New Zealand Visa: Police Clearance Rules Tightened
New Zealand has revised its visa documentation process for Indian nationals, introducing stricter police clearance requirements effective December 1, 2025.
Under the new rule, only Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) issued by Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) under India’s Ministry of External Affairs will be accepted for visa applications. Certificates issued by local police stations or district authorities will no longer be valid.
According to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the change aims to ensure greater authenticity and consistency in background verification, as PCCs from varied sources were often difficult to verify.
Key Points of the Policy Change
- Mandatory RPO-issued PCCs: Applicants must obtain clearance only from Regional Passport Offices.
- Validity: PCCs should be less than six months old at submission. Older certificates may be accepted but could require resubmission during processing.
- Translation Requirement: Certificates in regional languages must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
- Possible Fingerprinting: Some RPOs may require fingerprinting as part of the PCC issuance process.
- Scope: Applies only to Indian nationals residing in India. Indians living abroad and foreign nationals with prior residence in India remain unaffected.
Implications for Applicants
Immigration consultants warn that the change could increase processing time for Indian students and skilled workers, who form a significant portion of applicants. They recommend starting the PCC process early to avoid delays in visa issuance.
The move underscores New Zealand’s effort to tighten immigration checks while continuing to attract international students and skilled migrants.