Visa applications can be challenging, especially when new rules are introduced. But don’t worry, Reimmigration is here to guide you in detail through the latest updates on police certificates for visitor visa NZ and Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ applications. This article will help reduce your stress and boost your chances of getting approved.
Understanding Police Certificates
A police certificate is an official document issued by law enforcement authorities to confirm whether you have a criminal record. Immigration New Zealand uses it to assess your character before granting visas.
Now, police certificates have become even more important for visitor visa NZ and Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ applications. Under the latest rules, you must submit an up-to-date police certificate, as the focus is now on accuracy, recency, and completeness to ensure applicants meet character requirements.
Police Certificate Required from December 2025
From 8 December 2025, it is compulsory to submit a valid police certificate with both visitor visa NZ and Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ applications. Immigration authorities will no longer accept receipts or proof showing that you have only applied for the certificate. The actual police certificate must be uploaded at the time of submission.
This rule has been introduced to reduce application delays and ensure faster visa processing by accepting only complete and ready-to-assess applications.
Why Immigration NZ Introduced This Change
This was a change made by Immigration NZ after it identified that police certificates that were not submitted was causing delays in processing visas time and again. Before, apps stayed open as officers chased for missing documents and this slowed down decisions.
Now, applications are reviewed based only on the documents submitted upfront. Police certificates will no longer require processing to stop for Immigration New Zealand to request them. As a result:
- External Links and References CloudReady is way faster.
- Incomplete applications will be approved for a lesser duration, or refused.
Applicants who submit all required documents correctly from the beginning will benefit from quicker and smoother visa outcomes.
Only Apply When You Have Your Police Certificate Ready
As processing time may differ depending on the country applicants are applying from, individuals are encouraged to apply early. Some countries easily provide certificates; others may have a waiting period of several weeks.
If you want to visit or work in NZ and need a visitor visa NZ or Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ, your police certificate should be:
- Issued recently
- Valid and complete
- Ready to upload at the time of application
Applying without it can directly affect your visa result.
Countries with Special Police Certificate Processes
There is a separate procedure for applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong and Israel. The relevant authorities in these countries send people’s police certificates directly to Immigration New Zealand.
If you apply from one of these countries, yoU can upload a proof that the child has applied for the certificate instead of the certificate or ID card.
What If You Apply Without a Police Certificate?
If You Have Spent Less Than 24 Months in New Zealand
You may be given 5 working days to submit your police certificate if:
- You have lived in New Zealand for less than 24 months, or
- You are applying from outside New Zealand and previously stayed there for under 24 months
If you fail to provide the certificate within this time, your visa may still be approved—but only for a shorter duration, up to a maximum of 24 months in total.
If You Have Spent More Than 24 Months in New Zealand
If you are in New Zealand now and have been here for more than 24 months, then one or both of the sponsors may get a Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter to allow them to explain themselves, before they make their decision.
If you have remained for over 24 months in New Zealand and you are outside the country your application may be refused without a police certificate.
How Reimmigration Can Help
Now that the new regulations have been implemented, even a minor missing document can impact your visa decision. That’s where Reimmigration comes in. We lead you through applying for a visitor visa NZ and Accredited Employer Work Visa NZ – ensuring your police certificate, and all necessary supporting documents comply with the most current requirements.Second, by doing it right the first time, you can avoid delays and unnecessary stress and, hopefully, increase your chances of approval. Our mission is straightforward – to lighten, clear and accelerate your visa journey with confidence.
