Immigration New Zealand now requires police certificates to be submitted with AEWV and visitor visa applications to avoid delays or refusals
If you are planning to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or a visitor visa, this is an important reminder about current police certificate requirements.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) changed the way police certificates must be provided for AEWV and visitor visa applications. These changes are designed to speed up visa processing and reduce delays caused by missing or incomplete documentation.
Applicants must upload a valid police certificate at the time they submit their application. INZ no longer accept receipts showing that a certificate has been requested.
This shift marks a significant change in process, and applicants who are not prepared may face slower decisions, shorter visa durations, or even declines
Why the change? Faster decisions for complete applications
Previously, INZ often kept applications open while waiting for missing police certificates and followed up with applicants to request them. This created delays for both applicants and processing teams.
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Under the new approach:
- INZ assesses applications based only on the documents provided at lodgement
- INZ does not delay processing to chase missing police certificates
- Applicants who submit complete applications will benefit from faster decisions
- Applicants who do not provide a certificate may receive a shorter visa or have their application declined
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INZ has stated that this change allows processing staff to focus on decision‑making rather than document follow‑up.
What applicants must do
Only apply when you have your police certificate ready. Police certificate processing times vary significantly by country, so applicants should check local requirements and plan ahead.
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A police certificate must be:
- Less than 6 months old at the time of application
- Translated into English if issued in another language
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Police certificates may also be referred to as criminal checks, police clearance certificates, or penal records.
Exceptions: Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel
Applicants from Fiji, Hong Kong, and Israel do not need to upload a certificate themselves, as these authorities send police certificates directly to INZ.
In these cases, applicants may upload proof that they have applied.
If you apply without a police certificate
The consequences depend on how long you have spent in New Zealand. If you have spent less than 24 months in New Zealand, you will have 5 working days to provide a police certificate if:
- You are currently in New Zealand and have been here less than 24 months, or
- You are applying from overseas and previously spent less than 24 months in New Zealand
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If you cannot provide the certificate within 5 working days, your visa may still be approved, but only for a shorter period, up to a total of 24 months.
If you have spent more than 24 months in New Zealand
The consequences are more serious:
- If you are in New Zealand:
You will receive a Potentially Prejudicial Information (PPI) letter and have an opportunity to respond.
- If you are outside New Zealand:
Your application may be declined if you cannot provide a police certificate.
If you have provided police certificates before
You may not need to provide a new certificate if INZ already holds one from a previous application. This depends on the visa category and how long ago the certificate was issued.
INZ may request a new certificate if the previous one becomes more than 12 months old before a decision is made.
Fingerprinting requirements
Some countries require fingerprints to issue a police certificate. Applicants should:
- Check local fingerprinting services
- Use private providers where available
- Contact New Zealand Police only if no local service exists (availability varies by region and day)
What this means for applicants and employers
This change reinforces the importance of complete, accurate, and well‑prepared applications.
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For applicants, it means:
- Do not apply until your police certificate is ready
- Expect faster decisions if your application is complete
- Understand the risk of shorter visas or declines if documents are missing
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For employers, it means:
- AEWV applicants must be fully prepared before lodgement
- Missing police certificates may delay start dates or affect visa length
- Early planning is essential to avoid disruptions to recruitment timelines
How Absolute Immigration NZ can support you
Our team can help you:
- Understand whether you need a police certificate
- Navigate country‑specific requirements and processing times
- Prepare complete, compliant AEWV or visitor visa applications
- Avoid delays, PPIs, or shortened visa outcomes
- Plan ahead for recruitment and workforce needs
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If you are preparing to apply for an AEWV or visitor visa, now is the time to ensure all documents, especially police certificates, are ready. For personalised guidance and support, contact Absolute Immigration New Zealand at  aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for all your immigration needs.
