Processing times for blue card applications
Most blue card or exemption card applications are approved within 5 business days if:
- you have no criminal history
- there is no other concerning information that needs to be checked.
After your application is approved, we will post your card. It can take up to 21 days to arrive.
Online applications are usually processed faster than paper applications.
If your application is approved:
- we will email if you gave us an email address
- you will send you a letter if you did not provide an email address.
You can start working as soon as you receive your approval notice. You do not need to wait for your card to arrive.
When your application may take longer
Some applications take longer than 5 business days.
This can happen if we need to do extra checks during the blue card check.
The blue card check goes beyond a police check and includes information from a range of sources across Australia.
The blue card check includes:
- a national criminal history check
- a National Reference System check
- other checks that help us decide if you can hold a blue card.
Sometimes your name is similar to another person’s record. We may need to confirm your identity before we can finish your application. This can take extra time, even if you have no criminal history.
If we find criminal history or other assessable information, we may need to gather more information before we make a decision. We may contact you during card risk assessment.
Risk assessments
Most risk assessments are completed within 21 business days.
Some take longer if:
- the assessable information is complex
- we need more information before making a decision.
Combined applications
If you apply for both a blue card and disability worker screening at the same time:
- Disability Worker Screening will process your disability worker screening first.
- We will process your blue card or exemption card after that decision is made.
If you are waiting for a disability worker screening result, contact Disability Worker Screening directly.
More information
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