You must show that you either:
- are not the person named in the record, or
- didn’t commit the criminal offence, or
- have information that shows the offence is not security relevant.
We can’t consider your general character or the reasons for the offence.
If you agree the criminal history information is correct
Respond to let us know so we can make a faster decision.
How to appeal our decision about your background check result
Once we make a final decision about your background check result, we’ll tell you:
- what the result is and why
- how to ask for a review or appeal.
You have 28 days from the date when the final decision was made to appeal our decision.
If you applied for an ASIC or MSIC and you have a Tier 2 or Tier 3 ASIC or MSIC offence, you may be able to apply for a discretionary ASIC or discretionary MSIC.
Appealing to the Administrative Review Tribunal
You can ask the Administrative Review Tribunal to review our decision about your background check result if you believe we either:
- misclassified your offence
- made an administrative error.
You’ll need to include:
- your personal details
- records of the decision
- the reason why you believe the decision is wrong
- evidence that supports your appeal.
Find more information on the Administrative Review Tribunal website(Opens in a new tab/window).